The Mask that is Adrian Cole

I feel like I was particularly mature when I went by the name of Adrian Cole. Of course I would since it was the name on my fake ID. Living alone I needed a cover story to show that I was the adult age of 18 instead of the 16 year old child I actually was. I’ve had suspicious looks thrown my way and I’ve had neighbors call the police and report me as a runaway, which I was but this is besides the point. That name gave me a power that I didn’t possess on my own and I drunk on it. My true self is young, wimpy, and fragile but Adrian Cole is older, popular and strong. If the truth ever leaked, I would be sent to a boy’s home faster than I could even blink. I haven’t even told my friends, well Adrian’s friends. I am nothing while Adrian is everything. The illusion of Adrian keeps me supported while my own true self crumbles away. I am becoming Adrian piece by piece and I am scared. He is better than me in practically every way, but I don’t want my true self to disappear. Soon his brilliant shine will snuff out the little lightning bug that I am. He is only a mask, not strong enough to survive on his own. If I am to be erased then he will soon dull and crumbled away into oblivion with me. I need Adrian as much as he needs me. I wish things were different. I wish we were brothers who support each other instead of masks that hide each other. I wish we were friends instead of rivals in a desperate fight for control.