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“Hi, it's me!“
”Hello, Frank.“
”What does the weatherman say for the next few days?“
”Pretty nice. You can easily come to me by bike. You can start cycling first thing tomorrow morning. My mom has already planned on you for lunch.”
“What are you doing to me? I have to see if the chain on my bike has rusted through since I got my driver's license.“
”You still have time to fix it tonight.“
”Funny. I still have to take a few things to study with you anyway. Tonight I still have to see what else is floating around that's not that important to study.”
“OK. What time will you be there tomorrow?“
”What's the best way to get here from here?“ ‘OK. If I leave here around ten, I'll be at your place by eleven, provided I don't get lost.’
”You're calculating an hour for the trip? Do you want to take a half-hour break on the way?“
”No, but I have a backpack full of books with me.”
“Don't overdo it with the studying. It's no use cramming everything into your brain if you mess it all up.“
”Well, let's see how much I can come to you with.“
”Not much! I promise! So I'll see you tomorrow then. Sleep well. Get lots of strength, you'll need it tomorrow.”
“Röchel. OK. Sweet dreams. See you tomorrow."
Unpack the suitcase, pack the backpack full. To be on the safe side, pack the sleeping bag too. Choose what to take with you to study. Check the bike. That took care of the rest of the evening.
Chapter
10
The next morning, thanks to my alarm clock, I actually managed to leave more or less on time. At a quarter to eleven, I had made the journey and rode onto the stud farm. Man oh man! This is a real old mansion. I would love to live here for a while. But I would do it for just one night. I didn't even need to ring the bell because Manuel came to meet me.
“Hi Frank. You're really packed to the rafters.“
”Did you think I was talking nonsense? Hello Manuel.“
I almost hugged him. Man! He looks even cuter than I remember him.
”Come on in. Throw your backpack on the stairs. Hi Mom, this is Frank. Frank this is my mom.”
“Hello Frank, call me Christine.“
”OK. Hello!“
The chase continued through the house.
”Dad, this is Frank. Frank my Dad."
A briefly murmured ‘hello’ came from behind the newspaper.
We retreated upstairs for the time being. Here he showed me the guest room where I would be sleeping. Cool. It was obvious that young guests often slept in it. After I had stowed my backpack in a corner, we went to Manuel's room. Chaos! That's just the best way to describe it.
“Sorry, it looks a bit chaotic in my room. I didn't clean up just for you. I want you to know who you're getting involved with.“
Do I hear something? Oh well. I'm just over-interpreting again.
”Don't worry, I'm only organized in the dictionary too.”
“That's a relief. Shall I show you the stables until lunch?“
”Sure, I'd like that.“
”Well, let's go. Whoever gets to the front door first."
And off he went. Somehow he seemed years younger today. Almost as if it were because of me. Oh, forget it. Dream on. Of course he was much faster because of my dreaming.
“Where are you?“
”Take it easy. An old man is not a train!“
”Don't exaggerate!”
By noon, we had gone through the whole farm once. There were enough horses for one day. Lunch was really good. After eating, we set off with the bikes from the field, or rather onto the field. What Manuel described as an easy bike route, I didn't even recognize as a path. After a while, we came to a small lake.
“It's a great place to swim. Do you fancy it?“
”I fancy it, but I didn't bring my swimming trunks.“
”What's the point of that? Have you never heard of nudism? I've got towels in my backpack. So get rid of your clothes.”
Well, there was nothing else for it. Somehow the whole thing seems a bit too planned to me. Could it be that someone is curious to see what I look like in the Adam costume, or am I imagining it again? Clothes off and into the water. Brr. That was pretty fresh. The advantage of this was that my best piece couldn't get any funny ideas. After a little splashing around, we got out of the water and dried ourselves. Then we lay in the sun for a while. It was just wonderful. Soaking up the sun with a cute young man next to me. Slowly it got shady and cold at our resting place. Back into our clothes and on we went. Manuel wanted to show me another beautiful place before we made our way back to his home. After half an hour and a few meters of altitude, we finally reached our destination. I was breathing like a bellows. Zero stamina.
“We'll have to do this more often before you get really fit!”
"Mercy!”
“Better look at the view, so you can at least see that the drudgery is worth it.“
We were on a hill from which you could see the whole area wonderfully. The only tree nearby was a huge oak.
”Couples in love always sit under it. I want to sit there with my boyfriend and watch the sun go down.”
Damn it. His eyes almost plead with me to suggest that we sit down. Why can't I get my mouth to open? I want to do it too! Damn, this is taking too long.
“I just wanted to show you. So now we're going home again.” Somehow it sounded cold and disappointed. No wonder!
We hardly spoke for the rest of the journey. Even when we got back to his place, he was very quiet. It only got better after dinner.
I felt extremely bad the whole time. I could hardly look at Manuel. Damn it! Why am I so cowardly? I think he's totally cute. It's wonderful talking to him, laughing and just having fun. Damn it.
After dinner, we went to his place to play a bit of Playstation. But the unusual sport had left me quite exhausted. Manuel also wanted to be alone, so I quickly went to the guest room next door to sleep.
Somehow I couldn't. I just couldn't get rid of Manuel's sad, disappointed eyes. Every time I closed my eyes, they were there again, looking at me. Somehow I managed to fall asleep after all.
But apart from a few nightmares, I didn't get anything. Of course I looked pretty exhausted the next morning.
At breakfast, I realized that Manuel didn't look any better either. Apparently he hadn't had a good night either. I'm an idiot, I must have ruined his whole weekend. I could kick myself for flying off to the moon. I felt like crying. His mother looked at me a bit strangely, but didn't say anything. She probably also noticed that we were both in an extremely bad mood. I then left very quickly after breakfast.
When I got home, I grabbed the phone, locked myself in my room and called Daniel. I just didn't know how to help myself anymore. Daniel was great again, he talked me out of it all. I shouldn't be worrying about a relationship before my exams. I should concentrate on studying first, etc. I think that would have annoyed me with almost anyone else, but when Daniel said it, it helped. It's strange how you can trust some people.
The rest of the day and the next week, I buried myself in my books so as not to have to think about Manuel. Every time we had a meal or did something together, it came up again. Every time, I saw Manuel's sad eyes again and could have burst into tears again.
Nothing much of significance happened that week, except that I came in second in the simulated exam on Saturday. That was very good, because I was also able to use it for job applications.
That's what I had done in the last two weeks: looking for ads, writing applications and getting the documents ready. On Monday, I posted 10 applications, all for jobs in the city.
With each day of the following week, the reunion with Manuel drew nearer. Hopefully Michael's friend is back on his feet, I couldn't stand another night next to him. On Wednesday I called Daniel about staying over. Only his mother was there, but she agreed right away.
“Oh yes, Frank, don't take the thing with Manuel too much to heart. Sometimes it takes a while to get together. Maybe it will work out between you two someday. How are the applications coming?"
So Daniel talked to his mom about it. Well, it wasn't meant that way. But what the heck. At least it's in the right hands. But why does she know about the applications now?
Right, I mentioned it at the beginning of the conversation to clarify again whether I could really come by Altmann's.
“Not great. Of the 10 sent, I got three rejections today.”
"Cheer up. There are still seven in circulation. Well, I have to go to work. You'll have to take care of yourselves on your own this weekend, I have an early shift.”
“That's OK. Don't you ever have weekends off?“
”I could take weekends off, but that's when most of the cases that need psychological support come in. Especially on Fridays and Saturdays.“
”Yes, that's right. The weekend grind, just like me.“
”Exactly! Take it with humor. Most of the time it's not as bad as you first think.”
“OK. I'll try. Have a nice day!“
”You too. Ciao Frank.“
”Ciao."
On Thursday another rejection came, on Friday two. A great week. At least one of the Friday rejections came with a letter that didn't sound totally negative. It was along the lines of, ”We're sorry, we only hire after passing an exam or apprentice. However, they would be pleased to receive another application from me after I have passed the final exam, with my preliminary exam results. That was at least some kind of explanation. Apparently, the situation is similar at the other banks. Well, four applications are still pending. Nevertheless, my mood was at rock bottom. One more night of sleep and then I'll have to look into those sad eyes again.
Chapter
11
You couldn't really call the following night's sleep. I would rather call it tossing and turning. I looked like a walking corpse again in the morning. Nightmares about unemployment and Manuel had taken turns.
When I arrived at Daniel's late in the afternoon, he got a fright at first.
"Hi Frank. You look terrible! Blow like a wall.”
“Hello Daniel. I just feel a bit overwhelmed at the moment. No sooner do I see land on the horizon than the next hurdle comes along.“
”I know what you mean. But I guess it's the same for everyone. When it comes, it always comes all at once.“
”But you can also overdo it. I've had six rejections so far.”
“Come on, Frank. When you're up to your neck in water, you can't let your head hang! That's what my mom always says. There's some truth to that.“
”That's true. But it's really starting to get to me.“
”It's hard not to see that. It's a good thing we can't go out tonight. We have to take care of Mel and Isabelle today.“
”We won't be able to go to the meeting place then.”
“Of course. The two of them can stay up until we get back.“
”OK. When are we leaving?“
”Now then. Manuel and you are getting a crash course in bar work today. Expect the worst from Manuel today. You're not together, but somehow it's the same as a while back when Sascha and I had a falling out.“
”Do you want to tell me?”
“Not really, but somehow I have to build you up. You can't be seen with you anywhere anymore. That was absolutely stupid again. We had gotten into each other's hair over some little thing. One thing led to another. I threw it at him. He upped the ante. I put one on top. At some point we gave each other back the rings we had bought for each other."
He pointed to the fine silver ring he had on his right ring finger.
“The next evening with our group, I felt sorry for it all again, but I didn't want to give in. Same with Sascha. Then I got fed up with it all and, just for the hell of it, started flirting with one of the new guys. It went on like that for most of the evening. Sascha almost cried. I'd got the power over him into my head. Fortunately, Michael saw the whole thing. He took us both to task individually afterwards and then sat us down at a table together. After half an hour we were together again, exchanging rings once more. Since then, there have never been any more problems between us. If one of us doesn't like something, we talk about it very quickly so that it doesn't build up anymore.“
”What does that have to do with Manuel and me? We've never been together.”
“But almost. The way I see it, you both wanted to get together. But when he asked for a sign from you, you didn't give it to him. He's disappointed about that. In any case, expect some actions today that are intended to hurt you. Please don't try it too. Manuel will calm down too.”
“Thanks for the heads up. Now I regret that we're supposed to be a team.“
”Why? Just go with it. By the way, Manuel can definitely sleep with Michael. I've already cleared that up.“
”OK! Thanks!”
Daniel was right. The evening was awful. While Sascha and Daniel were explaining to us what was where in the bar and how a Bloody Mary is mixed, Manuel flirted with one of the other group members, who was tinkering with the decoration like crazy. He kept looking at me. Exactly as if he wanted to show me: Look here, you're too cowardly, so I'll just find someone else. I was on the verge of going crazy. I think it was only Daniel's admonishing look that stopped me from giving Manuel a piece of my mind.
Shortly after 10 p.m., Daniel and I were already gone. At home, we took, or rather, forced the two girls to bed. We went to bed shortly after, after I had worked off some steam playing Tekken.
“Daniel, you should apply to be a prophet!“
”Thanks. Not interested. Especially not if I have to make bad predictions. But I believe that from now on, things can only get better for you. I just can't imagine it getting any worse.”
“Thanks. I don't believe it anymore. A few weeks ago, I started to feel good. Now I'm extremely down. Everything I touch goes wrong at the moment. I just hope that you two won't be out as a bar team next week.”
“I don't think so either. But it could happen that the four of us have to work behind the bar. Another youth group and the mayor have announced their attendance. There will definitely be a lot of press. It's a good thing that something like that is only published in the local section. Otherwise, you would probably both be out of the picture.“
”Well, that's a nice prospect. Well, good night then.”
“Sleep well too. Better dreams than lately.“
As if, the nightmares were getting worse. Now there was a grinning, slimy mayor who handed me all the job rejections, signed by hand, in front of the assembled group. I was more exhausted in the morning than in the evening when I went to bed.
”Good morning, Frank.”
“Good morning!“
”You've really got it bad. You called for Manuel last night.“
”I can't remember that. But I had a bad dream with the mayor. How do you think a personnel manager will react when he reads the newspaper with the five-year anniversary of the gay meeting with me behind the bar in the morning and then my application?”
Now it was time for Daniel to turn pale.
“Damn it! We didn't think of that at all. I'll check with Michael. If necessary, we'll just put him behind the bar. He already knows the ropes. But you see, nightmares are good for something. I would never have thought of that.”
Breakfast was rather silent. The two girls were a bit surprised to find us both in a bad mood. Apparently, my nightmare had also weighed heavily on Daniel. I then quickly made my way home. I won't mention the usual problems falling asleep anymore. This time it wasn't Manuel's sad eyes that prevented me from falling asleep, but his angry eyes.
Chapter
12
The next week started very well. Hard to believe after the last few weeks. The postman had a letter with him that didn't contain my documents. A renowned private bank asked me to contact them about an appointment for an interview with Mr. Marcus. I had little hope of reaching him before Monday evening, but I was wrong. After three rings, I had Mr. Marcus on the phone. In the following conversation, the appointment was scheduled for Thursday at 2:30 p.m. Mr. Marcus also pointed out to me that it would be good if I were planning to move closer to my workplace. I was able to take care of this point right away.
So I went back to the city center the next Thursday. I called Altmanns right away. Daniel was a little surprised to hear from me so quickly; he was already thinking the worst and was very relieved when he found out the reason for my call.
“Hey cool! You see, things are looking up again. I've got school for now. Now let's take a look at my mom's shift schedule. She's got the day off. You'll just have to have fun with my mom alone. But I don't think the two of you will eat each other up.“
”I don't think so either. Let's meet on Thursday after the interview?”
“Sure. School doesn't last that long.“
”OK. See you then. Please prepare your mom for an extremely nervous Frank.“
”Sure. But don't think anything of it, it can only get better. I guess you've had enough soul rain after all.“
”Your word in many ear canals. Ciao Daniel.“
”Ciao Frank and good luck and success on Thursday!”
“Thanks.” But this faded away unheard.
The next morning I went straight to my boss. As promised, it was no problem at all to get time off on Thursday.
This was approaching inexorably. My nervousness kept rising. I would have liked to talk to someone about it, but I didn't want to call Daniel again, Nicole was on a school trip and I had Manuel's number but not even his last name. When I visited Daniel, I thought about looking at the name tag on the door; when I visited Manuel, I was too stupid. Not to mention that I would have been way too proud to call Manuel.
As if the other banks knew that I had an interview, no further rejections came for the time being. On Thursday, I set off for Altmann's with my best clothes in my bag.
“Hello Ms. Altmann... uh... Maria. I'll have to get used to that.“
”Hello Frank, you'd better hurry up with that. The 'uh' always seems a bit strange.“
”Well, thank you. Hopefully something like that won't happen to me at 2:30 p.m. today.“
”Of course not. You'll be careful!”
And so it went on. Maria was really great. She managed to take away the worst of my nervousness. At some point we went to the bank. I arrived there on time and asked at the reception for Mr. Marcus. Two minutes later he picked me up. My eyes almost popped out of my head.
1. The guy was damn good-looking.
2. He was maybe 25 or 26 at the most.
“Hello Mr. Kaufmann. I'm Mr. Marcus.“
”Hello Mr. Marcus.“
”Is something wrong?“
”Yes... I had imagined a personnel manager to be older.“
Damn. That went well.
”Does it bother you?“
”No, not at all, but it does surprise me a little.”
“I'm responsible for the 'Technology' department in the HR department. Most applicants are around your age or a little older. So you can guess which part of your application made the biggest impression.“
The whole conversation took place while Mr. Marcus led me to his office.
”May I introduce Ms. Treter, if everything goes well, she will be your future boss.”
With that, I was introduced to the woman who had been waiting for us in the office. She looked maybe ten years older than Mr. Marcus.
“Hello Mrs. Treter.”
“Hello Mr. Kaufmann.”
"We already described the change of residence on the phone. Mrs. Treter, would you be so kind as to explain your area and the tasks to Mr. Kaufmann?”
“Of course. My department is responsible for all technology, from telephones and faxes to PCs and servers. Therefore, most of the technicians in this area have no banking training. However, there are more and more products that require banking training on the technical side as well. So we are currently looking for young bankers who have some knowledge of technology.”
The interview went better than I could have ever imagined. After Mr. Marcus had clarified all the legal stuff and the salary, he briefly discussed it with Ms. Treter. I could have the job. That was a bit too fast. I asked for some time to think about it until after the weekend.
“No problem at all. We expected that. If it should fail because of the move here, we would be very happy to help you with our real estate department.“
”I wish you a nice day and hope that you will choose us.“
”Goodbye, Ms. Treter.”
With that, the lady had disappeared. Apparently quite a temper, the way the door flew shut. Mr. Marcus seemed to have the same train of thought.
“That's why the office doors in the technology area are always open. Otherwise, the bearings would have to be replaced every few months.”
I just couldn't help but grin.
“I'll walk down with you. If I don't see you before, I wish you good luck with your final exam. I hope you do as well as the dress rehearsal.“
”Thank you. Have a nice day. Goodbye, Mr. Marcus.“
”Goodbye, Mr. Kaufmann.”
Phew. I haven't been this relieved in a long time. At the moment, I had no thoughts about Manuel and the bar action on Saturday. I walked out of the bank and was somehow damn glad to be out of there. Almost two hours. I had expected an hour.
"Hey Frank, wait for me. You can hardly be recognized like this. It's amazing how clothes can change a person.”
“Hi Daniel. Have you been waiting for me?“
”Of course. I came here right after school. There's a café right across from the bank entrance. I lay in wait there. I think the waiter was about to call the police because I was so hypnotized by the entrance. Judging by your radiant smile, it can't have gone badly.”
“I could have the job. I've asked for time to think about it until Monday. First of all, I have to survive at least one family council. My dad is not at all pleased that I'm slowly coming of age and want to move out. He apparently wants to keep me under his thumb.“
”He can't keep you under his thumb now!” Daniel grins at me.
“Well, let's see if I can get him round. If necessary, I'll have to bring in the big gun – 'gay' – then he'll throw me out anyway!”
“Don't exaggerate. Come on, I'm here by car. I'll take you to my place for a change."
At his place, we still had to clarify how Saturday should go. Then I immediately went home. That was the first night in a few weeks that I slept peacefully.
On Friday, my boss called me into the office first thing and congratulated me after I told him the result of the interview. I told my parents on Friday evening. My dad swallowed hard when he heard the condition about moving into the city, but didn't say anything. Not yet! That probably comes later.
I packed my best casual clothes right away on Friday evening. You want to look your best behind the bar. Somehow the newspaper incident came back to me. I could have kicked myself for the cooling-off period until Monday. How will Mr. Marcus react when he reads about the fifth birthday of the 'Treffpunkt' in the newspaper, sees my photo next to it and then receives my acceptance? That was the end of that night.
