Turning the Light On

"I fail to see why you need my help, it's pretty simple; just take their money and give them their shoes," I scolded. This was the third time he'd called me over.

"C'mon, darling, don't be so crabby with me, I'm learning." I'm going to beat him if he keeps this up.

"Don't call me that."

He trapped me against the counter, arms on either side of my waist as he dipped his head down, bringing his lips close to my ear. "Why, is my flirting working?"

Vincent Holloway didn't like school. He didn't like the people around him. He didn't like himself. He felt like he had spent his life living in a loop with no way to differentiate between the days. The bedroom is full of posters and art, legos and books, knick-knacks, and beers, and it's the one place he feels truly at home. He has a loving family, acquaintances with whom he exchanges brief conversations, and a roof over his head, but he still feels miserable. He tried therapy, meditation, deleting social media, and picking up new hobbies, but none of it worked. Vincent wanted someone to talk to, like really talk. He wanted to know he had someone to turn to when he needed an outlet. Even someone to love, but all of this was an unfathomable circumstance he didn't even bother to entertain. But what if there was one person who was in his corner? It just took until senior year to finally work up the courage.