For the next week, Rocco agonized about what to get Mike for Christmas. Rocco’s family had never celebrated Christmas—at least from the religious standpoint. It was more of a secular holiday for Rocco and his mom. Even still, there was always a tree with presents under it in his household. Rocco was baptized a Roman Catholic, but he could not remember ever being in a Catholic church. Rocco knew that Mike’s family were very religious. He didn’t know what denomination they were, but he knew they were not Catholic. He also knew they were not evangelical. Perhaps they were Lutherans or Presbyterians. It didn’t really matter to Rocco except that Christmas was a big deal to the Barbers.

  Rocco narrowed down a present to one of two categories: either something related to camping or something related to art. Rocco didn’t know the first thing about camping aside from his excursions with Mike. Rocco also didn’t know much about art supplies. He knew that Mike used pencils and papers but did not have a clue as to what pencils and what kind of paper were considered good. Rocco only knew about guitars and skateboards. Then, an idea popped into his head.

  Mike had started to learn skateboarding from Jared. He knew that Mike didn’t have his own skateboard—he was either using one he rented from the park or one that Jared loaned him. What if he got Mike a skateboard? That would be perfect for Mike—his own skateboard. It was obvious to Rocco that Mike initially learned to skate just to be around Rocco but, over the course of weeks, Rocco started to pick up that Mike was really enjoying the sport. He asked Rocco what kind of a board to get if he were to ever buy one.

  Rocco had just one issue. Skateboards—at least the good ones—were expensive. Most of the best ones were custom—top-quality parts put together. Anyone who was serious about boarding would never buy a pre-made all-in-one. They only bought the parts. That’s what his board was. Over the summer, he bought a deck and had O’Malley put grip tape on it. A few weeks later, he got some Independent trunks and some primo Spitfire wheels. His board probably cost him over $200 total in parts. Rocco had money from the shows that he was saving for his trip to California. Taking $200 from that pot of money would be worth it for Mike, but he preferred to save that money.

  Another idea came to him. What if instead of getting Mike a new board, he gave Mike his skateboard? Sure, he would have to get new wheels, but it was in decent shape. It was a well-loved board. Mike loved wearing Rocco’s clothes, so why not give Mike something of his that Rocco really loved. He would give Mike his guitar if Mike knew how to play it. Since Mike knew how to skateboard, he would surely treasure Rocco’s beloved board. He would have to get O’Malley to order him some new wheels. He could also get Mike’s name put on the board somewhere. Rocco loved this idea. His Christmas gift conundrum was solved.

  “Dad?” Mike asked at the breakfast table a few days after the camping trip.

  “Yes?” Dan replied as he shoveled a spoonful of bran flakes into his mouth.

  “What would you say if a group of friends wanted to have a New Year’s Eve party at one of the cabins?” Mike asked as his mom took his empty cereal bowl.

  “A party in the woods?” Emily asked. “I don’t know if I like the sound of that.”

  “Who would be going to this party in the woods?” his dad asked.

  “Only the guys from the band really and their plus one,” Mike replied.

  “And Rocco?” his dad raised an eyebrow.

  “Well, Rocco is in the band,” Mike replied.

  “Hmm,” Dan pondered. “A group of teens in a cabin under my name. How do I know you guys aren’t going to give it the rock star treatment?” Mike wrinkled his face into a confused expression. “You know, trash it.”

  “Well, I want to go to the cabin again so you would have my word and my future use of a cabin,” Mike vowed raising his hand in a scout’s honor gesture.

  “Okay, I’m listening,” Dan said stretching out the response.

  “If we trash it, then I would no longer be able to go camping in a cabin again,” Mike said and then though for a moment. “I’ve got my car for collateral?”

  “I like the sound of this, keep going…” Dan continued.

  “If we trash the cabin, no more cabins and no car for a month,” Mike said.

  “Wow! You’re serious!” his dad replied.

  “I am, Dad,” Mike said. “I want to do this.”

  “Hmm,” his dad said, pondering a little more.

