A Year Later
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CHAPTER 2: Talking
Steve looked at John and repeated to himself, "Bloody 'ell. Why?"
Wendy suddenly joined in the chorus, "Oi Dixon." she practically spat out, "Bloody 'ell. Why show up now? Or did your fucking bollocks turn Oxford blue and you're here for a quick shag 'fore you kick someone you've knocked to the ground?"
John looked around and soon realized that over the course of the last year, Steve had shared that day with those of his friends that stood by him. He at first was flushed with resentment that Steve would tell anyone. Then it was shame that washed over him. A strong desire to run filled him, as he stood there aware that these people knew what he somehow considered his private humiliation. Nor did he blame Steven for telling Wendy or Mark or Jessica.
The hopeful smile had faded from his face, "Steven, maybe we should wait 'til later. Unless you want to cancel the whole thing?"
Steve still somewhat dumbfounded, nodded his head, "I think it would be better if we waited 'til later. Though why don't we meet at Three Frogs Pub, unless you still don't want to be seen together in public?"
John knew when he was being challenged, and this he had come prepared to meet. "Wot say 5:30?"
"I'll be there." Steve returned.
"And don't eat anything, we'll let the university pay for the meal." Then trying to manage a smile, "Later, then."
Steve replied in kind, also managing a slight smile. When John was out of range, Jessica was the first to speak, "Steven, don't let that bloody wanker get to you." "Yeah, remember last time." Mark added. Vince could only think to ask, "What was that all about?"
Jess looked at him and said quietly, "That bloke" pointing as she spoke, "Dixon, well, he's a first-class asshole, he is. He-he did something to fuck over Steve last year, 'nough said."
"Did he pick on him because Steve's gay?" Vince asked.
Steve chuckled and answered, "You could say that. But that's ALL" He glanced at his other three friends, "in the past. It seems that Oxford has sent him, of all people, to convince me to choose their school." But he then clapped Vince on the back. "It's you that we should be celebrating, the Winner of the Latin Prize, what say we all go out and quaff a pint in honor of the occasion." Everyone vociferously concurred. Only Jessica noticed, when Steve glanced in the direction John walked off, and seemed to say softly, "Maybe I should have said, let's stop for a coffee."
John had hoped to put this off to later, but he headed home. When he arrived, he was a trifle surprised to see his father's car. He walked through the front door and called out, "Dad, mum." His father entered the foyer from his den, and his mother from the sitting room. His dad quickly spoke, "John, you should have said you were coming." While his mother said, "John, how pleasant, I'll have cook set an extra plate."
"Mum, don't bother. I'll be having dinner out. I'm here on school business." John said as he gave his mother a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek.
"What on earth, is it you're here for?" His father asked.
John breathed in then said, "Let's all go into the den. I'll explain there."
Soon everyone was seated in the den, his father at the desk, his mother and John in the two large leather chairs facing it. John and his father had both managed to get glasses with some whiskey in them, while his mother had retrieved the tea she had in sitting room. "So, son, why is it that the old school sent you here?"
John sipped his glass, "I was sent to see if I could convince one of the graduating class from Bassingstoke to attend 'the old school'. You might remember him, Steven Carter."
His father looked up at him sharply, "You should have refused - come up with an excuse."
His mother straightened up in her chair, "I should think they wouldn't want to encourage that type to attend Oxford."
After taking another sip of liquid courage, John asked, "And what is that type mother?"
"You know dear, homosexuals."
There was another short pause, before John said, "Oh, you mean people like me."
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