Page 139 of Where My Secret Hides
“Hey,” Beth says, “sorry, just one thing.”
“What?”
“Do you remember that conversation we had in the library, when you came out to me?”
“Of course,” I say, “I think about it all the time.”
“Me too, I’m grateful every day that I wore that T-shirt because it brought me my best friend.”
“I’m grateful too, and I’m so happy that I told you who I was.”
“And look at you now,” she says. “I’m so proud of you, Donovan. I just wanted to tell you that, and to say that I hope you enjoy today, you deserve it.”
“I love you so fucking much,” I say, my eyes welling up with tears. “Oh no, I’m going to ruin my rainbow.”
“You won’t, and like Max said, it’s okay to have some happy tears today.”
“Yeah, but I need to look my best, I’ll be walking behind my ridiculously hot boyfriend, and I need to look the part.”
“You’ll be walking alongside each other, together; and you do look the part, you’re being yourself, and that’s beautiful.”
I managed to keep it together for nearly the entire march, not a single tear shed, until we got to the end. Alongside the road I saw my mom and Miguel standing with Vanessa and Nathan, cheering and waving a giant Pride flag. I didn’t even know they were planning to come today, and seeing them here supporting me is what tipped me over the edge. I absolutely broke away from the team to run and give my mom the biggest hug.
Now we’re all sitting in a shaded spot in the park, where a stage has been set up for performances and speakers. There are food stalls, and merch stands, even fairground rides. It’s pure joy, and color, and life, and it’s wonderful.
My mom and Vanessa are wearing matching pride T-shirts, deep in conversation with Beth about something, while Diablo is talking to Miguel and Nathan. Jamie and Max are laughing with Tank and Pretty Boy, while Slim is off exploring with Daisy and Jake.
Mindy arrived to take over social media duty and she’s currently on a stall with some of the Warriors, raising more money for The Trevor Project by giving people the chance to throw and catch with some of the players. Except for Stephen, he’s lying next to me, his arm around me with my head nestled against his chest.
“Have you had fun today, baby?” he asks, kissing the top of my head.
“I’ve had the best day, you?”
“The best,” he says, “and it’s only going to get better.”
“It is?”
“Of course, after this we get to go for a meal with our parents, and then home to our apartment.”
“Oh yeah, I keep forgetting that we have our own place,” I chuckle.
“Don’t worry, you’ll soon remember when we can be naked whenever we want.”
“We don’t want another repeat of this morning though.”
“No,” he laughs, “so maybe give me a minute before you shout for people to come in.”
“Well I will if you’re naked… or otherwise occupied.”
“Otherwise occupied, huh? I can think of plenty of things I’d like to occupy myself with tonight,” he murmurs.
“Insatiable jock,” I mutter.
“Only for you, baby.”
The End.