  “Um,” Mike thought, “we would all be in the middle of nowhere so we wouldn’t have any place to drive.”

  “That’s a great point, honey,” his mom replied.

  Mike’s dad thought for a minute then turned to Joe who was eating his cereal. “Did you give him this idea?”

  “No, Dad,” Joe said with his mouth full. “This is the first I heard of it.”

  “Are you doing anything on New Years?” Dan asked Joe.

  “I’m not sure yet,” Joe responded.

  “I will say yes if Joe can go and keep an eye on things,” Dan said.

  “Okay,” Mike said having absolutely no issue if Joe and some his friends were also there. Mike and the guys from the band would be fine if they were there.

  “Joe?” Dan asked.

  “Sure,” Joe replied.

  “Then, I’m convinced. Deal,” Dan replied. “Assuming there is a cabin available for a rowdy group of teenagers.”

  Joe and Mike rolled their eyes but laughed.

  “So, who are you going to bring to the cabin, dear?” Mike’s mom asked.

  Mike, Joe, and Dan all looked at each other not knowing what to say. At the breakfast table before school would not be a great time for Mike to tell Emily that his plus one would be Rocco, his boyfriend.

  “Emily, dear, let’s get the cabin first before we talk about the guest list,” Mike’s dad responded much to Mike’s relief.

  Emily nodded and went into the bedroom to get ready for work. Mike breathed exhaled loudly and looked at his dad.

  “We’re going to have to tell your mom. I’ve been to blame here for persuading you to hold back. She’s going to be mad that we all know about you and Rocco without letting her in on it,” Dan said in a low voice. “I think we should wait until after your party.”

  “Dad,” Mike said, “it’s not your issue.”

  “It is now since I wanted you to wait so long,” Dan replied putting his hand on Mike’s shoulder. “Let me help you with this one.”

  Mike looked lovingly at his father. “Thanks, Dad.”

  It was the day that Christmas break started. Rocco had new wheels on his skateboard and had O’Malley paint Mike’s name on the deck in an Old English font. O’Malley was good at customizing decks. Rocco had his skateboard boxed up and wrapped nicely to give Mike. He was both excited and nervous—excited to see if Mike liked the present and nervous that he wouldn’t.

  Mike turned around in his desk towards Rocco. “I’ll see you tonight after lights out?”

  “As usual,” Rocco replied with an eager smile on his face. “I can’t wait!”

  “Come to my house around 11. My parents are going to be in bed by 10 since they will want to get lots of sleep before we leave,” Mike said.

  “What are you two whispering about?” Toya interrupted.

  “Just our Christmas present exchange,” Mike answered.

  “Is that what you are calling it now?” Moni laughed. Mike gave her an evil eye in jest.

  “If I don’t get to tell you, Merry Christmas fellas!” Toya said.

  “Oh, that reminds me. What are you two doing for New Years?” Mike asked.

  “Nothing,” Toya answered. Moni shrugged to indicate she had no idea what her plans were going to be.

  “My dad rented a cabin for me and my friends. I am officially inviting you as guests,” Mike said.

  “Really?” Toya asked. “I’ll see if I can go.”

  Moni nodded. “I’m in. I’m sure my parents will be okay.”

  “Great! I’ll give you the details when I get back,” Mike said.

  “Get back from where?” Moni asked.

  “The family is going to Atlanta for a few days for Christmas,” Mike answered. The bell rang for class to start.

  “Rocky! You’re going to be alone for Christmas???” Toya said making an exaggerated frown. Rocco shrugged. “You poor baby!”

  “Yeah, I guess I’ll survive,” Rocco said mimicking Toya’s sad expression. Moni put her hand on Rocco’s shoulder out of empathy.

  “Pobrecito!” Moni said.

  “Yo sé” Rocco replied.

  Rocco saw Mike waiting as he snuck up onto the patio as they had planned. The box his skateboard was wrapped in was large and awkward. He was surprised that he had not tripped and ripped the wrapping. When he saw Mike waiting, a little touch of melancholy ran through him. It was going to be almost a week that he wouldn’t be able to snuggle with Mike.

