Dinner time

You carry all boxes to the entrance hall, search the new ones and carry the rest. By dinner time you are sweaty but the work is done and you are proud. It was just a single room, but you fond a lot of interesting stuff. And also a lot of things that you can use or sell. Connor is pleased too. Alima soon call you all to dinner. It is not much. Just sandwiches and a few eggs. Tea for those who want.

“I’m not a antique dealer, but by seeing what we found I’m sure we can finance the ground renovation without any problems,” Connor tells you proud, “and with the rent Lilly saves now, we can buy some new tools. The rusty crap you guys work with is dangerous.”

“None of us is paying any rent,” Gina mumbles, “please don’t even start calculating our private savings. We are all students. And Alima has no job. We can’t afford rent and renovation at the same time.”

“I could never put somebody as cute as Alima on the streets,” you reply smiling, “and the rest of you, maybe I let you convince me if you make cute faces.”

You expect some bity reply, but suddenly Lilly turns to you with so big puppy eyes that even Alima would have trouble topping this.

“Holy shit, I thought calling you cute would immediately lead to a stay in hospital,” you say impressed, “since when can you do this.”

“Woman’s secret,” Lilly answers and puts her knife on her empty plate, “however, I’m doing some exercises. Anyone who wants to join?”

“Thanks, but I have to study,” Allie answers, “my grades can’t get any lower or I flunk out.”

“I will take care of the dishes,” Alima answers, “but thanks for asking.”

“Max, if you don’t mind I would like to discuss something with you,” Connor says and suddenly sounds uncomfortable, “in private.”

You nod and follow Connor to a nearby room. He is nervous and obviously not very comfortable. You never saw him like this before. He is normally very calm and serious.

“You maybe already heard that I had my outing lately,” Connor begins a little shy.

“Your outing?” you ask confused, “sorry, buddy, I heard nothing. What kind of outing?”

“You don’t know,” Connor asks surprised, “Max … I’m gay. I thought you know.”

“No, but that’s not a problem for me,” you answer, “we are a liberal group in a free land. You can be whatever you want.”

“I’m glad to hear this,” Connor says “it makes things much easier. But … you know, I live with my uncle, since my parents live too far away. And when I told him he … freaked out. He even called me disgusting.”

“Is he that conservative?” you ask shocked, “I’m sorry to hear this.”

“My parents know and consider it not a problem,” Connor explains, “but my uncle … he is a fanatic catholic. He never liked it that I’m part of this group. But now … well we had this argument and in the end he told me that I either take consolation from the pastor to >get rid of my disgusting perversions< or to look for a new home until the end of the weekend. I wanted to ask you tomorrow, but since you also allowed Lilly to stay I thought I ask you right away. The others already know too. I thought they told you.”

“I see,” you say and nod, “well, as long as we have a room left, I see no problem.”

“Thanks, friend,” Connor says relieved, “I was afraid there is already so much happening that this would cause trouble. But I’m very grateful. I will of course pay you some rent.”

“No need,” you reply, “just pay your share for food, water and power. This will be enough. Maybe you can pay rent after graduation. If you don’t have an own apartment by then.”

“That’s … very generous,” Connor mumbles, “I guess I was worried about nothing. Well I better take a look at my room and plan my move then. But again, thank you, Max. I’m really glad I can count on you.”

Well, it seems the number of free rooms is shrinking. And you have a free evening. You can spend it however you want.