Bryce

The Second Semester

Chapter 20

            Tuesday, February 9, began with the usual workout in the fitness center and conversation with Curtis Manning.  Curtis looked a little more worried than he had since the semester began.

            “Okay,” Bryce finally demanded, “what’s on your mind.  That’s the third time you’ve flubbed up.  Are you having problems with Maddy?”

            “No.  No,” Curtis assured him.  “Maddy is being wonderful.  No problems, and the plans for the wedding in June are going along just fine.  My mom seems to be in charge of that, and I’m glad to let her do things the way she wants, as long as Maddy is also pleased.”

            “What, then?”

            “The fraternity.”

            “What about the fraternity?  I know everyone is busy working on that bastard party on Friday, but why should that cause you concern?” Bryce asked.

            “You know I kind of want to be president next year,” Curtis began.

            “Kind of?” Bryce teased him.

            “Okay, I really want it.  And everything seemed to be going along fine, with support from some crucial people, and generally good relations with all but a handful of the brothers.  But lately I’ve been getting reports of dissatisfaction,” Curtis admitted.

            “Dissatisfaction?  With what?  Seems to me, even with your obsession with Maddy, you’re carrying out all your responsibilities as well as anyone could want,” Bryce encouraged him.

            “Um, yeah, that’s one thing.  Some guys are saying I’m neglecting the fraternity because of my ‘obsession’ as you called it, with Maddy and the June wedding,” Curtis said.

            “That’s nonsense!  I can’t think of a single thing that has not been done perfectly, as far as your responsibilities are concerned,” Bryce loyally protested.

            “Well, you know how some people are.  If they’ve decided they just don’t want me, they’ll find an excuse,” Curtis conceded with a sigh.

            “You said Maddy was one thing.  What else?” Bryce asked.

            “Oh, just not liking the way I do things, I guess,” Curtis vaguely replied.

            Bryce had the impression Curtis was not being completely honest with him, but he decided it was not a good idea to press his friend to closely.  They completed their workout with the hot tub and sauna as usual.  As they went their separate ways, Bryce said, “If there’s anything I can do to help, you know, with the fraternity and all, just ask.  I owe you big time, Friend.”

            Bryce was working on his paper for his Psychology class, his account of Damon’s rising above his environment, incorporating the information about the sleeping arrangements Damon had mentioned the previous day, and was keeping up with the lectures and readings, so he was not worried about that class at all.  It went by without a second’s concern, allowing him to ponder what Curtis had told him.  More and more, he was convinced that there was something else bothering Curtis at the fraternity, something he did not feel comfortable sharing with Bryce.  Consequently, after his class, he walked over to the Sigma Alpha Tau house on the western fringe of campus.  There, as he hoped, he encountered his former mentor from last semester when he was a pledge, Keith Hamilton.  He asked Keith whether he knew why there was dissatisfaction with Curtis.

            “It’s not very wide-spread,” Keith answered.  “I don’t think Curtis will have any real trouble being elected president in April.”

            “Yeah, but what’s behind it?  I thought Curtis was a shoo-in.  Now there’s opposition.  I don’t understand,” Bryce insisted.

            Keith studied his former pledge for a moment, then decided he could take it.  “It’s you.”

            “Me!  What have I done?” a very surprised Bryce asked.

            “Well, not you, exactly.  Curtis has been very supportive of you and Damon, and spoken out for you at meetings.  I mean last semester, when you two were pledges.  Of course, a few others did, too, like DuBois.  But DuBois is not running for president.  Then there was the incident at the beginning of this semester.  You know, the demonstration and all.”

            “But the brothers voted overwhelmingly to support the GLBT on that,” Bryce protested.  “I don’t remember the numbers any more, but it was really lopsided, with only a handful of brothers voting ‘no’ on supporting the GLBT.”

            “True enough, but you remember we made the argument it was a vote for free speech and the right to demonstrate.  Since then, a few brothers have been harping on the theme that we went too far in supporting a radical gay agenda and are alienating our alumni.  Those radicals keep coming back to color the discussions,” Keith pointed out.

