Rocco walked into Ms. Richards office with all his applications and essays completed. He had spent the past few days feverishly filling out every form and answering every question. The only thing he had left was to get transcripts and letters of recommendation. Everything that he had to do on his own was done.

  “So, Rocco, how far have you gotten with your applications?” Ms. Richards asked.

  “Here,” Rocco laid out all three completed applications. “I’m done.”

  “What? You’re done?” Ms. Richards exclaimed shocked at his speed.

  “Yeah, once I got going, I didn’t want to stop. I’ve stayed up late to get these all done,” Rocco said.

  “Wow! I’m impressed. One application usually takes days,” Ms. Richards said as she took the applications to review them.

  “They pretty much all ask the same thing,” Rocco replied.

  “Yes, that is true,” Ms. Richards started reviewing the application for Vanderbilt first. Her mind was already set that Rocco would be attending Vandy. Even though she knew Rocco wanted to get out of Miners Creek, he was not that different from other students who told her this. Those students wanted to be away from home, but not far enough that plane travel was required to go home. She could not count the number of kids that went far away to school but decided to transfer closer. Rocco was no different. She also knew Rocco had the grades and activities that would likely get him into Vandy.

  Rocco sat uncomfortably as she read his essay. He did not like the idea that he was watching her read his innermost thoughts—at least as much he would reveal in a college entrance essay. He cleared his throat as she flipped the page. She looked up at him and nodded in approval. That small gesture eased his anxiety. There must be something in his essay that she liked.

  She finished the essay and went back to the application quickly to check a few items. She looked up and gave him a huge smile.

  “This is perfect, Rocco. With your grades and your essay, I’d be shocked if you didn’t get in,” Ms. Richards said and handed the application back. She took a few minutes to review the University of Chicago and the University of Tennessee applications which were so similar that Ms. Richards didn’t need to go in depth. The essays for the other two were so like the Vanderbilt application that there was no need.

  “What’s the next step?” Rocco asked when she returned the other two applications back to him.

  “Next, I’ll get your transcripts ready. Your next step is to identify the teachers that you want to ask to write a letter of recommendation. You’ll want to do this now because the Vandy application deadline is coming up,” Ms. Richards said.

  “How do I go about asking?” Rocco inquired.

  “Teachers understand they’ll get lots of requests for letters of recommendation. Don’t worry, most of them already have a template ready. But, because they get so many requests, you should start asking today,” Ms. Richards said. “Ask the teachers that know you well.”

  Rocco nodded his head. He would ask Mr. Pendleton, his English teacher, and his Calculus teacher. Those three would be excellent references. Rocco started to get up.

  “Hang on, Rocco,” Ms. Richards said. Rocco sat back down. “I wanted to tell you how much I loved your concert.”

  “You went?” Rocco asked shocked that she even knew where the skatepark was.

  “I did! I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. I knew you were good, but not that good!” Ms. Richards replied. “You all raised so much for the GSA. That’s such an accomplishment!”

  “I didn’t know you knew the skatepark even existed,” Rocco said.

  “Of course I do. I’m not that out of touch,” Ms. Richards said. She knew that Rocco wanted to ask her something.

  “Well, thanks! What did you think of the crowd?” Rocco asked. That was not the question she was expecting.

  “Massive. Impressive! I even talked with that owner guy, Flannigan or McMurphy?” Ms. Richards responded.

  “O’Malley???” Rocco exclaimed. Ms. Richards pointed recognizing the name she couldn’t remember. “He actually spoke to you? He’s usually so gruff!”

  “Nah,” Ms. Richards said. “He’s a sweetheart. He’s just around rowdy kids all day. That’s just a front.” Rocco laughed out loud. O’Malley? A sweetheart?

  “I’m shocked he even spoke two words to anyone!” Rocco said.

  “He really thinks the world of you, Rocco,” Ms. Richards added.

  “Really?” Rocco exclaimed again. “Are we talking about the same guy?” Ms. Richards laughed.

  “Really. He told me he was close to closing the park until you guys turned things around and got more people to come in,” Ms. Richards said.

  “I don’t know what to say. I just thought O’Malley thought I was another punk kid hanging around,” Rocco said in shock.

  “Just don’t let him know any of this. I think he wants to keep up the appearance that he doesn’t care about you all,” Ms. Richards said. “Thank you again for the money you raised for the GSA.”

