by Cody Wagner
I spun around and looked back at the Admissions Building. It hit me that I may never see it again. I held up a hand to block the sun and looked up at the window of a room near where Jimmy had lived. I’d first met him here at Sanctuary. I’d first learned about his amazing acting talent here at Sanctuary. I’d also first learned what an amazing soul he was here at Sanctuary.
So many firsts.
Sanctuary was where I’d made my first gay friends and had my first gay kiss and developed my first gay crush. It’s where I’d started to love my real self.
I lowered my hand as more firsts slammed into me, and I wanted to run and hug the building.
Suddenly, I felt Roze punch me. Weirdly enough, it made me feel better. After all, Sanctuary is where she’d first punched me, and she was still here.
I hung my head, letting the last of the emotions wash over me. Then I told myself Sanctuary could be saved, but only if I worked my absolute hardest. More than ever, I realized my future depended solely on me.
“How bad are you dreading this?” Roze nodded toward the jeep.
I looked out at the vehicle. “Well. Let’s see. I’m sure my parents . . . and Timothy . . . were forced into that jeep against their wills. And I’m sure they have no idea what’s really going on. Also, I’m sure my parents remember him from those pictures.” I looked at her. “I’d say this is going to suck. A lot.”
Roze nodded, studying me. “Want to hang out here until the last possible second?”
I thought about it then shook my head. “No. Let’s get it over with.”
She gave me a tiny smile. “Good answer.”
And with that, we approached the jeep where Timothy and my family waited.
About the Author
Cody loves to create and is currently working on a bunch of stuff—including Book 3 of The Gay Teen’s Guide to Defeating a Siren—that will be out (relatively) soon. How’s that for vague?
He’d share a pic, but doesn’t know how to smile for cameras. Cody lives in Phoenix, Arizona but half his heart is in Texas.
You can read more about him at www.wagner-writer.com or find him on Instagram (wagner.writer), Twitter (@cfjwagner), and Facebook (cwagner.writer).