This story, as the title indicates, takes up where the previous story, Bryce and Damon in Europe, leaves off. It is the fourth in the Bryce series. 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 of Bryce, Bryce: the Second Semester, and Bryce and Damon in Europe, then here are a few comments about the main characters from the first semester to ease the pain. A few characters are also introduced from my short stories, “Roland Finds a Friend” and “Roland Visits the University.” Other characters may be introduced as whim takes the author.
James Bryce Winslow, age 19, is a rising sophomore 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. In Bryce: the Second Semester we learned more about Bryce as he engaged in relations with his classes, his boyfriend, and his peers. In the third volume in the series, Bryce and Damon in Europe, the two spent seven weeks traveling in western Europe, during which Bryce shared many of his previous experiences with his boyfriend.
Damon Antwon Watson, four and a half months older than Bryce, is also a rising sophomore 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. Damon brought himself to accept Bryce’s financial assistance, and so joined the prestigious Sigma Alpha Tau fraternity, which has given him a sense of accomplishment. Even more, the trip to Europe opened new worlds to Damon, likewise giving him something which could serve as a source of pride.
Most of the individuals mentioned in this story are products of my imagination. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
These stories have as their main character two sexually active gay college students. 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.