16-year-old, Nico Bennett is prone to anxiety attacks on a daily basis, despite seeing a therapist and trying medications, they aren’t lessening in frequency or intensity. His parents are getting sick of him running out of class when the spotlight of a simple question is thrown at him. Nico’s friend Ryan Falcon, nineteen (popular, and a college football star), practically from another world, has some secrets. He’s in love with Nico and has been since they met when Nico was fourteen and he, sixteen. Nico has had a crush on Ryan ever since they met when he had a panic attack in class one day. They don’t know about each other’s feelings despite Ryan being a source of comfort for Nico when he panics. Nico’s parents don’t like Ryan, they think he’s a bad influence simply because he’s older. What will happen when Ryan confesses and steps out of the closet? Nico has big dreams of being a writer/singer, well Ryan wants to be an actor. What will happen when Nico decides to leave the house he grew up in because he can’t stand his parents’ and sisters’ judgments? What will happen when Ryan sends a demo of Nico’s music to a studio? What will happen when Ryan reveals other secrets he’s hiding​ from Nico?

The Sea and Its Mysteries

The doorbell rang, it was the weekend. We had decided to wait until summer to fly down to Florida. The company said that would be fine, they understood that I was struggling to keep my grades up as it was. 


“What do you want?” Ryan questioned to the person at the door. 


There was malice in his voice. Whoever it was, Ryan didn’t like them. They must have responded, he looked back at me, he looked apprehensive. 


“It’s your dad,” he replies nodding back at the door. 


I get up off the couch and go to the door. I open it but only stick my head out. I keep the door between us as a protection measure. 


“Nico,” he mumbles sympathetically. 


20. It’s Hard to Accept Your Sorry