Page 107 of Ancient History

“We’re just friends,” Dale said.

I desperately wanted to break open a contraband flask and drown away my embarrassment.

“Girls can hold hands. Why can’t guys?” Dale asked.

“I’m–I’m sorry. That’s great. You’re right. We need to show our young men that they can be affectionate without society mocking them.”

He and Renaysh gave me a stern glare that told me I was so not hip with the youths today. Until they broke out laughing.

“Psych, Mr. B!” Renaysh slapped me on the shoulder. “We’re totally hooking up.”

He and Dale kissed in front of me and kept walking.

“What was that?” Julian asked.

“I think I just got pranked, but also gay rights, so I’m not sure.”

I took out my phone to text Hutch the funny story, but I could wait to tell him in person. When he finally got here.

He had said he was on his way, yet there was no Hutch to be found.

I checked my phone. No new messages.

Amos: I just found out two of my students are in a secret gay relationship.

Amos: I don’t think it was a secret.

Amos: I think I was just oblivious.

Amos: Anyway it was cute.

Amos: [Smiley face emoji] [Rainbow emoji]

I wanted to ask where the hell he was, but I held back. I didn’t want to be that boyfriend. Hutch said he was on his way. He gave me his heart emoji.

He would be here.

He wouldn’t bail on me like he did all those years ago. But all those years ago, he was just as excited to come to prom with me. Until he abruptly changed his mind.

“Is Hutch coming?” Julian asked.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

He lurched back. “Uh, nothing. You said he was coming, right?”

“I did, and he is. So calm down, Julian.”

I made a beeline for the punch bowl before he could say anything. I filled my cup to the brim with punch and cursed under my breath when it turned out not to be spiked. Would it be conspicuous to sift through contraband for a flask?

The fruity punch streamed down my throat as I tried to get myself to relax. Hutch said he was on his way. I had to believe him. Otherwise, that would pose a major problem in our re-burgeoning relationship.

Amos: Be warned, the punch will give you an instant sugar high. [laughing emoji]

I watched my text pop into the stream of our chat. Three little dots were supposed to pop up. Any second now.

Raleigh walked the perimeter of the gym with a watchful gaze.

“Hey, Raleigh. What are you doing?” I asked him.

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