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

The next Friday at the end of tutoring Ricky said, “Do you want to do something tonight?”


“Oh, no, I forgot to tell you. Man, I’m sorry. I’m goin’ to the home game tonight with Ralph, Doug, and some of the guys.”


Ricky’s face fell. “Oh, yeah…Well, okay. Um. Have a good time. I’ll see…”


He never finished the sentence. He turned and walked away.


“Shit!” Dave said. They had had such a good time these past weeks. No one from the gang had said anything about his hanging around with Ricky. Maybe he could pull this off. He screwed up his courage and said, “Ricky, wait. Why don’t you come, too? I mean, to the game, with me and the gang.”


“Yes, you can! I want you to come. Please come. Or do you want me to kick your fat ass from here to…”


Ricky looked up. Dave could see the anguish in his friend’s eyes. He could also see tears.


“You mean it? You really want to go to the game with meand all your friends?”


Chapter 11