Effeminate Within

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter 16

"SO HOW IS it? Being out in the public?" Mom asked as she bit an unknown chewy food from her hand.

"I don't know. It feels different. I feel more confident and so sure of Greg, mom. I had never felt this way before. It's so overwhelming. I love Greg."

Mom smiled at me and glimpsed down at her feet for a second. She seemed like she was thinking what to say. "I am all the same happy for you. You deserve to be loved and I hope... I hope that Greg is the right person, the one who can give you the love that everybody wishes."

Not as how as I expected it would turn out, mom's response was purely happiness when I told her that Greg and I had already publicized our status. She nearly shed a tear as we talked to her via Skype. My relatives there in the Philippines had also seen Greg and the only word they tell him was he was handsome. Mom had told them that Greg was my boyfriend and I was glad that they responded positively as well, not with a grimace but with a smile.

Greg's post about his relationship status had gained different reactions from his Facebook friends. Most of them were surprised, though Greg did not indicate there who he was dating with. I was happy all the same as I changed my relationship status just seconds after Greg changed his.

We went to school holding each other's hands. People were used to it by now after weeks of seeing our hands clutched together. Those who have just seen it would probably stare at our hands and would raise their eyebrow, but those who were watching us since the very first day we started holding hands would just greet us or nod on our way when they ran on us.

Many of them, mostly girls, criticized us. Some of them would even laugh and talk in front of us. How daring. But we were expecting it—the worst. And there were much worse things to come. I received support from my classmates which really flattered me. They told me that Greg and I were brave for showing world our love. I did not tell them, but it took a lot of courage and though it had been a week, fear and pressure still wrapped me every day and when Greg felt it, he would squeeze my hand and would smile and mutter I got you. I didn't suppose that things went easy on his way, but whatever hardships he had been going through, he did not let me know it. Unlike me, I was querulous in all little things. I made myself and Greg feel that I was so vulnerable.

"Hey Greg," A guy holding a ball called. "You got plans for tonight? It's Louie's birthday, are you coming?"

"Uhhh..." Greg caught my gaze as if he could find the answer in my eyes. Somehow, I felt authoritative, but Greg never deserved to be a henpecked.

"He's coming." I told the guy. He nodded at my direction and left.

"Are you sure you're cool with it?" Greg asked "If it was Karen, she would have yelled."

"Yes, it's OK. Just know your limits. And..." I narrowed my eyes. "Never compare Karen and me again."

He gave me a peck on the cheek, "Oops. Sorry. I didn't mean to—"

"Ssshh... Don't have to. For now, I have to go or I will be late for my class. See you!" I was yards away from him when he called, not my name but "My love! You forgot something." My eyes opened wide. Everyone heard it. I didn't have to check around and see that everyone was looking at Greg now. He ran towards me "My kiss." He said, his finger tapping his cheek.

I rolled my eyes and quickly gave him a peck before heading to room.

***

I had a serving of sautéed mung bean sprout and grilled pork basil for my lunch at the cafeteria. They seldom prepare this meal, especially the pork basil. Luckily, it was Friday, the only day they offered pork meals. Greg still had a class and he could not give me a company, so I was eating alone at the side table of the cafeteria near the lawn.