Misdirected by Ali Berman Page B

never said anything in high school because she was worried about what people would think. When you meet my sister, you’ll know that it’s rare for her to care at all what other people think.”
    â€œIt’s never easy being different.”
    Tess hugs me tighter.
    â€œI just worried that growing up around here, you might think horrible things about gay people and I didn’t want to risk telling you and having it go badly.”
    â€œYou’re just going to have to trust me, okay?”
    â€œI’m sorry I didn’t.”
    â€œYou should go inside. Your dad will probably be waiting to hear the door.”
    â€œI think he can wait a few more minutes,” I say, smiling.
    â€œJust a few,” she says and kisses me.

 
    Â 
    Chapter 15
    At Least Romeo and Juliet Had a Friar on Their Side
    I head up to the library to meet James. Unfortunately, the first quarter is almost over and any student who cares about grades has been in the library during lunch. Tess can’t show her face around us or someone will tell Angela who will then tell her parents. We haven’t been able to sneak out since my dad caught me, so we talk online, see each other at the talent show rehearsals, and that’s about it. Even at the rehearsals we can’t work together or speak unless it’s about props or publicity. It’s torture.
    Angela shows up at the meetings a few times to ask Tess something. Then she stays and tries to talk to Trent. And frankly, Trent looks less than interested in spending time with her. It makes me wonder . . . could Trent be an ally?
    During the next rehearsal I ask Trent if he can hang around to talk for a few minutes when we’re done.
    â€œYeah, sure,” he says, looking at me curiously.
    After everyone, including Tess, clears out, Trent sits next to me.
    â€œWhat’s up?” he asks.
    â€œThis is kind of awkward.”
    â€œYou’re not bailing, are you? We only have six acts and we need them all.”
    â€œI’m not bailing.”
    â€œOkay then. What?”
    â€œI think you’ve probably figured out that I like Tess.”
    â€œAnd that she’s into you too. Angela told me.”
    â€œRight.”
    â€œBut you guys aren’t supposed to see each other,” he says.
    â€œRight.”
    â€œLook, I personally don’t care that you’re an atheist. But Angela has it out for you. She’s asked me a few times if you guys have been talking in here.”
    â€œWe haven’t.”
    â€œI know you haven’t. You do stare at each other whenever you don’t think people are looking.”
    â€œHave you told Angela?”
    â€œNo. And I’m not going to.”
    â€œDoes that mean you might be willing to help us?” I ask.
    â€œHelp?”
    â€œThat first day, you left Tess and me in here alone and closed the door behind you. That was really cool.”
    â€œLook, I don’t know you. I know Tess and she’s a really nice girl. Her sister is kind of a monster but Tess is great. If she wants to be with you that’s her business. I’m not looking to get in the way.”
    â€œBut you won’t help either.”
    â€œWhat kind of help?”
    â€œI don’t know. Just assigning us to work together.”
    â€œKid, no offense, I’ve got bigger things to worry about than you and your girlfriend. I won’t get in your way but I can’t be your ticket to see each other.”
    â€œOkay. Thanks anyway.”
    I pick up my stuff and head toward the door.
    â€œHang on,” he says.
    â€œYeah?”
    â€œThe backstage space in the auditorium is completely empty when it’s not being used for rehearsals. No one ever goes back there.”
    I smile and nod at him. “Thanks, man.”
    â€œJust be cool to her, okay?”
    â€œDefinitely.”
    He grabs his bag and turns to leave then stops, looks back and says, “I’m looking forward to