Free Me

Being a high school senior can be tough. Having to constantly face stress, anxiety, bullying, and peer pressure. To add to these challenges that teenagers face, Josh Notes has to face his sexuality and the internal struggles that come with it. 

Josh knows living in Waco, Texas, being gay can be dangerous. Knowing this, he opts to keep his sexuality a secret to protect himself and his family. He thinks this is his life, permanently hiding who he is and isolating himself, and he's come to terms with this. However, things change when Zayne Daveen, the only openly gay person at their school, comes into his life. A relationship forms that neither expect, and together they find safety at each other's side. Zayne, who faces abuse daily for his sexuality, is thankful for Josh, and Josh is thankfully that he has someone he doesn't have to hide from. The question is, is it worth it, or are they fighting a hopeless battle?

While the boys now have each other, will it be enough to survive the school year? What will they do when the world tries to change them? What will they do when they're forced to ask themselves, how much are they willing to sacrifice for the ones they love?

Disclaimer: This story contains graphic and triggering content such as: eating disorders, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, hate crimes, self-harm, suicide, homophobia, conversion therapy, and hate speech. If you cannot handle one or more of these topics, please do not read. No story is worth harming your mental health.