Page 29 of Pieces of Me

“What―” Gabriel made no move to take the clothes, his eyes wide and his face dismayed.

“I’m sorry, G,” Rylan huffed, running up to them. “I didn’t mean to, but I spilled the beans. Scott’s cool about it, though,” he went on hastily. “He won’t judge you, or fuck with you. I promise.”

“Hell no,” Scott snorted. “I been judged my whole life for shit that ain’t my fault, or my problem, so why would I do it to someone else? Boys don’t wear dresses at school, unless they want to, and it don’t look like you want to, so here.” He gestured impatiently. “I gotta get to class so take ’em.”

Gabriel took the clothes with some hesitation. “Don’t you need them?”

“Nah, I got some shorts and tanks for gym. I’m good. Me and Rylan can bring you something to change into every day so you don’t have to look so fuckin’ weird; don’t worry.” He moved off, shaking his head and leaving Rylan and Gabriel staring after him openmouthed.

“Shit.” Gabriel looked down at the clothes in his hand. “That was―unexpected.”

“Tell me about it.” Affection surged through Rylan as Scott’s tall figure weaved through the crowd, answering people’s greetings, his devastating grin on full display.

“These will be huge on me, but who cares?” Gabriel was smiling now too. “And I think this is the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me. Maybe I won’t steal his woman after all,” he said teasingly to Rylan’s shout of laughter.

“Go change and scrub that shit off your face, you stud you. See you at lunch.” Rylan waved as Gabriel headed toward the restroom.

After school, Gabriel got off the bus at Rylan’s house so he could change back before going home.

“Ugh,” he groused when he emerged from the bathroom, clad once again in the sundress. “Wearing this for even a few minutes sucks ass. I look ridiculous.”

“What will you wear when you get home?” Rylan asked. “You said they threw all your regular clothes away.”

Gabriel shrugged. “Pajama pants, and they left me some boxer shorts and tanks. I don’t go out much, so those are okay for around the house. But for school and church, I’m supposed to wear dresses.”

Rylan shook his head in dismay. “We’ll think of something, G. You can’t live like this.” After a hug and a back thump or two, Gabriel took his leave to walk the half mile home. Rylan watched him until he was out of sight and noticed with a jolt of pleasure that his dad’s pickup was turning into the yard.

“Hey, Ry!” Bob called as he got out of the truck, waving. “Who’s that girl you were with? She’s cute!”

“G’s a friend, Dad. Don’t get excited.” He ran down the steps for a quick hug. “Glad you’re back safe.”

“How’s everything been? I’ve missed everyone. Whoa! Especially my lady!” Bob opened his arms as Heather suddenly flung the screen door open and flew at him, jumping on him with a squeal. Rylan could see her peeking at him over Bob’s shoulder as Bob swung her around with exuberance.

“Good. Everything’s been…good,” Rylan said. Heather closed her eyes in apparent relief before peppering Bob’s face with little kisses.

“Missed you, baby,” she exclaimed, wrapping her legs around Bob’s waist as he carried her up the stairs and disappeared into the trailer without another word. Rylan grimaced. No way was he going in there right now. Just then, Lisa’s car pulled up, and Scott leaped out with a lithe motion and gave her a laconic wave. With a honk of her horn, she was gone. Rylan smiled as Scott sauntered over to him, his hands jammed in his pockets.

“Hey. Did those clothes work for Gracie?”

Rylan nodded, scuffing his toe in the dirt. “Yeah.” He explained the situation with the clothes Gabriel had to wear at home and how he would be forced to wear dresses anywhere else he went.

“His parents are convinced that will clear up his ‘confusion,’” Rylan said, complete with air quotes, his tone bitter and angry for his friend. “I wish I had enough money to replace all his clothes. We could keep them here and he could change before and after school. Unless Heather would mind.”

Scott snorted. “Heather don’t give a flyin’ fuck what we do, as long as we leave her alone.” His eyes sharpened suddenly. “You said they threw Gracie’s clothes away?”

“Call him G. He prefers that.”

Scott nodded. “Gotcha. You said they threw G’s clothes away?” he repeated, and Rylan grunted an assent. Scott grinned, and Rylan stood straighter.

“What do you have in mind?”

Scott beckoned for Rylan to follow him and paused when he noticed Bob’s truck. “They in there…” His voice trailed off as he made a rude gesture that got his meaning across clearly. He grimaced at Rylan’s nod. “Well, good thing we got somewhere else to be. C’mon.”

He jerked his head in the direction Gabriel had disappeared in, and Rylan trailed after him, curious. They walked in silence until Gabriel’s small house came into view, and Rylan repeated, “So what did you have in mind?”

Scott approached the large black trash can that had been wheeled down to the edge of the road and lifted the lid, dropping it quickly when the smell of rotting garbage filled the air in a thick miasma, and flies flew out and buzzed over their heads.

They both gagged. “Shit, forget that idea,” Scott exclaimed, backing off quickly. “I thought maybe we could rescue the clothes before the garbage truck came. Trash day is tomorrow.”