For Dave Felder, his junior year of high school starts with a move from his small hometown to a larger city. With the new home comes a new school, East Leyden High. He isn't the least bit reluctant to leave his old school. Once popular and well-liked, things changed when he was outed to his fellow students. A new school gives him a fresh start, where no one knows him or his secret. Tall, handsome, and athletic, he soon finds himself surrounded by new friends, the popularity he once lost regained. But he doesn't count on meeting someone who brings out the feelings he hoped to keep buried inside. Someone like Ricky. Once these feelings surface, Dave has to make a choice -- continue to hide who he really is and protect his popularity, or be true to himself.

Ricky

“Well, goodnight,” Dave said. He was suddenly filled with the urge to put his arms around Ricky and kiss him.


“Goodnight,” Ricky said, his tongue slightly protruding from between his lips.


Dave felt his heart race. Without saying anything else, he turned and left.


That night Dave tossed and turned. When he was awake, he replayed the scene from the theater workshop in Hillsdale and felt the anxiety he had experienced then. When he dozed off he dreamed he held Ricky in his arms and just when he was about to kiss him, Ralph and Doug would appear. He panicked and woke up to renewed turmoil.


Dave got up Saturday morning totally stressed. Once again he sought out Mr. Lee’s advice. He had come to appreciate the older man’s wisdom and felt he could trust him. He called and arranged to meet him that afternoon at his home.


“Come in, David,” Mr. Lee said, smiling as he ushered him into his small house.


Chapter 10