Outside the Lines — Caitlin Ricci

Alex has always wanted to help people, so when he finds a scared, homeless child, he doesn't hesitate to take 'Socks' to the shelter where he works, Trinity House. Over the course of four years, a chance meeting turns into friendship. When Socks turns eighteen, they're excited, because it means they can move in with Alex -- until Alex rejects them, and Socks realizes an affection they thought mutual was only ever one-sided. Years later, Socks has become Trin, a psychiatrist who specializes in helping children. And they still want desperately to know why Alex rejected them long ago...