  “I’m happy to do what I can for the GSA,” Rocco started to get up but stopped himself. “Ms. Richards?”

  “Yes?” she asked.

  “Is it acceptable if I asked you for a letter of recommendation?” Rocco asked. That was the question Ms. Richards was waiting for.

  “Yes, and I would love to write you a recommendation!” Ms. Richards said. “I’ll have them ready in a couple of days.”

  “Thank you so much!” Rocco said and stood up.

  “Absolutely, it would be my pleasure,” Ms. Richards said.

  Rocco walked out of the main office to class. The bell had rung so the hallways were filled with students going to their next class. On his way back to his next class, he bumped into David. He hadn’t seen David since their first GSA meeting when he came out to everyone.

  “Hey, Rocco,” David greeted him with a pleasant expression on his face.

  “David. Hello,” Rocco curtly said.

  “I’m glad I bumped into you,” David started looking down. While Rocco admired that he had come out, David had caused him so much trauma over the years.

  “Hey, I’m running late for class,” Rocco said trying to flee. David grabbed Rocco by the arm.

  “Hang on, I really need to talk to you,” David said. While David did not have a strong grip on Rocco’s arm, Rocco instinctively covered his face with his other arm. David released his grip. “I’m not going to hurt you.”

  Rocco let his arm relax at his side. Even though he was curious as to what David would say, part of him was not interested in a half-assed apology. Rocco looked up at David with raised eyebrows. “Okay, I’m listening,” Rocco said hurriedly.

  “I guess I deserve the icy reception,” David started. “I didn’t have a chance yet to personally apologize to you since the GSA meeting. Rocco, I did so much emotional damage to you over the years. I called you names—I called you names at one of your concerts. I treated you like a dog. I will do anything to get your forgiveness. I was going through so much on the inside that it spilled out and you were the collateral. Rocco, I’m sorry.”

  David stopped and looked at the floor. Rocco knew it was a heartfelt apology. However, the wounds that David inflicted were deep. Rocco was not the type of person to just forgive and forget.

  “David,” Rocco started, relaxing his natural inclination to fight. “Thank you for your apology. I appreciate it.” David looked up at Rocco. “All those years of being called ‘queer’ and ‘faggot’ cut deep. I can’t---” Rocco stopped himself. There was a lot of anger on the inside that he did not want to surface. “It’s going to take me some time to accept your apology. It’s going to take a while for me to welcome you as a member of the community.” Rocco was pleased at his restraint when he spoke. He had wanted David to drop dead for so long. He never imagined that their paths would end up as they had at this moment.

  “I understand,” David said looking down at the floor again. Rocco noted David’s disappointment that Rocco did not accept his apology with open arms.

  “I’m not saying I won’t ever forgive you. I just don’t have it in me today—I won’t for a while,” Rocco said. David nodded in understanding.

  Rocco looked at David wallowing in disappointment and started to feel pity for him. David must be having a hard time dealing with his newly announced orientation. Rocco figured the guys on the football team must have been teasing or avoiding him. No one ever really wanted to be around David, but now, his alienation must have intensified.

  “Listen,” Rocco began, “if you get Meigs to forgive you, I will too.”

  David looked up at Rocco and smiled. “Okay, deal.”

  Rocco started to walk off when David began to say something. “You guys did an awesome show at the park. I donated $100 to the GSA.”

  Rocco gave him a crooked smile. “That’s a good start.” Rocco walked away to go to his next class.

  Chris sat in the bleachers beside the baseball field waiting to be called by the coach for tryouts. He had always been more of an outfielder than a batter. Part of the tryouts were to hit a series of balls followed by playing various positions in and out of the diamond.

  “Okay, count off 1-2,” the coach yelled pointing at the end. Candidates started counting—1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2. Chris counted 2. A voice towards the end counted 2. Chris thought this voice sounded very familiar. He looked over and saw Mike standing at the other end of the group of guys. Chris’s heart skipped a beat—Mike had decided to try out for the team. Chris could barely contain his happiness.

  The ones went to bat. Each person tried to hit 5 pitches. Chris ran over to Mike as the twos made their way to the outfield. Chris put his arm around Mike’s neck.

  “You made it!” Chris exclaimed.