Chapter
13
On Saturday, not much happened, apart from the fact that my parents avoided me quite a bit. There was probably something going on. I was sure I could expect the war council on Sunday.
I set off at noon. I had forgotten to call Manuel, or rather, I hadn't called on purpose. I didn't want to see him at all anymore, I told myself. I tried not to think about Manuel at all. With the sense of achievement behind me, it was also somewhat easier.
When Daniel arrived, Sascha was already there. He left after a few minutes to pick up Manuel from the train station. So Manuel had arranged for another way of getting there. While Sascha and Manuel got a few bottles of hard liquor, Daniel and I bought a few more cases of beer, lemonade and Spezi. We arrived at the 'Treffpunkt' at around 5 p.m. I almost wouldn't have recognized it. Balloons were hanging everywhere and a large sound system had been set up in the corner. Daniel noticed my look and grinned.
"That's why we have to take Manuel and you through the training again. ‘Silent communication’ is the learning objective. We hadn't even thought about someone mimicking a DJ for us. But someone from the other youth club does it as a hobby. He asked us if he could play records here. Of course we gladly agreed. Yesterday he showed up to set up his small system. What would a large system look like? So it's almost more than just a hobby?“
”That's right. Do you have any idea how many watts the system has?”
“No. Michael's friend mumbled something about 2000, but I think he was still understating. It's good that all the residents will be here or have agreed that we can make noise until three. But they didn't know what our DJ considers noise!“ he grinned.
”So Michael's friend is fit again. Will I meet him today?”
“With 101% probability, yes. Now help me with the boxes. They have to go behind the bar in the kitchen. Michael is bringing lemons and oranges. We've already put ice in the freezer compartment. It's full of cubes. That should be enough. Michael also threw a load into the freezer for emergencies. They used three whole packages of those ice cube bags.“
We were so busy cleaning up that I didn't even realize Manuel and Sascha had arrived until I almost ran over Manuel.
”Hi Frank. Not so fast!”
Hey. What was up with him? He was almost nice again. Or rather, he was nice. He even managed to put a smile on his lips. A little hesitant, a little cautious, but a smile. Well, maybe the evening won't be that stressful after all.
“Hello Manuel. How are you?”
"Better again. Thanks for asking. And you?”
“I'm OK again, too. I'll be accepting a job here in town on Monday."
That was the wrong cue. I automatically thought of the nightmare with the mayor. My mood plummeted back to rock bottom. My eyes sought help from Daniel, who gestured to me to let me know that everything was OK. We'll see about that. Manuel had no idea what to make of the situation.
“Have I done something wrong?“
”No. Sorry, but I'm a bit afraid of showing up in the local section, because my personnel manager will surely read it.“
”Understandable. You probably gave yourself away.“
”Correctly recognized, Mr. Holmes.”
We continue to work. All the bottles within reach. Put the empty boxes next to the fridge. Set up the worried barrel. Daniel gave us a few tips on 'silent communication', which once again ended in nonsense.
I was just about to start rinsing a few glasses when Michael and his friend arrived. I went into the group room to have a look at him. Or rather, I wanted to go. I didn't get further than the door. My knees gave way. Even worse than the mayor was what stood there arm in arm with Michael, and was just giving him a kiss. Somehow I managed to sit down on a chair. In doing so, I knocked over a glass with a frenzied movement. This got me the attention of everyone present, including Mr. Marcus. He came up to me.
“Hi, I'm Christoph. Don't make me hear my family name from you today!"
I couldn't manage more than a stammered ‘hello.’ I was finished. My knees were shaking non-stop. Fortunately, Manuel was not in the room. He would have been delighted by the sight of me. Speak of the devil. There he came through the door with a box full of fruit.
I had least expected his reaction to my miserable appearance. Sascha was just able to catch the fruit box before it hit the floor. Mr. Marcus... uh... Christoph reacted more slowly and was very rudely knocked off course by Manuel.
"What's the matter with you, Frank? Did something happen to you? You're as pale as a ghost. Is it because of me?”
I couldn't answer. I was simply stunned. I could only stare at him. Apparently, he took my silence as confirmation of his last sentence and began to cry uncontrollably.
Damn it. The boy of my dreams is standing in front of me, crying because he thinks he's responsible for my miserable state. I must have had some reserves of strength somewhere. I got back on my feet. Manuel turned away. I grabbed him by the shoulder and turned him back to me and just kissed him. I didn't know what else to do. He was so shocked that he didn't even think about crying anymore. I risked it again, kissed him longer and hugged him. Now he also switched.
His hands went around me and pulled me even closer to him than I already was. He began to kiss me back. His tongue pushed between my lips, which I gladly opened for him. It was the most beautiful feeling I had ever felt. By now I was crying too – with joy.
I don't know how long we hugged and kissed. The next thing I can remember is the applause of everyone present. Manuel also slowly came to. That loving look in his eyes will always remain in my memory. I don't think I looked much different. Somehow we were all looking at each other. We kissed again briefly before breaking the embrace.
“So you two had better disappear in the bathroom. No, not what you are thinking again! Take a look at yourselves in the mirror. We can't put you behind the bar looking like that.”
Typical Daniel. He was the first to find his voice again. We really did retreat to the bathroom. We both really did look very affected. First of all, we needed to wash and rinse our eyes. Not without first kissing the last tears away from Manuel.
“You Frank. Sorry again about the lousy performance last Saturday. Michael gave me a real telling off afterwards. Can you forgive me?“
”Why do you even ask? I didn't exactly cover myself in glory with you either. You've already made up for it a thousand times over today!“
”A thousand and one times!” he said, and kissed me again.
That was settled. Something was still bothering me.
“Are we trying to be together?”
“Why are you asking such a stupid question?” 1002 times!
After we had civilized ourselves again, as far as possible, we ventured out again. We both still looked a bit worn out. But more couldn't be done.
The hall had filled up a bit in the meantime. Most of our troop was already there. I went to Michael first to thank him. He just grinned and asked why. I couldn't say that exactly either and just said for everything. Then I looked for Daniel, whom I found in the kitchen.
"Thanks for everything Daniel. Did you know that Michael talked to Manuel?”
“Talked is a harmless paraphrase. Christoph said that he has only seen Michael so angry twice before. During my action and during Manuel's. But I hadn't expected such a blatant effect. Neither with you on Christoph nor with Manuel on your condition.“
”Actually, I would have to turn down the job now. That would be quite a bit of nepotism.”
“Calm down,“ says Christoph, who had come into the kitchen unnoticed, ‘I only just found out myself. The only ones who knew about it were my dear Michael and the two nice guys.’ He pointed to Daniel and Sascha, who had also come into the kitchen.
”Well. Thank you. You really want to get me to the cemetery in record time.”
“Oh yes, you don't have to worry about the press photo. If I'm in the picture!” With that, Christoph disappeared to Michael, who was helping the DJ who had just arrived unload the CD cases.
It was about time to staff the bar. So I looked for Manuel. I found him already at his post. That's what I call zeal.
“Over here, Frank. I hope you like Jack and Cokes. We'll have to stick to non-alcoholic drinks for the rest of the evening, but right now I need something like this.“
”I don't mind.“
”Hey, that's no way to drink as a couple! Cross and look into each other's eyes!” Daniel interjected.
OK. I'll be happy to do that. Then a quick kiss. The flavor of this mixture of Manuel, Jack Daniels and Coke is great.
Now we were both at our posts. The prices had also been settled, so the crowds of visitors could come. Our DJ started with something quiet so that people could still talk. Slowly, the members of the other youth group arrived. The first member of the press came shortly thereafter. From the gay city magazine. When he realized that Manuel and I were together, we had to pose for a photo right away. After that, it was Michael and Christoph's and Daniel and Sascha's turn.
“Why did we all have to serve as models behind the bar in pairs?” I asked Daniel.
“It's simple. You are the bar couple of the third generation. So far, a couple has run the bar at every birthday party. At the first birthday, it was Michael and Christoph. By the way, they only got together on the day of the gig. It's strange how things repeat themselves.”
No sooner said than gone. From shortly after eight, we needed Daniel and Sascha at the bar. The place was packed. Daniel's first official act was to send Christoph home to fill up our ice cube supply.
The mayor showed up around nine. As if he would only stay for a short while, as I thought. He said a few words like any politician. Something like: Five years ago no one would have believed it – now a permanent fixture in youth counseling. Then he went on to the social part. He sat down at the bar and let the press hubbub wash over him, looking rather bored. As soon as the few reporters had left, it really got fun. He even let himself be dragged onto the dance floor, but only for a solo dance.
When the DJ announced “Only you”, the bar was suddenly unmanned. Daniel grabbed Sascha and Manuel grabbed me. Off to the dance floor. We danced, snuggled up close together. Fortunately, Manuel is quite good at it and led me. That was one of the most beautiful moments of the evening.
We were busy until three in the morning. I didn't even have half an hour to sit down. Despite many protests, we called it a night at three. It was half past three before all the people who hadn't stayed to help clean up had left. Then we had to make a quick clean up of the whole place. Fortunately, enough volunteers had come forward. Right on the stroke of four, Michael locked the door. I fell asleep on the way to Daniel's. Manuel kissed me provisionally awake in front of Daniel's house so that I could drag myself up to Daniel's room. Manuel and Daniel weren't doing much better either. We just managed to put our sleeping bags down. Daniel went straight to bed with his clothes on and was out like a light. We were both in a similar state. A quick kiss and we were out. K.O.
Chapter
14
Thanks to Maria's care, the next morning was a pleasure. Sometime around eleven, I was gently woken for a change. By a kiss from Manuel. All sleepy-eyed and disheveled, he looked even cuter. Simply adorable.
At breakfast, the three of us tried to describe the previous evening, which ended in chaos. Maria could only laugh. We all joined in.
After a somewhat late breakfast, we set off. We, that is, Manuel and I, since I was taking him with me, of course.
I had decided to use the family war council tonight for my outing. I told Manuel about that. He offered me the option of staying with him if something went wrong. I really didn't know if I shouldn't even wish for that, with the prospect of only one room away from my sweetheart. But then I thought about it and decided to hope for an outing without any major complications. At the train station, I said goodbye to Manuel with a quick and hopefully unobserved kiss.
When I arrived home, I immediately sensed that the atmosphere was tense.
After dinner, it was clear that the family had opened negotiations against me. Somehow, however, it was more like father against me. My mom stayed out of it completely. My dad gave me a big speech about everything I got from the family that raised me and now I want to leave them quietly, secretly and secretly. Fortunately, there was never any talk of me taking over the farm. I was able to use that as my first argument against my dad. In short, my dad couldn't find any argument against my moving to the city that I couldn't refute. At some point, my dad got loud. That's when I lost my cool.
"By the way, I also have personal reasons to get away from here!”
“And what would that be?“ he shouted at me, getting me all worked up.
”I'm gay.“ I didn't say it out loud, but afterwards you could have heard a pin drop.
”You're what?“
”I'm gay."
My father just stared at me as if I were a ghost. He didn't say anything more. I didn't look away. He alternated between hostile, indifferent and a few other indefinable, but certainly not friendly, nuances. After what seemed like an eternity, he went to the bar and poured himself a double, or rather a quadruple, whisky. My mom didn't say anything. But there was a smile playing around her lips. She must have already known, or at least suspected. My brother was visibly struggling with himself. He must have gone through all the occasions when I had seen him naked in his mind and wondered if the sight of him had aroused me. Dad sat down again. Still didn't say anything. Slowly the silence became oppressive. Still no reaction from my father. Only when he had emptied the whisky after what seemed like an eternity did he say, dangerously quietly:
“It's okay for you to leave. Better today than tomorrow. I don't want any fag stabbing me in the back in my house. Be glad that I have to watch my reputation, otherwise I would have kicked you out the door. Get out!"
He got himself another whiskey. My mother indicated to us both that we'd better disappear. There's nothing I'd rather do!
That's my father. Thank you for the conversation. I certainly didn't expect him to embrace me joyfully. Sometimes I expected even worse reactions, but somehow I was disappointed. However, with his hypocritical Catholic faith and the opinions of the pastor, could he afford any other decision at all? I still don't believe him to this day that the first sex was only on the wedding night.
My brother accompanied me to my room without saying a word. It had been a long time since he had been in these halls. I pointed to my desk chair and threw myself on the bed.
“You've got some really hard stuff down there. Are you serious? You like boys?”
"Yes. I'm serious. I love boys.”
Long silence. He looked at me, not nearly as hostile as my father.
“Have you ever jerked off to me?” It was obviously difficult for him to ask this question, which moved him so much.
“Clearly: No. You are and never were my type. If you want, I can introduce you to Manuel on neutral ground.“
”Manuel... you have a boyfriend?“
”Yes. Since yesterday.“
”You love him?“
”I'm happy when I see him. I'm happy when he's close to me. Yes, I love him.”
“My little brother's gay. Weird! Somehow I think that's cool. So even if Dad goes on a rampage after all, you have nothing to fear. If necessary, I'll put you up with my girlfriend for a few days. Can I tell her?“
”As long as you're sure the whole village doesn't know about it afterwards – no problem.“
”How do I recognize a gay guy?”
“Ask me something easier. Michael says you develop a sense for it over time. For some it's stronger, for others weaker. I guess I'm one of the latter.“
”Do you start tucking around and walking around with a handbag?“
”Can you imagine me doing that?“
”No.”
“Then what's the question? I'm no different than I was two hours ago just because you now know that I'm gay.“
”Yeah, right. Sorry, it was a stupid question.“
”It's okay. I'm used to you asking stupid questions."
Luckily I had a mouse with a short cable. Otherwise it would have hit me.
“Get a wireless mouse already!“ my brother scolded me.
”I will be careful. You've just proved to me why it's good to use a traditional mouse."
Now we both had to laugh. It's been a damn long time since we were able to do that together.
“You Frank. Surely you have some magazines with boys in them.“ An overripe tomato was pale compared to my brother's face.
”Yes I do. Second drawer from the bottom. Under the zip code book. Why?“
”Show me what type of guys you like. You know my taste in women too. Justice must be served.”
“Actually, what I told you about my 'dream woman'. Except that it's just my dream man. Sweet eyes, the color doesn't matter – longer hair, either blonde or very dark – beautiful face, even with glasses – beautiful figure, not a bodybuilder, but just an ordinary guy and a beautiful voice. But more important than anything else to me is character.“
”OK. Manuel fulfills all of that?”
“Yes. On all points. His smile alone knocks me out. He has wonderfully expressive eyes. You just have to look and you know how he feels.“
”Stop, stop gushing, I believe you're in love.”
“Think back to what I had to listen to about your first girlfriends. Compared to that, you got off pretty lightly.“
”OK, that point goes to you. Did you... did you...”
I wouldn't have thought that it was possible to make my brother's face even redder, but it actually worked. I almost had a laughing fit while my brother desperately struggled with the fishbone in his throat.
"You want to know if we've slept together before, or if I've slept with a boy!”
“Exactly.“ He seemed really blissful, so relieved he seemed.
”In both cases, yes."
It was wonderful to see his facial features derail.
“But not as you think. I slept next to him because we were both so exhausted last night that nothing would have been possible, not to mention the fact that Daniel, a buddy of ours, had his sleeping bag in the bed next to ours. As for the second part of your question, yes, I slept with you. Or don't you remember that I always came to you in bed on stormy nights and fell asleep in your arms?"
His face was a sight for gods. I still regret today that I didn't have a camera with me back then. With a huge fit of laughter, the tense facial expression of my counterpart relaxed. It's hard to believe that a jaw can drop so low.
“What do you actually always do in the city on Saturdays? Do you get lost in the gay bars or what?“
”No. I went to a gay youth club there. That's where I met Manuel and Daniel.“
”The name Manuel seems familiar to me from somewhere. Ah yes... the stud farm's son around here is also called Manuel.”
“Bull's eye! That's my boyfriend.“
”Him? You have good taste! Phew! You just did me a huge favor!“
”How's that? And how would you, a womanizer, know my taste in men?“
”It's simple. My girlfriend has teased me a few times about leaving me for this cute lad. At least there's no danger from that side anymore, and I know how to comfortably tell my girlfriend that she's getting a gay brother-in-law. You didn't even notice that in all your 'exam-no-job-no-boyfriend-I'm-gay misery'. We've been engaged for three weeks.” With that, he pointed to the silver ring on his hand.
Now it was my turn to send my jaw on a dive. My brother, engaged. OK. Gulp!
“Wow. How did she get you to say yes?”
“Simple. I love her.”
“Have you set a date for the wedding yet?”
"Yes. In ten weeks and six days.”
“So during the time when I'll probably be unemployed.“
”Exactly. I hope you'll be there. It's a Saturday, after all.“
”Don't worry. I wouldn't miss it for the world. Say 'yes' and you'll be tied down for the rest of your life.“
”Exactly. Well, good night then. You look like you could really use a good night's sleep.”
“You're right. I didn't go to bed until after four yesterday. Good night."
It's strange. We haven't talked like this in ages. Mostly we just saw each other coming and going. Now, suddenly, we could talk to each other again like we used to. Without me having to hide anything. It's a nice feeling to be able to be honest again.
Once again, Manuel's eyes accompanied me to sleep. This time, however, with his loving look.
Chapter
15
In the morning, everything was as usual. Somehow, everyone seemed to have forgotten or repressed my outing from the night before. In the afternoon, I grabbed the phone and disappeared into my room. Fortunately, it was so quiet at work today that I could disappear without any problems. First of all, I officially accepted my new job. Christoph had already finished the contract and posted it so that I couldn't change my mind. As soon as this phone call was done, I called Manuel.
“Preise here.”
From the voice, it had to be Manuel's mother. So his last name was Preise.
"Frank Kaufmann. Hello, could I speak to Manuel, please?”
“Manuel, hello!“
”Hello Manuel. Man, that was fast. Were you sitting by the phone?“
”Hi Frank. Good to hear you. Not quite. I was in the kitchen doing my math homework. I'll go to my room.“
”OK. Call me back then. Will your homework take much longer?”
“No. It's almost done. But first I want to talk to you, then I'll finish the rest. See you soon!“
A minute later the phone rang. It felt like an eternity.
”Hello.”
“I'm back. So now we can talk. How did your coming out go? The worst fear has probably not been fulfilled, since you probably don't call me from heaven or hell.“
”That's right. It was kind of weird...” Then I told him about the previous evening. ”...I haven't had a conversation like that with my brother in ages.”
We talked for a while about God, the world and ourselves. We definitely arranged to meet at his place for the weekend. Again by bike.
Nothing much happened the rest of the week, except that I looked forward to our phone calls every day.
On Thursday, Manuel asked me at short notice if I would like to come to him after work on Friday. Of course I would!
So I got on my bike on Friday evening. Thanks to Manuel, I almost became sporty.
When I arrived at the stud, Manuel was already expecting me.
"Hello Manuel!”
“Hi Frank. Come with me,” he said, took me by the hand and dragged me behind him into the guest room. Door closed! ‘I've been looking forward to this moment all week.’
I couldn't answer, because I was already thrown backwards onto the bed and my mouth was sealed with a great kiss.
