Blake and I became good friends after that. He was more popular than I was, and thanks to him I didn’t get teased as much for having an interest in ballet. I joined his circle of friends and they gave me an excuse to get out of the house. Dad always demanded to know where I was going, but he never stopped me from leaving. I worried a little about Joshy being home alone with Dad, but he was a good kid who wouldn’t cause trouble. I hoped Dad was letting him be.
When no one else was around, Blake and I used to kiss some more. It was something we both enjoyed, and even though he ‘didn’t want to make a habit of it,’ it was usually his idea. We were careful about it, mostly. Sometimes for a kick we would kiss in a public place when no one was looking. It was never anything more, and Blake staun