  “Yeah, why not? It’s just a tryout,” Mike said putting his mitt on. He adjusted Rocco’s hat, so the bill pointed further up.

  “I knew you couldn’t resist,” Chris said as they passed second base. Chris went over to left field. Mike played shortstop. Mike caught several of the hits each time throwing them back to the pitcher with precise accuracy. Chris saw that the coach made notes on his clipboard several times.

  “Okay, Shortstop, I want you to switch with third,” the coach said as he pointed to Mike. “Left field switch with first.” Chris started to make his way to first base.

  Chris was able to catch most of the balls coming towards first base. The coach made a few notes on his clipboard.

  “Third base, switch with pitcher,” the coach said. Mike was going to try his hand at pitching—a position he had in junior high school. Mike did three pitches each time making the batter strike. Mike looked over at Chris. Chris nodded at Mike which meant that Mike should demonstrate his curveball. Mike centered himself before curving his pitch. The coach made further notes on his clipboard.

  “Okay, change field,” the coach yelled. It was time for Mike and Chris to be batters. The first couple of batters struck out. Mike approached the plate and hit three balls in a row into the left field. He was able to make it to third base the third time he batted. Chris hit two of the balls making it to first base.

  After the tryout was over, the coach reviewed his notes on the players. Chris waited anxiously while Mike was far more nonchalant. He would be okay either way the coach decided.

  The coach started pointing at guys on the bleachers. When the coach pointed at a guy, he would get up and stand behind the coach. These were the guys that made the team. Before he was able to hold his breath in anticipation, the coach pointed to Chris and Mike. Both had made the team. Chris gave Mike a high-five. Mike nodded in happiness. Even though he would not have been crushed if he didn’t make the team, it was a boost in confidence to get picked.

  “Your name is?” the coach asked Mike.

  “Mike,” he answered. “Mike Barber.”

  “Mike Barber. Are you Joe Barber’s brother?” the coach asked with tone of being impressed.

  “Yes, sir,” Mike answered.

  “I want you to be back-up pitcher and shortstop,” the coach said nodding his head.

  “Nice!” Chris whispered.

  Mike’s dad was sitting on the couch watching TV when Mike came in and sat down next to him.

  “Hey Dad,” Mike said.

  “How’s it going?” Dan asked.

  “It’s going fine,” Mike responded. “Guess what?”

  “What?” Dan asked.

  “I made the baseball team,” Mike said proudly. It was at that moment that he realized he belonged on the team. He had hidden his pride until this point.

  “That’s fantastic!” Dan said, his face beaming with happiness.

  “Yeah, I wasn’t sure I wanted to try out. Chris talked me into it. I forgot how much I really enjoyed playing ball,” Mike said looking off and basking in his accomplishment.

  “I’m so proud of you!” Dan replied.

  “Hey, can I ask you something?”

  “Of course,” Dan replied and turned the volume down on the TV.

  “Would it be possible if me and a few friends rented a cabin at the park this weekend?” Mike asked hoping there would not be many follow-up questions.

  “A cabin at the State Park?” his dad asked with a touch of confusion.

  “Yeah, it’s just a couple of friends. It’s too cold to camp outside, but we wanted to do something outdoorsy,” Mike replied.

  “Who are the friends?” Dan asked suspiciously.

  “Uh, Chris and my friend Jared,” Mike answered hastily.

  “Rocco?” Dan asked even more suspiciously.

  “I hadn’t thought to ask him, but I’d like to,” Mike replied guiltily.

  “You hadn’t thought to ask your boyfriend? The same boyfriend that sneaked into your room to stay overnight?” Dan crossed his arms.

  “Yeah,” Mike replied nervously. His dad stared at Mike for what seemed like an hour but was less than a minute. That’s all it took to break Mike. “Fine. The cabin is just for me and Rocco.”

  This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

  “No shit!” Dan said both annoyed and jokingly.

  “Rocco and I wanted to go camping alone. We hadn’t been able to spend a lot of time together lately by ourselves,” Mike said and looked down at the floor.

  “Well, at least you’re honest…after some coaxing that is,” Dan said uncrossing his arms.

  “I figured you’d automatically say no if I asked if Rocco and I could go camping alone,” Mike said.

