The Truth Under Skin o1.

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Nelson sits on his bed, a calculus book in his lap. He's trying to focus on the material he needs for the test, but finds his thoughts drifting to a place he wishes they'd never go. His thoughts land on his best friend, Kevin Reed. His straight best friend, Kevin Reed. Nelson knows this, but he still can't help thinking of the other boy. He shoots the images down immediately, trying to focus on something different. Like Grace.

He knows it's no use though. Grace hasn't been on his mind for months. His best friend has. It scares him, because he knows it's wrong. He knows it's filthy and disgusting and Kevin would hate him if he found out. So, Nelson masks his feelings by pretending to still be in love with Grace. Pretty, popular Grace that's so far out of his league, he'll never  Oh have to worry about actually dating her. It works out well for him.

Except he knows how it really feels, and it kills him. It kills him that he's something this vile. He hates that he has feelings for someone who will never like him back. He hates that the feelings are for his best friend. His male best friend. His male best friend who has a crush on the pretty, talented, ex-most popular girl in school Kacey Simon.

Nelson's not sure when he started drinking, all he knows is that it helps with his feelings for Kevin. They numb out a little bit, and he can concentrate on the person he's supposed to be. Nelson Baxter, the geeky, nerdy genius that's in love with Grace King. Not Nelson Baxter, the queer that's pathetically in love with his best friend who will never love him back.

He takes another drink of the alcohol and prays these feelings end soon. He wants nothing more than for things to be how they used to. Where he could hang out with Kevin and not feel butterflies. When a smile from Grace made his whole day.

He sighs and takes another drink, slowly realizing that day might never come. But at least he has the alcohol to last him if it doesn't. Although
Behind every mask there is a face behind the face there is a story and so the story begins.

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