Chapter 9Braylon suppressed his frustration while sitting on the picnic mat next to the pond in the greenhouse. Drew and Ellis occupied the spots on either side of Braylon, and they seemed to be enjoying themselves thoroughly, munching on sandwiches and chatting with each other. Braylon didn’t feel left out because every once in a while, Drew and Ellis would inquire about his day or somehow get him to participate in the conversation. His vexation resulted from his own fear and inability to get the important words out of his mouth. Before he left his apartment earlier, his parents and brothers had called and given him words of encouragement, urging him to speak up about his feelings. However, that was easier said than done. Braylon didn’t have low self-esteem, but he was fully aware of his