  His dad sighed and turned the TV off. “How serious is this thing between you and Rocco?”

  “What do you mean?” Mike asked.

  “Obviously, you guys have gone pretty far but is this more than curiosity?” Dan asked.

  “I don’t follow,” Mike answered wondering where his dad was going.

  “Are you two just experimenting with each other or is this something deeper?” his dad asked.

  “Dad! That’s such an embarrassing question!” Mike replied rolling his eyes.

  “I barged in on you two. So, you can stop with the embarrassment,” Dan retorted.

  “Dad,” Mike said growing serious. “It’s deeper. A lot deeper. I love him, Dad.”

  “You’ve told him that?” Dan asked.

  “Yes,” Mike replied. “And he’s told me he loves me.”

  “So, it is something deeper,” Dan surmised.

  His dad looked off to the side in thought for a moment then back at Mike. “Okay, I’ll call the park to see if there’s something available. But you have to promise me that it will only be you two. I don’t want to rent a cabin to a bunch of wild teenagers. Is that understood?”

  “Yes!” Mike exclaimed. “Thank you, Dad!”

  “Well don’t thank me yet. Wait until I call to see if there’s even an opening,” Mike nodded at his dad. “And afterwards, I think it’s time to tell your mom. I didn’t want to say anything because I thought you two were just experimenting. Now that it’s serious, I think it’s time to be honest.”

  Mike nodded his head in agreement. He wasn’t looking forward to telling his mom about him and Rocco, but Mike was not going to let that thought spoil his weekend with Rocco. Mike hugged his dad and went up to his room. He picked up the phone to call Rocco to tell him the good news.

  “Hello?” Rocco’s voice answered from the other end.

  “Hey Rocco,” Mike answered. “I’ve got some good news.”

  “Oh yeah?” Rocco said happy to hear Mike’s voice.

  “Dad is fine with us renting a cabin. He’s going to call the park tomorrow,” Mike said into the receiver.

  “You actually told him it was going to be us?” Rocco asked in a surprise.

  “Yeah,” Mike started. “At first, I said it was going to be a group of us, but he caught on to me quick. I fessed up.”

  “Was he mad?” Rocco asked.

  “Not really. If he was, he didn’t show it. But he said it was fine so he must not be too mad,” Mike laughed.

  “I can’t wait to be alone with you,” Rocco whispered into the phone. Even though Mike knew Rocco was whispering so that his mom wouldn’t hear, Rocco’s whisper reminded Mike of the time Rocco whispered into his ear in class. Shivers of excitement rippled through his body.

  “We can spend all weekend snuggled up by the fire,” Mike dreamily said.

  “I can’t wait!” Rocco said and snickered.

  “I just wanted to let you know that,” Mike said. “And I wanted to hear your voice.”

  “I’m glad you did,” Rocco said. They didn’t say anything for a few moments. They could hear each other breathing over the phone line.

  Mike broke the silence, “I’ll let you know tomorrow if my dad could reserve the cabin.”

  “Okay,” Rocco said in a low voice. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “And tonight, in your dreams?” Mike replied.

  Rocco chuckled. “Oh my God, that’s so fucking corny. I love you, Mike.”

  “I love you Rocco”

  Mike hung up the receiver and settled into his bed. He drifted off to sleep thinking about being in Rocco’s arms next to a warm fireplace. The next thing he knew, his alarm went off. It was morning.

  As he stumbled his way to the kitchen table still slightly asleep, his dad hung up the phone and saw Mike at the kitchen table pouring a bowl of cereal. His dad gave him a thumbs up.

  “You’re all set for the weekend,” Dan said.

  “Okay, Mom, my ride’s here,” Rocco said looking out the window. Mike parked his car in front their apartment and waited for Rocco to come out. He was not going to spoil the weekend by having another icy encounter with Rocco’s mother. “I’ll be back Sunday evening.”

  “Now where are you going again?” Rocco’s mom asked without looking up from her Cosmopolitan magazine.

  “I told you I’m going camping,” Rocco answered. He went into his room to grab the bag he packed the night before.

  “Who are you going with?” his mom asked still looking at her magazine.

  “Just friends,” Rocco said putting his bag on his shoulder.

  “Is that boyfriend of yours going?” she asked with a touch of snark as she finally looked up.

