Page 153 of Pride High 2: Orange

Mike had reacted with disgust when learning that he was still a freshman. In the future, Ricky would lie about what grade he was in.

“We’ll thaw you out of your ice block in the spring,” Anthony responded. “Hey, how much cash do you have? I usually get two slices of pizza, but that wouldn’t leave me enough for a drink.”

“You can share mine,” Ricky offered. “I’ll get a large.”

“Perfect!”

Their shopping trip had been fun so far. Anthony had first mentioned the possibility during lunch, since he needed to buy a new pair of shoes. Omar was busy with work after school. Dave and David had plans of their own. That left Ricky pining for an invitation, but he didn’t have to ask. Anthony had offered. And he really seemed to value Ricky’s opinion at the shoe store, even though they had very different fashion senses.

“Doc Martins will make me even taller,” Anthony had said. “Cameron already jokes about needing to stand on a phone book to kiss me.”

“But they’re so cool,” Ricky had replied while thinking of Diego.

“They really are,” Anthony had conceded. “And waterproof, unlike Vans. Is it wrong that I care about the look more than how dry my feet will be?”

“Not at all,” Ricky had assured him.

He loved hanging out together and wished they had become friends sooner. They always had a good time. Like when they went shopping at KB Toys.

“Why don’t they make any villains?” Anthony had complained when they were browsing the action figure aisle. “It’s all Batman in different colors, but he never wears white in the cartoon. What the hell is polar armor anyway?”

“I guess it’s like thermal underwear,” Ricky had replied. “For when he goes up against the Penguin or Mr. Freeze.”

They’d enjoyed making fun of the other figures too, even though part of Ricky missed playing with such things. But being in high school was way cooler than his grade school days. Especially lately, when everything was perfect. Or nearly so.

They were sitting in the food court and finishing their pizza when Ricky spotted a group of guys from their school. He only know one of them by name, Graham Fowler, the jerk who had made fun of his article in the locker room. He looked better when not wearing a gym uniform. Graham had a beefy build and a soft round face with a sweep of blond hair. He’d be a hot guy if not for his repugnant personality. Ricky stared a little too long because Graham noticed him and nudged one of his friends.

“Letterman is funnier,” Anthony was saying. “I like Jay Leno, but so do my parents, you know?”

“I wishSaturday Night Livecame on during the weekdays,” Ricky mumbled in response. He tried to focus on Anthony but knew that bullies weren’t so easy to shake. They always smelled fear. Not that he was trembling exactly. He simply wanted to have a good time without having to deal with such crap.

“Well well well, look who it is,” Graham said gleefully as he approached. “Little Richie, all alone without his bodyguard.”

“First of all, it’s Ricky,” he retorted. “And I’m clearly not alone. Maybe you need glasses.”

“Then I’d be a dork like you,” Graham said. His friends jostled him while laughing, like he’d said something clever, which only spurred him on. “And whoa, yeah, I should have noticed who you’re with. Is this a date, homo? I heard the rumors. I guess they’re true.”

He was addressing Anthony now, who looked serenely bored. “Oh no. You found out. Whatever will I do?”

“Get your ass kicked,” one of the other guys said.

“Because what could be more macho than beating up a gay guy?” Anthony replied with an eyeroll. “Won’t the ladies be impressed that it only took five of you to gang up on two of us. Speaking of which, wherearethe girls? Not with you, I see. Are you guys on a date too?”

Graham scowled. “I’ll go one on one with you, faggot. Any time!”

Anthony smirked. “I’ve already got a boyfriend, but thanks.”

“That’snotwhat I meant,” Graham grumbled. “Stand up!”

“Uh, no,” Anthony replied. “If you’re going to beat me up, I’ll remain seated, just so everyone can see how pathetic you are.”

“Stand up!” Graham repeated, his hands clenching into fists.

Ricky stood up, but only to wave at someone he pretended to see. “Hey, Diego! Look who it is! Get over here!”

Graham spun around. His neck stretched left and right as he tried to see past his friends, but the food court was too crowded for him to quickly assess if Diego was really there. “You know what?” Graham said when turning around again. “I don’t want to be seen with you losers. Come on, guys. Let’s leave these homos to their buttfucking.”

The group laughed while walking away, as if they’d gotten the upper hand, but Ricky noticed the way that Graham kept glancing around nervously as he retreated.