Page 89 of Pride High 3: Yellow

Trevor sighed as he picked up the socks. “You’ll be out of the house in a couple more years. It’s time to grow up.”

“I guess we’ll manage on our own then,” Cameron said as he stood. “Have a nice trip.”

He walked down the hall to his bedroom, pausing at the door. He felt like going inside and freaking the hell out. But what good would that do? Instead he went downstairs, following the sound of the television to the living room, where his mom was on the couch. Cameron sat down and snuggled up close to her.

“What’s this?” Brenda asked with a laugh.

“Nothing. I just want to spend some time with you.”

“Oh! That’s nice. Did you have fun at your friend’s party?”

“Yeah,” Cameron said. “But it’s good to be home.”

“Do you want to see what else is on?” Brenda asked, offering him the remote.

“No. This is fine. Tell me what you’re watching.”

His mother did so, oblivious to the change that had occurred inside of him, because he was no longer going to waste time on his father, or wish that things were different. Instead he would focus on what hecoulddo. Cameron had plenty of love for his mother, and she sure seemed to have endless love for him. They’d make it work. Somehow.

— — —

Ricky was on his best behavior at the breakfast table. He kept waiting for one of his parents to mention that an entire month had gone by. He’d been counting down the days, but his mom and dad seemed oblivious as they took turns yawning and sipping from their coffee mugs. Ricky leapt to his feet when their plates were cleared, taking them to the kitchen sink and rinsing off the ketchup and egg yolk. After they were placed in the dishwasher, he hurried back to the table.

“It’s March twenty-second,” he said helpfully. When this didn’t get the reaction he wanted, he added, “I’m not grounded anymore, right?”

His mother blinked in surprise before she nodded. “That’s correct, but there are going to be a few changes you’ll have to get used to.”

She didn’t say what, so he tested the waters. “I’d like to hang out with my friends after school.”

“That’s fine,” Ami replied. “Just let us know who you’ll be with, and give us a phone number where you can be reached.”

“What?” He recoiled at the idea. “How will that work if we’re out at the movies?”

“Cinemas have phone numbers too,” his mother said coolly.

“Okay.” Ricky hated the idea, but it was better than being grounded. “I’m going to hang out with Diego after school. I’ll give you the number for his pager. That way you can reach us no matter where we are.”

“We really should just buy him his own,” Ken interjected.

Ami held up a hand to silence her husband. “We’ve talked about this, Ricky. I don’t want you seeing Diego anymore.”

“Why not?” he demanded.

“Because he’s too old for you. And quite frankly, I think it’s best if you finish the school year without dating anyone at all. We’ve been much too lenient with you in the past. Things will be different going forward.”

“You don’t get to decide who I have feelings for!” Ricky spat.

“No, that’s true, but wecandecide who you get to spend time with.” Ami looked to Ken for support.

“Hang out with your friends instead,” his father said. “It’s been a crazy year, buddy. All that complicated dating stuff can wait.”

Ricky’s voice warbled when he said, “But he’s my boyfriend.”

Ami sighed. “You need to find someone who cares about youandyour welfare. Not an older boy who keeps you out past curfew and steers you toward drugs.” She patted his hand until he pulled it away.

Ricky crossed his arms over his chest and studied a potted plant in the far corner, willing it to burst into flames. He didn’t succeed, but his mother noticed his glare.

“Are you spending time with one of your other friends?” she asked. “Or are you coming home right after school?”