For a second, I wish I had the lucky sweatshirt. But I have Miles here instead, pressed against me, willing to come outside with me. And to think I was afraid that this would make him want to run.

I lean my head back, staring at the hallway through the crack under the door. It’s wide enough that I can see some of the people standing outside, still hear them speaking over each other. It’s almost like they’re in a different world. But this is my world, and I’m going to decide what happens in it.

“Okay.” I grab his hand, squeezing it. “Let’s do it.”

CHAPTER 34

It takes a moment for everyone to realize I’m outside.

“But don’t you think this will be an authentic portrayal of life with AIDS?” The man looks like a professor who just got out of class, with round glasses and a brown corduroy jacket over a blue shirt. “Surely, a student director with HIV could enlighten us and all the students by sharing her experiences.”

“Not a chance,” a white, middle-aged woman cuts in, speaking over him. “I’ve been saying the same thing since Mikey came home from school talking about this show. It’s supposed to be a school musical, but you’d never be able to tell with all the filth in it. I objected before I knew about that girl.”

So this is Mike Davidson’s mom. She’s like a comments section in human form. I didn’t realize people actually talked that way.

I take a step closer. The noise from the crowd fades as recognition sets in.

Mrs. Davidson’s mouth drops open. I wonder if she’s ever read about HIV, or if she’s just angry because that’s her natural state. I can’t see all the people out here, but I have a feeling that they’ll be able to fill the auditorium nicely—that is, if they still want to come inside.

“You know,” Mr. Palumbo starts, putting a hand on my shoulder. “You don’t have to do this. We can go back inside. This isn’t your responsibility.”

My dads are probably out here with Tía Camila, though I can’t see them. I’m sure Abuelo and Abuela are here, ready to tackle someone, like Claudia and Lydia said they would. Maybe even Dave decided to come. I force myself to take a breath, squeezing Miles’s hand. I’m not alone.

“Hi, everyone,” I say, raising my voice. It’s just like making a speech in class. “I wanted to come outside and talk to you, because I know you’re upset.”