            “But we weren’t supporting the radicals, we were supporting the GLBT,” Bryce protested.

            “You know that, and I know that, but the argument is that we have gone too far in being identified with what they are calling the gay agenda, and they are saying Curtis is part of that, so someone else who is more mainstream should be president next year,” Keith drew the circle closed.

            “Who?  Who’s behind this?” Bryce demanded.

            “As far as I can tell, it’s Harry Dwyer and his group.  I think Harry has ambitions to be president himself,” Keith responded.

            “That’s stupid!  Harry is a Neanderthal.  He would set the fraternity back fifty years,” Bryce protested.

            “He’s gaining some support.  Identifying the few radicals who had sex in public with the whole gay community, then identifying Curtis with support for what he calls the gay agenda, he’s making people uneasy.  I don’t think he’ll succeed, but I wouldn’t dismiss him as insignificant.  Maybe it’s not really Harry.  Maybe he’s just the front man.  I don’t think much of his intelligence either, but someone is coming up with arguments that resonate with some of the brothers,” Keith warned.

            Bryce was very disturbed by this.  He would hate to think that supporting him and Damon would cost his friend the fraternity presidency he so blatantly wanted.  Damn those radicals!  They not only almost cost a bunch of innocent associates their college education, but now looked like costing Curtis the fraternity presidency.  Bryce was not in a positive mood as he made his way to the University Center to meet Damon for lunch.

            He explained what he had learned that morning to Damon, who suggested that they go to Rebecca Ruth Hall instead of the usual venues for lunch.  He told Bryce that he needed a couple of Bourbon balls to calm down.  There, they not only had lunch with Caroline Koehler, and got their Bourbon balls, but Bryce also used the opportunity to ask her what people she knew were saying about the support given the moderate protesters earlier in the semester.

            “I don’t hear an awful lot,” Caroline disingenuously replied.  “Mostly I mind my own business, and the people I’m around are musicians or folks here in the big kitchen.”

            “Big kitchen?” Bryce questioned.

            “That’s what we call the Culinary Science facilities,” Caroline explained with a grin.  “Most of those folks aren’t interested in demonstrating and campus politics.”

            Bryce started to protest that the issues involved were not just a matter of campus politics, but before he could formulate his objections, Caroline plunged on.

            “The few times I have heard any comments, they’re mostly along the line of the radicals deserve what they got, but the rest did not deserve to be suspended, and it was good that the various student organizations pressured the Administration into backing down.”  She chuckled.  “We don’t have any more respect for the placemen in Dinkelmore Hall than you do.”

            It took Bryce a moment to realize that Dinkelmore Hall was the official name for what everyone else called simply the Administration Building.  It had been named for a past president of the University, Harvey E. Dinkelmore.  At least, he could take some solace from the report that most of the students Caroline knew approved of the position he, the GLBT, and SAT had taken.

            Bryce and Caroline departed for their karate class, while Damon went off to the library to work on his own class assignments.  While he was there, he encountered Mike Sandoval, and spent a few minutes griping about the troublesome minority in SAT who were creating problems for Curtis.

            “I’ve encountered Harry Dwyer before,” Mike said.  “I don’t think he’s smart enough to sustain a whispering campaign like this by himself.  Find out who’s behind him, and then maybe you can block this.  In the meanwhile, I’d let Curtis and everyone else know how much you appreciate his support last semester.”

            “Good thinking,” Damon responded, determining to share that advice with Bryce as soon as possible.  As a result, he was waiting when Bryce and Caroline came out of their karate class at 3:30.  He interrupted the assessment of the class they were holding to pass on Mike’s advice to Bryce before having to head for the pool and his own swimming class.

            “You know, that makes good sense,” Bryce agreed.

            “Of course.  It’s perfectly obvious.  Now go do something about it.  I have a rehearsal,” Caroline said, as she headed in the direction of the School of Music.

