Effeminate Within

Chapter Two

Chapter 2

MY ALARM CLOCK rang at exactly 6:00A.M. With wonder, I wiped the tears from my face which meant that the tears I cried while I was dreaming of Dad had reached the reality—my longing to have Dad's presence and warm love again.

I prepped myself and dress in the white button down I bought yesterday and I matched it with a blue bowtie. When I went out of the apartment I saw Greg at the front door.

"I am waiting for you. Want a free ride again?" He offered teasingly. I coiled my eyebrows, confused why he was this eager to give me a ride. Were boys really born like that? Or I was just lucky with Greg? Just imagine your crush offering you for a ride every time.

Did I just think Greg was my crush? This was funny but Greg was not hard to admire.

"Sorry, Greg I will just walk." I said in a sober face to conceal what I was feeling.

"Oh, sure! I will walk with you."

I was surprised with that. I was ready to ask him why he enjoyed my company, but I was afraid he might think I was assuming or irritated enough that it forced me to ask that when it was the opposite. His presence did not irritate me, not at all. More like it confused me about how it was like to have a guy friend since I didn't have any before other than the guy who was my classmate during middle school and the one from my church band, but other than them I never tried making friends with guys and I knew it only made my sexuality looked doubtful.

"I can't contain your sweetness, bro." I said using the word 'Bro' so hopefully he would not doubt my real sexuality and I swore, the 'bro' sucks. This was the first time I used it and I wasn't going to use that again even though it sounded good with my too manly voice.

He sighed. There was a change in his tone, "I just need a company, y'know. I've been so lonely all the time and I am looking forward for a neighbor until you came, so I wish you don't feel disturbed or annoyed or if you do, just let me know, please."

"No, I need to be with someone, too. I mean like a comrade in my college life. It's ok Greg. I feel you."

He patted me in my back twice and put his arm over my shoulder which felt really awkward. I saw boys doing this often, so I thought I had to let this just to blend in with the straights, I guess?

I went to my class on the fifth floor of the COP building and Greg was on the second floor laboratory. He told me before he left that he would fetch me on my room after his class so we could go home together. I told him he didn't have to and he said it was fine. I should not take this maliciously because after all, what do I knew? Maybe it was just his nature to be caring.

I guessed I came too early because the only person in the room was me and the Chinese guy at the aisle on the third row. I sat at the second row, at the front of him.

"Hello, I am Sean Sy" He muttered, sounding bashful.

I turned from my seat. "Hey Sean," I greeted and extended my arm. "Dominic."

Sean had single eyelid and his skin was so radiant that exaggeratedly, it could illuminate the room. His eyes were dark brown and he was inches taller than me. I liked his nose-- perfectly sculpted by the genes. He looked more handsome with a highlighted jaw line.

"I am from China, but currently residing at a hotel. Can I just ask if you know any apartment or boarding house where I can stay?" He spoke English so fluent and accented that one would not think he was a Chinese.

"Yeah, the apartment beside mine is vacant. Maybe you can check if you want. The owner is a neighbor so I think you can negotiate with her. So, after class?" I replied. In an instant, the three newly made apartments would be occupied by three gentlemen.