The Kiss of Life

The Plan

The days are ticking and my mind is becoming more anxious. I'm a nervous wreck. I don't even have a real plan once I leave.

What if I hurt my mom in the process. She has no clue what I'm about to do. She doesn't know her son is leaving to chase the boy he loves. I can only hope she forgives me.

I cant lose focus now. Winter break is almost hear and if i want to make it back in time i have to remember why I'm doing this. I need answers. I need to know whats going on.

My first step is to figure out where to go. Its alot harder than i realized but im hoping his mom will help me just a little bit. I just need one clue. One step in the right direction.

My hands are shaking as I knock on the door, waiting for an answer. After what felt like an eternity, Mrs. Peterson opens the door.

"Ren, what are you doing here?" She whispers hurriedly as she shuts the door behind her, "If my husband sees you he's going to blow a gasket."

"I know, I'm sorry Mrs. Peterson," I apologize quietly, "but please you have to help me. I just want to know that Adam is okay. I know you guys don't approve of us but before you say anything, he is and always will be my best friend. So please, please tell me where my best friend went."

Judging by her facial expressions, she's toen between helping me and stayung loyal to her husband. If only she could give me a little bit of information. Anything to give me a lead.

With a look of finality, she finally gives me an answer. She has me wait at the front porch until she comes back with some piece of paper.

"Joseph was ready to ship Adam off to military school," she starts explaining, while I'm looking throught the brochure in my hand. "He wanted him to toughen up and be a man."

"But I dont understand," I press on for more answers, " what does this brochure have to do with military school."

"Adam did ask to leave but he did it to make his punishment more bearable,"she reveals hesitantly, "He showed us this camp for other kids like him and wantes to get help there."

"So we sent him there until the end of the school year."

I'm floored from this revealation and have no idea how I'm supposed to feel. He lied to me. Adam knew where he was going the whole time. He left me regardless of his reasoning. Maybe he doesnt want me looking for him.

"Thanks Mrs. Peterson for your honesty. Sorry to have bothered you," I sigh dejecectedly as I walk away.

"Im so sorry Ren. I know how much he meant to you and i know my boy cares deeply for you. Please don't give up on him," She says apologetically.

I want to agree but I cant help but think all hope is lost. He didn't love me the way I love him. Maybe i should just set him free.