Bryce

The Second Semester

            This story, as the title indicates, picks up where my previous series called simply Bryce leaves off.  Therefore, anyone who has not read that series will be terribly confused when beginning this one.  If you’re in this category, and still wish to plow on without going back to read all 47 chapters of Bryce, then here are a few comments about the main characters from the first semester to ease the pain.  Other characters may be introduced as whim takes the author.

James Bryce Winslow, age 18, is a freshman History major at the University of Clifton, a state supported institution located somewhere in the Ohio valley.  He comes from Lincoln, Nebraska, from a well-to-do Catholic family.  The story Bryce was concerned primarily about Bryce’s recognition of his homosexuality, and his attempt to reconcile that with his faith.  By the end of the fall term, he had arrived at a workable solution, and been accepted by most of his family.

Damon Antwon Watson, four and a half months older than Bryce, is also a freshman student, a Political Science major from the slums of Chicago.  He is black, with a poor educational background but considerable native ability.  His family situation is impossible.  He has no religious affiliation.  Damon’s common sense often brings Bryce back to reality when he gets too theoretical or abstracted.  They have become boyfriends.

Dr. John Alcott Dickinson, Professor of History, is Bryce’s academic advisor.  His special interest is Early Modern British History, an interest shared by Bryce, who came to Clifton in large part to study under Dr. Dickinson.  The Professor has an acquired British accent and some eccentric mannerisms, but is essentially accepting and supportive.  He is also the faculty advisor to Sigma Alpha Tau fraternity.

Caroline Koehler is a music major, very intense and very dedicated, who happened to be taking the same class in karate as Bryce during the fall, and became something of a mentor and sounding board.  She says she does not have time for social activities, but dates Bryce on occasion for fraternity and musical activities.  As a Culinary Science minor, she also provides a few special treats of gastronomic interest.

Curtis Manning, age 20, is the Pledge Master of the fraternity both Bryce and Damon joined during the fall semester, called Sigma Alpha Tau or SAT.  He is straight, and now engaged to Maddy Moore.  He works out with Bryce in the gym most mornings.  Curtis is accepting of Bryce and Damon, and is largely responsible for their successful navigation of the uncertain waters of pledging.  He is a Civil Engineering major from Ohio.

Madeline Moore - a junior English major, fiancée of Curtis Manning.  She became interested in Bryce because of an imagined similarity to her gay brother, who killed himself when he was rejected by their parents.  She has not contacted her parents since that event last summer.  She and Curtis became engaged over the Thanksgiving break.

Mike Sandoval - legally Juan Miguel - completely acculturated and completely positive about his Hispanic heritage, a native of Clifton, Mike is a junior English major.  He is also both gay and Catholic, at ease with his identity but less cerebral about it than Bryce.  He has the loving support of his family.

David Simpson - a sophomore Chemistry major, gay, from a fundamentalist Protestant background, has become the boyfriend of Mike Sandoval.

This story is fiction.  The city of Clifton, and the University of Clifton, exist only in my imagination.  Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.  These stories have as their main character a sexually active gay college student.  If this is offensive to you, or if it is illegal in your area, or if you are under age, please leave now.

This story involves a search for personal acceptance, worth, and meaning.  There is a religious element in these stories.  If you don’t like that, maybe that is another reason to leave now.

My stories develop slowly.  If you’re in a hurry, this is probably not for you.

Thanks to Colin for editing.

Constructive comments are welcome on my e-mail at pertinax.carrus@gmail.com.

And please check out www.midnightdude.com.