After dinner, we sat down in Manuel's room. It was just wonderful to see him next to me, to feel his head on my shoulder while we watched TV. We were silent for a long time and just enjoyed each other's company.
“Hey, Frank!” Manuel started a conversation again.
“Hm.”
"If you've accepted the job now, you'll have to move into the city.”
Damn. I hadn't thought about that at all. Typical! Now I have a job in a city where I would have a better chance of finding a boyfriend, but I've finally found a young man here that I love! It's enough to make you want to cry.
“Hey. It's not that bad. I can visit you at the weekend. We don't see each other much more often here either.”
"That's right! You're just a sweetheart!”
There was silence again for a while and everyone hung on to their thoughts.
“Hey, Frank!”
“Yes.”
“It could be even worse.”
“Worse?”
"This year it looks like I'll be doing a victory lap. I've been totally destroyed this year. I think there was tension because of my personal problems, the solution to which you are hopefully, was to blame.”
“What's so bad about that?“
”My dad has hinted that he wants to send me to boarding school if I fail a year.“
”Damn it!“
”Exactly!”
Now it was Manuel who looked sad. I gently took him in my arms and kissed him again and again. We didn't talk much more that evening. We both rolled each other's problems while we held each other. At some point around midnight, I reluctantly disappeared into the guest room so that his parents wouldn't notice it too much.
I couldn't sleep for a long time. I kept thinking about how I could be with Manuel longer.
Chapter
16
“Wake up. Breakfast is downstairs.”
That's how I liked to be woken up. After I was aware enough to realize what was going on, I returned the gentle kiss. Mhm. You could already taste some of the fine coffee.
“Good morning. You've obviously already had a snack.“
”Of course. After all, I have to get you out of bed voluntarily. I would never have been able to get what my mom prepared for us on a tray to bring you breakfast in bed.“
”Too bad! Go ahead, I have to sort out my thoughts and clothes first.”
“OK. But don't put on just anything warm. It's going to be warm enough today.“
When I came into the kitchen, I saw why it wasn't working with the tray. The tabletop almost bent. Apparently Manuel's mom confused me with Obelix.
”What's going on? Are we fattening geese?“
”Nope,” Manuel held out a note:
'Good morning you two,
we went shopping. This will probably take longer today. There's nothing to eat at lunchtime, so tuck in properly.
Best, Christine'
"My mom just doesn't like it when anyone calls her ‘mom’ or ‘mum’. She always feels so old then, she says.”
“Mhm.“ I had discovered the coffee and set about getting myself into a responsive state. After the second cup, I was slowly coming around.
”In the morning, a cow is a better conversation partner than you!“
”Now I'm slowly coming around. It just takes me a little while to be really responsive. Sorry. Just a grumpy morning person.”
“It's okay. I could live with that.“
”Reassuring!” I joked, giving him a quick kiss.
After breakfast, we got on our bikes, not without preparing a nice lunch first. We rode to the small lake again. I was slowly getting used to Manuel's routes. When we arrived at the lake, I was still quite out of breath.
First of all, we took a refreshing plunge into the water. After splashing around for a while, we lay down in the sun to dry off.
Manuel looked simply beautiful lying there in the sun. I had to turn on my stomach very quickly at the sight of him. Manuel seemed to be absorbed in similar thoughts, because he turned on his stomach almost at the same time. Suddenly we both started laughing and blushed slightly.
Man, he was cute when he laughed, even though he was already very cute. I couldn't help but kiss him. He crawled close to me so that our sides touched. We stayed like that for a long time. Apparently I even dozed off a little. A wet hand on my neck woke me up.
“Don't you want to come back into the water, darling?“
”Not after that taste. You woke me up better this morning!“
”You can have more!“
My answer took a while.
”Mhm, that's how I like it.“
”Are you coming into the water now?“
”Sure.”
After some time in the lake, we got hungry and decided to eat our prey. We lay down opposite each other. So after every second bite we kissed. It was a good thing that we were lying on our stomachs. The way Manuel moved his beautiful ass, he also had a blood congestion in a very sensitive area of his body.
When we had finished eating, we stayed in the sun. Manuel came to me and snuggled up close to me. I turned to face him. The touch of his body sent bolts of excitement through my body. When we kissed, it felt tens of times more intense. It was as if not only our mouths were kissing, but our entire bodies were absorbed in the kiss.
I slowly fell into ecstasy and didn't even process that it all, as if by force, amounted to my first time. It's strange, I always thought about what my first time would be like, but somehow it turned out differently than I had imagined. Without a long build-up, without an agreement. We both just knew that we wanted to sleep together. There was no question at all as to why or even at this point in time. It was simply time.
I began to slide my tongue down Manuel's body. Slowly on his neck over the Adam's apple to the nipples. I began to gently pamper them with my tongue and teeth. A glance down showed me that it wasn't just his nipples, which were now hard, that liked this treatment. So I continued, down the breastbone to the navel. The taste of his sweat almost drove me crazy. Simply fantastic. When I got to his navel, I stroked up the inside of his thighs with one hand, starting at his knee, until I reached his most sacred spot. A lustful groan and the hand that gently stroked my back showed me that Manuel liked my treatment very much. The lust drops were already shining on the glans. I wanted to try these immediately and did so. I licked carefully with my tongue over his glans to get this juice. Whew! This horny hormone cocktail almost made me lose consciousness.
I had the desire to take his in my mouth. I did that too. Wow, what a feeling, to let this warm, pulsating flesh through my lips and to tease him with my tongue. When Manuel was close to orgasm, he pulled my head up and gave me a French kiss.
"So, now it's your turn!”
He said and turned me onto my back with gentle force. Manuel continued to give me French kisses and caress my ears.
"Mhm, I never would have thought that you could be so sensitive there.”
I was only able to say this because Manuel had taken his tongue out of my neck to set to work on my nipples with zeal. I gently stroked his hair.
"That tickles!”
“But it tastes awesome like you."
With that, he returned to his task. He moved his tongue back to my nipples and followed my path. I had more than enough pre-cum too. My glans was already totally shiny from it. Manuel gently put his lips over mine. Wow, I think I'm about to come. He gently ran his tongue along the tip of my penis, down the shaft and to my testicles. Every time his tongue touched a spot, lightning flashed through my balls. It was just amazing to feel so intensely. I pulled Manuel back to my mouth before I could come. I don't remember how far Manuel's tongue was in my throat, but it was pretty damn far. After a few of these intense kisses, Manuel whispered something in my ear that made my blood rush to the center of my body just at the thought of it.
“Let's do it in 69!”
Just the thought of it was gigantic. We were already in position. I gently took his back in my mouth while Manuel did exactly the same to me. We found a common rhythm more and more. Somehow it felt like our bodies were synchronizing. We caressed each other wildly. Our hands seemed to be everywhere. This ecstasy slowly increased to a climax. I could already feel the juice flowing out of my testicles towards the exit. It seemed like Manuel was feeling the same way. He, too, began to breathe more and more quickly. He started to twitch slowly, just like me. My mind screamed, “Stop, think of AIDS!” But my lust mercilessly blocked that out. I wanted everything from my beloved Manuel. As I poured myself into him, I also felt his seed shoot into my mouth. It tasted strange, but totally awesome. I swallow everything. During these moments, a kaleidoscope of sensual impressions swirled through my head and over Manuel. It was an intoxication of the senses that I have never experienced before. But one thing became clearer to me in these seconds, minutes, hours – I don't know anymore – than it was before. I LOVE MANUEL!
Chapter
17
When we had more or less recovered and were back on planet Earth, I realized that it must have been minutes. The sun was still shining and it seemed to be the same day as before our intoxication.
We lay down next to each other again and caressed each other's still-trembling bodies.
“I think we could both do with cooling off,” said Manuel.
“You're right. Let's go back into the water.“
”Yes. We did something pretty careless there. Even though your juice tastes damn good.”
With that, he kissed me again. Then we got up and went into the water, kissing each other all the time. The cooling down was really good. We were both totally sweaty. When we were standing in the water up to our necks, I hugged Manuel again very gently and kissed him long and hard.
“I love you!”
"I love you too, Frank!”
That felt great. I kissed Manuel again for it.
When we had cooled down to normal temperatures again, we lay down to dry.
After a while, Manuel said:
“Come on, let's drive on, we still have plans.”
No further words were needed. I knew what he wanted from me. This time I wouldn't hesitate.
When we arrived at the oak tree, I took his hand and we sat down hand in hand under the tree. Manuel snuggled his head on my shoulder. I let go of his hand, put my arm around his shoulders and pulled him even closer to me. We enjoyed the view and each other's company without saying a word.
I began to brood and cursed the fact that I had accepted the job in the city. Being away from Manuel all the time. I just couldn't keep that up. Somehow my romantic mood soon turned into quite a gloom. Of course, Manuel also noticed what was going on.
“Cheer up, we'll find a solution,” was his only comment when I told him my fear.
We set off for home as dusk fell.
When we arrived at his house, we were greeted by the aroma of hot delicacies. During the meal, we kept stealing loving glances at each other. After dinner, Christine shooed her husband out of the room and motioned for us to stay. Once the door was closed, she started.
“Sit down, the two of you.“
Completely perplexed, we followed this command.
”Now speak plainly. Manuel, you're gay, right? And you two are a couple, right?"
Boom! That hit home! Our glances were apparently not that inconspicuous after all. We could only nod. We probably both didn't look very confident.
“Hey! You look like two wet poodles. You might think that you are expecting your execution. Kiss each other as much as you want. I don't have a problem with you sleeping in the same bed, but please watch your eyes in public. Even a blind man with a cane and eye patch can see that you are head over heels in love. So now get out of here, or do you want to help me with the dishes?“
I rarely saw my sweetheart move so fast, so I followed him as quickly as possible, not without first letting go of a ‘thank you’ in Christine's direction.
”I was young and in love once too. But I looked for an easier love.”
When he arrived in his room, he threw himself on the bed, while I preferred the desk chair.
“What was that about?” he asked me, looking as if he didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
"I'd say that was your outing and it couldn't have gone better!”
“That's right. Come here and give me a hug. I need someone to hold me so I don't start jumping for joy.“
”It would certainly be nice to watch, but I just can't resist your wish.”
With that, I landed in his arms. We spent the rest of the evening more or less arm in arm. We went to bed early without anything else happening. We fell asleep arm in arm. It's hard to believe how tired happiness can make you.
The next morning was like the one before, with the difference that waking up in Manuel's arms didn't bother me at all.
After breakfast, much to our mutual chagrin, I set off for home. I had to start studying after all. The exam was getting closer.
Chapter
18
We spoke on the phone every evening that week. Only briefly though, as I spent almost all my time studying like a madman. I found out that Manuel was actually supposed to go to boarding school.
Shit! That's nasty. Finally someone you want to be with every free minute, and then they're supposed to go to a boarding school that's a little over 300 km away. Even a few more kilometers from the city center.
But neither that nor the approaching exam stopped us from going back to the city center the next Saturday. Unfortunately, we had to agree to stay with different people. We stayed with the usual distribution. Manuel stayed with Michael and I stayed with Daniel again. As usual, the meeting point was at Daniel's house first. We walked in hand in hand. You have to fulfill at least a few clichés.
“Hello you two beauties! Let go of your hands so I can shake them.” Typical Daniel.
After the greeting, we went to Daniel's room first. There Sascha was busy with Tekken. Shortly thereafter, so was I! *shame* which of course led to the two others gossiping.
“So you see Manuel, your darling really doesn't seem to be busy, he still has time to play with something other than you.”
"You're one to talk, Daniel, yours has instigated mine.”
“Woof, woof!“ Sascha and I chanted in chorus.
”Hey, that's an interesting position too, what do you think, Frank?“
”You two are really extremely playful.“
”Who does that refer to now, Daniel?“
”Actually, I can apply that to every possible combination in the room.“
”That's right.”
So it went on. The group evening was almost as always. Just the usual with the new and old pairings. *grins* But after that, we didn't go to just any café or even back to the disco. Today we had enough “stuff” for our own little party. That is, we processed the leftovers from the party.
“Have you ever noticed this? No matter how you calculate, you either have way too much or way too little. You can hardly get an exact match,“ Daniel asks the group.
”Either the guys stretched the cocktails too far, or you bought too much, you can work that out among yourselves,” Michael replies.
“I'm not going to take that about stretching it too far, next time I'll just put in rum and leave out the coke!“
”You did the right thing, especially giving the mayor a little extra. He really got funny as soon as the press people left.”
“Right, have you actually thought about the newspaper clipping for our new bar team?“
”Sure. I don't know when he took the photo, but it was still good,” Michael put a newspaper clipping on the table for Manuel and me.
“Help, when did we kiss each other so intensely behind the bar, your tongue is at least at my uvula and then also in front of the press. What should my future personnel manager think of us?“
”He immediately ordered me to ask Manuel for a kissing tutorial. He has to do it tonight.”
“Aha. Daniel, couldn't Manuel sleep with you instead?“
”Hey, don't worry, Frank, I won't steal your sweetheart.“
”I hope you don't!“ My threatening index finger only earned laughter.
”Is it possible that no one in this shop takes me seriously?“
”What's the restriction?”
“You too, my lover, Manuel!“
”Well, don't go falling back to ancient Rome. I hope it doesn't feel that long since we've been together.“
”No! Much longer, but it's still as beautiful as on the first day.“
”First day is a good keyword, when do you start at my sweetheart's bank?”
“In four months, so I have plenty of time to look for an apartment here.“
”That's right. Admit it, you deliberately chose the date so that you could spend the whole vacation watching the students at the lake.“
”What do you think of me? I'm in a relationship! But it's a good idea!”
“Looking must be allowed! I don't ask Christoph to blindfold himself before he introduces the new employees to the IT. I even think it's quite nice when he tells me about the cute boys at work from time to time.“
”What is there to tell?”
“For example, last year on September 1st, one of the new trainees couldn't get a word out without stuttering all day after seeing my sweetheart. Why? He had seen us both at Rainbows and now he thinks he can pack his things again on the first day. It was only when Christoph took him aside and had a very serious word with him that things went better. Meanwhile, he is one of the best apprentices the bank has had in a long time.“
”And those genes are lost to humanity forever!“
”No, he's supposedly bi.“
”What's with the weird emphasis on supposedly?“
”He was also supposedly seen with a woman once. But she was his sister!”
“So basically, I'm bisexual, 99.9% of the time I'm into men?“
”Exactly! Above all, he can hardly deny that he's pretty gay. The best description is probably fag!"
With that, Michael withdrew from our table for the time being and devoted himself to a few other members of the group who were once again busy with the usual partner roulette.
“Have you actually thought about where you want to live here, Frank?“
”No, not yet. Why?“
”Daniel and I actually want to get out of our homes too, because it's a stupid feeling when your parents are right next to you when you're getting intimate.”
“Just that?“
”No, but also because we spend almost every free minute in such a way that the other is somehow close by. I don't mean that we're stuck together like barnacles, but we really do a lot together."
A grin went around the table!
“No, not like that. At least not exclusively, we also have other hobbies or even involuntary pastimes, such as doing homework.“
”I see, so that's what you call it now, Daniel! By the way, there are other subjects besides biology!” Manuel interjects. My little one is slowly becoming really cheeky!
“Yeah, laugh it up. I want to be a fly on the wall with you guys!“
”Maybe you can be a fly on the wall with us if Frank agrees to our plan,“ says Sascha.
”What plan?"
Aha, we really are a couple. That came out in unison.
“As I said, Daniel and I also want to move out,” Sascha takes over the word again. ‘But since we both don't necessarily earn much, to be precise, nothing, we first have to make this ’project‘ palatable to our parents. In addition to the standard arguments such as ’learning independence‘ and ’going your own way', we need something extra. Our idea now was that we could form a flat share with you and Manuel. That way, we could help each other if problems arose and at the same time divide up all the work better, since there would be four of us.“
A nice idea, but still a low blow. Manuel and I were suddenly at rock bottom. And all evening we had been able to suppress the boarding school nonsense so well.
”What's the matter? Did I say something wrong?”
“No. But you can only divide the work by three at most, because I'm allowed to go to boarding school from next school year on, since I'll be taking a year off this year.”
“Oops. Hit and sunk. Sorry, I didn't mean to stoop that low!“
”It doesn't matter, Sascha, you can't taste it. But it still hurts.“
”Couldn't we get your parents on our side?”
“You act as if everything is already a done deal. But no, I don't think they'll let themselves be talked out of this plan so easily. My mom wouldn't be so much of a problem, she also knows that I'd be 300 km away from my boyfriend, but when my dad has something in his head, it's damn hard to get him to change his mind.”
“Since you're talking about something that's ready to be discussed: My parents have already agreed, provided that the apartment is in Frank's name, my dad would even help us look for an apartment. Maria came up with the basic idea, so it all depends more or less on Frank's consent.“
”Oh great, next time please take a roller to run me over!”
“Why should we? It's working out quite well and you're more use to us alive!“
”You're so sweet, Daniel!“
”What do you think of the idea, Frank?“
”Actually, quite a lot, but I don't want to do it without my treasure either, because I couldn't stand the two of you lovebirds in the long run either.”
“What do you think of the idea in principle, Manuel?“
”If it weren't for the sh... uh, the mess with the boarding school, I'd be in on it right away, because then I could go to the same school as you guys, and with a lot of luck even be in the same class! Then I would have someone to copy my homework off.”
“But you mustn't tell your parents, otherwise you'll never get permission to go into town!“
Hey, Daniel actually manages to conjure a weak grin on Manuel's lips. But a look in his eyes tells me that it was a very weak one.
”Why does your dad actually want me to be registered as a tenant?”
“First, because he wants to prevent my name from appearing on it, you know, because of nepotism and the like, and second, because it's easier for you to find another apartment if you've already had one. For us as students, it's not yet considered strange to sublet somewhere.“
”Aha! Your dad is thinking really nicely for me.”
“That's right, but now we have to somehow convince your sweetheart's parents of our shared apartment idea. How could we do that? Does anyone have any ideas? You, Manuel?“
”Not exactly, my mom would probably help if she was sure it would improve my grades, but as I said, my dad is pretty stubborn.”
“How good is your mom at wrapping your dad around her little finger with her feminine charms?“
”What makes you say that, Frank?”
“Well, it's simple. I told you the story about my cell phone. That was pure female persuasion at work. Maybe we could try something similar with your parents. Make your mom like the idea of the city and let her do the work with your dad!”
“Sounds good in principle. Only with my mom we'll also have to do some convincing. Does anyone have any ideas about what might persuade a mother to let her son move in with a bunch of gays?"
Manuel's eyes slowly start to smile again. Nice!
“Could you let me in on the devious plans you're cooking up at this table?“ Michael asks, having just returned to our table.
”How come you're back here so quickly?“
”Do you want me to leave again?“
”No, but somehow you're always with us the longest. Why?”
“Because you're not constantly arguing about who cheated on whom, why, and when.“
”Tucks can be a real pain!“
”You have to talk, Daniel!“
”Thanks for the flowers, Michael. Sit down and think about it with us.“
”I don't even know what this is about yet.”