  “Hey, there!” Mike said in an excited whisper.

  “Good evening!” Rocco said glad to see Mike.

  “What are you carrying there?” Mike said knowing it was a present for him.

  “Nothing. I just love carrying around boxes in wrapping paper,” Rocco laughed. He leaned in to give Mike a kiss. Mike willingly returned Rocco’s kiss. Mike enjoyed the sensation of Rocco’s warm soft lips on his. It was a chilly night. Mike had been waiting a few minutes but started to think it would be better to wait for Rocco inside. As they continued to kiss, the patio light came on.

  Both Rocco and Mike looked up in terror. Rocco almost dropped his present. Mike’s dad was standing at the patio door. Mike turned bright red from both fear and embarrassment for being caught making out with his boyfriend on the patio. Mike’s dad opened the door.

  “Well, come on inside you two. You’ll freeze your balls off out there,” Dan said stepping aside to allow the two teenagers to enter the warm house. Mike took Rocco’s hand and led him inside. Neither of them looked at Mike’s dad.

  “I thought you were in bed,” Mike said looking at the floor. Rocco shifted his stance and looked at the floor with Mike.

  “Obviously, you did. So, tell me what this is about?” Dan said.

  “Dad,” Mike started. “Please don’t be mad at Rocco. This was all my idea. We wanted to see each other one more time before we left for Grandma and Grandpa’s house. We wanted to swap Christmas presents.”

  “I can see that,” Dan said. “Rocco, do your parents know about this?”

  “No, my mom doesn’t know I snuck out of the house,” Rocco replied. Dan did not know about that his mom was single.

  “I have the right mind to call her and let her know her son is out cavorting around,” Dan said.

  “Yes, sir,” Rocco said in a quiet voice.

  Dan looked at Mike and Rocco for a minute then softened his expression. “Go on, you two. Have your Christmas together.”

  “You mean it?” Mike said looking at Dan in disbelief.

  “I’m not a heartless bastard. I remember what it’s like to be away from each other,” Dan said with a smile.

  “Are you going to call Rocco’s mom?” Mike asked.

  “No,” Dan replied. “But don’t stay too long. We’ve got a drive tomorrow and you better be up and ready in the morning.”

  “Thank you, Dad!” Mike said with a look of excitement on his face—sanctioned after hours time with Rocco.

  “And you’re on your own when you leave. If Mike’s mom catches you leaving, I’m going to pretend I didn’t know anything about this,” Dan said to Rocco raising a finger.

  “Thank you, Mr. Barber,” Rocco said. Mike took Rocco’s hand and led him up to his room. Dan smiled as he watched the two go upstairs. He locked the door, turned out the light, and went back to bed.

  Mike closed the door of his bedroom behind Rocco. The room smelled of oranges and spice—likely his mom’s choosing.

  “Your dad is so cool,” Rocco said taking off his jacket.

  “I know,” Mike said getting close to Rocco. “But let’s not ruin the moment talking about my dad.” Mike gave Rocco a deep kiss running his hands through Rocco’s cold hair. Rocco placed the box down beside him and returned the gesture. They stood by the closed door kissing for a few minutes before Rocco broke away.

  “Here,” Rocco handed Mike the box. “Open it!”

  Mike took the box and gave Rocco a look. He motioned for Rocco to sit on the bed. Mike sat down next to Rocco and put the box on his lap.

  “Go on! Open it!!!” Rocco exclaimed. He was desperate to know if Mike liked the present.

  If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

  Mike ripped off the wrapping paper and opened the box. He stared at the contents, speechless.

  “Merry Christmas!” Rocco exclaimed.

  “Rocco,” Mike said. “I don’t know what to say.” Mike took the skateboard out of the box and stared at it. He saw his name in Old English font.

  “Say you like it!” Rocco said smiling ear to ear.

  “It’s your skateboard,” Mike said still stunned at the present.

  “No, it’s your skateboard,” Rocco exclaimed.

  “You’re giving me your skateboard??” Mike said looking at Rocco with a tear welling up in his eye. “You love this skateboard.”

