~Nicky POV~

I woke up this morning feeling off and went through my morning with no emotion. I couldn't stop thinking about yesterday when Lindsey's dad barged in. Now that I think about it, I've never seen her parents in the entire time I've known her. 

As I walked to school I looked across the street to see if her car was in its spot. I was disappointed to find that it wasn't there. Sighing, I trudged into the school building. The morning went by slowly as I thought about how many times I was supposed to pass her in the hallway. It was nearly lunchtime and I still haven't seen her once. I started to get worried.

During lunch I was the last one to the table cause I was in the cafeteria microwaving my noodles. I sat down in my usual spot next to where Lindsey was supposed to be sitting.

Amelia looked around and asked, "Where's Lindsey?"

I shrugged.

"Did something happen at your sleepover?"

"Not really. She's probably home sick from all the snacks we ate," I lied. It was true that we ate a lot, though.

I ate in silence and my brain tapped out as my friends continued their conversations around me. Just like that the day was over.

The week passed and many times I considered texting Lindsey to see if she was okay. Each time I managed to talk myself out of it. She'll talk when she's ready. Over the course of the week I realized that I actually spend most of my time with her. I wonder if she's picked up on that too. Before I knew it another week flew by. The only difference was that she started appearing every now and then. She had her airpods in most of the time and looked away when I tried to make eye contact. I'd rather have her not be here than ignore me. 

~Saturday~

I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing. Squinting, I looked at my window. Not a single ray of light to be seen. What time is it? I picked up my phone and looked at the caller. Lindsey! I shot up and put the phone to my ear.

"Uh, hello?"

"Hey. It's been a while hasn't it."

It was a blessing to hear her voice again.

"Yes I guess. Why are you calling so early?" I asked.

"Come outside. We're going for a quick ride."

"But what about-"

"Breakfast? I've got your burrito sitting right here."

"Give me 5."

She hung up and I hurriedly threw on grey sweatpants and a sweatshirt. I flew down the stairs and put on my favorite pair of sandals. I opened the door and saw Lindsey leaning against her car. As I exited my house, she walked around to the driver side. I hopped into her car and dug into the burrito that was sitting in the cup holder. Still warm.

"I know how much you like the spicy burritos," she said as she started up the car.

"Yeah. Always a favorite," I said.

I ate my burrito in silence and content as she drove west towards the mountains. I looked over and saw that she was tense like she was holding something back, but didn't want to let it out. We drove to the foothills of the Rockies and pulled into the lot a national park.

"We're going for a quick walk," she said.

With the energy of the burrito we walked up a trail and found ourselves at the tallest hill. At the top there was a bench facing east. Lindsey walked over to the bench and patted her hand on the bench, telling me to sit next to her. 

"You know why I wake up so early every morning?" she asked.

"Why?"

"Because every morning I like to see the sunrise. I find it relaxing."

"What if it's a cloudy morning?"

"It doesn't matter if it's cloudy or not. The sun always rises."

"I see."

We sat next to each other and the light gradually increased. After a moment she slid closer to me and leaned her head on my shoulder.

"Sorry I haven't talked to you in a while," she sighed, "I needed some time to process."

I looked to her, "Process what?"

Lindsey pulled out a brochure and placed it in my hand. I looked at the brochure and was taken aback by the title on its own.

Christian Conversion Camp

This camp is perfect for those who go through the struggles of same-sex attraction. Join us during the month of December to learn how to follow the path of God. For those who want to make this journey for their family and friends, read on!

Unbelievable. Lindsey buried her head into my chest and clutched my sweatshirt. I could feel her shivering even though she was adequately dressed.

"Nicky," she whispered, "I don't want to go."

The last part of her sentence faded away as she cried into my chest. They were soft, silent sobs and an occasional sniffle. December. That was in a week.