  Rocco contemplated telling her the truth since Mike was honest. However, he knew bringing up Mike would incite some type of histrionic scene. Mike was waiting in the car, and Rocco did not want to keep him waiting.

  “No. Just the guys in the band. We’re working on some music,” Rocco resigned to telling her.

  “Don’t you need your guitar?” his mom asked raising an eyebrow in suspicion.

  “No, Austin has a guitar he’s bringing for me,” Rocco made up.

  “Why aren’t you taking yours?” his mom asked.

  Rocco took a second to answer trying to come up with something that sounded believable. “We’re going to try something less edgy. He’s bringing his acoustic guitar.”

  “Oh, okay. Have a great time!” his mom said looking back at her magazine.

  Rocco felt a pang of remorse for being so deceitful. He had told his mother lies before to avoid incidents, but he felt regretful this time for some reason.

  “Okay, mom. I love you,” Rocco said walking over to his mom to give her a kiss.

  “Ah, I love you too, sweetie,” his mom said returning the kiss. Rocco gave her a final look as she sat reading her magazine. He came to his senses and left the apartment.

  Mike was patiently waiting. He had turned the car off and started it back up when Rocco appeared. Rocco came to the passenger side and opened the door. He slid in the car and threw his bag in the back.

  “Are you ready?” Mike said with a grin on his face.

  “Yeah,” Rocco said sullenly looking off to the side.

  “What’s wrong?” Mike asked.

  “I feel bad for lying to my mom. She thinks I’m working on music with the guys,” Rocco said.

  “Oh,” Mike said and took his hands off the steering wheel. “Is it because my dad was ok about our trip?”

  “A little,” Rocco said looking at Mike. “But more that I hate lying about us to her.”

  “I thought she was alright with us,” Mike said.

  “I don’t know if she really is,” Rocco said looking down.

  “Is it me or is it you being gay?” Mike asked.

  “I don’t know with her,” Rocco said looking back up at Mike. Mike was staring at Rocco with an empathetic look on his face. As always, he was wearing Rocco’s hat this time with the bill pointed forward. Seeing Mike in his hat made Rocco feel warm inside. His red hair was now down over his eyes.

  “If it makes you feel any better, my mom still doesn’t know,” Mike said admiring the way Rocco’s eyes reminded him of a sad puppy dog.

  Rocco chuckled. “Mothers.”

  “Yeah,” Mike said and put the car in reverse. He pulled out of the parking lot and onto the main road towards the state park. Even though they were going to an official park, the cabin was far out in the woods. It took them a little over an hour get to the entrance of the park. It took them 30 more minutes to get to the cabin.

  Cabin 4 was a rustic two room building made from local timber. The neighboring cabins were at least a quarter mile in either direction. In the front of the cabin was a firepit and a little barbeque grill. The bedroom was a queen sized bed in one corner. There was an old TV set in the other corner with a love seat that looked like it had been surplused from an old office. There was a tiny kitchenette along the wall next to the living area. Next to the bed was a large built-up fireplace. The fireplace was the obvious focal point of the room. The second room was a basic bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower.

  Despite the lower end accommodations, it was perfect for Mike and Rocco. Rocco and Mike brought in all their provisions. Since there was no need for sleeping bags and tents, they had less to bring in and set up. Mike only brought enough food and drinks for the night. They would need to make a trip to the local store in the morning.

  They set the supplies in the living area. Rocco needed to go to the restroom, so he made a beeline to the facilities. Mike took Rocco’s hat off and ran his fingers through his hair. He looked around and saw that there were logs by the fireplace. It was too early to start a fire, but he started to place some of the logs into the fireplace. On the mantle were some long kitchen matches and some newspapers for kindling. As he waited for Rocco, he placed the drinks and sandwiches he brought in the dorm sized refrigerator.

  Rocco appeared from the bathroom. Mike admired Rocco standing in the doorway of the bathroom. Rocco was wearing baggy jeans and an old t-shirt. He hadn’t shaven that morning, so his stubble darkened his muzzle with a blueish tint. His black hair had grown out since the first of the year. It was thick and wavy but tamed down with a thin layer of gel. His bangs started to curl up as they hung over his forehead. Mike walked over to Rocco and pulled him in closer. Mike inhaled Rocco’s pheromones which had the slight hint of a porterhouse steak.

