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The door shut behind them, and I turned to look at Stefon’s family. They were quiet. Mostly. His mom had tears streaming down her cheeks, and his dad was comforting her. Why weren’t they comforting him?

He was standing at the head of the table,alone.

I stood up and wrapped my arms around him, hugging him just like I had in that closet all those years ago.

He had been scared then, but he’d been brave today. Braver than I had ever been. He held me tight as if I was all that was left to hang on to. That was fine. I’d be here for him, no matter what. Even if he couldn’t be my fake boyfriend anymore.

He pulled back, and I looked into his eyes to see them red and teary. I looked from him to his parents, who were still sitting there in their own world.

“Are you going to say something?” I demanded of them.

“Kiyana,” my mom admonished.

But I ignored her.

“Your son just told you the biggest news of his life. Say something!”

His parents looked up at me, as if I’d shocked them out of their pity party.

Stefon squeezed my hand. I felt like we were both holding each other up.

His dad cleared his throat and said, “Let’s discuss this at home.” He stood, walking Stefon’s mom toward the door and gestured for Stefon to follow.

I held on to his hand, but he shook his head, signaling that he needed to go. He wanted to go.

“Call me?” I said.

He nodded.

When they were out of the room, Aunt Emily picked up her silverware and said, “Better start eating. I don’t want all this food to go to waste.”

As if I could eat in a moment like this.

Nine

Xiomara

“Wakey wakey, eggs and bakey!”Mom called up the stairs.

I smiled at the greeting. She always said that, even though we had cereal most days.

Even though it was still early, I could feel the buzz of the pride parade in the air. It was starting at noon, and I had to admit I was excited to ride on the Emerson Academy float. Excited to be surrounded by people like me.

We couldn’t tell for sure, but we estimated that a thousand people would be in attendance from the surrounding areas, including a few groups based in LA. More than fifty people had RSVP’d to the prom. Maybe Iwouldmeet someone in time for prom.

I walked down the stairs into the kitchen/dining room, and my jaw dropped open. “DEE!” I ran to my big sister, nearly knocking her over with a hug. She held me back, giggling as we rocked back and forth.

“Te extrañe,” I said.I missed you.

“Yo también,” she said.Me too.

“You’re early!” I stepped back, taking her in more fully and admiring the green strip at the ends of her hair. “This looks so cool,” I said, taking the colored strands in my hands. “Mama, can I do this?”

Mom said, “If you pay for it.”

Fair enough.

I glanced at the table and saw there were actually eggs and bacon, and Dad stood at the counter making pancakes on a griddle. “So you make special food for Dee?” I teased.