Shay Rogers has avoided going back home to Alabama because he fears running into his high school lover, Dwayne Sayles. Because of Shay’s reputation as an All-American straight stud, he tried to keep his love for Dwayne secret. Shay’s fear of his friends and family finding out about him ultimately led to his breaking up with Dwayne. However, when the invitation to his fifteen year high school reunion arrives, Shay’s friend convinces him to go, with her as his fictitious girlfriend. Within moments of meeting again, the long-dormant feelings between Shay and Dwayne are rekindled, but so are Shay’s fears. Is Shay finally ready to embrace the chance of happiness by living openly with Dwayne, or will his need to hide the truth about himself win out yet again?

Class of '03

Shay watched them briefly, then with a heavy heart and feeling like a heel, he turned and caught up with his jock buddies.


After seeing the widespread reaction of the audience to


Dwayne’s initial appearance on stage, and realizing how most of the school perceived him, Shay decided he had to curtail his association with Dwayne even further. But how to do it? The after school rides home with Dwayne and Lilly now were so much a part of their routine. However, Shay was feeling paranoid enough about being exposed, he decided he had to do something. To his enduring shame, he chose to take the coward’s way out.


The first afternoon after the assembly that the trio were to ride home together, Shay put his plan into action.


“Where are we going? Lilly asked, when Shay bypassed the usual turn off to her house.


Chapter 13