  “Not as much as I love you,” Rocco said wiping away Mike’s tear. A couple of tears fell down Mike’s cheek which Rocco wiped away. “I know how you’re learning because of me and that you have to borrow or rent a board. I want you to have it.”

  “Rocco,” Mike said. “This is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. Thank you!”

  “I had O’Malley put on some new wheels because the ones on it were all chewed up. I had him put your name on the deck. Everything else on it is in good shape,” Rocco said running his hand over the deck.

  “I wouldn’t care if it were busted into pieces. I love it,” Mike said. “I love you!” Mike leaned in to give Rocco a wet kiss but was blocked by the skateboard. He placed it on the floor and proceeded to kiss Rocco. Mike broke away and reached for a wrapped box under his bed. “Now, for you. Merry Christmas, Rocco!”

  Rocco took the box and examined it. It was half the size of the skateboard box and a little lighter. He shook the box. There were a lot of loose pieces inside rattling around. Rocco looked up at Mike. Mike made a gesture for Rocco to open. Rocco unwrapped the box and looked at the present. It was a set of Legos that assembled into a medieval castle.

  “Oh my God, Mike! Legos!” Rocco exclaimed and looked up at Mike.

  “I wasn’t sure what style you liked but I figured you’d get into the castle,” Mike said.

  “I love it. How did you know I like Legos?” Rocco asked with a puzzled look on his face.

  “Don’t you think I remember our trip to Walmart when you bought the frame for my drawing? You told me that you and your Dad would play with Legos,” Mike answered.

  Rocco smiled. He had almost forgotten about their Walmart adventure in the toy aisle. “I’m shocked you remembered that!”

  “How could I possibly forget?” Mike said. Rocco gave Mike a kiss.

  “Thank you!” Rocco said. Now he would have something to do that reminded him of Mike while he was visiting his family.

  “Merry Christmas, Rocco,” Mike said looking at the skateboard. “I still can’t believe you gave me your skateboard.”

  “Merry Christmas, Mike,” Rocco said. “Hey how did that ‘Guy in the Woods’ project turn out?”

  “Oh, yeah…you mean ‘Man in the Cabin’,” Mike replied. “A’s all around. A for design, A for technique, A for theme.”

  “I knew you would ace it,” Rocco said sitting back on Mike’s bed.

  “Want to see?” Mike asked getting up.

  “Of course!” Rocco replied.

  Mike went over to his desk and picked up a cardboard tube leaning against it. He uncapped the tube and shook out some rolled up papers. He took the papers over to Rocco. Rocco unrolled the papers to look at the drawings Mike had done. There were six. One was of Rocco from behind. One was of Rocco in a towel coming out of the shower. One was of Rocco laughing by the fireplace. One was of Rocco asleep in bed. One was of Rocco acting like a preacher. The last was of Rocco staring into the fireplace. Rocco swallowed hard trying to suppress his emotions. He was deeply touched not only by Mike’s technique but also by the fact that Mike observed Rocco so closely during their trip.

  “What do you think?” Mike asked eager to hear an honest response.

  “I love each and every one of them,” Rocco said looking at the drawings a second time.

  “My teacher wants me to submit a couple for the school art show,” Mike said with pride.

  “You have to, Mike. These are too good to just keep stashed away,” Rocco said as he rolled up the drawings. “Do you know which ones?”

  “No,” Mike replied. “But probably not the butt shot or the one of you in a towel. I want to keep those to myself.”

  “Come here,” Rocco said handing back the drawings. Mike placed the drawings on the floor and crawled up on the bed. Rocco laid on his back while Mike leaned in to make out with him.

  “I’ll give you a call as soon as we get back,” Mike said snuggling into Rocco’s chest.

  “Okay,” Rocco replied in a whisper.

  “It’s only a few days. I’ll be back before you know it,” Mike said more as an assurance for himself.

  “I know,” Rocco whispered. He gave Mike a final kiss for the night. As Rocco put his coat on, Mike handed him the Legos. Mike walked Rocco to the backdoor and out onto the patio. Mike waved as Rocco disappeared into the shadows.

