CYNOSURE

by Epsilon

A girl sitting in back of me noticed him first and then everyone turned to look. At first I thought it was his bright sports shirt that attracted attention, but when he started rolling his eyes, I knew exactly what it was.

We were on a guided tour of New York and at the moment the bus was stopped by a red light. The traffic was heavy and moved slowly. The boy on the sidewalk was headed in our direction and for four blocks he and the bus moved abreast. The individual who had attracted our attention was wearing a very bright shirt featuring a floral design; his black tight pants were too short; the cuffs were even with the tops of his socks. He was rolling his eyes and walking with a terrific swagger and was too, too obvious.

A scream of delight went up from those on the bus and the boy gave a delighted smile and rolled his eyes at us. "Who saw him first?" someone yelled. The girl behind me said "I did. I was just looking out the window and then I saw him roll his eyes. I don't know what to think."

The light changed and the bus crawled ahead. At the next light everyone watched back anxiously and, sure enough there he was. When he came even with the bus, a boy stuck his head out the window and yelled, "There's a boy in here who would like to date you!" The gay boy rolled his eyes and formed the words "come on" with his lips. I felt extremely uncomfortable.

The male chaperone, the athletic director of our school, stood and motioned for silence. I thought it was to reprimand the group, but instead he made an effeminate wave of his hand and squealed, "Now you all hush that!" The response to this travesty was deafening.

We had progressed two blocks and the object of derision on the sidewalk had had ample opportunity to quit the game but for some reason chose not to do so. He acted pleased at the attention he was receiving. He bit his lip, smoothed his hair, and turned his head-but he still smiled. He was overcome, rather than embarrassed, by the reception he was getting.

Once, when he realized he was shielded from our sight by a group of people on the outside of the sidewalk, he quickly walked ahead of them, smiling and rolling those eyes.

The guide at the front of the bus then stood up and boasted, "Never let it be said that the tour doesn't show you everything!" He was laughing so hard tears were rolling down his cheeks.

Finally the traffic cleared and, thank God, the bus moved ahead. Before we lost sight of our friend a last glimpse showed him still smiling.

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