“Where's the difference between that and your normal state?“
”Hey, hey, fill me in!“
After this had been done, there was a brief silence at the table.
”What would be more convincing in this case than good school grades?"
We all looked at each other rather dumbfounded at first. You can't think of the obvious again.
“How many school assignments do you still have this year, Manuel?“
”Well, there will be about five or six more. But unfortunately, my grades can't be saved either.“
”Never mind. But at least you could prove that Frank is not only beneficial to your performance in one way.“
”Help, now the next one is starting with the ambiguous comments.”
“Why ambiguous? That was pretty unambiguous!“ Daniel says.
OK, the mood at the table is slowly returning.
”What schoolwork is it?“
”Chemistry, math, sports theory and biology I now know by heart.”
“Well, you can practice biology with Frank.“ Typical Daniel! ‘No, seriously, Sascha helped me a lot with math.’
”Well, for biology and chemistry, I could maybe get my brother to help you a little. He's really good at it because of his weird agricultural school.”
“In biology, it's photosynthesis again, which should be in there.“
”That would have the pleasant side effect of my brother getting to know you. At least that's one person in the family who has no problem with you being my sweetheart. Maybe it will also work out for my mom to meet you.”
“What will we do with sports theory when you are in the process of setting up my curriculum for the near future?“
”Well, I think we can at least provide our entries. All the rules are actually quite good in there. Do you at least already know which sport it is about?“
”It'll probably be volleyball, badminton or something like that.”
“Can you run the entries through your parents' photocopier, Sascha?“
”Sure.“
”Well then, we just have to get Manuel's mother on our side.“
”Maybe your mom can help with that, Daniel.“
”How?”
“Well, she has some kind of psychological training. She can surely find something about psychological disadvantages of boarding school, etc. Someone will have written something bad about boarding school.“
”Well, that's not a bad idea at all. But we'll talk to her about it tomorrow. Remind me, Frank.“
”What do you expect from me in the morning? My brain's not working yet!”
“Well, when it comes to your sweetheart, hopefully you'll manage to think.“
”I'll definitely try."
So this was our plan to free my Manuel from the clutches of a boarding school. No more sensible ideas came up that evening. At some point we went to our sleeping quarters. Manuel to Michael and me to Daniel.
Chapter
19
The next morning, nothing really happened that was worth mentioning. Maria thought that I should just give her Manuel's mother's number instead of worrying about the negative effects of boarding school. She wanted to talk to Christine.
Mel didn't manage to kick me.
So around eleven I picked up Manuel. On the way home, we first clarified when which school tasks were due.
It turned out that the chemistry test was due in two weeks. So I had to talk to my brother as soon as possible.
The next opportunity to do so was on Tuesday. My brother was enthusiastic about the idea of getting to know my friend, but much less so about swotting up on chemistry with him. After I explained the problem to him, he agreed to do it. So a date was set for the following Saturday to study. Since I'm only tolerated in my family without many rights, we arranged to meet at Manuel's.
On Saturday, my brother and I set off for Manuel's place by bike. I had my study materials for the exam next Tuesday, at exactly the same time as Manuel's chemistry test, and my stuff for an overnight stay in my luggage.
With every kilometer that brought us closer to the stud farm, the queasy feeling in my stomach grew. Would my sweetheart and my brother get along or would there be problems? All this thinking went on, I didn't even notice that we were almost at the doorstep anyway.
We didn't need to ring the bell, Manuel was probably lying in wait. After I had recovered from the kiss attack, I introduced him to today's teacher, who grinned a little sourly.
“Hey Manuel, I don't like it when you eat my brother.”
“Why?”
"Who else would we gossip about?”
“OK. There's something to that.“
”Help, what have I done to myself here? Devil and Belzebub are joining forces against me.“
”You wanted me to come with you today and play the teacher, brother dear! But cheer up, I'm leaving again tonight, while you're staying here.“
”At least there's a glimmer of hope on the horizon.”
“It's mostly the lake that's shimmering! What do you think of taking our learning stuff and then going there. My mom will make us packed lunches!“
”But I don't have my swimming trunks with me!“
”Forget it, brother dear, I tried to bring up that argument once.“
”And?“
”No chance. Nudism!”
“Aha, and I'm supposed to join in?“
”Yes. Don't be so uptight, I know what you look like down below and Manuel has seen other naked men.”
“Well, not that you want to eat me!” my brother says with a grin. Damn! I fell for it.
So we packed the packed lunches, which were once again made for giants. I handed this backpack to my brother with a grin, since he didn't have any books to carry. I don't see why he should bear the responsibility alone.
“After the stretch, to which I slowly got used to, my brother fortunately not yet, so we had something to laugh about again, we arrived at 'our' lake.
“You've discovered a beautiful spot here, Manuel,” my brother said when he was back on his feet.
After a quick dip in the lake, I retreated a bit so that I could study in peace while the two of them struggled with the chemistry stuff, which was completely incomprehensible to me. Around noon, we killed all the food we had brought with us. Studying in the fresh air probably makes you extremely hungry. After eating, we went for a quick splash in the water and then back into the dry stuff.
In the late afternoon, we headed back home. My brother went straight home after saying goodbye and thanking Manuel. I still had to see my sweetheart.
At dinner, his mom said with a grin that she didn't even have to prepare the guest room. After all, those were nice prospects. After dinner, we also quickly retired.
Manuel's tenderness and closeness helped me to forget the stress of the exams for a while. A look into my boyfriend's eyes showed me that he felt the same way.
“Do you think we'll be able to move in together?”
"The way your mom reacts to us, she'll be sure to put in a word with your dad.”
“That's not what I meant. We've known each other a few weeks. See each other one or two days a week. Actually live from weekend to weekend. Do you think we're ready to move in together?“
”Are you afraid that I can't stand your idiosyncrasies?”
“No. Not that. But I don't know for sure if I want to yet. Please don't get me wrong. I'm totally happy when you're with me, but I'm afraid that feeling will fade into habit.”
“I don't think so. My parents, for example. They've been married for ages. Sometimes there's a huge row at our house. But then they're back to being as close as ever. Some days they even seem like newly in love. Look at Sascha and Daniel. They see each other every day at school and yet they're happy. There are arguments everywhere.”
“That's one thing, the other thing is a story Michael told me when I stayed at his place.“
”Please tell me.”
“Michael's outing actually went really well. His parents had no problem with it. But he himself changed. He became less and less interested in family matters, became increasingly cold towards others, and only lived in the relief of having come out. That solved all the problems! He partially isolated himself.“
”Are you at risk?”
“No, I don't think so.“
”Well, it is for me. Not so much that I'm becoming cold towards others as that I'm withdrawing from my family. My outing didn't go that well.“
”Sure. But I meant more that we're four gay guys living together. I'm almost afraid that it's all too much taken for granted that we're all into men.”
“That can't happen. I'm not into men!“
”What?“ The stunned look was an act.
”I'm into you and no one else!“
”You're being mean shocking me like that!“
”As compensation, there's also a kiss, or two or... mhhhh...” I couldn't get any further.
At some point Manuel fell asleep in my arms. I looked at his beautiful face in the moonlight for a long time, while I thought about what he had said. Somehow he was frighteningly right. Often when I saw a cute young man, I almost assumed that he was gay, too. Apparently it really is a case of reality distortion. Maybe it's also because all my real friends are gay. But at least my relationship with my brother is getting better since he knows what's going on with me.
I guess I fell asleep on that thought.
Chapter
20
When I woke up the next morning, I was alone in bed. My sweetheart was apparently already up. His clothes were no longer hanging over the chair on which they had landed last night. So I got up too. A glance at the clock: just before ten in the morning. Help, that boy is going to make me an early riser.
After visiting the place that even the emperor visits alone, I snuck into the kitchen. Following the scent of fresh coffee.
“Good morning.”
“Help, a zombie! I'm supposed to let my son get together with something like that?”
“Huh!? ‘
’Give Frank a coffee first, otherwise he won't understand anything,” my sweetheart said with a laugh.
“Can you drink it alone or should we pour it for you?“
”He can also dress alone, so he can also drink alone. If I don't pamper Christine like that, he'll want the same treatment from me.“
”If I give you my blessing!“
”Hey, five minutes ago it sounded different.”
“I hadn't seen Frank in his morning state yet.“
”Yes, yes, you early risers just blaspheme.“
”Ah, he seems to be coming to.“
”Where's your dad?“
”He's already dashed off to some horse show today.“
”Oh. What did I miss?”
“Just that if it weren't for your bad condition in the morning, we would have a blessing for our shared flat.“
”What?"
I must have looked very incredulous, as both of them started laughing.
“I suspected that you two would come to me with such a wish. Especially when Werner came up with the idea of boarding school. So, if the next school assignments really get better with your help, you have our blessing.“
”Ours? I thought your dad was stubborn.”
“Well, it was relatively easy to talk him out of the boarding school again. He hated boarding school himself. That's why it was the last alternative. If learning success can be achieved by more pleasant or very pleasant means, my husband has nothing against it.“
”I didn't know that he himself had something against boarding school.”
“But I'll give you one more thing from my side: If the next interim report looks like the annual report will look, then you can assume that you will end up at boarding school during the school year.“
”I understand. I get it. Thanks, Mom!”
“Please don't call me that, it always makes me feel so old.“
”I think that's a pre-programmed response to the word 'mom' and all its variations,“ Manuel grinned.
”So my son wants to be cheeky. At least I have some leverage on him!“
”That's blackmail!” I ventured to interject.
“Of course. In that case, I would also advise you to come up with something as quickly as possible. Without such arguments, you won't get anywhere with your darling.“
”Thanks for the advice. I'll keep that in mind.”
We spent the rest of breakfast quite calmly. His mom apparently accepted me as a son-in-law. Sometime in the afternoon, I left with my stack of books, not without both of them wishing me good luck and success in my final exam.
On Monday, I only went to work for half the day. My boss helped me to clear up the last few uncertainties. Actually, I hung around in his office all morning and called one of our specialists after the other. Somehow he tried to make up for the fact that the bank had treated me so badly. Really nice!
In the afternoon, I then threw myself at the last two written tests. Well. I hope I'm better at the finale than at this dress rehearsal.
In the evening, I had a quick phone call with Manuel.
“Hello Frank. Do you have your backpack within reach?”
“Yes. Just a moment. ... Got it!” What was that supposed to mean?
“Open the small side pocket on the right.“
”There was nothing in there.“ But I followed the instructions anyway.
I was speechless. My Manuel thinks of everything. A dried four-leaf clover and a lucky penny with my year. I almost cried.
”Found it?”
“Yes. Thank you, you're a darling.“
”Take both with you to your exam tomorrow. Nothing can happen to you then.“
”Thank you. What would I do without you? I love you!“
”I love you too. Now go to bed quickly so that you're fit tomorrow.“
”I can't sleep anyway.”
“Yes you can, you just have to want to. To help you want to, I'll give you a goodnight kiss. *smack*!“
”Thanks. Good luck with chemistry tomorrow too. Sleep well!"
It was getting harder for me to hang up every day.
Surprisingly, I even fell asleep quite quickly. However, I was already up with the rooster on Tuesday. Damn nervousness. With every minute, each of which seems like an hour, it increases. You feel more and more like you do before your own execution. Fortunately, when the exam is in progress, that's over for me. I just concentrate on the questions.
I wrote half my fingers to the bone with the open-ended questions. Somehow this year there were only so many questions. Fortunately, not so much came from accounting. I only answered a few questions on the off chance, not without first reaching for the lucky penny and the clover. Principle of hope!
I did quite well in the multiple-choice section. After comparing notes, we came up with roughly the same results. Where we were unsure, we quickly looked it up in the book. It looked pretty good.
Chapter
21
As soon as I got home, I called Manuel immediately. After two rings, he asked:
"How were you?”
“Hey, take it easy. Were you sitting next to the phone?“
”No. I took the phone straight to my room.“
”It's the same either way. I was OK so far. I can't say anything 100% yet. But I don't have a bad feeling.“
”Cool! When can I call you banker?”
“Not so fast. First of all, I still have to survive the oral exam in a month. How did you do in chemistry?“
”Better than the rest of the year. At least there's an answer for every question. My teacher looked really surprised when he got the sheet back and it wasn't just half filled out.“
”Well, let's hope so. I want to move in with you!”
“Me too, with you. Please thank your brother again from me. He's a great teacher.“
”OK. I'll do that. From what I've heard, he's planning the honeymoon right now. At the moment I've almost persuaded him to fly to Mykonos. At least there's no danger of someone snatching the newlywed away from him.”
“Hey, you're being mean to the poor girl. How would she react to the string of guys your brother would drag along?“
”You're right. I think I need to talk to him again.”
“I think so too. The two of us could take our 'honeymoon' to Mykonos. We could then screw over all the old guys who want to get lucky with young girls.“
”Good idea. But I think we'd better make it a flat share excursion. I want to see how Daniel reacts when he's hit on by one.”
“Or how Sascha would react. What do you think I would react like.“
”I hope they search you for weapons before you are allowed on the island, otherwise you'll end up behind bars for murder.“
”Don't exaggerate.“
”What are you doing for the rest of the day?“
”No idea. Actually, I wanted to go horse riding for a bit. Do you have a better suggestion?”
“Sure. I'll get the car. Do you want to come to the district town? For an ice cream!“
”OK. Will you pick me up?“
”Of course. I'll be at your place in half an hour! Is that OK?“
”Sure. See you soon!“
”See you soon!"
So, change and let's go.
If my dear colleagues are each taking their boyfriends for ice cream, I won't show up alone.
“Hi Manuel. This time you're moving with more than one horsepower.”
“That's right. But this one is more romantic.”
"One question. Would you let me introduce you as my boyfriend in front of my colleagues from the exam?”
“That depends. Do you think there will be any problems?“
”No. I just don't know how their boyfriends will react.“
”I see. So they're all coming with dates.“
”Exactly. They told me to at least take someone with me, since I don't have a girlfriend.“
”And you thought of me?”
“Of course. You're my friend too. If the opportunity arises, I'd like to introduce you as my boyfriend too.“
”Well, in principle, I don't mind. Since my mom was also excited by the prospect of a better chemistry project, I've now been accepted for the 'WG' project. I can slowly start to let my hair down here.“
”Great. Just give me a sign if it doesn't suit you. I'll understand.”
“OK. But let's hope for the best."
We had arrived. The ice cream parlor was called ‘Venezia,’ which, though not uncommon, at least had a nice ring to it. When we entered the room, the large table immediately caught our eye. We must have been the last to arrive. ”Hi, I thought of someone to bring along as a female to keep the average, but you don't seem to care much about that.”
Hey, this could almost be an opportunity to get the facts done. A quick glance at Manuel made me forget the sentence I had already finished in my mind. He shook his head slightly. What does that mean?
"Hi Manuel, I didn't know that our horse lover also had contacts with the banknote counters.”
“Hello Paul, since I have forced contact with the piggy counter, I had to ensure compensation.“
Everyone laughed, only I was somehow a little on the sidelines.
”This is the son of the great pig breeder. He's in my class!”
“Aha!“ A very witty comment, but at least I was able to laugh now. I laughed even harder when I saw who Paul was with. With my fellow sufferer, as not taken over.
”The way your grin is getting meaner and meaner, you must have had the same thought as we did recently,” comes from one of the ‘lucky ones’.
“Well, it looks like a big business customer will be leaving soon.“
”That's right. I talked to my dad about the accountant position.“
”Since I get along great with Paul's dad anyway, I can start working there as an accountant at the end of next month. Then I'll be the pig counter!”
Now our table was finally attracting attention from the entire ice cream parlor. In the meantime, we each had a nice, big sundae in front of us. They provided the necessary cooling.
During the conversation, it also came out that the two ladies who had been taken on were also damn glad that it hadn't turned out so badly for us.
“Manuel, I'm beginning to understand why you never went on a drinking spree with us,“ Paul said.
”Why?“
”You two still have something to tell us!"
That was clear. Someone had done more than just raise suspicions. Manuel stared at Paul. He grinned back. But he didn't look angry. Suddenly I felt a hand in mine and was pulled to Manuel. We kissed in front of everyone. I didn't care what they thought, and Manuel seemed happy to do it. The whole table applauded us. Cool action of them. The one friend hesitated a bit but then let himself be carried away by his girlfriend.
At the next table, a commotion was brewing.
“So this youth of today. Disgusting. In my time, they would have put something like that in a concentration camp. That's disgusting,” an old, rather grumpy-looking woman complained about us.
“Hey, don't let an old hag like that stop you from kissing. She's just jealous because she doesn't dare kiss her girlfriend!“ Paul whispered to us.
I think the lady almost had a heart attack. The waiter came to her with the bill without being asked.
”You wanted to pay, madam?”
“No. Why do you let such subjects cause trouble in your restaurant? Aren't you ashamed?“
”Unlike you, they are behaving like guests! They wanted to pay!”
Phew, am I hearing that right? The “friendly” lady is apparently being asked very directly to leave the restaurant. After some moaning and ranting, which she delivered with a look around that sought applause but was in vain, she then left.
“Well, I think we got rid of them!” the waiter came to our table.
“Yes. Thanks for the help, but we could have handled it ourselves.“
”You certainly could, but I couldn't. Well, she saying something against gays, I could still live with. Article 175 is still well stored in the memory of that generation. But the part about the concentration camp gave me the rest, that's where my grandfather died. So, does anyone else want anything?“
”Sure, I'll have...”
“No. You two be nice and quiet for now and wait. I meant the rest of the table."
After taking the orders, he left grinning. Let's see what happens!
Five minutes later we knew: It was a 2-person sundae for us. With icing hearts and two sparklers on top. Nice and cheesy, but somehow also totally beautiful. We probably both looked about the same.
"Hey, you can put your chins back up, it's on the house. Enjoy.”
“T...h...a...n...k...y...o...u...“
”You're welcome. But in return, you have to advertise for us, okay?”
“Sure,“ came from the whole table.
”Well, dig in, then.” With that, ‘our’ waiter retreated and left us to the battlefield. The Waight Watcher in me was getting a heart attack just by watching, so I was able to enjoy the ice cream without any disturbing thoughts. Of course we fed each other the ice cream.
The afternoon turned into a very long, fun evening. Around 11 p.m., I took Manuel home and then headed for home too.
Chapter
22
Nothing happened for the rest of the week. I spent the weekend at Manuel's again. Thanks to Christine's help, we received the acceptance for the shared flat project. The chemistry school task had been completed with a B- to the full satisfaction of all involved. It turned out to be easier than I thought. Of course, only under the promise that Manuel would continue to sit on his pants and study.
I immediately passed on the good news to Daniel and Sascha.
On Wednesday, Daniel called to say that we were to come to two flat viewings on Saturday. So it was back to the city, not without my father expressing the hope that I would soon be out of the house.
I picked up Manuel and together we went straight to the address of the potential flat. Once there, we were greeted by Daniel:
“Hi guys. There you are at last. Let's see how you like the apartment.“
”Hello Daniel, we'll see. How are you doing?“
”Oh, the same old. Somehow we're already planning the whole apartment.“
”You're in a hurry to get away from home, but I was advised to find something.”