  Christmas at Rocco’s house was lonely. All his friends were busy celebrating the holiday with family either in town or abroad. His mom gave Rocco $500 for his summer in Los Angeles. Ever since he told his mom about applying to college closer to home, her mood was considerably more jovial. He couldn’t count the number of times he heard her say “thank God you’ll be close to me.” Rocco hated that she wanted to cling to him like she did. She refused to let him grow-up which drove him further away.

  The day after Christmas, Rocco started to assemble the Lego set that Mike got him. He couldn’t muster up the motivation because he missed Mike so much the first couple of days he was gone. The day he left, Rocco cried himself to sleep. The next day, he moped around the house. The day after that, he took a Christmas Eve drive looking at all the lights. His raw emotions settled down on the fourth day which was Christmas Day. The next day, he broke out the Legos and got to building. Not only did Legos remind him of his dad, but now they reminded him of Mike—the two most important men in his life.

  On the sixth night, the phone rang. It was Mike.

  “I’m back,” Mike’s voice said from the other end.

  “I have missed you so much,” Rocco said without attempting to hide his excitement.

  “We just got in the door, and I ran to call,” Mike said.

  “I’m glad you did!” Rocco exclaimed.

  “How was your Christmas?” Mike asked.

  “Awful without you,” Rocco said earnestly.

  “Mine too. My grandma kept asking if I was dating any pretty girls,” Mike said. He and Rocco laughed. “My dad kept having to tell her to drop it in a nice way.”

  “Man, I love your Dad,” Rocco said.

  “Yeah,” Mike replied.

  “You want me to come over tonight?” Rocco asked eagerly.

  “I’m really beat. Do you think we could get together tomorrow?” Mike asked.

  “Of course,” Rocco replied. Rocco understood that after being with his family and after a long drive, Mike must be exhausted. Rocco was still disappointed.

  “Come over tomorrow during normal business hours,” Mike giggled. “I’ve got a New Year’s Eve Party to plan and only a few days to do it! My dad got us a cabin.”

  “Absolutely!” Rocco said.

  “I’m going to go, but I just wanted to hear your voice,” Mike said.

  “I’m glad you did,” Rocco said.

  “Okay, good night, Wayne,” Mike said chuckling.

  “Good night, Garth!” Rocco laughed and hung up the phone.

  “Mom, my ride’s here,” Rocco said zipping up his backpack of overnight items.

  “Have a great time at the party. Be careful,” Rocco’s mom said looking up from her magazine. “You guys stay off the roads.”

  “Mom, I told you. We are going to be in a cabin in the woods. We don’t have any place to go,” Rocco reassured his mother.

  “Still, you never know!” his mom said getting up. She gave Rocco a kiss on the cheek. “Happy New Year!”

  “Happy New Year!” Rocco said and walked out the door.

  Joe was driving them to the cabin. In the front seat was Tiffany. Mike was in the back.

  “Hey cuz!” Tiffany greeted Rocco as he hopped in the back seat. “You ready to get this party started?”

  “Absolutely!” Rocco said.

  “Hey there,” Mike said taking Rocco by the hand. “Happy New Years!”

  “It’s not the new year yet,” Rocco said with a sly look on his face.

  “Here,” Tiffany handed Rocco a Solo cup. “One for the road!” Rocco took a sip of what was in the cup. It was the standard teenager drink—vodka and Sundrop—heavy on the vodka.

  “Well, if we run out of gas, we can use this!” Rocco exclaimed as he exhaled fire breath.

  “Go easy on that. I want you coherent for my new year’s kiss,” Mike whispered.

  “You can have a New Year’s Eve kiss right now,” Rocco said and leaned over to give Mike a light kiss on the lips.

  “Save that for the cabin!” Joe said as he backed out of the parking spot and out of the lot.

  “Who’s going to be at the cabin?” Rocco asked.

  “Well, I invited Jared, Rusty, Chris, Toya, and Moni. And then all the guys in the band,” Mike replied.

