Page 82 of Pride High 2: Orange

They kissed again. The audience burst into applause. It was over. None of the remaining lines were his. He only had to stand there as the servants of his castle rushed onto stage, cheering and hollering. The curse was broken for them as well. The narrator explained what happened next while the Beast’s court gathered around him. Diego didn’t have to fake his smile. It felt pretty fucking cool to be surrounded by so many people who actually liked him. Or his character anyway. Whitney took his hand. They walked together to the front of the stage to bow.

He felt sad when the curtain fell. Diego hated when things came to an end. But they always did.

“You’re areallygood kisser,” Whitney said, still clutching his hand.

“Thanks,” Diego replied. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

She was practically tackled by people who wanted to congratulate her. Someone was even brave enough to pat him on the back and say “good job” although the guy shrank beneath Diego’s gaze and hurried away.

“You were amazing,” Ricky said, seeming more muted than usual as he approached.

“Because of you,” Diego said. “I would have bailed if you hadn’t stopped me. Hell, I never would have learned my lines.”

“I liked practicing with you,” Ricky said. Then he blushed. Probably because of what he’d said just before the last scene.

Diego opened his mouth.

“Mr. Gomez, I’d like a word with you!”

He turned to see Principal Preckwinkle bearing down on him. He couldn’t count how many times he’d sat in her office while watching her face turn purple with anger.

“Was it your goal to embarrass yourself in front of the entire school?” she demanded. “Well congratulations, because you were successful. Is your mother here? She needs to know that you’ve been suspended.Again.You’re lucky I don’t expel you entirely!”

“What are you talking about?” Ricky said. “He was great!”

Preckwinkle narrowed her eyes at him. “I don’t recognize you. What’s your name?”

“Ricky. Why are you being so mean to Diego?”

“What’s going on?” Cameron asked as he walked over to join them.

“Stay out of it, Huxley,” Diego growled. “You too, Ricky.”

“That’s a fine idea,” Principal Preckwinkle said, returning her focus to him. “Where’s your mother?”

“She’s not here.”

“Then we better go to my office so we can call her.”

“For what?” Ricky cried.

“Stay out of it!” Diego barked. The last thing he wanted was for him to get in trouble too.

“Right now, Mr. Gomez!” Preckwinkle said, pointing to an exit.

“Yeah yeah,” he murmured. “I’m coming.”

He noticed Cameron put a hand on Ricky’s shoulder to stop him from following. Good. Maybe he wasn’t a complete dumbass after all. They were almost to the door when another voice rang out. And man did it carry.

“Excuse me! Just a moment! Where are you taking the star of my most recent production? He has fans to greet.”

Principal Preckwinkle turned around and let out a disgusted sigh. Ms. Deville, the theater teacher, was marching toward them. Diego had mostly avoided her during rehearsals, but if his principal’s reaction was anything to go by, she was all right.

“We both heard what he said on stage,” Preckwinkle snapped.

“About an inner awakening?” Ms. Deville arched an eyebrow. “That line was delivered with more emotion and gravitas than I’ve heard from most professionals.”

“You know exactly what I mean,” Preckwinkle retorted. “The swear word? In front of all those parents?”