Page 74 of Pride High 2: Orange

“Nothing,” Omar said. “That’s the point.”

He could easily say more, but some lessons couldn’t be taught. They’d all learn soon enough. Besides, it was hard to explain without sounding like a total jerk, because the basic facts were so damning: They used to be best friends—all three of them—until Diego’s dad killed himself and they ditched his ass. But it’s not like they hadn’t tried. And what did they get in return? The worst summer ever. Omar hated the memory of it. Everything sucked without Anthony. Omar never wanted to live through that again. He was still thinking of hisone and onlybest friend as they walked to the wings of the stage to watch the scene play out. At the end of it, he pulled Cameron aside.

“Hey,” he said. “One of those stencils was a butterfly, right?”

Cameron nodded. “It was on the short list before we talked.”

“Use that one. I was only thinking of what I’d want. The butterfly is more Anthony’s style.”

“It would look nice,” Cameron said. “You don’t think it’s too girly?”

“Nope. Have you seen the pink scarf he’s been rocking lately? Anthony refused to wear it when his aunt gave it to him last year. Now he’s really into subversive stuff. That’s what he calls it anyway.”

Cameron laughed. “You’re a good friend, Omar.” His blue eyes returned to the stage. He was probably looking at Diego while thinking,So how come you’re not a good friend to him anymore?He’d see though. They all would. Tomorrow night, most likely, because the play was going to be a disaster.

CHAPTER 17

December 22nd, 1992

Ricky was sitting across from Anthony and Cameron at their usual lunch table while trying not to stare. Which was hard, because they could be so cute! Like now, when they were arguing over dessert. He watched Anthony push a brownie toward Cameron.

“Go ahead,” he said. “You let me eat most of your chips.”

“Sure,” Cameron said, pushing it back, “but you’re skinnier than me.”

“True—” Anthony shoved the brownie toward him again. “—but that means you need more energy, because you’re bigger than me.”

“Only around the waist,” Cameron replied, nudging it in his direction. “You’re taller.”

Dave rolled his eyes. “You’re both ridiculous.”

“I agree,” Omar said before reaching across the table to snatch the brownie away. “Sso fruckin’ gud,” he added after cramming it into his mouth.

“Problem solved,” Cameron said with a laugh.

Anthony frowned while watching his best friend chew. “I actually wanted it.” Then he perked up. “Hey! Don’t we have another treat for a certain someone?”

“I think we do,” Cameron said with a curious smile. He leaned over to grab his backpack and unzipped it. Then he placed a wooden box on the table.

Dave groaned. “I swear to god, if it’s full of cookies and you guys start nudging them toward each other, I’m going to lose my mind.”

“I’ve still got room,” Omar offered.

Ricky laughed but couldn’t take his eyes off the box, which was dark brown and elegant in its simplicity. The bottom edges were carved inward except around the corners, creating four feet for the box to stand on. Which was clever, because that allowed the wood to remain one solid piece aside from the lid. He could guess who had made it.

“That’s really nice!” Ricky said. “Aren’t you going to open it?”

Anthony shook his head. “I wouldn’t feel right.”

“How come?”

“Because the box is yours,” Cameron replied. “It’s a gift. From all of us.”

“Really?” Ricky glanced around the table in excitement.

David nodded. “Open it!”

Ricky pulled the box toward him. In black letters carved into the lid was the word PRIDE. He let his fingers trace this before—with trembling hands—he opened the lid to reveal photos, letters, and other mementos. “What’s this?” he asked, pulling out a note to read it.