  “How is everyone getting to the cabin?” Rocco asked.

  “Well, I think Jared, Rusty, Toya and Moni are going with Chris. Pete said he’s coming up with Austin and Wendy. Raz and Meigs will be coming in Meigs’s car,” Mike replied.

  “And the cabin has enough bedrooms?” Rocco asked.

  “Well, we will have to double up, but it should work out,” Mike said.

  “I guess we will have to sneak off at some point,” Rocco whispered.

  “I guess we will!” Mike whispered back.

  The drive to the cabin took a little over an hour. The larger cabins were close to the entrance and did not require the long winding journey involved with getting to the smaller cabin where Rocco and Mike stayed. Even though Rocco only finished half his drink, he was already feeling the effects of the vodka. He could tell Mike was also feeling the liquor as he was more amorous than usual.

  “Okay, everyone is supposed to be here in an hour. That will give us some time to set up and claim our spots,” Joe said as he unlocked the door to the cabin. It was a large two story 5-bedroom cabin with 3 bathrooms. The first floor was an open room with a living room area and fireplace. Off to the corner was a kitchen and dining area. Upstairs where four small bedrooms and one large bunk room with several beds. If they utilized the couches, no one would have to sleep on the floor.

  “Let’s go claim our room!” Mike said leading Rocco by the hand upstairs. Mike and Rocco looked in each of the bedrooms. They all had the same layout and décor, so it didn’t matter which room they chose.

  “How about this one?” Rocco said entering the bedroom next to the bunk room. “I mean, they all look the same.”

  “This one is perfect,” Mike said and sat down on the bed. He patted the spot next to him to indicate to Rocco to sit next to him. Rocco happily put his bag down on the floor and obliged Mike’s request. Mike cupped Rocco’s chin in his hand and pulled him in to give him a kiss. They remained in a passionate lip lock until they were interrupted by Joe.

  “I see you’ve chosen a room,” Joe said standing at the door of bedroom with Tiffany.

  Mike and Rocco separated from their kiss and looked at Joe and Tiffany coyly. Tiffany laughed and went into the room across the hall. Joe remained for a moment.

  “You know you might have to share the room with someone,” Joe reminded them.

  “We will manage,” Mike said. Joe walked out leaving the two alone in the room. Rocco laid on his back looking up at the ceiling. Mike laid beside Rocco on his side and rested his head on Rocco’s chest. Mike could hear Rocco’s steady heartbeat. Rocco took one of Mike’s soft hands and wove their fingers together.

  Chris pulled up to the cabin with Toya, Moni, and Jared in tow. According to Jared, Rusty had the flu all during break and couldn’t make it out of bed. Joe promptly supplied them with alcoholic beverages and showed everyone upstairs. Toya and Moni chose to stay in one of the empty bedrooms next to Mike and Rocco. Chris and Jared picked one of the four beds in the bunk room. Within fifteen minutes of the first group picking rooms, Austin, Pete, and Wendy arrived. Austin and Wendy chose the remaining bedroom while Pete took one of the bunk beds. Five minutes later, Raz and Meigs pulled in to be left with a sofa and the one remaining bed.

  The evening naturally progressed into two groups. Mike, Chris, Jared, Moni, and Toya hung out in one corner of the living room while Rocco, Pete, Austin, Raz, Meigs and Wendy hung out in the kitchen area. Joe and Tiffany spent most of the evening in the bedroom.

  “I heard you made the baseball team, Mikey! Congratulations,” Toya said in her exaggerated excitement.

  “Thank you!” Mike replied.

  “The baseball team?” Jared asked. “So, you are turning jock on me?”

  “No,” Mike replied. “Not at all.”

  “You gonna have time to skateboard?” Jared asked.

  “Of course,” Mike said. “Especially since Rocco gave me his skateboard for Christmas.”

  “What???” Jared asked shocked.

  “Yeah, he put new wheels on it and got my name painted on it,” Mike replied.

