Since I've stopped studying, I've been working at an elementary school as a janitor. It's hopefully not my end station career-wise, but the work is simple and the kids are nice. It's fine until I figure out what I want to do. I'm on my way to the classroom of the third grade, where Marc is the teacher. A colleague said he needed me for something.
The classroom is cheerfully decorated with artworks by the children. In the corner are a few dioramas and on the desk is a half-done paper crown for a birthday. The maker of the crown sits at the desk: Marc.
When I enter the classroom, he looks ups surprised, but starts grinning instantly. He probably learned that to make shy kids feel welcome. His dark curls bounce from the sudden movement and his brown eyes look soft. For a nanosecond I see them glancing at my lower body.
'Ah there you are.'
'Yes, Janice asked me to come see you.'
'Very good. It's about the activity week in October. Take a seat.'
I sit on one of the little chairs near his desk. During our talk, I realize how handsome Marc is. He has a gleeful, handsome face with a broad jawline. His big body must be great to curl up to on a cold day. He talks enthusiastically. I see his chest moving up and down under his checked shirt. Some chest hairs peaks through the open collar. His Adam's apple goes up and down and a five a clock shadow fades to pale but hydrated skin.
'Eh... what are you looking at?'
I'm caught. I've been staring too long at his Adam's apple and his soft skin. I have no response.
'Are you gay, by the way?', Marc asks with a joyous tone as if he asks me about my favorite movie.
'Yeah..', I say with some hesitation.
'Me too. Cool!'
Cool in what way? It's a typical response from someone who uses empty phrases so they can talk with everybody. I'm just going to ask him:
'Cool how, Marc?'
'You know. I don't know that many. It's nice to meet someone with the same interests.'
'The same interests? You mean Cher, white wine and sucking dick?'
Marc giggles. He really is giggling. He puts his hand in front of his mouth. Great hands.
'You know what I mean.'
'I don't really, Marc. All the gays I know have different interests. Do you have any gay friends? Have you ever had a boyfriend?'
'Not really. I've been on a couple of dating sites but nothing came out of that. We had a nice time but those guys never wanted to get serious.'
'But what do you do when you're in the mood? You're not on Grindr?'
'That's not for me.'