The next day as I exited the middle school I saw my brother's prized Camaro.

He didn't normally pick me up at school, I usually met him at the high school.

I was even more shocked when I approached the driver's side and the driver's seat was empty.

Looking around I saw Steve talking to Dustin who must have a Steve radar because she didn't see him there at all.

Going over I saw the look Steve had and knew immediately something was really wrong especially since he had the keys to the Camaro in his hand.

"Where's Billy?" I asked the two guys. Steve came over when he heard me and guided me to the Camaro, Dustin following in tow.

He motioned for us to both get in. I climbed in the passenger seat and Dustin got in the back.

I turned and looked at Steve and said "explain now".

Taking a deep breath Steve said "Billy and I had met at his car during lunch for a quick make-out session.

Of course, Neil decided to show up at the school for the first time ever for something and caught us.

He literally dragged Billy out by his hair, told me to stay away from his family and threw Billy into the front seat of his car.

Before he did though Billy tossed me the keys and said to make sure you don't get around them ever again.

I haven't heard from Billy since, so here I am. We will find him, Max"

I shrunk into my seat as Steve started the car and headed to his place.

My heart was racing and I couldn't stop the tears. Billy and I had finally started repairing the relationship that Neil had broke and now he was gone. Possibly forever.

I didn't even notice when we arrived back at Steve's place. It wasn't until I heard car doors opening that it even hit me.

Silently I got out and followed Steve and Dustin to the house. As we approached we saw sheriff Hopper and my heart dropped to the ground.

"They had found a body, I just know it," I thought to myself as we finished the approach.

Hopper looked at me with the look of someone delivering horrible news.

"Just give it to me straight Hopper," I said planting my feet and willing my body to stay right where it was instead of taking off.

Taking in a deep breath he said "we found Billy Max. He is in a psychiatric facility that specializes in "helping" people not be gay. We are working with law enforcement in Indianapolis right now to get him out but it could take a while and I don't know what shape he will be in".

He was alive. That's all that mattered at that point. "He will get out you will see," I said and ran up and gave Hopper a huge hug.

"As long as he's alive he will get out," I said again and ran inside.

Later that night, after Dustin's mom picked him up, Steve and I were sitting in the dining room having dinner when a loud knock sounded from the front door.

I must've gone pale with fear because Steve placed his hand on mine and said softly, "Neil is in jail he can't hurt you, Max".

I nodded and both of us headed to the front door.

When we opened it there stood Billy, battered, bruised, bleeding but standing there.

"Can I come in or are you both going to just stare?" Billy asked, annoyed.

Steve threw his arms around him and gave him a big kiss. Billy grunted but didn't back away.

I just stood in the hallway with tears running down my face.

I felt his arms before I saw him. He was the one who was in pain but he was comforting me.

At that moment I realized my big brother was not going anywhere. I will always be safe.

Or so I thought.