  “No fucking way!” Jared exclaimed. “I thought he was just taking a breather, but I guess he’s giving up the boarding.”

  “I don’t think he’s giving it up,” Mike responded. “I just think he has different priorities right now.”

  “Well, you learned for him,” Jared replied.

  “Yeah,” Mike said. “But I really enjoy my time in the bowl. I want to stick with it for now.”

  “Plus, you got your sweet board now,” Jared said. Mike laughed and nodded. Mike looked over at Rocco deep in a conversation with his bandmates. Rocco seemed to be having a good time.

  “So, you really give lessons?” Chris asked.

  “You interested?” Jared replied.

  “Yeah, I could be. I mean, I’ve never been on one. I don’t know if I’d like it,” Chris said.

  “There’s only one way to find out,” Mike added.

  “Yeah, sign me up,” Chris said.

  “I’ll give you your first lesson free,” Jared said giving Chris a wink.

  “Sweet!” Chris exclaimed.

  “What is it about baseball that you like so much?” Jared asked.

  “I don’t really know. Being on the field, the feel of the ball. There’s just something about it that kinda centers me, I guess,” Mike replied.

  “Yeah, same here. And I love the cheer of the crowd. I couldn’t make football or basketball, but I seemed to be a natural for baseball,” Chris said. Mike nodded at Chris’s statement in agreement.

  “I don’t get it,” Jared said.

  “You’re talking like we are the jocks, but skateboarding is pretty physical, too,” Mike said.

  “Yes, I guess it is,” Jared thought. “I guess it is. They should make it a sport, right?”

  “I totally agree,” Mike said.

  Rocco occasionally looked over at Mike talking with his friends. Of course, Rocco was friendly with them and enjoyed hanging out with them, but he didn’t quite fit in with that group. Those people were Mike’s friends. He only knew Toya and Moni because of Mike. He knew Jared from the park but had not interacted with him that much until Mike came along. He didn’t know anything about Chris. Mike seemed to be getting along just fine without Rocco.

  Rocco felt a pang of jealously run through his veins. When he went away for college in the fall, Mike was going to be fine socially. Rocco wondered if he would even be missed by Mike and his group—out of sight, out of mind. What made Rocco jealous was that, without him, Mike would go on. Without Mike, Rocco was afraid that he would have nothing. He wanted Mike all to himself. It wasn’t until that moment that Rocco realized just how possessive he could become. Perhaps, that was his family illness coming to surface—the sickening possessiveness his mother had for him.

  Rocco shook off his compulsion to pull Mike away. He was being silly. No one was taking Mike away from him. It was perfectly normal and healthy to have others in your social circle besides your love interest. Rocco had his band mates which were right here in front of him. But still, Rocco was jealous. Mike would have two more years at Miners Creek—two years without Rocco. A dreadful thought hit Rocco. When he left for college, who would Mike go out with next? Mike was a sweet, handsome fellow. When Rocco was gone, there was certain to be a line waiting to be his next. With Mike open to being with both sexes, his chances of finding a replacement were twice as high.

  “Rocco,” Meigs said. “You okay?”

  “What?” Rocco said still half in his daze.

  “You looked like you were a million miles away,” Meigs said with a deep vein of empathy.

  “Oh, yeah,” Rocco said. “I was just thinking about what’s going to happen after graduation.”

  “You’re wondering if you and Mike will still be an item?” Meigs’s perception was uncanny.

  Rocco chuckled. “Yeah, yeah, I am.”

  Meigs inhaled deeply. “Yeah, I wonder about me and Raz after graduation too.”

  Rocco laughed at his foolishness. Of course, he wasn’t the only person going through these emotions. Every person in high school goes through these emotions—wondering if they will really stay in touch with the people they chose to be around. Every person in high school wonders if their relationships will last the miles apart. None of his emotions right now were novel.

  “I guess we just have to enjoy the time we have,” Rocco thought.

  “Well, aren’t you philosophical, So-crates,” Pete interjected himself into the conversation.

  “That happens sometimes,” Rocco laughed.

  “Why are you two so melancholy?” Wendy asked.

