"Raina, come downstairs! It's dinner time!" Tierney called out to her daughter.

Raina wiped her eyes and made her way downstairs. "What are we having? Did you make dinner?" Tierney shook her head and pointed to a box of pizza on the counter.

"Your father brought home some pizza from Dominos. We're going out for dinner tonight, so you better be good while we're out" Tierney told the teen. Raina sighed, disappointed that her parents were leaving her alone again. She was seventeen, but she didn't even know if they cared about her anymore. Her parents had just left without saying goodbye. 

Raina ate a couple bites of her pizza, before going outside and placing the box down for the animals. She grabbed her journal and pencil, jotting down her thoughts, I don't want to be like this, she wrote, I just want to be me, and I know that this just isn't me. I'm not a girl inside. I want to be called 'him' and 'Jared'. Jared finished his vent, realizing that he was crying once more. He didn't even bother trying to stop the downpour of tears.

He couldn't take this anymore. He can't deal with knowing that everyone thinks that he is someone he's not. He pulled out his phone, texting his only real friend, Evan.

R-Hey Ev?

E-yeah Rain? 

R-can you come over 

E-be there in five

A small smile ghosted on Jared's face as he awaited Evan's arrival. After a few minutes of more sobbing, Evan knocked, causing Jared to get up and creep to the door. His hand paused as he was about to open the door, Am I really going to tell him? Evan knocking once more snapped Jared out of his thoughts. Yes I am. Jared opened the door to reveal his tearful face to a concerned Evan. Evan hugged his best friend and closing the door to keep the warm air in. Jared only cried harder as he clung onto his best friend. "E-van..." he sobbed.

Evan pulled away and looked at Jared with care. "What is it Rain?" Jared screamed and fell onto his knees, sobbing. He was shaking his head and squeezing his eyes shut.

"I-I'm not Raina!" He exclaimed while his best friend looked at him with shock and confusion. Evan was about to speak before Jared continued, "I'm n-not Raina. I'm Jared and I'm a guy!" Even's face showed realization. He held Jared close.

"I understand now, Jared" Evan kissed his forehead. "It's gonna be okay. I'll accept you for whomever you are. After all, who wouldn't accept the guy they love?"

Jared's eyes went wide as he looked up at Evan. Suddenly, he started laughing. Evan's face was filled with fear, thinking he made a bad decision. "I love you too!" Evan looked into Jared's eyes, before leaning in and gently kissing him. It was short and sweet, but it was the perfect way for them to show each other how much they cared. "I love you, Evan."

"I'll always love you too, Jared"