            After stopping by the dorm to change out of his karate clothing, Bryce headed over to the Sigma Alpha Tau house.  He encountered the fraternity president, Tom Blankenship.

            “Tom, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you in private,” Bryce said.

            “Okay.  Let’s go to the office,” Tom replied, leading Bryce to a small room in an out-of-the-way section of the house which served as the fraternity office.  There were bookcases filled with past yearbooks and minutes, and a few trophies which, for one reason or another, were not on display in a more public setting.  There was a closet, but Bryce had no idea what it might contain.  And there was a desk, with a computer and other office equipment which might be of use to the officers.  As space was limited, Tom sat at the desk, while Bryce took a seat on the only other chair in the small room.  “What’s on your mind?” Tom asked.

            “I’ve been hearing rumors that there’s a kind of quiet campaign to prevent Curtis from being elected president for next year,” Bryce began.

            Tom sat quietly for a couple of minutes.  “Anyone can run for president, or any other office,” he finally stated.

            “But I’ve also heard that I’m partly responsible for any dissatisfaction the brothers may have with Curtis, so I feel personally involved in this,” Bryce elucidated.

            Tom asked, “What do you mean when you say you may be partly responsible for the situation?”

            “You know, Tom.  I’m gay.  I got my partner, Damon, to also pledge last semester.  Curtis gave us a lot of support in his capacity as Pledge Master.  Then, at the beginning of this semester, there was the incident of the gay demonstration, then the GLBT’s request for support for the students who got suspended.  I’m an officer of the GLBT Club.  Curtis also supported that request at the meeting where we voted on it.  What I’m hearing is some brothers are saying Curtis is either part of some gay agenda, or else the dupe of those who are,” Bryce summarized the situation.

            Again, Tom took his time before replying.  “Yes, I think you’re right, at least to some extent.  I’ve heard rumblings along those lines as well.  I don’t think most of the brothers pay any attention to them, but some do.  Let’s face it, there have always been members who are ... let’s be kind and say social conservatives.”

            “No, let’s not.  Let’s say bigots,” Bryce returned.  “There is a distinction.”

            “As you say,” Tom agreed with a smile.  “If you want to counter this effort, I suggest two things.  First, organize some support for Curtis.  Second, keep an eye on Cory Blaine.”

            “Cory Blaine?  I almost never notice him.  He’s one of the quietest members of the fraternity.  What’s he got to do with all this?” Bryce asked.

            “Cory is a lot smarter than Harry Dwyer.  Cory also has a gay uncle on the faculty, and is very embarrassed about that.  I’ve known since we were pledges together, but Cory tries to keep it quiet.  I suspect it’s his reaction to his uncle which fuels Cory’s backing for Harry, and his obsession with the gay agenda,” Tom explained.

            “But there’s no gay agenda.  Not as far as I know, anyway,” Bryce objected.

            “That’s essentially irrelevant.  Cory thinks there is.  I’ve heard him on this topic more than once.  Keep any eye on him.  One final thing.  I want to see Curtis succeed me.  I’ll do what I can without breaking the fraternity by-laws.  Under those by-laws, I’m supposed to chair the election committee, and be neutral in any contest.  But I can still talk to some guys.”

            “Thanks, Tom.  I think I have a better handle on this situation than I did.  I’m going to do all I can to help Curtis, even if it means resigning from the fraternity,” Bryce proclaimed.

            “Don’t do that.  It won’t help Curtis, and it will give the bigots encouragement,” Tom pled.

            They shook hands as Bryce departed.  He wanted to do something right away to support Curtis.  As he pondered what that might be, in the large assembly hall, now functioning as a lounge, he encountered Jack Datillo, his fellow student in Dr. Dickinson’s History class, and Jack’s pledge last semester, Matt Bostick.  Speaking with them casually, he was pleased to hear Matt state that he very much appreciated the help Curtis gave him last semester when he was a pledge.  That gave Bryce an idea.

