Page 5 of White Room Virgin

Martin and I had been going to the gym together for a few months now, although we always lost sight of each other during the sessions because we each followed our own workout plan. But we weren’t as dedicated as most of the others there. We were mainly focused on finding a balance, as we didn’t get much exercise in our everyday lives. As difficult as I always found it to leave the studio for a training session, in hindsight, I was glad I had done it.

“I hope it’s okay with you if I bring Jonah to the opening,” Martin said back in the changing room.

“Sure.”

“You didn’t seem particularly happy when I said at dinner that I wanted to take him with me.”

The evening was two days ago, but it was still very vivid in my memory. However, the evening when I met Jonah for the first time was even more vivid in my mind, even though I was pretty drunk by then. At first glance, Martin’s cousin seemed like the epitome of innocence. The way he had looked at the ashtray, full of disgust and loathing, made me understand how he saw me: I was nothing more than dirt to him. But that was okay. For the last year and a half, I had resigned myself to the fact that I was the last scum. I just wished our new roommate hadn’t noticed on the first night.

“He was praying,” I remarked, casting a meaningful glance in Martin’s direction.

He laughed. “What do you think? Jonah grew up just like me. Religion is important to him. Probably even more important to him than it is to me.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, yanking on a fresh shirt.

“Well, no sex before marriage and all that.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh no! Poor guy! But don’t tell me he’s someone who denies the theory of evolution. That would really be going too far.”

“Then he would hardly be studying agricultural science. That’s what I told you.”

“So what? These areexactlythe kind of people who are nuts!”

“No, he’s not that kind of person. He’s interested in science,” Martin said as he tied his shoes.

I watched him for a while. Martin had worked hard to get Jonah to move in with us and I couldn’t refuse him—even if I wanted to. Besides, Martin was the main tenant. He wouldn’t have needed my approval at all.

“Just do me a favor and be nice to him. Okay?”

“Does he have a disease?”

“No!” Martin laughed. “He’s perfectly normal.”

“As normal as you can be when you don’t have sex before marriage.” I just couldn’t resist the comment.

“Just respect it. Okay? And don’t tease him about it.”

“Why are you making such a big deal out of this?” I sat down to put my shoes on.

“I was in the same situation four years ago as he is now. I know what’s in store for him. And knowing you—”

“What? Are you serious?” I interrupted, gaping at him.

“Let me put it this way: You might scare him. Lucien, he’s not like you. Not everyone is as liberal about their sexuality.”

“I’m not being permissive…”

“Oh yes, you are! And don’t get me wrong—I admire you for that. But please don’t do anything rash.”

“Is that a compliment, or is there something else you’re trying to say?”

“Everyone has their own burden to bear. You should know that better than anyone.”

I didn’t at all like the sudden turn the conversation had taken, after all, I had been stable for several months. “I’m fine,” I said to be on the safe side and remind Martin in case he forgot.

“Then please make sure it stays that way.”

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes.

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