“Recently, Mel burst into my room while I was making out with Sascha. It was pretty embarrassing.“
”Sure.“
”Would you gentlemen like to see the apartment now?” Sascha asked.
Of course we did. It was a really nice old apartment building with high ceilings, large windows and lots of light. Really nice, even though it looked totally bare at the moment. Above all, it was quite quiet in a cul-de-sac. Maybe a quarter of an hour to the center.
The second apartment was a bit further out. It was larger, but on the third floor of a somewhat busy street. After a short debate, we agreed that we wanted to take the first apartment.
We got the blessing of our respective parents over the phone. The handover of the apartment would be exactly on the weekend between my oral exam and my brother's wedding.
That evening, we didn't go to the group meeting, but sat down with Daniel's mom in Daniel's kitchen and started planning. We quickly agreed on the details. I was to represent the group externally, since I was the only one with an income. The respective parents were to transfer the rent to me, and it was to be withdrawn from my account. Also OK.
Manuel slept at Sascha's this time. I went to Sascha's with Daniel for breakfast. After that, a reasonably durable schedule was created from the collected notes. My goodness, there's so much to think about. Fortunately, the big vacation starts three weeks after we move into the apartment. I was out of work after the oral exam anyway. So at least we had enough time to settle in. After this basic planning was also in place, it was back to the “current” home for now.
Chapter
23
“Done. I passed the oral exam with a B. Man, I'm glad that's all over with now.”
“Congratulations, my darling. Welcome to unemployment.”
"Thanks, Manuel. You're so sweet again.”
“At least with you, you can say: unemployed and having fun!“
”That's true. Although, as an unemployed person, I'm not getting bored with my brother's wedding and the move either.“
”Of course not. Especially with the move, we'll all be busy for a while.“
”You won't be able to handle the wedding either, Manuel!“
”What? Why is that?”
“My brother explicitly invited you. Much to my father's annoyance. He's got himself under control again. I don't think I'd need to move to the city, but only as long as he doesn't realize I'm gay.“
”Your brother's really cool. Does he really think I should come?”
“Sure. If my father wants to make a fuss, he should do it in front of the whole family so that everyone can see it.“
”Well OK. Let's hope it goes well.“
”It will, and if it does, we'll just leave the party.“
”Sure. Are we going into town this Saturday?”
“Good morning, honey! When is the apartment handover?“
”Oh yes, right! Do you still want to go to the meeting place afterwards?“
”If you don't have any plans, I'd love to. There hasn't been much going on in the last few weeks because of all the studying.“
”Well at least we were able to measure the apartment once.“
”That's right. We won't be able to start setting it up properly until the Saturday after next.”
“At least we can think about where to put our bed.“
”You really want a bed for us?“
”Of course. If someone doesn't want to notice, then we'll just go to the living room with them.“
”Right. When will you actually be registered at school?”
“Just before the end of the summer vacation. I think my parents want to check whether being with you is good for me. If not, they can always send me to boarding school at short notice.“
”Let's not count our chickens before they hatch.“
”Maybe after the summer vacation you'll be glad to be rid of me.”
“I hardly think so. I can't get enough of you so quickly.“
”I hope so too!"
So on Saturday it was back to the city. There's probably not much new to report about that. Somehow it had already become a habit. Just that the same parking space was not always kept free for me. The handover of the apartment keys and all the legal nonsense are not of much interest to you, I'm sure. Not much happened the following week either. I got my certificates and sent copies to my future employer straight away. I also registered as unemployed, as was only right and proper. It was a strange feeling, somehow!
Of course, this gave me plenty of time to help my brother with the preparations for his wedding. In the afternoons, I usually did this together with Manuel. He only complained that they only sat at school to watch movies. But at least there was a heat release three times during the week.
My brother and Manuel got along very well, as they had already tested when studying. There were no problems with my future sister-in-law either, apart from the fact that she was annoyed with me because she no longer had someone to keep my brother in line with.
We had discussed not introducing Manuel as my boyfriend at all, but simply letting this be a given fact. We don't necessarily have to start kissing in the church. He's just invited as a friend. It was somehow true.
The wedding itself was an extremely kitschy traditional wedding, as my mother had always wanted. My darling and I were actually able to control ourselves to such an extent that no one who didn't already know about it suspected anything. Surely Adolf hadn't suspected anything either when he more or less inconspicuously, rather less, made sure that Nicole got the seat next to me. Since Manuel then sat down on my other side, we had established something like a “youth table”. It was really funny at that. Nicole flirted with Manuel and me. At least that caused a few different rumors in the village community. Later that evening, the newlyweds also sat down at the youth table.
“Well, how does it feel to be sentenced to life?“
”No different than before. Well, maybe a little strange.“
”I can imagine. Are you doing anything special on your wedding night?”
Note: Manuel and I gave them both handcuffs. Can you imagine how uncomfortable I felt when I bought them in an SM shop?
“Yeah, yeah, you'd like to know, brother!”
"Aha, so you do that too!”
The table roared! All those who didn't get the joke should watch the movie Werner for the 10,000th time.
It continued in the same vein. My brother dug out all of his bad jokes that had something to do with marriage and weddings. There were many. Only one good one stuck in my mind, and the reader will just have to endure it:
“A married couple celebrating their golden wedding anniversary: She: 'What were you actually thinking when you approached me back then?' He: 'I wanted to suck your breasts and fuck your mind out of your body!' She: 'And today?' He: 'I think I did quite well.'"
It went on like that, or something similar.
Of course I went to Manuel's to stay overnight.
Chapter
24
So, from now on I will speed up the time lapse a bit, because nothing really earth-shattering is happening anymore.
We spent the summer vacation and the time between jobs fixing up our apartment, furnishing it and generally getting up to no good. We scrounged together the necessary household goods from our mothers. Our own craftsmanship was needed for our designer furniture. It turned out to be a very idiosyncratic design, but we liked it. For the living room, we were able to “inherit” a couch from Sascha's parents. The large closet for our clothes came from Manuel's parents, who seized the opportunity to refurnish the bedroom. We didn't want to take over the double bed after all. So we pooled our savings and bought a nice Photon bed.
A separate chapter was the shared telephone connection. Since everyone wanted a phone, but nobody wanted to run to the store, I, as the “official tenant” (this weapon was always used when I was supposed to do something), had to take care of the connection.
Since there are 2 PCs in the apartment and I finally wanted to be online, DSL was quite interesting. So, off to the telecom store we went.
How could it be otherwise, all hell broke loose again, of course. First, a guy whose apartment I'd rather not know about (presumably under the bridge on the left) was complaining that the idiots from the post office had disconnected his phone just because he hadn't paid a bill for six months.
Then it was the turn of a younger guy, probably a student, to complain that Deutsche Telekom had promised him T-DSL by date X (way back in the past) and that it still hadn't arrived yet, and that he needed the internet so urgently (felt like Daum on withdrawal). After shouting at half the shop, he canceled his order for T-DSL. My comment:
“My chances are increasing!"
This earned me a withering look from him and a grin from the poor salesman. I know that grin. But where from?
Oh yes, right. He was sitting at the bar at the ‘Treffpunkt’ party.
“Hi, are you moving in with your sweetheart or what brings you here?“ he asked in a not-so-quiet voice.
I just thought, ‘Help! Does the whole store have to know that I'm gay?’ Close your eyes and jump in!
”Yes! Do you often have customers like my predecessor?”
“Well, there are worse ones. But back to you. There's no such thing as a distraction tactic with me.“ The grin went from one ear to the other! ‘So you're actually moving in with your sweetheart?’
”As I said, yes. But only on the condition that we get DSL. Otherwise he refuses!”
“Oh God, now it's up to me again. That's mean! Give me your address!“
After providing the information and waiting for what seemed like an eternity, the database actually indicated that we could have DSL.
”It looks like your sweetheart will have to move in with you. What kind of phone plan do you want?”
“Good question! ISDN is safe for now, but is there one with four numbers?“
”Four? Does everyone want two?“
”No! The second bar team is also included!”
“Oh, so Daniel and Sascha are also included. Four gays in one apartment, that lowers the heating costs. But back to work. The fourth number is not a problem. Are there any crazy phone users among you? If so, I would choose the package with free phone calls on Sundays.“
”Sounds good. I'll take it. Does everyone get their own phone book entry?”
“Yes. We just can't bill everyone separately.“
Hi, my name is Frank. Somehow I can't find a way to start – actually, I don't remember what I wanted to write. Then I look at the bed, see my angel, and remember why I sat down in front of the box and torture my word processing. So, when it all started, I was just 18. Finally got a driver's license, finally out of my hometown. I'm from a farming village with 4 farms and a dung heap. Sorry, but it's really almost as bad as that. At 16, I basically knew why I thought the boys in my class were so cute. My dad prays that something like this is abnormal again during every talk show with gays. How could he think otherwise given the topics that gays are invited to? But I digress... At 18, I was finally able to travel to the next largest city. I had already been to the internet café in our district town (I still don't understand where the town comes from) a few times with my buddies. While they only searched for Claudia Schiffer, Pamela Anderson and Hustler, I searched for gay (*cough* there are a lot of sites with crap), gay and youth groups. I found out about the existence of the latter from a talk show (they have their good points). I actually found a youth group: 80 km away = impossible. This didn't do much for my mood, of course. But now that I was finally 18 – finally a driver's license (did I mention that already?) – that wasn't a problem anymore. I wrote down the address and that the group evening starts every Saturday at 7:00 p.m. So I threw on my best clothes and set off in the afternoon. As a novice driver from the countryside, I must have behaved pretty stupidly in the big city traffic, at least a few honking horns suggested as much. I then scuttled off a bit further out and parked my car there and continued by underground/suburban train. At around 6:00 p.m., I was then on the street where the youth center was. It's a narrow lane with various shops with rainbows in some form or another in front of them, on the door or elsewhere. Sometimes a SM-shop, sometimes a clothes shop, where the display reminded me of Barbie World, etc. The further I went, the more insecure I became. This is supposed to be me? I belong to something like that? No, I can't be gay! My hard-earned self-confidence evaporated more and more. Actually, I just kept walking down the street, because the next subway sign was already visible at the other end.
I'm not gay! I'm not gay! I hadn't been able to convince myself of that for years. Phew! Reached the subway station in one piece without being attacked! It has its advantages when you don't look great. So what they say about gays on the talk shows is true after all. When does the next subway go to my car? 3 minutes OK. My head was spinning. I didn't know whether to go forward or backward. OK, not gay! But then what? The 3 minutes were soon over. “Please step back, the subway is arriving!” (Have you ever noticed that everyone does exactly the opposite?) The passengers get pushed out, and I immediately notice two boys my age who only reluctantly separate their hands briefly to get out of the train. 'They actually look quite normal!' I thought to myself. One of them must have noticed my bewildered look. He grins at me cheekily. As if he knew what was going on with me! I just looked at the hands of the two and everything in me screamed 'FAG!!!'
The people were pushing into the subway. I stumbled over the entrance when someone bumped into me from behind. I don't want to get on the train, I want to go to the youth club! Too late, the train is already rolling. Damn! Completely confused and at my wits' end, I get off at the next station. 'I don't care about anything! I'm going to the youth center now! It seems that there are 'normal' gays after all.' It is now 6:40 p.m. On the opposite platform, I realize that it will be another 10 minutes before the next subway goes in the other direction. I run through in my head whether it is possible to be on time at the youth center. Fortunately, I had memorized the entrance. It should be possible if I walk from the station.
6:50 p.m.: “Please step back, the subway is arriving!” This time I was also one of those who cut in line. Five minutes later I was back at the right station, so I quickly ran out and put my legs in motion. “Damn it!” I couldn't help but curse, why did that damn pedestrian light have to turn red now?
7:00 p.m.: I can't make it anymore. I bit through just about every curse I could think of between my lips as I kept running. It doesn't matter now anyway.
7:03 p.m. I made it! I burst through the door like a wild bull. You probably know the situation. Everyone looks to their right! Everyone is staring at me! Sweaty and out of breath. The group leader, who I estimate to be around 23 or 24, had apparently just started. It was a mortifying situation, I would have liked to have disappeared through the floor again right away!
“Hello!“ I managed to say between a few hasty breaths.
”Hi! I'm Michael,” the group leader replied quite nicely. ”We have a newcomer here today after all!” That sounded all right, but to me it sounded like a butcher was pleased that there was something to slaughter after all. “Sit down somewhere for now and catch your breath. I'll quickly announce today's program, then you can introduce yourself.”
Did I hear that right? Introduce myself? Unpleasant associations with my company group came to mind. Everyone had to stand up at the front and say a few words about themselves. Of course, yours truly had totally messed up. With an ever-increasing lump in my stomach, I crept to one of the chairs in the back row. What should I say? What is too much? What is too little?
I only half heard what the topic of the evening was supposed to be: “Civil partnership, yes or no! Please give me arguments for and against!” I liked Michael's ironic undertone when he said “against.” “So, before we get started, our newcomer. Do you have enough air to talk again? OK, then please come up!” Why do people ask questions without giving you a chance to answer? I hate rhetorical questions! On the other hand, if I had had the chance to answer the question, I would have remained seated in the back row until the end of the meeting.
So I made my way to the front to Michael. Why are corridors getting longer and longer? I felt like the delinquent on his way to the executioner. Suddenly I felt someone tugging at my sleeve. I know that grin from somewhere. Oh yes, the one from the subway, his friend right next to him!
"Cheer up! So far everyone has survived!”
Well OK. Eyes closed and through. When I arrived at the front, I turned around and looked at the people sitting in front of me. Actually, everyone looked quite normal, one seemed a bit feminine, but otherwise they could all lead a normal life. Nothing of SM tucks and the like, which was still going through my mind three quarters of an hour ago.
“Just introduce yourself briefly. With your first name, age, hobbies and how you found out about us!” With these words, Michael left the field to me and stepped aside.
“Hello, my name is Frank.” Damn, that sentence sounds stupid. Said and done, no use crying over spilt milk. Onwards! At least you've got your mouth open now. ”As for hobbies, I have my PC, which unfortunately is still offline, lots of books, especially science fiction, and my dwarf rabbit, Bunny. He's 10 years old now, but when I got him I was eight, so please forgive the name!« Whew. Do I see a few smiling faces? Yes, it is possible! Next. »How did I find out about you guys?« (Rhetorical questions, I know!) »I searched the internet for a gay youth group, the next thing I knew, I found this!«
“I told you so!“ Michael's triumphant exclamation made some of us laugh. Later I learned that Michael was the only one who had suggested a homepage for the group.
”Right, let's start with the normal program. Just sit down with a group, Frank!”
So I was left to my own devices and could choose which new faces I wanted to sit with. The Smiler from the subway kindly took away my agony of choice and brought me to his group.
“Hi, I'm Daniel! This here is my friend, Dieter!” Now I was struggling to laugh. Always these stupid clichés.
“Laugh, Daniel loves to tease me about my middle name. My mom promised me that she would never have named me that if she had known I was gay. Fortunately, my first name is Sascha!” I could tell from the other people's grins that he must often suffer because of his middle name. A few names and handshakes later, the round of introductions was over.
Then it was time to get to work. The discussion was really interesting and sometimes really funny. Time flew by. It was 10:00 p.m. before I noticed. After 10:00 p.m., the unofficial part begins. Most of them disappear into a gay disco nearby. Since I have had enough new experiences for one day and am not a disco fan anyway, I stayed at the “Treffpunkt”. They hadn't been able to come up with a different name, Michael explained to me.
“Except for Dieter's name, which was only approved with one dissenting vote, but then not taken!“
Sascha's suffering look made it clear to me who had cast the dissenting vote.
”So you have a dwarf rabbit! I envy you! I always wanted a pet too, but unfortunately you can't have one in a city apartment. Now I have Sascha!”
If looks could kill, Daniel would have to scream very loudly now. But he promptly apologizes to Sascha with a kiss, which I then quite envy Sascha for.
“You live pretty far out!” During the discussion, we also touched on the situation of gays in the countryside, so I was able to have a good chat about it.
“80 km is pretty far out. 'Hick town' is an understatement. 'On the edge of civilization' is more like it!”
“You're driving 80 km home today? You're crazy! You know what? Next time you come, you'll just take a sleeping bag and stay with me. I was able to explain to my mom that Sascha, without a sleeping bag, often stays with me, so I'll definitely get you with a sleeping bag.”
Sascha's worried look spoke volumes, but it also made me grin a little. I was quickly able to comfort him by saying that I wouldn't be able to come that often anyway at the moment for financial reasons. After a bit more chatting about this and that, I said goodbye because I still had to drive home.
“Phew!” With a sigh, I land on my bed. It's really quite extreme to have to drive such a long way after an exciting evening. Next time I'll really try to find somewhere to stay with my sleeping bag.
In my mind, I review the evening again. Two things hit me particularly hard. First, Sascha's comment about his middle name: “His mom wouldn't have called him that if she had known he was gay!” And then there was Daniel's invitation, which also made it clear that his parents know that Sascha doesn't sleep next to the bed. Can parents know about this too? I had heard about outing, but I had always thought it was just a figment of my imagination. I could imagine my mom coping with it, but my dad? No, he would throw me out on my ear. With these and similar thoughts, I finally fell asleep.
Chapter
2
The next few days I was busy expanding the web of lies around my stay in the big city. Fortunately, I had memorized the names of some discos. Although everyone noticed that I am not normally persuaded to go to a disco, at least the story was bought because I simply justified it by saying that I wanted to see something new.
It took three months before I had enough money and courage to dare to go to the next group evening. The money was, to be honest, the smaller problem. Not to mention that it would have been noticed if I had gone into town every weekend. During that time, I did my best to pass my final exam as a banker, as any good apprentice should. Well, it was about time – there were only three months left until the exam. I digress again. So about three months after the last meeting, I just couldn't take it in my hometown anymore. This time I actually took my sleeping bag with me.
When I arrived, Michael was right there and asked me why I hadn't been around for so long. He apparently thought that I had some kind of problem. That my parents might have noticed something, or worse. After I had calmed Michael down by pointing out my budget and the distance, I looked around. Some were missing, and some new faces could be seen. Daniel and Sascha were also there and waved me over to them. The two were the only couple still sitting together. When I spoke to Daniel after the greeting, he just said something about partner roulette and throwing off horns. Sascha just shook his head too.
"We've been together for three quarters of a year now, and in that time others had around 40 boyfriends.”
My face must have looked like a question mark. So Daniel explained:
“A new one every week!”
Well, that was a great prospect. Some of them really brought the gay cliché to life. I just hoped I'd get a different first friend.
After the official part, the discussion about going to a disco or not started. This time, Daniel and Co. really wanted to take me to the disco.
“You'd better have your sleeping bag with you, Frank, otherwise I'll take you to my place without it!“
Sascha and I looked at each other and suddenly I didn't feel comfortable at all.
”Nah!” Laughed Daniel, who apparently only now could follow our train of thought, ”I've got a sleeping bag too, where I can put you!”
