Chapter Twenty Two: Identity Crisis

Jeremy jumped from Nick's car and ran to the swings were he saw Justin. He was so excited that he nearly tripped over himself several times. Upon approaching the swings, Jeremy stopped running as his heart fell. The boy he saw wasn't Justin. He had not had a good enough look at him. The boy and his friends looked at Jeremy.

"Want something?" He asked.

"Um, no. No I don't." Jeremy whispered, then he turned and made his way back towards Nick and Daniel.

Nick and Daniel were having a heated argument, so Jeremy stopped and watched secretly.

"You should let him go damn it. You can't keep him forever." Daniel was saying.

"I can and I will. I kept you didn't I?" Nick waited for Daniel's response, but didn't receive one.

"Didn't I?" Nick asked more loudly.

"Yeah, you did." Daniel said staring at his feet.

"Daniel, I don't wanna do what I do, but I just can't help it. It's who I am. All I kno-"

"Shut the hell up Nick. Stop blaming this on your damn mom! You cold have changed! You didn't have to hurt me, to hurt Jeremy. You can say that this is your mom's fault, but it's not and you know it." Daniel turned to walk away, but Nick grabbed him by his shoulder.

"I'm sorry. Your my brother, I shouldn't treat you like this."

"Half brother." Daniel pointed out in a hushed voice as he jerked away from Nick.

Nick noticed Jeremy watching. He swallowed hard.

Jeremy looked at Daniel with disgust and anger.

"You lied to me? How could you? I trusted you! I thought you were on my side!" Jeremy screamed, he felt the hot tears filling his eyes. If he had never felt pain, he did now. This hurt more than any beating Nick had given him in the last ten months.

"I am on your side! I hate that disgusting pervert as much as you do. Jeremy?" Daniel called as he followed Jeremy into the bathroom running. Nick was coming too.

"He took me from my dad. When I was only three weeks old. I have been through much worse than you have. That's the truth. I want out as much as you, but it's just not gonna happen, We have to remain stron-" Daniel stopped speaking as Nick appeared in the bathroom.

"I think we should go now." He said breathlessly.

"I don't wanna go." Jeremy protested.

"Too damn bad you stupid faggot." Nick screamed grabbing Jeremy by the hair and slinging him towards the door.

He and Daniel got into Nick's car and watched the park fade away as he drove. Jeremy begin thinking back to his 13th New Year.

Jeremy's Flashback

Jeremy laid by Justin on the couch, both of their eyes closing and opening, trying not to fall asleep before 12. It was 11:56 now.

"Are you gonna make it?" Cody asked as he and Zack appeared in the living room.

"Yeah." Justin mumbled sleepily.

Maddie came into the room.

"Hey, I don't think Bradley is gonna make it." She smiled. Cody and Zack peered into the bedroom. Bradley's eyes were shut and he was pulling a blanket up over him.

"Oh well." Zack shrugged taking a drink of his beer.

"Get ready." Jeremy said looking at the TV.

Zack and Cody counted down together.

"3,2,1. Happy New Year!" They yelled. Zack gave Maddie a kiss, while Cody scratched his neck uncomfortably.

Jeremy and Justin laughed at their dad.

"Bed time." He told them.

"Good night." They said in unison. "Love you."

"Love you too."

End Of Flashback

Nick pulled into the driveway of the house.

"We're home." He smiled.

"I'm not at home, but hell looks nice." Jeremy said sarcastically.

"Shut the fuck up you retard." Nick said hitting Jeremy from the front seat.

Warm blood fell from his nose.

A/N- And there's Chapter 22. I am so dry on this story. I have NO idea what to do next. I guess I'm running out of stuff to do. The end is near. Get ready for the most explosive chapters yet! Here's a little preview, Chapter 23 will be called "Nick Vs. Jeremy"! Thanks for reviewing!