Page 183 of Pride High 3: Yellow
“Yeah, I guess. I’m going to write to him every week. I doubt I’ll hear back, but I want him to know that—” He blinked and reconsidered her. “Hey, do you think you could try visiting him? I’m not sure if that’s allowed, but if it is… I know he likes you. And that you like him.”
“I’ll try,” Mindy promised, her cheeks flushing. “And if not, I can write him too. Or call instead. If you’re okay with that.”
“Yes,” Ricky said, feeling emotion rise again. “I want Diego to know he’s not alone. And that people actually care about him.”
“We’ll team up,” Mindy said reassuringly. “I won’t take no for an answer.”
“Thank you.”
“Who wants to play Mario Kart?” Omar called from the living room. “The tournament starts here, with the champion himself! Who dares to take me on?”
Mindy rolled her eyes. “I’m about to wipe the floor with him. Come watch!”
“Okay. I’ll be there in a minute.”
He was dumping popcorn into a big bowl when he noticed Anthony leaning against the entryway to the kitchen.
“Don’t ask how I’m doing,” Ricky pleaded.
“Sorry,” Anthony said, shaking his head. “As your big brother, I have a right to know. Although I think I can see it all on your face.”
“I’m okay,” Ricky said, his voice strained when he forced himself to continue, “but I feel so hollowed out.”
“Loving him is worth the pain,” Anthony said. “Isn’t it?”
Ricky thought about it. Then he nodded while wiping at his eyes.
“Everything will be all right,” Anthony said, walking over to him. “Diego is tough. They could throw him in an adult prison and it wouldn’t dull his edges any. He’ll be back. And once he is, he’ll want to see you. So don’t disappoint him.”
“I’m not suicidal,” Ricky said. And it was true, because if there was an even worse way to hurt Diego, that would be it. “How did you know?” he asked suddenly. “That love is worth the pain, I mean. Have you had your heart broken before?”
“Not exactly.” Anthony glanced toward the living room, where Omar wore a distraught expression. Apparently the race wasn’t going well. “The pain is a constant reminder of what we feel for them. I wouldn’t want it to go away.” He turned toward Ricky again. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t be happy at the same time. Or love other people. When you’re ready.”
Ricky slammed into him for a hug. Anthony laughed and squeezed him affectionately. “You’re going to be missed,” he said. “But not forgotten. For now…” He let go of Ricky and picked up the bowl of popcorn. “Come hang out with your friends.”
— — —
Cameron considered himself in the mirror. He was experimenting with styling product. Just enough to give his hair more intention. He sprayed himself with some cologne and then brushed down the button-up shirt he wore. He looked like he was going on a date, and even though his boyfriend would be with him tonight, that’s not what they had planned. His pulse picked up in anticipation before he made himself take a deep breath. This was for him. He hoped it would turn into more than that, but if not, he wouldn’t let his mother’s reaction spoil his mood.
When he turned around to leave the bathroom, he noticed a green eye peeking through the cracked door.
“Anthony!” he said in surprise. “What are you doing?”
“Spying on you like a total perv,” his boyfriend said, pushing the door open and joining him. “I can’t help it. You’re just so hot!”
“Thanks,” Cameron said, happily accepting a kiss. And then another. He laughed and dodged on the third attempt. “If you don’t stop, we’re going to be late.”
“Sorry,” Anthony said, not making any attempt to move. “Just one more.”
Cameron grinned before kissing him.
“Wait, I wasn’t ready yet,” Anthony said. “That one didn’t count.”
Cameron kissed him again, his expression becoming somber. “I’m really nervous,” he admitted.
Anthony’s fingers intertwined with his own. “Just be patient. It might not be tonight, but that’s okay. We’ll keep trying. And at the very least, you can bring home whatever you learn. Ready?”
Cameron steeled himself. Then he nodded.