  Mike looked deep into Rocco’s brown eyes. Rocco closed his eyes and shivered as Mike’s hands brushed lightly across his chest. Rocco followed suit and ran his hands over Mike’s chest resting his fingertips on his waist. Mike stared intently at Rocco. Rocco picked up traces of musk and Irish Spring emanating from Mike’s skin. Rocco reached up and smoothed Mike’s hair down and held his face in his hands.

  Their lips met gently at first and then again. Mike put his arms around Rocco’s neck, and they kissed deeper. Mike pulled away and led Rocco to the bed in the corner of the cabin.

  Afterwards, they lay on the bed recovering in their afterglow. They both stared up at the ceiling as the light of the day faded into the shadows of the quiet night.

  “It’s been quite a while since we did that,” Mike said breaking the silence.

  “I know,” Rocco replied. “It’s always been rushed. We haven’t had time to slow down and enjoy the experience.”

  “How does it feel to have had a jock?” Mike asked.

  “A jock? You’re not a jock,” Rocco retorted.

  “I am now,” Mike said looking over at Rocco.

  “What are you telling me?” Rocco asked propping his body on his arms. He sat up slightly and laid his head on the headboard. Mike rolled over and placed his head on Rocco’s chest.

  “I joined the baseball team,” Mike confessed.

  “You did?” Rocco asked surprised.

  “I’ll be shortstop and backup pitcher,” Mike chuckled. “Can you believe that?”

  “No, I can’t,” Rocco replied. “What made you want to do that?”

  “I don’t know,” Mike said distantly. “Actually, Chris kinda talked me into it. I thought what the hell. I’ll at least try out and I made it.”

  “How does that make you feel?” Rocco asked running his hands through Mike’s hair.

  “Actually, I’m pretty stoked about it,” Mike said looking up at Rocco. Rocco could see the pride that Mike felt about making the team. He smiled warmly at Mike.

  “Then congratulations!” Rocco replied. “I’m proud of you, Mike Barber.” Mike laughed and looked off to the distance. “Seriously,” Rocco continued. “I can tell it means a lot to you.”

  “Thank you,” Mike said. “So, that’s alright with you?”

  “Of course,” Rocco replied. “You don’t have to get my approval.”

  “I want it,” Mike said.

  “Then you have it,” Rocco said. “It’s going to be a cliché though. A jock and a punk.”

  “Yeah, I know. That’s how it works out sometimes,” Mike said and sat up. “I’m starving.”

  “Okay,” Rocco said and sat up. He started to get out of the bed.

  “Hang on, not just yet,” Mike said and admired Rocco lying next to him.

  Mike got out of the bed after a few minutes and brought over the sandwiches he packed. Rocco fiddled with an alarm radio on the nightstand trying to find something that they could listen to while they ate. He flipped through the FM stations and only encountered static. He switched the radio to AM and found the same light jazz station they listened to on their first camping trip by the lake. They ate their sandwiches quietly for a few minutes until Mike broke the silence.

  “How’s the college situation going?” Mike asked.

  “Well, I haven’t had a chance to tell you all that happened,” Rocco started. Mike placed his hand on Rocco’s knee and smiled. “Actually, Ms. Richards suggested I go to LA for the summer to check it out.”

  “She did?” Mike asked.

  “Yeah, just for a few weeks to see if I like it,” Rocco added. “I may end up hating it and never want to go back.”

  “So, you gonna do it?” Mike asked picking his sandwich back up.

  “I’m planning on it. Pete’s going to come out with me,” Rocco replied.

  “You and Pete. In Los Angeles for the summer. What the fuck?” Mike said surprised.

  “Yeah,” Rocco said. “He wants to take his chances with his music.”

  “He is pretty good,” Mike agreed. “So, what about college?”

  “Ms. Richards helped me out with where I should go. I’m applying to Vanderbilt, the University of Chicago, and the University of Tennessee,” Rocco said proudly.

  “Really?” Mike replied with utter surprise. “Those schools are pretty close…well, Vandy and UT are.”

  “Yeah, I know. She thinks I could get into all three,” Rocco said.

  “And you’d be okay with that?” Mike asked. He couldn’t believe this sudden change in Rocco’s plans.

  “Yeah, I think so,” Rocco stated. “And I’ll still be close so we could see each other.”