            “Would you be willing to sign on to a citation thanking Curtis.  I’m thinking of doing something at the meeting this evening,” Bryce asked.

            “Kind of short notice, isn’t it?” Jack asked.

            “Yeah, but I just learned some things which make it appropriate, specifically, some criticism of Curtis,” Bryce said.

            “Sure.  Curtis helped me a lot.  He and my mentor, Jack here, made it possible for me to get through the pledge process.  I’ll be glad to sign on to something supporting him,” Matt declared.

            Bryce ducked into the library, where there was a computer any member could use, and quickly typed out a simple statement stating that the undersigned pledges of the fall semester 2009 wanted to thank Pledge Master Curtis Manning for his dedicated service and unfailing help in shepherding them through the pledge process.  He signed, and Matt signed right away.  Then Bryce began looking for others in their pledge class.  He gathered signatures from Beau Lyle, Tony Barker, and a half-dozen others by the time Damon showed up to add his signature.  Bryce worked assiduously at collecting support, even sending Damon off to get some carry-out at dinner time so he could remain at the house to accost additional brothers as they appeared.  By the time the regular Tuesday business meeting began at 7:30, Bryce had obtained the signatures of every pledge from last semester’s class except one who was in the hospital with a broken leg.  Damon grabbed the paper and set off running, calling to Bryce to make certain nothing was said until he got back.

            Tom Blankenship opened the meeting in the usual manner, and things proceeded apace, with the reading of the minutes of the last meeting, committee reports, etc.  From time to time, Bryce would ask questions which made some of the others wonder, as they seemed entirely unnecessary.  He was, in fact, simply delaying the proceedings, hoping Damon returned with the citation before the meeting ended.  They were into New Business, discussing an additional aspect of the up-coming party, when Damon gained entrance to the room puffing like a steam engine.  With a grin, he handed the paper to Bryce.  A glance told Bryce that Damon had run all the way to the hospital and got the signature of the last former pledge!

            When the last item concerning the party had been settled, Tom asked whether there were any other items of New Business to be brought before the brothers.

            Bryce rose and addressed the chair.  “Mr. President, I have an item which I would like to present at this time.”

            “State your business,” Tom directed him.

            Bryce moved to the front of the room, paper in hand.  “I have here a statement from those of us who were pledges last semester.  It is quite simple, really.”  He then read the lead statement, complimenting Curtis.  “Mr. President, we simply wish to thank Curtis for all he did to help us as we made our way into the ranks of brothers.  I should mention that every one of last semester’s pledges have signed this statement.  I move that it be included in the official minutes of this meeting.”

            “Second!” Beau Lyle called.

            “It has been moved and seconded that the statement of appreciation presented by the former pledges be included in the minutes,” Tom recited.  “Any discussion?”

            “Yes,” Harry Dwyer said.  “I don’t see the need for this.  Why clutter up the minutes with things like this.  We might just as well insert a citation thanking Bob Balducci for not screwing up our checking account, or Terry Hoffman for getting the minutes correct.”

            “Or me for presiding at the meetings.  Come to think of it, I wouldn’t mind that at all,” Tom said.

            This was greeted by laughter.

            Harry started to say something more, but Cory Blaine pulled him aside and whispered something. Harry sat down.  Bryce observed this with great interest.

            A vote was taken on the motion, which passed with no dissenting votes, but not unanimously, as several brothers chose to abstain.  Bryce also noted who those brothers were.

            Shortly after, the meeting broke up.  As the brothers were milling about, Curtis came up to Bryce.  “I see your devious hand in this,” he accused his friend.

            Bryce held up first his right hand, then his left.  “Which one is the devious one?” he asked.

            “Oh, left, undoubtedly,” Curtis said.  “Don’t I remember you holding forth last semester about the meaning of ‘left’ in several languages?”

            “Holding forth?  Well, really!” Bryce pretended to be insulted.

