If you do this… there’s no coming back from it.
The cell rested in his palms as he imagined putting it away and going home… and what awaited him there.
You’ve heard the stories of what they do to gay kids in those programs… and you know the stories are true.
The horror in the eyes of the storytellers was proof enough.
“I can’t,” he whispered brokenly, shaking his head. “I can’t do that.”
Swallowing sobs, he brought up his most recent outgoing call and stared at the number, started to send the call again, then at the last second wrote out a text instead.
Patrick read and reread his text multiple times, scared to death to send it—and even more afraid not to. He swallowed thickly, hit send—and his phone died.
No…
Patrick went numb;did it send?
He didn’t think so.
You’re not supposed to connect with him—can’t you see that by now?
The numbing sensation spilled through his body as he slowly stepped off the picnic table.
Now,he was alone. Completely and utterlyalone.
. . .
During the last stretch back to the house, Derek broke into a jog, earbuds in place, music pumping through his limbs. Coming out of the woods and onto the rear lawn, Derek stumbled when the music volume suddenly dropped, and a notification tone blasted into his ears.
He hit the grass with a grunt and a“Fuck!”and came to rest on his back. He laughed short. “Smooth move, dipshit.” Derek sat forward and plucked the phone from its cubby, opening the text. A sudden stillness settled over him, rooting him to the ground, stealing his breath. “Shit…” he gasped shakily and hurriedly replied, then scrambled to his feet and sprinted to the house. Inside, he took the rear stairs two at a time and rushed into his bedroom, shed his clothes, and jumped into the shower.
Less than five minutes later, he was out of the shower and dressing. His knees felt weak and shaky as he walked swiftly to Gideon’s study and knocked on the door. Gideon was always up early.
“Come in.”
Derek practically burst into the room, startling the older man.
“Son? You all right?”
Swallowing hard, Derek handed him the cell. “I… I just got this text.”
Gideon frowned and took the phone, reading the message. “Derek, I need your help. I’m scared. I’ll be at our restaurant. Please come. Please. – Patrick.”
“Iknewsomething was going down,” Derek said tightly. “Ifeltit.”
“Did you text him back?”
“Yes. I told him to stay there, that I’m on my way.”
“Do you want me to go with you?”
“I should be all right. If he’s at the restaurant, then at least he’s away from his house. He should be okay until I get there.” He trembled. “I hope.”
“Call me when you get there,” Gideon said. “Let me know what’s going on. If something happens and you need our help, we’ll be right there.”
Derek nodded. “Okay.” He took the phone. “I have to go.”
“If he needs a place to stay, he’s welcome here.”
