The daily serial fictional based on Chicago's Boystown neighborhood: Boystown series by Danny Bernardo

Follow us    Twitter Twitter

6. After School

Even though his first day back at school was exhausting, Charlie was in no rush to get home. The tension at home was getting to the unbearable weight of an Edward Albee play. He had a lot to catch up on, having been out those weeks in the coma. As he graded papers, he typed in "Ben" on the Facebook

6. After School
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Digg Gmail Addthis Printer Friendly
 
Even though his first day back at school was exhausting, Charlie was in no rush to get home. The tension at home was getting to the unbearable weight of an Edward Albee play. He had a lot to catch up on, having been out those weeks in the coma. As he graded papers, he typed in "Ben" on the Facebook search bar, to see which Ben's in Chicago he had mutual friends with. The hundred that popped up on first search dissuaded Charlie from pursuing that any further. He turned on Grindr to see if he would randomly just pop up, but that wasn't successful either. Without a last name or phone number, Dr. Fargo might be lost forever. There was a knock at his classroom door.

"Mr. Parker?" Alex said as he peeked his head in the door.

"Hi Alex," Charlie said, closing his MacBook. "What can I do for you?"

"Well, with Mrs. Singh going on maternity leave in a month, we don't have an advisor for the Gay-Straight Alliance. I was wondering if you'd be interested or available."

"I don't know, Alex. I've never been the extracurricular type. And besides, being gay wasn't really an issue for me in school. I don't know how much perspective I could bring."

"That's why you'd be perfect though!" Alex insisted. "It shouldn't be an issue. Having an alliance, interacting, it's just how it should be. And you could help us get it that way."

"Why don't you ask Mr. Robinson? Or Ms. Meacham?"

"I have already and they're booked with musical theatre club and poetry club."
"Wow, third choice. I'm honored."

"Fifth, actually. Please, Mr. Parker? If we don't find a faculty advisor by the end of the week, we won't be able to keep the club."

"Alright, alright. Let me look at what my schedule's going to be like this semester. Let me think about it."

"So that's a yes?"

"That's a ‘let me think about it;."

Alex sighed, not knowing whether if it was a victory or defeat, and slumped back out to the hallway. Charlie smiled to himself. Although he wanted to give back and help make the school a better place for his queer students, the thought of him as a role model freaked him out. The cicada sound of a Grindr alert made his phone glow and he looked at it, hopeful that by the grace of God, it'd be Ben.

The message was from a young man, two hundred feet away. The message read: "PLEASE Mr. Parker?"

###

So what do think? Be the first to comment!

As a part of our commitment to upholding a high standard of transparency, we wanted to let you know that ChicagoPride.com uses cookies to improve your user experience. We've updated our cookie policy to reflect changes in website tracking laws. By continuing, you agree to our terms and provide your consent to our use of cookies.
GOT IT!