Sascha's relief was even more obvious than mine. Daniel laughed, went to Sascha, kissed him and said, “I'll never give him back! I'd rather risk no adventure and nothing.” Turning back to Sascha, he said, “I love you!”
Somehow this sentence hurt me. Not because it was from Daniel for Sascha, but because I would have liked to say it to someone, who would have hugged me just as tenderly as Sascha is hugging Daniel now.
After they had finished kissing – was it five minutes? It seemed like an eternity to me – I finally managed to say that I had my sleeping bag in the car. That was my mistake! Now there was no way around the disco for me. Since the nearby disco was closed for renovation, it was agreed who would drive with whom. Sascha wanted to invite a total of 8 people. I apparently looked very witty again, because Daniel whispered to me that Sascha had borrowed his parents' van, since the renovation was already known. OK, that's a valid point.
After a short drive, we are standing in front of the gay dance temple. From the outside, it looks exactly like the “normal” discos, except for the huge rainbow in the word “Rainbow”. After Michael said a few words at the checkout, we all got in for a cheaper price than was listed on the menu. Cool! Apparently, Michael negotiated a special rate for the group.
As for me, the disco itself is just as bad as any other. It's loud, crowded, and the mix of scents can make your senses fade. Since I was the only one in the group who didn't venture onto the dance floor, I soon had to keep an eye on all the bags, backpacks, and jackets. Above all, I was able to watch the hustle and bustle in peace. Some people might think that I was extremely bored sitting there alone, but that's not the case.
At some point around three in the morning, I went in the direction of my sleeping place... er... parking lot. Sascha drove with Daniel and me to his home. Whew, that's a huge house, so his parents are definitely not gnawing at the beggar's cloth. After Daniel and Sascha had said goodbye, we went to his car. An old, rickety Peugeot 306 that looked more like my price range. Daniel unlocked the door and let me in.
"This is my mom's car, I'll be going to school for another year and then I can afford my own!”
Shortly thereafter, after a brief detour to my car for my sleeping bag, we drive into a high-rise parking garage.
“The elevator is so loud that it would wake up all the neighbors! I hope you make it to the 5th floor on foot!”
"At least this way you save on a stepper trainer!”
Finally, the fifth floor. Daniel stops in front of the door marked “Altmann” and digs out his key.
"Please take off your shoes. My room is the second door on the right. Please be as quiet as possible so as not to wake my little sister.”
When we arrived in his realm, I looked around me first. A normal boys' room! Only the Leonardo DiCaprio poster on the cabinet destroyed this impression a little. Order was in the room as much a foreign word as at my house.
“Sit down,” Daniel ordered me, after he had freed a second chair of clothes, notebooks and some odds and ends.
“Isn't your mom at home?“
”No, she's working the night shift this week. She works at the Pink Giant in the information center! My dad ran off with a secretary four years ago. At least he pays his alimony."
That sounded very sad. But somehow Daniel manages to be funny again in an instant. Maybe it's getting used to the idea that makes him do it.
“Do you want to play a round of Tekken before we go to bed?“
Is that Tekken I hear? In my mind, I'm already going through all the combinations of King again!
”Sure!“
”Careful, I'm damn good! Only Sascha beats me now and then when he does his distractions, which you're not allowed to do!”
“Well OK! Let's see!"
He's good. Now I understand why you need distractions. As long as I had King, it was clear, but as soon as Daniel had Lei or Gon, I was lost. We then played with random opponents, so it was reasonably even. OK, OK! He beat me all but two times, but only just. Most importantly, he showed me a few new moves.
Around four or half past four, we were finally able to get some sleep. He in bed, me in my sleeping bag in front of the bed.
"How come you have your mom's car when she has to work?”
“She gave it to me today so that I could get home safely. She's taking the bus to work for a change.“ If his mom had heard the grateful undertone in his voice, she would have melted!
”There had been a stressful time when I wanted to go home from the meeting place at night. A couple of guys thought they were particularly strong when they beat up a single boy. Fortunately, the police happened to be passing by. Except for two bruises, I got off lightly. But I somehow had to explain to the police officer at the station that I came from the 'meeting place'. He then called my mom to pick me up.
'Good evening Mrs. Altmann, your son was attacked on his way home from the gay meeting place. Could you please pick him up here. Thank you very much! See you soon!'
I wanted to kill the policeman, strangle him and then stab him. That was apparently also noticeable in my panic look.
'Shit! Sorry, I didn't mean to do that. I guess you imagined your outing differently!'
At least he quickly realized what was going on. I had never seen a policeman so embarrassed. But that didn't help me either. In my head, thousands of doomsday scenarios played out with my mother as the avenging angel. Fifteen minutes and a thousand deaths later, my mom arrived. My clumsy policeman was at least kind enough to take us both to the soundproof booth so that not the whole station had to listen to my mom's thunderstorm.
'Did you have any serious accident?' Phew, that was a load off my mind! That didn't start too badly!
'No, so far everything's OK.'
'Why didn't you tell me before? I would have driven you there too! I've suspected it for a long time anyway, that you don't care about girls!' and so on. 'So now we're going home first and next time I'll drive you there. I don't like being called by the police to pick up my son!' That almost sounded funny again. Getting out of the station, into the car and off to bed happened as if in a trance to me. So that was my coming out at home. My mom actually dropped me off at the meeting point the next Saturday and picked me up again after the disco, without batting an eyelid.
“You're damn lucky with your mom. I don't think it would have gone so well with my parents.”
“Do you think I believed that at one time? Nope! But my mom is just great. You'll meet her anyway. She brings breakfast from work. I've already sent her a text message at the disco that she should bring two more rolls.”
Whew. No chance of sneaking out quietly and secretly. But from the way Daniel described his mom, it can't be too bad.
“Now it's time to sleep! Good night, Frank!”
“Good night, Daniel.”
-click- It was dark in the room, and I lay awake for a while, but then I fell asleep.
Chapter
3
I was woken up a little roughly with a kick to the stomach. Immediately afterwards, there was a heavy thud on the bed frame and a scream. When I finally opened my eyes, I saw a woman in the doorway, fighting back laughter. After a slight turn, I saw a girl about 10 years old lying across me, who had just had an unpleasant encounter with Daniel's bed frame. He was already trying to comfort her.
“Good morning, sis. Good morning, Mom. The stumbling block is Frank. Good morning, Frank. This is my sister Melanie and my mom.“
”Good morning, Mrs. Altmann. Good morning, Daniel. Good morning, Melanie. Do you always kick people who are in your way, standing or walking?”
“No, only when they get cheeky!“
Oh, how great, so young and already talking back to Daniel. Poor mother.
”Good morning everyone. I'll only say this once! If the gentlemen could end their apparently somewhat short night's rest, breakfast is served."
The undertone in the voice quickly made it clear to me where the kids got their cheeky mouths from.
Daniel had managed to get up by now, but it took me a little longer to get out of my sleeping bag. The early bird gets lead in the ass! I stumbled out into the hallway. From the smell, the kitchen is behind this door. Right! Everyone seems to be waiting for me. I quickly sat down! Melanie sat across from me, her mom next to her, and Daniel next to me.
“Where you are sitting now is where Sascha usually sits. You actually fit in much better there. You both look like you've come out of the crypt and not out of bed!”
“Sascha is an absolute early riser. He's already up and about when I'm just starting to move!” Daniel interjected a somewhat superfluous explanation. But given my current state, it was apparently quite advantageous. It saved me from having to start thinking first thing in the morning.
“Although you've got yourself just the right friend there, son! At least he'll make you breakfast when I don't! But don't let the rolls get cold. They're still quite fresh. Enjoy!“
”Enjoy!” she hears from three throats. In the next few minutes, there is a hungry silence.
“Ouch! Melanie, why are you kicking me, I wasn't being naughty!“
That's how I got a laugh out of it.
”There's usually no one sitting in the chair, so I can put my feet up! Call me Mel, it's easier!“
”OK!”
After that, it was quiet in the kitchen again, except for the usual noise of dishes. Neither of us smacked our lips.
After dinner, everything was washed immediately. Something flew at me. I caught it! Damn, I had the dish towel in my hand. OK. So I just dried it. As long as I don't have to do the dishes, I don't mind. I hate washing up like the plague! After that, we all sat at the kitchen table again for coffee or cocoa for Mel.
“So you're the new guy from JWD in Daniel's group. It took you forever to take him up on his offer anyway.“
”JWD?“
”Jans Weit Draußen!“ (”Jans Far Out!“), three voices echo in reply.
”OK, OK! Yes, that's me!“
”Have you always driven back and forth so far?”
“No, I was only there for the second time yesterday.“
”Didn't you like it the first time or why haven't you been for so long?“
”There are several reasons: for one thing, my parents would notice if I suddenly went into town so often. Secondly, with the petrol prices, it costs quite a bit of money and besides, I have to start doing something for my final exam.”
Mel has finished her cocoa and rushes out the door saying, “I'm at Isabelle's!”
“That's her best friend. She lives two floors below. The two of them are even more inseparable than Sascha and I!”
“So now to your answers,” his mother resumes. “Don't your parents know that you're gay?”
“No! God forbid, then I wouldn't just look like I came out of the crypt – I'd be there already. My dad would kill me.”
“Well, it probably wouldn't be that bad. I assume that your mom already suspects something. Mothers can sense these things! The worst that could happen to you at 18 is that they throw you out on the street. When do you have your final exam and for what?“
”In three months I have the first exams for my banking apprenticeship.”
“Well, that's not such a bad profession, you'll have no trouble finding a job here with that. Above all, you could move here. It's not quite so hard for you as a gay man here, and you wouldn't have the problem with the gas anymore.“
”There's something to that! I've never thought about moving before.”
“You see, it's good to talk to the 'old folks'.“
”That's true, but I wouldn't need to talk to mine. For them, I'm already firmly planned as the provider of favorable financing for my older brother, who is taking over the farm.”
“Not a very English way either!“
”Well, at some point you get used to others doing the planning for you. They just don't know all the details about me. That's the disadvantage. My mom must have tried to set me up with our neighbor's daughter at least five times.”
“Well, we'll be off soon!” Daniel interrupted the discussion again. ‘Pack your things, I'll drive you to your car. Mom, give Frank one of your cards with the address. Next time, call me first and leave the car around here. I'll take you to the ’meeting point'.”
“Before you leave, Daniel: you can expect a new addition to 'Dieter's' in the next few weeks.“
”OK, thanks for the info, Mom.“
”Thank you for the breakfast and have a nice weekend, Mrs. Altmann.”
“You're welcome. If you can't stand it at home anymore, we can store you with us for a few days if necessary.“
”Thanks! Goodbye!"
The things were quickly packed and off it went down the 5 floors again. During the ride, I had a few questions for Daniel!
“Why does your mom also speak of 'Dieter's'?“
The question seemed to make Daniel a little uncomfortable, so I preferred to ask the next one right away so that he could leave this one out!
”How can your mom announce a new addition to the meeting place?"
The question seemed easy for him.
“My mom works at the telecom information desk. But she doesn't do the normal jobs there, she's the contact person for the telephone counseling service and the other counseling hotlines. So she gets the customers who ask for advice at the information desk. She's often had young gay men on the line who can't deal with the world anymore. Since I've been at the 'Treffpunkt', she almost always sends them to us. Actually, she's not even allowed to tell me about it, with all the data protection and whatnot. I can't get more out of her than the information that someone might come!” You sounded a little disappointed.
“By the way, you're as good as adopted! If you're allowed to help with the first visit, you've made a great impression on my mom. It may sound strange, but guests aren't allowed to work, but friends are. Not to mention that she made the announcement about the new guy in your presence."
Daniel sank into brooding.
“But it could also mean something else. Maybe the boy has similar problems to you or comes from your neighborhood. Please try to be back next Saturday!“
”I'll try. I can't promise anything yet. I'll call you then!”
“Oh yes, to your first question: Sascha's father owns the building in which the 'meeting place' is located, as well as several other buildings in the city. Including our apartment block. That's why my mom almost always calls the 'meeting place' 'Dieter's', because Sascha's dad certainly didn't dream that his son would one day go to the advice center he made possible without knowing that it belongs to his dad. He only demands half the rent from the center. He had intended to do the same with us when he found out that I was his son's friend. My mom hit the roof. She went with me to Sascha's family that evening and kicked up a fuss. And rightly so. 'You can't buy love', those were her words. She is absolutely allergic to nepotism and the like. She didn't calm down until she had the corrected version of the lease with the normal rent in her hands. I was totally embarrassed by the whole thing. But now I understand it.«
“Your mom is the first person I know who complains when they get a discount!“ I smirked.
”Sascha and I didn't always get along so well, and we often had extreme arguments. It would have been an extreme burden for me to have the rent increase hanging over my family like the sword of Damocles.”
“Hey, Daniel, I'm well aware of that. Why do you think I'm at the Sparkasse and not at the Raiffeisenbank. My parents have all the money there, so suspicions could have arisen that I was being hired because of their money and not because of my performance. I didn't want that. I'm a bit like your mom in that way.”
“Well, then it's clear why she likes you so much.“ It was easy to tell from the undertone that the mood had returned.
”So we're here. Just give me a call during the week. Give me my mom's business card again. Here's Sasha's cell phone number in case no one answers the phone at our place.”
“Thanks, have a nice Sunday and have fun at school! Just think that there are some poor bastards who have to work all day, then it'll be easier.“
”Thanks for the tip! Ciao!“
”Ciao."
Chapter
4
Off home. When I arrived, I found a note from my mom on the kitchen table.
'We're at the neighbors', Adolf has had an accident. Come over as soon as you get home!'
Oh great, that's a good start. Adolf is the father of Nicole, the neighbor I was supposed to be set up with. His name already says in which time he was born. Unfortunately, time has left its mark on him.
So I quickly put the stuff away and went over to the neighbors. My parents had already left for the hospital with Adolf and Nicole's mother. Nicole opened the door for me.
“Hello Nicole.”
“Hi Frank, your mom already announced you. How was the city?”
"Nice. What happened?”
“My dad was cutting wood. Somehow his left hand got caught in the blade.“
”Shit!“ I couldn't think of anything more to say. Just the thought of it made me feel sick.
”Will you help me keep the kids occupied?”
“Of course. That's why I'm here."
We spent the rest of the afternoon keeping Nicole's little brothers and sisters occupied with board games and other games, both possible and impossible. Nicole needed the distraction at least as much as her brothers and sisters.
Towards evening, my mom called. I went to the phone immediately, knowing that it could only be a status report.
"So Adolf is doing well so far. Two fingers from his hand are gone. Maria had a nervous breakdown and is now lying right next to him. We'll stay here for now and see how things develop. Can you please stay with Nicole and her siblings today?”
I didn't like the emphasis on the word Nicole at all. That was the next attempt to fix me up with her. My mom obviously thinks that problems weld together.
“OK. No problem. Is there anything else for us to do?”
"No, your brother is already at home, he'll probably manage on his own.”
“That's fine. I'll just get a few things so that I can drive straight from here to work tomorrow.”
“OK. Good night, son.“
”Good night to you too, as far as you can say it."
I went over to my brother and got my clothes for the next day and my sleeping bag out of the car. The second night in a sleeping bag. Well, good night then.
Back home, we slowly put the little ones to bed. They had recovered enough. We then sat down in the living room in front of the telly with a cup of tea each. That's when I gave Nicole the status report. She already knew that the circular saw wouldn't leave all fingers intact, but still she started crying and threw herself on my shoulder! What should I do? What is wrong? What is right? Comfort her for now. The tears had dried up, but somehow Nicole never wanted to leave my arms. Damn! Is everyone conspiring against me now? How do I make it clear to her that I just want to be a good friend to her?
Apparently, my rejection was felt. Nicole broke free from my arms.
“Why don't you want to be my boyfriend, Frank?“
”I am your boyfriend!“ It was only after I said that that I remembered what SHE meant by boyfriend.
”No, not the way you think, I don't want anything from you. Why can't it stay the way it is, that we're just good friends?”
“Damn it, we're not little kids from the sandbox anymore. I fell in love with you!“
Shit. This is getting worse and worse. What should I do now? Who will help me? Damn it! Now only the hard facts will help!
”Nicole, please sit down!”
“Damn it. Don't keep me in suspense. You've made it clear to me umpteen times that you only want to be friends with me and nothing more.“
”Sit down!“
”OK, OK. I'm sitting. Now what?”
Why is it so hard to say it? It would be so much easier! I sat down across from Nicole, trying not to look at her. By now I regretted my advance. How do I get out of this?
“What's going on now, Frank?”
"Nicole... I'm gay!”
It's out! Somehow, I now felt totally relieved, no matter what happens now, it's out!
If it weren't for the ticking of the wall clock, you could hear a pin drop. I slowly started to feel a little uncomfortable and I dared to look at something other than my feet. That's what Nicole seemed to have been waiting for.
“Hey! Cheer up. I'm not my dad. I don't have a problem with it. Who else knows?“
”Apart from the guys from the youth group in the city, no one.“
”Thanks for your trust! But you could have told me that before I fell in love with you. I thought I was too unattractive for you!”
“That's really not true. As far as I can tell, you look damn good. The rat tail you always drag behind you in the schoolyard speaks volumes!“
”You'd like that. Lots of boys on your heels!”
The laughter sounded a bit hysterical, but apparently she took it quite well. Somehow it's very strange. It almost feels like a great burden has been lifted from your soul.
“Do you want to tell your parents too?”
Damn. The burden's back!
“Do you think I want to go to my grave as soon as possible? I trust my mom to cope with it, my brother has enough girlfriends for both of us. But my dad? He's just as bad as yours!“
”You're right. Sorry! I'll definitely keep my mouth shut, that's for sure. But I need a drink to cope with the shock. Do you want something from the bar too?”
“Sure. I could use something too."
After a while, we continued as before. We talked about this and that. At some point, we realized who liked which guys from our acquaintance. It turned out that we had to be careful not to get in each other's way. At around 11 p.m., we decided to go to bed. Nicole went to her room, and I slept in the sofa bed in the living room. Her dad would have chased me to the altar with a pistol if he had even suspected that we had done something immoral before marriage. Poor Nicole!
Again, it took me a while to fall asleep. So I'm outed to Nicole now. My first outing was actually quite OK. What else will I have to face now. My life is apparently turning upside down before my final exam.
Chapter
5
This weekend had also left an impression on some of the other people involved.
On Monday, I slept in due to an acute lack of sleep. My boss apparently didn't have a good day either. He summoned me to his office right away and gave me a lecture about “today's apprentices take rights they don't have.” Luckily for me, I was able to present an excuse for the accident on Sunday that was even sufficient for him. On a side note, I then pointed out that of all the apprentices in my year, I have the fewest sick days. That seemed to do the trick, and I was dismissed.
That same evening, my mom asked me if I still had time to go with her to the electronics store in the district capital. Of course! I didn't know what to get during the whole trip. I couldn't get anything out of my mom either. So we'll just let ourselves be surprised. As soon as we arrived, she headed for the cell phones. 'Am I in the wrong movie? What's going on now?' Those were my first thoughts. I had already asked for an allowance for a cell phone, because it's just not possible with my trainee salary.
