Warning this book contains

1. LGBTQ+

2. Self-harm

3. Use of the word (fag or fagot)

4. A drunk father

5. Kissing

6. Extreme bullying  

7. Abuse

8. Mentions of sexual assault 

This book is meant for mature readers only

THANK YOU

Chapter 1

   A new house. Finally out of that dump with lots of terrible memories. I already decorated my room and put a name tag on my door. “Waylen” is my name- a weird name for a guy, especially a 16 almost 17-year-old like me but I can’t change it so it’s fine. I go out to the living room and none of the boxes have even been opened. My dad was supposed to unpack but he was asleep on the couch, drunk, the word puts a buzzing in my ears like an annoying fly that won’t leave. He’s always drunk.

   I unpack everything, throw away some empty bottles, and go to my room. I put up my checker pattern curtains and look out the window. I see a bedroom window right across from mine but a different house-a light blue house- the curtains have stars on them and it's open to a boy with hazelnut brown hair and a blue shirt with a yellow star print on standing there. He sees me, gives a small smile, and waves, I wave back but hardly give a smile.

   “Um... hi, I’m new here,” I say and the shake in my voice startles me. The boy giggles.

   “Hi, my name is Ash,” his smile is like the sun, bright and happy, but the look in his eyes is something else-there a bright yellow color-but they look sad.

   “What's your name.” he catches me by surprise but I still reply.

   “Uh, my name is Waylen,” I give him a slight smile. He smiles back with his sunshine smile.

   “That’s a cool name,” he says. I look at him confused.

   “Really?”

   “Yeah, of course” his smile gets even brighter which I thought was impossible.

   “Most people say it’s an odd name.” his smile gets a little smaller and less bright.

   “Well those people are just finding ways to be pricks, don’t listen to them.” he stopped smiling now, and even though we just met, I don’t like the sight. I want to change the subject.

   “Uh...well what do you like?” 

    “Stars!” His sunshine smile is back which makes me smile.

   “Stars?” I giggle a little but not in a rude way and lean against my windowsill.

   “Yup. they light up the darkness and are never alone.” His smile is calmer now and he's staring off.

   “What are you thinking about-” I start to ask but I hear my dad walking down the hallway to my room. I close my window but not my curtain.

   “Who are you talking to!?” he yells.

   “Uh..j-just myself?”

   “Ok” he walks off and I can’t help but laugh a little. He is obviously drunk.