Chapter 8

Malcolm unlooked the door and opened it.

“Merry Christmas!” Dusty stood on the doorstep grinning from ear to ear. In his arms he held a cardboard box and several filled plastic bags. He brushed past Malcolm and into the apartment.

“What the hell?” he asked bemused.

“I got us a Christmas tree and decorations on my way home from school.” Dustin set the packages down on the couch. “I got a fake tree because I hate the idea of trees dying for Christmas. I’m off tonight,so I thought we could decorate.”

Malcolm could not keep the smile from his face. He suddenly felt lighter than he’d felt all day. And looking at Dusty standing there, his cheeks pinked with excitement, his eyes glowing with warmth, it chipped at the hurt, the pain. He couldn’t help it, he threw his arms around Dustin. “You’re so cool.Thank you.”

Dusty laughed. “No problem. I went to a discount store so it was cheap. There’s food to put away, too.”