“We don't want anything like that in our house!” Was the only comment from my dad. Whereupon my brother grinned and pulled his cell phone out of his pocket. Whew. That was a mistake. My dad was pretty upset about that. My brother was told that it was all unnecessary technology and stuff like that.
Apparently, something had changed in my parents' attitude yesterday as well. It was a good thing that I had saved my cell phone number in our phone.
"So, now I'll leave it to you. But please choose a cell phone that isn't too expensive. It was hard enough to persuade your father!”
Did I see a slight grin on her lips? Apparently, she had used all her feminine powers of persuasion to get my dad to agree.
"How did you manage it, anyway?”
“It's simple, your brother had his cell phone with him yesterday and we only reached him through that. We didn't know how to reach you. That had an effect. The argument that you would now start going out just like your brother was the final trump card!”
Now the grin was clearly visible. But of course I didn't miss this opportunity, since I had already toyed with the idea of buying a cell phone myself, despite the budget shortfall. That also made it reasonably clear to me what I wanted. I quickly had the “Nokia 3210” in my hand. When it came to the contract, my mom intervened again and, with a grin, also entered my dad's account number as the debit account number for the bill. Oh, but there had been a lot of persuasion involved. On the way to the checkout, I couldn't help but open my cheeky mouth again:
“Do you want to come to the PC department?“
”Nah. That's enough. The PC is your private pleasure! Always the youth of today, never getting enough!"
I haven't seen my mom in such a good mood in ages. On the way home, I was able to tell her that I was going back to the city on Saturday.
On Wednesday I called Daniel.
“Melanie Altmann!”
“Hi Mel, it's Frank. Can you please give me your brother?”
“DAAANNNIIIIEEEEL!”
I don't think even if Daniel had been in the underground car park, he wouldn't have been able to miss that.
“Hello!”
"Hi Daniel, it's Frank.”
“Is your hearing still all right?“
”I'm just deaf in one ear now. How are you?“
”I'm doing quite well, thanks for asking. How are you?“
”I'm doing well too. Our neighbor had an accident on Sunday, so there was action in the house. That's why I now have a cell phone!“
”Cool! Hang on, I'll have something to write with in a minute. Give me the number.”
“Sure! 0170634911.“ I tried to imitate the computer voice of the information service, which made Daniel laugh.
”OK, OK, next time just tell me to ask my mom!“
”Can I take you up on your offer this weekend?” I asked when I had recovered from my laughing fit.
“Sure, do you have plans on Saturday morning?“
”No, why?“
”You can come by earlier, then we can still make the city a little unsafe. Let's see if we can find a suitable boyfriend for you.“
”Thanks. Low blow!“
”Sorry, once again my mouth was faster than my brain could consider all the consequences.”
“That's OK. What time should I ring you out of bed on Saturday?“
”How about 10:00, when we have plenty of time to get our money out there?“
”OK. See you then! Good night and sweet dreams!“
”Sure. Sascha's here! See you Saturday. Good night.”
Second low point. It's not his fault; if it were me, I would shout about my luck to the world, too.
There are usually ways to increase it. Somehow this week had an absolute mood gap!
On Friday, all the apprentices in my year of training had a meeting with our head of HR. None of us knew what it was about. We had speculated that it was about exam preparation. We weren't that far off.
"Ladies, Mr. Kaufmann, I asked you here today because we are also thinking about your future.”
Being the only man among four apprentices has its advantages. At least I'm addressed by name. On the other hand, the jokes from my colleagues about me being the cock of the walk are a bit annoying.
“Unfortunately, we can only take on two of you.”
Damn. That wiped the grin off my face. Fortunately, I'm the second best. I'll just have to try a little harder in the final exam.
“Since it is always very difficult for the children of bank employees to get a job at another institution, we unfortunately see no reason to take them on, Ms. Martin and Mr. Kaufmann."
Bummer. That's it! Once again, it's not performance that counts, but who's related to who in the company. Thanks a lot. I was about to jump the guy's throat. My fellow sufferer is apparently just sharpening her fingernails for the eyes! Always these gestures of embarrassment. Why am I pushing my glasses up again? A glance around taught me that the two “happy” ladies were also not so comfortable in their skin.
“We are very sorry for you, but we couldn't make any other decision. Of course, you are also welcome to attend the exam preparation course. We just want to give you the opportunity to start looking for a job now. I realize that you may feel this decision is unfair at the moment, but in a few years you will certainly be able to understand it.”
OK. That's enough! I'm not a little boy! Without saying another word, I walked out of the office. A few moments later, my colleague followed. I don't think the HR manager has ever experienced anything like that either. I won't talk about the gentleman's psychological skills. I just think it's great when you're told before your first exam that you have no chance of being hired because of your relationship.
I went straight to my boss to ask if I could go home in the afternoon.
Apparently the HR manager was faster, because my current boss closed the office door before sitting down.
“I'm sure you want to go home this afternoon. I can even understand you. No problem. By the way, congratulations, you're the first one who dares to leave without any comments. He called right here and raged. My ear specialist will be eternally grateful to you, now he has another satisfied customer!”
Normally I would have laughed at the joke, but for understandable reasons I didn't feel like laughing.
“Thanks. Why isn't the staff council doing anything about it?”
“His daughter will be taken on.”
"Oh, how great.”
“My opinion exactly. By the way, you'll be in my department until the final exam; I got the rest of the schedule today. I was even hoping that you would stay here as reinforcements for our department. I didn't know that you weren't being taken on either. Here are some newspapers that I get delivered. Normally, I just throw them away. Until further notice, I'll pass them on to you. Maybe you can do something with the job ads.“
”Thanks.” Hey, he can do more than just grumble. I guess I'll have to make a huge correction to a personality assessment.
“If you need time off for a job interview, just let me know. That's not a problem at all. Now disappear into the afternoon. It's nice, so lie down in the swimming pool and try to get your mind off things. Life goes on, but rarely in a straight line.“
”Thanks. Have a nice weekend.”
I didn't want to stay at home. So I followed my boss's advice, just drove by quickly to get my swimming things and went to the lake. Normally, the sight of pretty boys, who can be found in packs at the lake, helps me to think of other things, but somehow that didn't work. So I soon went home to my room, not without buying a bottle of alcohol at the supermarket first. But then I thought it was a bad idea and put it away. I was hardly responsive the whole afternoon and evening. I made the whole thing clear to my parents in one short sentence.
Then I went to bed. After what seemed like an eternity, I fell asleep. Not without turning on my alarm clock.
Chapter
6
I was reasonably on time the next morning at Daniel's door and was about to ring the bell when the door was flung open and Melanie stormed towards me. However, I am quite a good resistance. After the little one had pulled herself together again, I couldn't stop laughing.
"You try to run over or against me every time!”
“Nah. You're just always standing/lying in my way. I'm gone. Have a nice day!“ With that, Melanie had disappeared. I apparently had a huge question mark on my face.
”It's not just us who want to go downtown. But Mel has an appointment. She has to make sure she catches the bus now, that's why she tried to walk through you.“
”I see.”
“Come on in first. Sascha will be here around half past ten. He has to do something before that.“
”Did you organize a taxi for us?“
”No, we'll take the subway in, it's more convenient. You don't have to look for a parking space. We'll take the car in the evening.“
”That's okay. What's new with you?”
“Two good and one bad grade.“
”What did you mess up?“
”Sascha kept me from learning history. I noticed that.“
”I see! I guess the teacher won't accept extenuating circumstances.”
“It would be more like aggravated circumstances. We also have that teacher in German. It took him half an hour to explain that Oscar Wilde might or might not have been gay.“
”They left that aspect out completely in our school.”
“Well, at least the teaching methods aren't completely different. What's new with you?“
Meanwhile, we were sitting in his room in front of the telly. Viva again.
”I won't be taken on because only the apprentices who have family in the bank will be taken on.“
”Boh. Oh, how great. Tell my mom that tomorrow morning. But it's not that bad.”
“Not so bad? You're crazy!“
”You want to get out of your backwater, don't you? But then you'll have to work here. What better reason could you have in a job interview than not being taken on?“
”For example, that I want to see something new without being forced to.”
“OK. OK. But it's not the worst reason. Remember to buy a newspaper today. Saturday's always got the job market in it, so we'll find something suitable for you!“
”I'll hopefully do that. But I've got you as my brain.“
”Brain with Alzheimer's!“
”Better than my space emulation!“
”Space emulation?”
“Vacuum!“
”Oh, I'm sorry, I'm not quite awake yet.“
Then the doorbell rang. Daniel rushed to the intercom.
”Sascha, is that you?“
”Hi Daniel, sure. Why is the door down here closed today?“
”I don't know. But I won't let you in until you bring a newspaper from the corner!”
“Don't be daft!“
”I'm serious.“
”OK, I know that sound. I'll get the paper.“
”That's what having a friend is for! That way neither of us has to remember it.“
”Don't be so rude to him on my account.“
”It's not that bad. The newspaper stand is 30 meters away.”
The second bell had already rung. Without comment, Daniel opened the door. He also opened the front door and thanked Sascha for the newspaper with a gentle kiss! I would have walked 60 meters for that!
“Hello Frank. How are you?”
“Hi Sascha, thanks, under the circumstances.”
"The circumstances? How long have you been pregnant?”
“No, Frank won't be taken on by his company, that's why I'm giving you the paper.“
”Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. How long have you known?“
”Since yesterday.“
”We'll find something. If necessary, I'll ask my dad if he can hire a private secretary for me.“
”The job is reserved for me! You don't stand a chance, Frank!”
“Don't worry, you know how I feel about nepotism.“
”Aha, another one of those. Why aren't you being taken on? Aren't you good enough?“
”Bull's eye. I have the wrong relatives. They only take on people whose kin are already at the bank because they would hardly find a job at another bank.”
“Oh, the usual, then. Anything pleasant to report, Frank?“
”I came out to my neighbor.“
”You did what? But you look pretty lively! Didn't she kill you, like you always feared?“ Daniel asked immediately.
”Nicole is the same age as me. It's different there.”
“How did it come about?“
”On Sunday, your dad had an accident...“ I told the whole story. ‘...what else could I have done without alienating her?’
”You're right. It seems to have gone quite well. I had a similar first outing, but it went a little less well, not to say quite badly.”
“Do you want to tell me?“
”Sure. After all, it had a very nice side effect.“ With that, Daniel received a big kiss.
”Does anyone want coffee? The way he's looking at me, it'll be a while before we get into town.“
”Yes please, Daniel. Thanks!“
”You too, Frank?“
”Thanks, and thanks!”
“Start telling the story, Sascha, I already know it.“
With that, Daniel disappeared into the kitchen.
”He's so tired of hearing this story. But I just love telling it because that's how I found him!“
”So go ahead.”
“Well, I've always known that I'm into boys. I just didn't want to admit it. I even had a girlfriend. It went well until she wanted to sleep with me. I just couldn't do that. A few times I was able to get out of it with some excuse or other. At some point, she managed to make it so that I had no chance. So I did the same thing you did much sooner. I came out, as they say. The first reactions were similar to yours. When I went to class the next Monday, I had a rude awakening. My 'dear' friend had nothing better to do in her disappointed love than to inform everyone in the class and to plot revenge for the humiliation that had arisen. This is how it looked: On the blackboard was written in capital letters 'We don't want any cocksuckers, Sascha out of the class!' My chair was covered with plastic bags so that he wouldn't get AIDS, as my classmates explained to me. There were a few subtleties that I won't go into now. During the break, the liaison teacher took me aside.
'The father of your girlfriend, or rather your ex-girlfriend, called the headmaster in a rage today and asked how it could be that such abnormal elements as you are running around at our decent school. I don't want to tell you the exact wording here, but there were some words that make me doubt that he was once a student at this private school.'
'Yes, I'm gay. Do I get expelled from school or what?' By now I didn't care anymore. I almost shouted the words in his face. I had been making plans to kill myself all day at school.
'No. But there will have to be a clarifying talk with your parents, because there were also some accusations against the school as a meeting place for gay youth, etc. You supposedly told all of this in detail to your ex-girlfriend. You don't have to explain it to me, I know exactly how the principal or you know that it is a pack of lies. Unfortunately, that doesn't help. We have to talk to your parents.'
My face turned even paler than it already was.
'Your parents don't know yet? I suspected as much, which is why I managed to get the principal to postpone it until tomorrow morning. I'm sorry, but that's the best I can do. As hard as it is, you'll have to try to break the news to your parents by tomorrow morning. It's probably better if they hear it from you.'
'Shit!' That was about all I could think of.
'It can't be that bad for you. Your father was also said to have ambitions in this direction in the past. That's probably why he still remembers how hard it is to live with such hostility.'
'How do you know that?'
“Your dad was also here at school. Mr. Hoffman, who retired last month, was the class leader of your father's graduating class. I rang him out of bed this morning because I looked at your dad's file. There were some hints in it that I'd rather have in plain text.”
'Thank you. I'm not allowed to use the bit about the file, of course. You're not allowed to give me information about other students.'
'Exactly. Please try to explain that to your parents by tomorrow. Now you'd better go back to the classroom. If you go inside, the playground should be a cordon of honor for you otherwise.'
'Thanks for the reprieve! Goodbye!'
How should I break it to my dad? Should I jump off a bridge on my way home? First, I had to get a hold of my dad. Getting a meeting with him as a family member is just as difficult as an audience with the Pope. Of course not quite as bad, but sometimes it really seems like he only lives for the company.
The rest of the school day went by fairly quickly. Apparently, all the teachers knew by now, because none of them tried to get me to say anything or do anything else. I spent the time imagining bleak prospects for the future. But this school day passed too.”
“Coffee's here! Frank, take your eyes off Sasha's lips so he can drink his coffee before it gets cold!“
”Thanks, Daniel!“ they chorused.
”Pure self-interest! Keep talking quickly, otherwise we won't get to go shopping today.”
“Then don't interrupt me. When I got home, I immediately 'took on' my mother. Since I didn't know how to tell her either, I described the last evening with my girlfriend and its consequences to her. She took it quite well. She was a bit shocked that there won't be any grandchildren from me, but otherwise quite normal. Since my dad didn't plan on coming home until sometime that night, she even offered to teach him the 'thing'. I accepted that too, since I was totally exhausted. I still don't know what was causing me so much strain. I think it was my body's protective function, to keep me from getting any stupid ideas. Sometime around two in the morning, my dad woke me up:
“Hey kid,” he always calls me, ‘that's no problem at all.’ My best friend was gay too, and I know what kind of hostility he had to live with when it came out. Since I was often with him, the rumor spread about me too. That caused quite a bit of trouble with my father. I was never supposed to see him again and so on. I didn't care. I realized that he needed a friend who would stand by him. So you'll never have any problems from my side. You know him as Uncle Markus, by the way.
Of course I knew him. He used to come to our house a lot on weekends to drink coffee. He was always super nice to me. At some point I asked him why he didn't have any children of his own. He seemed really sad and said that it wasn't possible for him. Now I know why.
'But he's dead.'
'Yes, he died of AIDS in 1989. His boyfriend died six months earlier. That's also my biggest fear now with you. Please take good care of me. I don't want to lose you to this disease. Who would take over the company if you were gone? Now go back to sleep. We'll take care of the principal.'
The next morning, the school counselor caught me right at the entrance. Quite an achievement for him, who is usually always the last teacher there. He's just an avowed late riser. Almost as bad as Daniel."
Of course, this could not remain without a reaction from the latter. While the two were tussling, I was able to take at least a sip of my now lukewarm coffee.
“I love you too, because you're such a late riser, Daniel. Now let me finish the story!“
”Have you told your parents?“ I heard instead of a ‘good morning’.
”Yes, somehow it wasn't nearly as bad as I feared.”
'You've also done a lucky strike with your parents. There are others for whom it doesn't go so well. Yesterday I impressed on all the teachers not to make any ambiguous remarks or anything like that. You shouldn't be in danger from that side anymore. Unfortunately, I can't influence the students.
'Thanks for what you've already done. I hope they'll calm down again at some point.'
Unfortunately, I was mistaken about this hope. In short, my dad cleared everything with the headmaster. There was no more trouble from that quarter. Unfortunately, things didn't go well in class. The others calmed down relatively quickly. Only my ex kept digging. As soon as tempers had cooled down again, she dug in again. This made the school year a living hell for me.
During the summer vacation, I asked my dad to transfer me from the school to a normal school. Even though it hurt him that his son would not receive a degree from “his” private school, he realized that it just didn't make sense.
The first day of school there was also quite 'normal'. Free after: Hello kids, how was the vacation – this is the new guy – say a few words about yourself and sit wherever there is space. Space was only next to Daniel or a girl. So I took the more pleasant alternative. I immediately noticed that the new classmates were giving each other strange looks and some were fighting back laughter.”
“After the incident you already know about, I pretty quickly came out everywhere. In my class, now our class, there were no problems at all. Only the aforementioned German teacher had a hard time at first. My preference was also so well known that everyone knew that my dream boy had just sat down next to me. For those who didn't yet realize, my pained expression probably made it clear what was going on.”
“I was very openly accepted. A real vacation after running the gauntlet in my old class. During the first break, I was bombarded with questions from all sides. I dismissed the question of why I was changing schools with problems with my classmates, which wasn't a lie. At some point, the really great question came up as to whether I had problems with gays. I answered that with a clear 'No'.
'That's good. You're sitting next to one and seem to be exactly his type!'
I have never seen Daniel so red. Unfortunately! If looks could kill at that moment, the speaker would have died a thousand or more deaths. But apparently I was also quite perplexed and looked at Daniel with eyes as big as a wheel.
“If you have a problem with it, you can sit down somewhere else,” she said rather poisonously. It seemed that someone had misunderstood my amazement. Unfortunately, I was so distracted by the next questions that I couldn't immediately straighten out the negative image of myself. The rest of the day went like every first day of school. Hand out books. Elect class president. Daniel was elected with 70%. Just the usual. My neighbor kept silent towards me the whole time. Damn, someone was seriously mad at me.
The next morning I found all my stuff on the other free seat next to the girl. That was too much for me. I packed all the stuff without comment and threw it back on the old seat next to Daniel. He looked a bit puzzled when the atlas slammed down from half a meter above the table next to him, but said nothing more. The other class members seemed to think the action was right.
Shortly after the start of the break, however, the silence of my classmate became too much for me.
'It's me too, by the way!' I whispered to him.
Another gaffe! His neck became thicker and thicker, his eyes wetter and wetter.
'Damn it! I can take the piss out of myself too!' he shouted at me and disappeared from the classroom.
“What did you say to him?“ a girl, the deputy class representative and apparently also a friend of Daniel's, immediately pounced on me.
”I'm gay too.” Since it seemed to be no problem in the class, I dared to say it out loud.
'Oh man! Men and feelings. Daniel is head over heels in love with you, or even more than that! Yesterday you didn't react well to his outing and today you tell him that you're gay too. He must think you're taking the piss.'
I might need a little longer to understand something that has to do with feelings, but every now and then the penny drops for me too. I had actually only been thinking about Daniel the day before, so I was a little bit in love with him too.
'Where do you think I can find him?'