            “What’s that about the meaning of left?” Bob Balducci asked.

            “Oh, don’t encourage him,” Curtis moaned.

            But Bryce rose to the bait.  “In Latin the word for left is sinister, and in French the word is gauche,” he informed the assembly.

            “And what are the words for right?” Bob persisted.

            “In Latin, right is dexter, as in dexterous, and in French it’s droit, as in adroit,” Bryce reported.

            Curtis moaned louder.  Damon grabbed Bryce’s arm.  “Come on.  Let’s adjourn to Pat’s before you alienate the entire fraternity with your erudition.”

            Matt Bostick, who happened to be left-handed, said, “Yeah, I agree with that.  I’ll come along only on condition that there are no more slanders on us southpaws.”

            Things went smoothly that evening and the next day.  That Wednesday, February 10, was the next regularly scheduled GLBT Club meeting.  Bryce decided he had to make a statement there as well.  Besides, he had to attend as the secretary.  There was no program, but simply a business meeting.

            As he approached the room in the University Center where the meeting was to be held, he encountered Josh Young, who looked uncertain that he should be there.  Bryce immediately went up to him and said, “Hey, Josh.  Glad to see you here.”

            “I thought about what you said.  About burning my bridges, you know.  So I decided to give it a try,” Josh said.

            “Great.  Like I said before, we need all the support we can get.  There’s something I need to bring up later, which I hope you can support,” Bryce informed him.  But President Woodson called the meeting to order before Bryce could explain any further.

            Once again, Bryce waited for New Business on the agenda before speaking.  There was enough to hold his attention as secretary prior to that anyway.  When Felicity Gaines saw that Josh Young had returned, and confirmed with Paul Freiling, the treasurer, that he had paid dues, she volunteered to step down as vice-president and allow Josh to resume his former office.  That led to extended discussion about elections, resignations, and the like.  In the end, Josh refused to accept Felicity’s offer, but was clearly moved by it.  He promised to stick with the Club, but simply as a member.  He also took the opportunity to inform the other members that it was his conversation with Bryce which moved him to return.

            When it came time for New Business, and one or two items related to the joint meeting with the Biology honors society had been dealt with, Bryce asked for the floor.  He informed those present that there seemed to be some misunderstanding about just what the GLBT Club had done with respect to the demonstrations on January 11.  He recounted the problems his friend Curtis Manning was having in SAT.

            “Now, we all know there is no universal gay conspiracy, no gay agenda.  We also know Curtis is no dupe or puppet of the GLBT Club.  But he’s a friend.  A friend not only of Damon and myself, but a friend of gays, simply because he’s what we want everyone to be, accepting and non-judgmental.  If he loses out to some Neanderthal like Harry Dwyer, it will represent a loss not only to him personally, not only to Sigma Alpha Tau, and not even only to the GLBT community at the University of Clifton, but to the entire University.  So, I’m asking the Club to post a statement on our web site clarifying just what we did last month.  I would like it to state that we did not sponsor the demonstrations, and we do not approve of the socially unacceptable conduct of a few, but we do support the rights of all students to free speech and to the constitutional right to assemble and to petition for the redress of grievances.  Then, I would like the statement to say that those student organizations which agreed with us, and were posted on our web site, endorsed only that support for basic rights, not any far-reaching agenda of the GLBT Club.”

            Damon immediately moved to adopt the recommendation Bryce had made, as Bryce went back to recording the minutes.  Scott Huong seconded the motion.  There was some discussion, clarifying the Club’s position.  After the positive vote, President Woodson, with a gleam in his eye, asked Secretary Winslow to draw up the wording to be posted on Club’s page.  “Or,” he added, “we might use the statement I suspect Bryce has already written.”

            Bryce turned red, but the others laughed.  Bryce turned over his prepared statement to Gary Woodson, who read it out to the members.  Everyone agreed that it stated the Club’s position accurately and succinctly, and so it was the statement which would be posted before the day was done.