Howie Schmidt and Tommy Wilkins met when they were eight-years-old. That was also about the time that Howie fell madly in love with Shelby, Tommy’s twin sister. When Howie first moved to town, Shelby warned him against being friends with Tommy. She told him life would only get worse because Tommy wasn’t one of the popular kids. In fact, he was far from it. He’s been picked-on and bullied his entire life. His father is an alcoholic ex-marine with a short fuse and a violent streak. Despite Shelby’s advice, Howie befriends Tommy. He soon learns that Shelby wasn’t exaggerating. Tommy...