'Usually under the oak tree.'
'Thanks!' and I was out of the classroom. Daniel was really under the oak and howling.
'Hey!' I said and tried to turn his face towards me.
'Leave me alone and don't make things worse!'
'At least let me talk!' With gentle force I managed to turn him towards me. With my left hand, I pushed under his chin to lift his bowed head a little. I looked into his tear-filled eyes. I don't know what it was, but somehow I was struck by lightning with a bomb. The look in his eyes did it to me. I just kissed him.”
“I hadn't been any less affected, but somehow it had all happened too fast for me. After I had recovered somewhat, I went back to class. No sooner had I arrived there than we were being treated as the new dream couple of the class by grinning faces. During the night I thought about the whole thing again. Sascha was sweet, sure, and he also had strong arms in which I could snuggle up, and he could also give gentle kisses. Why not, I just didn't want to be alone anymore. The next day, in a quiet moment, I asked him if he wanted to come over to my place on Friday.”
“I accepted, hoping that the kiss would have the same effect on Daniel as it did on me. I was totally in love with him. Friday evening came. We talked half the night away at his place and told each other our whole life stories. At some point we kissed again. Again and again. One thing led to another. By the next morning we were a couple. There was another time when things weren't going so well, but now we're happy again."
While the two were busy kissing, I quickly went to the bathroom to get rid of the coffee. When I came back, they had both sat down properly again.
“Thanks for speeding up the end a bit, Sascha, otherwise we won't get into the city at all today while the shops are still open,“ Daniel said.
”OK, then let's go slowly! We'll make a quick stop at Pizza Hut. I still need something to eat. Kissing makes you hungry.”
No sooner said than done. Getting into the subway was no problem at all. After dinner, which Sascha kindly bought for us, we went on to various stores. I just bought a new sweater. Shortly after closing time, we were back at Daniel's place. I was 'sentenced' to put on the sweater in the evening. Since no one really knew what we should do until 19:00, Daniel threw “Beautiful Thing” in the VCR. A beautiful movie. When the movie was over, we had to slowly get ready. Let's see what the evening brings.
Chapter
7
This time we were there pretty early. Bit by bit the others arrived. Some from last time were missing, but others were there again this time. There were even a few unknown faces, but apparently they were already known in the group. These were introduced to me by Daniel. Michael was dropped off by an older gentleman in a Mercedes. This prompted Daniel to make another stupid comment:
“Hi Michael, is this your new boyfriend? Since when do you like pensioners?“
”Since I love money. No seriously, this is my friend's dad. He's in hospital!“
”Oh. Sorry! Is it serious?"
Somehow everyone knew what was meant by ‘something serious’.
“No! Not too bad. He 'only' had an acute appendicitis the day before yesterday. They put him under the knife that same night. He's already got a cheeky mouth again.“
”Well, that's good then.“
”Today a new one is coming with a planned delay. Not like certain other gentlemen here in the round!”
The general laughter made my face turn a little too red.
“Sascha, get a knife, we're having tomato salad today.”
"Come on, Daniel. We need Frank alive. Today's newcomer comes from your area. He's coming by train, hence the delay.”
“I told you that my mom didn't come up with it by accident.“
”Did your mom play fate again? Well, the groundwork has already been well laid. So, now let's start with the normal program."
With that, he turns to the general public. Everyone sat down on chairs again.
“This time it looks quite mundane to us. It's just about planning the 'Treffpunkt' birthday party. This place has been around for almost five years now and that needs to be celebrated appropriately.”
Everyone loudly agreed. Before we could really get started with the planning, the door opened. All heads turned to the right. Somehow the situation seemed damn familiar to me. What came through the door didn't look bad at all. 'There's no such thing on Earth!' was my first thought. Daniel whispered in my ear:
“Earth to Frank! Earth to Frank! Open your jaw. He's real.“
That brought me back down to earth.
”Phew. If I start staring again, kick me in the shin.“
”I'd better not do that, otherwise you'll just have bruises tomorrow.”
After a short banter, we turned back to the newcomer. Michael addressed him immediately:
“Hi. We spoke on the phone?”
“Yes.”
Oh, that voice! This is getting worse and worse!
“Ouch! What are you doing?”
"You said I should kick you if you start staring again!”
“T...Thank you!"
Sascha was apparently struggling to stop himself from laughing. He almost cried because he didn't want to burst out laughing out loud. Fortunately, the others hadn't noticed anything.”
“I've already prepared you for what's coming. I'll just make room for you. Please just introduce yourself briefly, with your first name, hobbies and whatever else is interesting about you!"
On the way to the front, you only notice a very brief moment of insecurity. This boy knows, firstly, that he looks damn good and, secondly, that he has nothing to lose.
“Hello, my name is Manuel.” Why does that sentence sound familiar? ”I'm 17 and a half years old. Since it's not exactly cheap with the train, I probably won't be here that often. My hobbies are horses, computers and reading. Nobody knows how it fits together, I don't either, but it works wonderfully.”
“How did you find us?“ Michael asked after Manuel had finished.
”I called information and asked for a gay meeting place. Apparently, because of my voice – I had been crying all evening – I was connected to a psychological counselor. She gave me your address."
Can those shining eyes cry?
The grins on some faces showed that Ms. Altmann was busy advertising the “meeting place”.
"Sit down somewhere. We don't have a big program today. We're just planning the fifth birthday of the ‘meeting place’.”
Daniel was the quickest to wave. This earned him some envious glances from the group. Apparently Manuel made an impression on several of them. My grateful look almost made Sascha scream again. He really had tears in his eyes.
"Hi, as you probably know, I'm Manuel! What are you laughing at?”
“That was an inside joke about your 'way of making contact'.” Thanks, Daniel!
“Oh. May I?“
We nodded and there sat my dream next to me. Up close, he looked even better. He has a small scar under his right eye. This little blemish somehow made him even more perfect.
”So that's Frank, he's also from the sticks. This is my friend Sascha and I'm Daniel,” Daniel took over the word again.
“Why did you laugh about the thing with the information?“
”Because somehow there are more and more of them coming this way.“
”How many are there roughly?“
”About ten to twenty percent. So far we've only recruited one through our homepage!"
Even a blind man with a cane would have understood the look. Thanks Daniel!
“So you came through the homepage. Do you still have the URL?“
”No, unfortunately not. I don't have internet at home. My parents just don't play along. I was in our district town in 'Bookmark', which is an internet café.“
Wow, I got that sentence out without stuttering.
”Hey, then at least you're from the same district as me!”
WHAT? My heart! The boy lives near me? Why is Daniel grinning like that? Oh, I guess I have his mom to thank for that.
“Is your round of introductions over?” Michael pulls me out of my thoughts.
“Yes!” came the reply from four throats. That made the rest of the troop laugh.
“Aha, the caught sinners are repentant.“
”No, we're just interrupting so that your vocal cords don't get rusty."
Typically Daniel. He always has the last word! Only in a positive way.
The rest of the official part went by with the various little things to be planned. It only got interesting when it came to the bar. Somehow the core team wasn't discussed. It was only about the substitutes. Daniel appointed Manuel and me for that. Thanks, Daniel. I think I'll have to say that more often.
“Why are we only talking about the replacement?“ Manuel asks. He speaks for me. The question was already visible there.
”It's quite simple, Sascha and I are a well-rehearsed team in the job. We also do it at various private parties.”
“So you want us to represent you. OK. I'll see if I can afford to take the train again anytime soon.“
”I'll be happy to give you a lift!” Fortunately, only I noticed Daniel's barely noticeable nod. I think he'll get a kiss from me today, or better not, otherwise I'll get into trouble with Sascha again.
The rest of the agenda was rather boring. The date agreed upon was the Saturday in four weeks, as that was the closest to the date of the first meeting.
After the official part, it was time for the friendly part. Since a disco was announced last week, we went to a gay café today. There you could also talk a little better. We could reach this on foot.
When we arrived at the café, Michael went ahead. We went into a small room for celebrations or group visits. Michael sat down alone at a table. Somehow he seemed very gloomy. Daniel guided our foursome unerringly to this table.
"May we?”
“Sure, sorry, but somehow I'm still with my sweetheart. Hopefully he'll be back on his feet in four weeks.“
”With your care, sure!“
”My friend is currently in the hospital with or rather without an appendix,” Michael explained the situation again for Manuel, who had looked a bit questioning.
Somehow this sentence set a thought process in motion in Michael.
“Come with Daniel, please!“
With that, the two of them were gone.
”What's his problem?“ Sascha asks. A double shrug is his answer.
”So you're also from my area. Where exactly?” Manuel started a conversation with me.
After I told him, he grinned.
“We live barely 10 km apart. We have certainly met before. As a small pinch. My dad always dragged me to his Raiffeisen meetings. There was always a Frank, who was also taken by his father.”
“Right. Cool. We live barely 10 km apart and meet here in the city. Hence the love of horses? You're somehow connected to the stud farm!“
”That's right, your memory is slowly coming back. My dad owns it!”
“Hey you two, sorry to interrupt,“ Sascha says, ‘do you also offer riding lessons for spoiled city brats?’
”Yes, but I try to get away from them as much as possible. They're mostly assholes.”
“Thanks for the flowers. I think I went there for a week's vacation to learn how to ride. The son of the house wasn't there either. The mother just said that we looked so similar.“
”In retrospect, that could be true,“ I grinned.
”Did you at least learn how to ride properly?“
”No. Daniel was the first to really teach me.”
One look between Manuel and me and we started roaring. We laughed our heads off.
“You two are naughty!”
That didn't calm us down though. We only had to look at Sascha to start laughing again. Michael and Daniel came back. Michael seemed somehow very relieved.
"Hey, what's going on here?”
After we had explained the conversation to Daniel, he and Michael also started laughing.
“No, I can ride because my mom is a horse lover. On a vacation together, we managed to get Sascha back on a horse and riding with a little persuasion.”
"That was the biggest mistake of my life. Now I'm already scheduled to accompany them on their next vacation.”
“Well, it also has pleasant side effects. You'll meet my mom anyway, Manuel. I hope you don't mind that someone else is staying with me.“
What, sleeping next to Manuel? I'll have a heart attack!
”Why is that now, Michael?"
Did that sound a little disappointed? Was Manuel after Michael? Somehow it hurt me.
“You heard that my boyfriend is in the hospital. He's very easily jealous. It's his big vice. If he had been there, there would have been no problem with the sleepover, but I don't want to burden him even more. He should get well first.“
”It's okay. I was just a little shocked. Don't you have any problems with that, Daniel?”
“No. I already talked to my mom on the phone. It's not a problem. I should just make sure that you sleep in separate sleeping bags.”
That lightened the mood at our table a bit, which had seemed a bit too serious lately. It was still a pretty fun evening, since we kept coming back to the riding skills of Daniel and Sascha. Michael visibly enjoyed the laughter. At some point we set off for Daniel's place after all.
This time Sascha took the three of us to Daniel. Manuel and I then went a little way ahead. Daniel had given me the front door key. I was just supposed to go to his room and leave the front door ajar. The two of them probably had something to talk about. So Manuel and I started the ascent to the 5th floor.
A few minutes later, Daniel arrived too. We were all totally exhausted. It had become extremely late at the café. We quickly got into our sleeping bags. Daniel turned off the light.
“Good night, you two.”
“Good night alone!” came the reply in chorus. We had to laugh again.
I fell asleep with a look at the dark body that is Manuel.
Chapter
8
When I woke up the next morning, it was with the most beautiful sight one could ever imagine. Daniel was also just waking up. We quietly crept out of the room so as not to wake Manuel. He really looked like a sleeping angel.
“Good morning, you two.”
“Good morning.”
"Is our third visitor still asleep?”
“Yes. Thanks again, Mom. You averted a relationship crisis with Michael.“
”No problem. Do you now realize why you should be here again this week, Frank?“
”Yes. Thanks again, Ms. Altmann.“
”Don't be formal. My name is Maria. It's even better if Manuel doesn't know my name anyway. For a known reason!”
“Logical.“
”Melanie slept at Isabelle's tonight anyway. So there's an extra chair. Daniel, you wake Manuel. Frank, will you help me get ready?“
”Of course, Ms. Alt... uh... Maria.“
”That's better!” With that, the raised index finger disappeared.
A few minutes later, Manuel followed by Daniel came padding into the kitchen.
“Good morning everyone. Can someone tell me what's wrong with me? Normally I'm an early riser. Today I'm the last one up. Apparently there was a bit too much excitement yesterday!“
Something was different from yesterday. Somehow the face looks different. Right.
”Why didn't you have your glasses on yesterday?”
“I don't think they're that great.“
”You look great with or without glasses!“
”Thanks.“
When he's embarrassed, he looks even cuter! Damn it!
”Sit down and have something. It'll get your circulation going.”
There was silence during the meal. Afterwards, I told Ms. Altmann... er... Maria, the story of my takeover. It's a good thing she doesn't have my HR manager's phone number yet. I think he would have needed a new eardrum afterwards. After a few minutes she was calm again.
“Actually, this isn't so bad for you. Apply to banks here. Then you can move here and get rid of your hick town.“
Somehow Manuel didn't seem to like that at all. I liked that!
”The whole thing will take a while.”
“It'll be over faster than you think. If you have an interview here, you're welcome to stop by our place. It's more convenient than rushing to the appointment.“
”Damn!” Manuel exclaimed. ‘Now I'm going to miss my train. It'll be another 2 1/2 hours before the next one.’ Appointment was a good keyword, unfortunately only too late.
“Don't get upset, Manuel, I'm going in that direction too and I'm here by car. I'll give you a lift.“
”Thanks. Cool. It's a hassle to be dependent on the train and bus.“
”That's why I didn't join the group until I was 18. To be honest, it never occurred to me that I could take the train.”
“Can you also drive me to the district town? That's where my bike is.“
”I thought it was your horse. But it's the bike!“ came from Daniel.
”You have a horse?“
With that glow in her eyes, Maria looked like a little girl who loves horses.
”Yes. My father owns the stud farm in our district.”
“Is that where they sent Sasha as a little boy?“
”I think so, Mom.“
”Somehow the world is pretty small after all.“
”It can be even smaller!” I then told them that Manuel and I had met before.
Manuel and Daniel's mom talked a little more about horses. Daniel and I looked at each other and left to play Tekken.
After about a quarter of an hour, Manuel came too.
“Frank, we should go soon. I have to go to some horse breeder meeting with my dad today.”
"No problem. I was just waiting for you.”
“When will you two be back?“ Daniel's grin was clearly ambiguous.
”The next two weeks are pretty bad for me. I'm taking advanced courses for my final exam.“
”It's not much better for me. We have a lot of schoolwork to do. Since I don't want to repeat a year, I have to study after all.”
“So you'll both be back in three weeks. Then you'll get a crash course in bars from Sascha and me. Give me a call during your advanced course. Most of the advanced work has already been done by your personnel manager.“
”OK, I can do that. Can I stay at your place again?“
”Of course. You too, Manuel, in case Michael wants to spare his friend's nerves some more.“
”OK.”
“Bye Maria. Say hi to Mel.“
”Bye everyone."
That brought us outside. It wasn't far to my car. Nothing important happened during the drive. Apart from the fact that I looked at Manuel very carefully, I again felt a bit queasy in the stomach. At the station, he went to his bike. I accompanied him. We exchanged business cards. I wrote my cell phone number on the back. His was one without a last name. Apparently printed directly for rather anonymous dates.
“Have a safe trip home. Just call me about a ride into town, or if you feel like talking to me. Ciao Manuel.”
"OK, I'll call you sometime in between. Ciao Frank.”
Off home. Pack the clothes for next week and the things for studying.
In the evening, I could only think of Manuel. I would have liked to have called him right away. Damn. I think I've fallen for him. That fits perfectly again. Final exam and freshly in love. That can't go well. Eventually I fell asleep.
Chapter
9
Not much happened during the week. There were some really cute guys in the class, but somehow I could only think of Manuel. In terms of learning, the advanced course is gigantic. I think the advanced course has helped me more for the exam than the two years before.
On Wednesday, Manuel called my cell phone. I first gave him the number of my room.
“Hi Frank.”
"Hello Manuel. Nice to hear from you.”
“Thanks. Ditto. How's your studying?“
”There are no cute guys here to distract me. So I'm doing pretty well. It's just a bit stressful to swot from half past eight in the morning until five o'clock. I just fall into bed every night.“
”Are you going home for the weekend?”
“Yes. Otherwise the formulas in my head start to spin.“
”Hey, would you like to come to my place for the weekend?“
”Sure. Is it that easy with your parents?”
“They don't have a problem with it. We have city kids here often enough during the holidays. We can accommodate you too. If it's nice, you can come to my place by bike. We can take a nice bike ride here.“
”What do you expect from my lazy bones? Do you want to kill me?”
“Nah. It would be a shame about you. But I'll beat your laziness. If you don't have your bike with you, I'll teach you to ride!“
I needed a little time to calm down.
”Hey. We'll do the tour with horses instead of bikes. Nothing else!“
”That's okay. I just had to think of Sascha's face.”
“That's right. If you want, I can give you a basic riding lesson, even if you come by bike. It's something different to learn.“
”Well. I'll think about that very carefully. I'm just very skeptical about these animals. Anything bigger than me scares me a bit.“
”Aha, the gentleman is afraid of me. Good!”
That's right, Manuel is half a head taller than me. Oops. I let the cat out of the bag.
“I tremble before you, great Manuel.”
“I could get used to that. Just call me as soon as you get home. We can work out the rest then.”
“OK. Sleep well and have sweet dreams.”
“Of course. You too! Ciao.”
"Ciao, Manuel.”
Those were nice prospects for the weekend. Hopefully I won't have to study too much.
On Friday we had lunch out. So at least I was home reasonably normal. I got right on the horn.
“Frank Kaufmann.”
“Hold on, I'll call Manuel.” MANUEL'S PHONE. He'll be right there.“
”Hi. Manuel here.“
”Hi, it's me!”
”That's not necessary either. We'll probably be able to divide it up just in time, after we've managed the cash balance from the party.“
”OK. Then just sign here. Ciao. Wish you lots of luck, and that it won't be as bad for you as it is for me.”
“Why?“
”Oh! I moved out of my boyfriend's place a month ago. We only lasted three months together in an apartment. As long as we saw each other two or three times a week, everything was wonderful, but as soon as we lived together, I just thought it was awful. But cheer up, straights manage it somehow too!”
“Funny guy, but thanks for the warning. See you soon, maybe we'll see each other at the 'Treffpunkt'. Bye!”
Contrary to all our fears, we really did have all our technology up and running quickly and so far everything was going as we had imagined, or rather, as I had imagined. My housemates just shook their heads when I tried to explain the whole network thing to them. The main thing was that it worked, that was probably everyone's opinion. Ignorants!
Contrary to the dark fears of Silvio, as I later learned from Daniel, my telephone salesman was called, our living together was harmonious. Of course there was some friction and sometimes a small quarrel between us, but nothing that couldn't be solved by talking.
And with that, I would like to end this short report. Just one more sentence:
Thank you, Manuel, my angel – I love you!