#Chapter 98: Finding Balance

Right before finals my freshman year, I receive the dreaded call. “It’s Michael,” Alex says. His breathing is loud, erratic. “He passed away last night.”

Of course, there’s nothing I can do over the phone. I borrow Hailey’s car and leave that very night.

When I get there, it is after dark and Alex is at Michael’s house, sitting in the kitchen with Rita. When I walk in, it’s quiet. They’re not talking or doing anything aside from staring at the table.

They look up at me and I see their sorrow. I run over to Alex and wrap my arms around him, absorbing his sobs of mourning as I cry into his shoulder.

I hear Rita sniffle, and I let go long enough to cross the table and give her a hug. “I’m so sorry!” I whisper into her ear. “I’m so sorry…”

That night is when Alex and I take our physical relationship to another level. I wanted to make him feel better, if only for a little while.

When we get back to his house, I follow him into his room and lock the door behind us. I don’t care if his paren