  “Yeah,” Mike said taking a bite out his sandwich. A shred of dread stabbed through Mike’s heart. Even though Rocco was going to be much closer, a piece of him still knew that once Rocco started college, he would be out of sight, out of mind. College guys don’t go out with high school girls. How would this be any different? Rocco could go to college in the same town, and this would still hold true. Mike shook his head. “Absolutely!”

  Rocco smiled widely at Mike with a mouth full of food. Mike laughed at Rocco’s light heartedness in the moment. While Mike’s impending dread remained, Rocco reminded him to stay in the moment. Cherish now.

  The next morning, Mike and Rocco lay in the bed enjoying the comfort. Rocco woke up first to the sound of thunder. It was going to be a rainy gray day which was fine with him. There is nothing like a lazy morning when it is chilly and wet outside. Mike had fallen asleep snuggled up with his head nestled on Rocco’s chest. Over the course of the night, Mike had rolled over facing away from Rocco. Rocco looked over at Mike. He admired how Mike’s hair was sticking up in all directions. He also admired how Mike’s back was covered in light, barely noticeable freckles. He loved the way Mike’s skin was a patchwork of freckles layered over a pale pink undertone. Rocco smiled as he ran his eyes over Mike’s back.

  Mike started to stir after a few minutes. Rocco propped his head up with his arm and watched as Mike came to reality. Mike rolled over on his back and opened his eyes. The morning light caught the shimmer of his red hair and long reddish eyelashes. Mike blinked a few times and rolled over to face Rocco.

  “Good morning,” Mike sleepily said and grinned at Rocco.

  “Good morning,” Rocco replied and stroked Mike’s cheek.

  “How long have you been watching me sleep?” Mike asked and yawned.

  “Does it matter?” Rocco asked. Mike chuckled.

  “So, what are we doing today?” Mike asked.

  “Hopefully, we’re doing it,” Rocco replied. “It’s going to be a rainy day.”

  “Yeah, I thought that might be the case,” Mike rubbed his eyes.

  “I’m not complaining,” Rocco smirked. He watched as Mike stretched his arms.

  “Well, we’ll have to get some food at the store for today and tomorrow at some point this morning,” Mike replied.

  “Let’s wait a little while before we get out of bed,” Rocco said as his crooked smile spread across his face.

  “Yes, please,” Mike replied. He inched his way over to Rocco and buried his face in Rocco’s chest.

  They laid in the bed another 30 minutes before Rocco finally had to get up to go to the bathroom. Mike watched as Rocco sat up and got out of the bed. He watched as Rocco walked away.

  “I’m going to go ahead and get showered up. I could really go for some coffee,” Rocco yelled from the bathroom.

  “Okay,” Mike yelled back and fell back on the bed. He had thought about a hike today but, with the weather as it was, it was likely they would spend a good part of the day inside. He did not mind this at all especially if they had a fire to keep them warm.

  As Rocco was in the shower, Mike had an idea. He had an art project due which was a series of sketches that all had the same theme. He thought about the idea of having Rocco as his theme. He could do a series of sketches of Rocco—Rocco in the cabin. The project required that he draw 6 sketches and pick the best 3 to be graded. Those three would be displayed to all the students in the class. This was to be their mid-term exam. Mike already knew that one of the drawings was going to be Rocco going into the bathroom just a few minutes ago. Naturally, he would probably not pick that one to be graded but would count it as one of his 6.

  Rocco appeared out the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist still damp from the hot shower. A little bit of steam floated off his shoulders. Mike took in this sight carefully as this would be a perfect sketch to do as well. Rocco took the towel off as he put on a pair of briefs.

  “Hey, would you be opposed to me drawing you for my mid-term?” Mike asked watching Rocco put the rest of his clothes on.

  “What?” Rocco wrinkled his brow at this question.

  “We have to do a series of sketches and pick the best ones for a grade for our art midterm. The drawings all have to be related. I want to make you the theme of my project,” Mike explained.

  “You want to draw me for your grade in art?” Rocco asked buttoning his shirt.

  “Yeah,” Mike said. “I’ve drawn you before. I know your face and body well enough I can draw you from memory.”

  Rocco stopped and looked at Mike for a moment. “Sure, I guess.”