  “Ah,” Rocco waved. “It’s nothing. Just New Year’s musings, I guess. If I could save time in a bottle bullshit.”

  “Pass the weed,” Pete said.

  “What? I don’t have any,” Rocco retorted.

  “I thought you must be baked with all the deep thoughts, Jack Handy,” Pete laughed.

  “And now, Deep Thoughts, with Jack Handy,” Raz piped up.

  Jared joined Mike and Chris out on the porch of the cabin. The cold air hit his lungs.

  “What’s up guys?” Jared asked.

  “We’re just talking about the baseball team,” Chris answered.

  “Mike,” Jared asked in a serious tone. “You’ve become a close friend to me this past semester. You’ve given me rides all over town. You helped with my skateboard lessons. I’ve been able to make so much money these past few weeks.”

  “I feel the same, Jared,” Mike said sensing Jared was getting emotional.

  “I hope that being on a sports team doesn’t change our friendship,” Jared said looking at Mike.

  Mike’s heart melted when Jared said this. “Of course, our friendship is not going to change. You were one of the first people I told about me and Rocco.”

  “I just don’t want you to become one of these mindless jocks. I enjoy spending time with you,” Jared said to Mike.

  “Jared,” Mike started. “I’m always going to be your friend. You’re gonna get sick of me.” Jared laughed at this statement and punched Mike on the shoulder.

  “I know you two are tight. I hope you have room for me,” Jared said looking over at Chris.

  “There’s always room for you,” Chris said. Jared nodded but Chris went over to Jared to give him a hug. “You’ve taken care of Mike when I was being a total dick. You’re a top-notch dude.”

  “I’m going to make sure you always have a seat at all of our games,” Mike said. “If you are ever interested in coming to one.”

  “Of course! I’ll be there!” Jared said and smiled.

  “I’m serious about those lessons,” Chris said to Jared.

  “Next week, man, I’ve got a spot for you,” Jared replied.

  “I don’t think I’ve seen you since everyone got here,” Rocco whispered to Mike as he approached Mike sitting on the couch.

  “I know!” Mike said leaning over to gently kiss Rocco on the neck.

  “I like that!” Rocco said giving Mike a sly smirk.

  “There’s plenty of that to come,” Mike returned the smirk.

  “Hey guys, it’s almost time,” Toya announced. “Has everyone made their New Year’s resolutions?”

  “Bah,” Pete croaked. “Resolutions only get broken.”

  “That may be but at least you’ve got something to work on,” Moni replied.

  “What’s your resolution?” Mike asked Rocco.

  Rocco thought for a moment, “My resolution is to love you more.”

  “More? How much more can you love me?” Mike asked with a sarcastic tone. Rocco laughed at his expression.

  “I guess you’ll find out,” Rocco said. “What’s yours?”

  “My resolution?” Mike asked. Rocco nodded. Mike hadn’t even given a resolution any consideration. He could say draw more. He could say skate more. He could say love you forever. He knew in his heart however that, despite all his best intentions, this would be a resolution he would break. The thought of Rocco going away to college never left him. The more time he spent with Rocco lately, the more he realized that dreaded day would come—the day that Rocco would leave him in Miners Creek alone. He couldn’t stand the idea that one day Rocco would be his ex-boyfriend. His ability to enjoy the present was constantly hindered with his dread.

  Mike swallowed his dread and replied, “My resolution is to love you forever.”

  “It’s countdown time!” Toya exclaimed.

  Everyone started to chant the countdown to the New Year. “10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1…HAPPY NEW YEAR!”

  Everyone cheered. Someone brought a bottle of sparkling wine which shocked everyone with a POP. Solo cups of cheap ‘champagne’ were passed around for everyone to partake.

  “You haven’t given me my New Year’s kiss yet,” Mike said to Rocco.

  “Happy New Year, Mike,” Rocco leaned in and kissed Mike sweetly on the lips. Mike’s lips were soft and tasted sweet from soda.

  “Happy New Year, Rocco,” Mike replied and returned the kiss.