Leo doesn’t reply, and the silence breaks my heart.
“I’m…the reason I’m so angry at you is…is…”
I try to move again, but Julius’s grip is strong. Tears start running down my face. “Baby.”
“I can’t let him do this alone, Julius,” I whisper back.
“Do what?”
When Leo’s voice returns, it’s so small it’s barely audible.
“I’m HIV positive.”
I expect to hear two gasps, but there’s only one, and it’s not from the man holding me like I’m the most precious thing.
“I’m really sorry, Leo.”
I hear a thud. “What are you doing?” Leo squeaks.
“Hugging you, dumbass. What did you think? That I would push you away or be mean? I’ve organized a whole freakin’ fundraiser to help people like you. I don’t know what it’s like, Leo, but I’d like to know. I’d like to be your friend.”
“You’re not scared?”
“I’m scared of many things, but not of you.”
“I’m undetectable,” Leo says.
“That’s great, and for your health, that makes me really happy. But for me, it doesn’t matter.”
“I’m sorry I was mean and rude to you.”
“Why?” Kay asks.
I can almost imagine Leo’s usual shrug as he finds his words.
“Because I thought I would get found out. That people wouldn’t stop talking about it, and eventually, they’d figure out I have it. I’ve never told anyone.”
“And you never have to unless you really want to. Want to go dance?”
“Okay.”
“Cool. I’ll introduce you to the band later.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, Dad has this stupid rule about meeting all my friends. He gives them this lecture about not being scared of me or some crap.”
Leo’s laughter pulls a sob out of me.
“I’m not scared of you,” Leo says.
“You should be. I’m freakin’ crazy.”
“You’re also pretty awesome.”
The following sound is of the hallway door closing.
“Oh my god.” My knees buckle, and I almost fall, but Julius catches me, pulling out a nearby chair and sitting on it, dragging me onto his lap.