  “I was going to do it anyway, but I figured it’s a courtesy to at least ask,” Mike replied.

  “In that case, I guess I don’t have much of a choice,” Rocco laughed.

  “Nope,” Mike said returning the laugh.

  “Are there going to be any nudes in this series?” Rocco joking asked.

  “Maybe,” Mike smirked.

  Rocco twisted his mouth into a look of disapproval. “Well, then, do you have to make it obvious that I’m the subject?”

  “I could just call it ‘R in the Cabin’,” Mike thought.

  “What about just ‘Man in the Cabin’,” Rocco suggested.

  “Not ‘Skater Punk in the Cabin’?” Mike laughed.

  “I kinda like that,” Rocco replied. “But that’ll link them to me.”

  “Everyone’s going to know anyway,” Mike said.

  “Yeah, but I don’t want to make the connection obvious,” Rocco replied.

  “Fine. I’ll call the series ‘Man in the Cabin’,” Mike replied.

  “Go get ready. I’m getting hungry,” Rocco said.

  Mike got out of the bed, showered, and got dressed. They drove to the little store on the main road a few yards from the entrance of the state park. They picked out enough food and other supplies for today and the next day. When they got back, Rocco immediately put on a pot of water to make them some instant coffee and dug out some cookware that was left for cabin occupants. He put together a breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast while Mike started a fire. Neither of them realized just how hungry they were as they devoured their breakfasts by the small fire.

  The rain lasted most of the day which kept them indoors. They spent the day playing cards and listening to AM radio. Once, they came across an evangelical preacher on the dial. Rocco acted out the preacher’s words while Mike pretended to be one of the preacher’s congregates. A few times, they would take turns singing along to whatever song they recognized. The entire time, Mike started to capture images of Rocco to store in his memory for when he would work on his art project. He wanted to capture the fun and comfort that Rocco had brought to his life over the past few weeks.

  They had a late lunch/early dinner of hamburgers and chips which Mike made. As the fire started raged later that night, they made s’mores and talked about their upcoming Christmas plans.

  “We always go to my grandparents for a week for Christmas,” Mike mentioned while they ate s’mores.

  “A whole week?” Rocco asked with a touch of disappointment.

  “Yeah, they live down in Atlanta,” Mike said.

  “Damn, a whole week without seeing you,” Rocco repeated.

  “I know, I don’t really want to go, but I have to,” Mike said.

  “Yeah, family obligations suck,” Rocco said looking at the fire. “When do you all head down?”

  “The day after break starts,” Mike replied.

  “So, I’ll get to see you before you go?” Rocco asked.

  “Absolutely!” Mike exclaimed. “I’ve got to give you your Christmas present.”

  “You’ve already thought about that?” Rocco asked.

  “Of course I have!” Mike said. Rocco looked at the fire realizing he hadn’t given Christmas a single thought. What on earth could he get Mike? “Haven’t you?” Mike asked.

  Rocco laughed. “It’s a surprise,” he replied laughing and looking at Mike. He didn’t want to give any indication that this was the first time he thought about a Christmas present for Mike. Luckily, there was still plenty of time.

  The next morning, they cleaned up the cabin and left it in the same condition as when they arrived. The weekend had flown by, and now they had to face the short span of time left before Christmas break.

  “What do you think of coming here over break when I get back from Atlanta?” Mike asked.

  “I think that’s a great idea!” Rocco exclaimed.

  “Maybe we could have a New Year’s Eve party?” Mike asked aloud.

  “Oh yeah?” Rocco asked excited.

  “Yeah, why not? I could get my dad to rent a bigger cabin, and we could have the guys in the band here,” Mike said. “I think he trusts us enough not to trash the place. I know he’d feel a lot better if it were a group of us instead of you and me. I mean, I could kinda tell he was apprehensive letting just us alone in a cabin the woods.”

  “I can understand that,” Rocco replied. “I’m sure he knew we weren’t just hiking.”

  Mike laughed. “We didn’t even do that.”

  Rocco looked off for a moment. “Yeah, I like that idea. Let’s do it!”

  “Done,” Mike said and gave Rocco a kiss. “I’ll be sure we have a room to ourselves.”

  “You better!” Rocco said. “I really like this place. Can we make it our place?”

  Mike looked around the cabin. “This is our place.”