Never in a Month of Sundays

006: Punishment

"Why of all the topics it has to be discrimination. We could have chosen technology. It will be easier to research things about it." Brix asked in dismay, still trying to convince Markan that the decision he had made was imprudent.

"Let say I just have a lot of things to say about the topic. In fact, no research needed because I can make a book out of it... don't worry yourself about it pretty boy." Markan replied with so much truthfulness in his words. With his convincing dialogue, I knew Brix had finally accepted defeat.

"Is it because your gay?" Brix asked curiously and his face turned pale right after realizing that it wasn't only Markan who might get affected with his question. He lowered his gaze in embarassment but honestly, I wasn't offended at all. I had prepared myself way back in case I had to deal with sensitive topic about identity.

"Nah! Not only because I'm gay but discrimination as a whole!" Markan replied casually, seemed not to be affected with the question either.

"So what are your thoughts about third restroom for LGBTQ?" Brix questioned once again. This time he was a little more curious than before.

"I'm much interested to hear the thoughts of a straight guy about it." Markan requested, requiting him an equal amount of curiousity.

"Well, no offense but it's kinda little awkward. I mean, it's totally fine sharing the restroom with gay people but you can't blame straight guys to feel that way." Brix mused honestly, giving me a sheep's eye.

"Of course we'll not, just the same thing we can't blame you for becoming who we are. It's nobody's fault after all. But if you would ask me, I think it's time for third rest room. I just think it's the only way to announce that we are fully accepted. Women proven to have equal rights with men only until the time they have the right to vote." Markan stated intellectually and I was truly amazed on how intelligently vocal he could be.

"Good point! But how about you Finley, what can you say?" Brix turned his attention to me, eager to know what might thoughts could have been.

"Markan point was malevolent I must agree. But for me no restroom could dictate a person's identity. I mean, the only good thing I can see about not having our own is that we can make a choice. What room should we go depends on how we see ourselves. But more than anything else, respect is what we needed. For as long as I can pee without hearing foul words or accusing glares from others then I think I'm good. Fancy restroom, not even a golden bowl is necessary to say the least."

I noticed their eyes twinkled in amusement. Sometimes, I had to commend my identity since it brought the best out of me.

"You're more than just a pretty face, Finley. You can put Pia Wurtzbach to shame. Am I right, Brix?" Markan uttered as he stroked his pen playfully on the sheet of paper resting in front of him.

We were stuck at the library doing brainstorm. All the three of us had the same class and we spent time together preparing for the assignment required to be submitted the following week.

"I must agree! But I would totally freak out if I see you in men's room. You'll surely give everyone in there a hard time. But then I think.. I would definitely like it." Brix answered, his attention was glued on me. His naughty commentary reddened my face.

It was only my second day in here but I got the hang of it. I guess, I was enjoying most of my stay. I liked the experience and all. Except for one; Zennen.

I hadn't gotten enough sleep because I was totally consumed by the unwanted encounter I'd had in the fire exit all night.

Why that stupid jerk was so eager to be forgiven when it was him who wanted all these? I was doing him the favor of his life by doing exactly what he had asked me. Had he forgotten?