Volume 1, Issue 3 & 4 - Diverse Voices Quarterly

“Oh, my!” says Mary Lou.
Outrage is not the sole response. Lacey seems rather captivated, her head tilted
in silent admiration.
“What does this have to do with me?” Nicholas asks.
“Oh, come on,” Bob counters. “Who else would have this kind of trash?”
“Actually, that’s not mine,” Nicholas says, brushing his hands over his trousers.
“If it’s any of your business, I prefer Asian men.”
Mary Lou looks at Heather curiously, to see what sort of reaction is now
appropriate. George Irwin is frowning in distaste, and Bob Patterson looks confused. I
believe I am the only person smiling.
“So who did this?” Bob asks.
“That’s not my problem. But don’t you touch me again. Ever. Do I make myself
clear?”
This kid has balls, I think. He’s not going to crumble in front of this crowd, no
matter what they serve up. Even Bob Patterson seems abashed. Out of sorts even. He
has created a commotion, which is nothing new, but this time it is not clear if he has
emerged victorious. In fact, he seems rather ridiculous. Bob Patterson folds the
centerfold back into the magazine and rolls it up into a tight tube, to minimize the
exposed skin and his own impropriety.
“Sorry about that. Honest mistake.”
Nicholas grunts and bolts out of the room.
Holding the magazine behind his back, Bob Patterson cowers in the center of
our circle. All around him are eyes flashing with scorn. The donuts do not seem to
have been enough. Now the crowd hungers for flesh.
“Hey, Bob,” I say. “Maybe your son sent you that magazine. You never know
with kids, these days.”
Everyone laughs and the tension dissolves. Bob looks up at me gratefully. As he
considers my words, his expression clouds and his lips begin to twitch, but, for once,
he has nothing to say.
Diverse Voices Quarterly, Vol. 1, Issue 3 & 4 18