Page 76 of Pride High 2: Orange

“Yeah,” Cameron admitted sheepishly. “I know how hard it can be to move to a new town. I wanted you to see that you’ve got people here who care about you.”

“Thanks.” Ricky glanced over at him. “You moved here at the start of junior high, right?”

“Yeah. Making new friends was hard. And when I finally found a new best friend, he moved right before freshman year, which was like having to start over again. I wanted to hitchhike back to Maine.”

Ricky winced in sympathy. “I know the feeling. Why did your family move to Kansas?”

“My mom and dad went to KU. You know, the university in Lawrence? Hey, we should plan a trip there sometime. It’s a cool little town. Anyway, that’s where my parents met. I think they were hoping to rekindle some of those old feelings by coming here. My mom is really nostalgic about her college days. What about your family?”

“My dad was headhunted by a tech company and my mom found a practice that was looking for someone to take over, so as they kept telling me, the stars aligned. For them at least.” Ricky looked down at the box, a smile tugging at his lips. “And maybe for me.”

He stopped in front of his locker, Cameron taking the box from him until he got it open. Once it was handed back, Ricky considered the box with open awe. “You really are amazing,” he breathed. “Hey, are you excited about tonight?”

“Because of the play?” Cameron grimaced. “No way! I’m nervous!”

“People are going to love your sets,” Ricky assured him.

“I hope so. As long as nothing breaks or falls over, I’ll be happy. What about you, Mr. Hollywood Agent? Do you think your star client is up to the task?”

Ricky nodded. “I know what everyone thinks, but Diego is going to nail it. I have no doubt.”

“I bet you’re right,” Cameron said. “He’s been great in rehearsals.”

Ricky carefully placed the memory box on the top shelf of his locker, still moved by the gesture. “I didn’t do so well with my Christmas shopping,” Ricky said, turning around to face him. “Mostly because I don’t have any money. So I tried making things, but only one of them turned out. I feel bad, because I don’t have anything for you except…”

He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Cameron, so he’d know how appreciated he was. He squeezed even tighter when the hug was reciprocated. The contours of his body especially felt so good. Anthony would be a very happy boy if they ever went all the way.

“Ricky?” Cameron said.

“Yeah?”

“This is one of the best presents I’ve ever gotten.”

He really was the nicest guy in school. They stood there hugging each other, even as people moved around them, a few sniggering at what they saw. Ricky didn’t care, but eventually he did let go. Even though part of him didn’t want to.

* * * * *

Silvia stood in the auditorium, increasingly uncomfortable as the size of the audience grew. She couldn’t figure out what to do with herself. Most of those in attendance were parents and teachers, although some were students who wanted to support their friends. She didn’t know any of them well enough to strike up a conversation. Silvia had already talked to Mindy’s family before they went to find seats. She’d probably end up sitting with them for the rest of the night, which was fine. But not as nice as if Omar had shown up, like he was supposed to.

“Gotta fill out some applications,” he had explained earlier.

Except he kept applying for jobs that he was unlikely to get. If he had tried the fast-food industry, like she had originally suggested, he would probably be employed by now. Anything entry level would do. He had come into the store the other day excited about a classified ad for a fulltime video engineer.

“I can work nights,” he’d said after she pointed out the obvious flaw in this plan.

He could be so childish. But she still would have liked his company tonight. They could have made it a date. A night out at the theater. Sure, it was only a school play, but still…

“Silvia!” Mindy cried while bounding toward her. “I’m so glad you’re here!”

“I am too,” she said. “I can’t wait to see your costumes.”

“Then don’t!” Mindy grabbed her hand and led her away. “Come backstage. I want you to see everything up-close before people ruin it. Half of them are already sweating more than they ever did in rehearsals. Next year, I plan on handcuffing everyone until they take the stage.”

“What for?” Silvia asked as they turned at the end of the aisle.

“So they’ll stop touching their faces. I’ll be doing touch-ups all night. And it makes me touchy!” Mindy cackled with maddened nerves. Then she gasped. “I think I’m going to pass out!”

“Take a deep breath,” Silvia said, “and imagine how you’d feel if you were on stage tonight.”