I tell the stars about you

Chapter Eleven

Albert sat on the roof a jacket wrapped around him. It was fall now so the nights were getting colder. Screw Race, Screw people, Screw feelings, they suck. Ever since he and Race kissed on the roof Race never brought it up again. He acted like they were still best friends and nothing more. Race stopped wanting to cuddle or hold hands or hug all the time. Albert was so stupid thinking they were actually going to start something. It was his 17 birthday tomorrow and since it was his first birthday here, the boys were gonna do something special for him.

"I am so stupid. I thought we had something the night we kissed. How could I be so naive? The way he kissed, it was like a connection. It sounds ridiculous but we said I love you does that mean nothing to each other? I really really love him and I don't want to lose him and I don't know what to do." Albert looked up at the stars a sorrowful look in his eyes. Why did he have to fall in love with Race? He walked down the fire escape and back into the lodging house. Race was asleep in his bunk below Albert. Albert really wished he was with Race holding him safe in his arms. Albert took off his jacket and shirt and hopped into his bed, pulling the blanket over him and falling into a dreamless sleep.

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Albert blinked his eyes open. Oh right. Today he was turning 17. He looked outside. Sunlight streamed through the window casting a glow over everything in sight. He jumped down and grabbed his shirt. He may as well enjoy the sun while it's still here. He slung his shirt over his shoulder and walked outside the window leaning up against the railing.

"Albertttttttt." Race's sing-songy voice filled the air causing Albert to jump slightly forward. Albert turned around quickie grabbing his shirt from off his shoulder.

"Yessss." Albert mimicked Race smiling as he did so. Race froze and stared at Albert's bare chest.

"Race."

"What, oh sorry I was uh never mind guess what." Race snapped out of his trance and walked over to Albert.

"What." Albert smiled at Race knowing what he was gonna say.

"You're finally the same age as me as of today so we'se going to central park to celebrate, get ready most of the boys are already there." Albert nodded and followed Race inside. Race sat on his bunk waiting for Albert to get ready then they went off to central park. They talked a little on the walk. It was still terrible for Albert knowing that night meant nothing for Race. Central Park came into view and Albert let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding in. There were a few other people there, some women in long dresses and umbrellas walking with their husbands or kids. The two boys walked over to a big tree, where the rest of the boys were. They sat and everyone started talking and having a good time.

"Happy birthday Albert." The boys all said to him and brought him a tiny cupcake.

"Thanks, guys." Albert ate while the other boys got up and started playing tag. The day flew by and before they all knew it the sun was setting.

"Okay boys, we got two options," Jakc started. "We can leave now or we can leave later and run into a bunch of drunks looking for a fight." Jack smiled already knowing which ones the boys were going to pick.

"I think I'm going to head back guys thanks though." Albert stood up and started to leave.

"Wait Albie, i'se comin' too." Race caught up with Albert. Albert just wanted to be alone right now, to think about him and Race.

"Come on." Race pulled Albert's arm and they started walking. They were nearing the lodging house when it happened. Race pulled Albert into an alleyway. He looked so pretty, the sun was hitting him at an angle where his face was illuminated in the perfect way. It took everything in his power not to kiss Race.

"Albert it took me almost two weeks to figure out what I was going to get you but the day after we kissed I saw it in the window of a store and I knew I was going to get it for you," Race held out a small chain. It was gold, one you slipped over your head. Alberts blushed at the memory and at the gift.

"I hope you like it." Albert slipped it on and reached up to play with it. The metal felt cool in his hands.

"I do, thank you." He pulled Race into a short hug.

"Albert."

"Race."

"Listen, I'm so so sorry for ignoring you after that night but I needed time to think. It happened kinda quickly and I... I'm sorry." Albert smiled sadly at Race. It wasn't his fault after all.

"It's okay I get it. Come on, i'se tired." Albert turned to leave but Race grabbed his hand and spun him around. He pulled Albert forward by the hips.

"One more thing." Race leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on Albert's lips. Albert melted into the kiss. What Albert didn't know was that in those two weeks they were apart Race was planning on asking Albert something.

"Will you be my boyfriend?" Race whispered. Albert kissed Race again longer this time.

"Hell yes."