Date: Sun, 5 Jul 2020 15:32:00 -0700
From: R G
Subject: Not Another Love Story Chapter 3: The Choice

None of the characters in this story are real, nor do they describe anyone
that exists in real life.  This is just a simple story that describes
male-on-male love, which can and will include sex scenes. If you are
uncomfortable with this, I advise you to stop reading.


Remember, the real world does have disease and sociopaths, so if you engage
in any type of sexual encounter, please use the safe sex guidelines
provided by a Licensed Medical Doctor such as using a condom or not
exposing a stranger's semen to mucosal surfaces like your mouth or anus.


And as always, please support nifty.org by donating if you can.


(Brief Summary: Bottom POV, Meta-Content)

***

The next morning, Ben leaves for his finals, and I start my daily routine
and prepare for my classes this coming semester. Today looks like a full
schedule as I continue to sip my coffee. As I glance at the roster, and
then just out of curiosity, the Ph.D candidates, I drop my coffee glass,
cursing immediately, as ceramic pieces go flying in every direction. I knew
that there was no way that Benjamin needed tutoring in Biochemistry. I
realize Benjamin is going for a Ph.D in Biochemistry. I realized
immediately that there was a snowball's chance in heck that a Ph.D
candidate needed basic biochemistry lessons.  Then I notice he is going to
be in my class next semester. Curious.


With that paradox in my head, he came to my office hours that evening for
his final "tutoring" of basic biochemistry. That was when I mentioned that
there was a Ph.D candidate that was presenting his thesis that had the
exact same name as he did.  "But the funny thing is, how can this Ph.D
candidate have passed all those classes without a basic knowledge seeing as
he is enrolling in one of my basic classes next semester."


His face immediately betrays his emotions as he knows that he was caught.
He immediately confessed that he was a Ph.D candidate that did not need the
help and that he technically had to take a biochemistry class next semester
for that last technical credit.


"It will be a conflict of interest," I said, "Since I would be your teacher
and you are going for a doctorate, it can be construed as bias."


He replied that the course was merely a formality and that he would go to
the Dean to switch to another class if it would prevent a conflict of
interest.


I was more than a bit taken aback. It seemed like he was genuinely
repentant. He had so much hope in his eyes as he looked at me, waiting for
a reaction. I ask "How can I trust you when every move you have done up to
now has been a calculated move on your part?"


He said he was so shy because he was a virgin at such an older age, he
wanted his first time to be special with someone who would teach him and
not assume he knew everything from the get go. He said he wanted
everything, the whole house in the suburbs with two children, a life where
arguments over the dishes is the worst kind of argument we have, where two
who were meant to be together should. Benjamin begs at the end, "Doesn't
everyone deserve a chance at a second chance?"


I turn around and storm off.


When I came home I saw a surprise on my doorstep.  It was the "booth babe"
from before standing at my door. I still remember his striking blue-green
eyes. I asked him how he knew where I lived, and he sarcastically stated,
"You brought me here last time, remember? Or do I need to give you a
refresher?"


I was taken aback again. I asked him what made him think he could just come
by anytime and I would drop everything? I have a job and a life. This time,
he looked somewhat repentant and said he was sorry how things ended the
evening he left. He tried to come close, but I backed away. "Do you even
know my name?" I ask sarcastically.


"Of course, your name is listed in the course registry online along with
your picture. Very nice pic by the way." he responds. I hesitate. "This
can't work. We come from two different worlds. You are young and free, and
I want something more stable. I can't be the reason you look back and say
you should have done more."


He looks at me with those blue-green eyes, almost pleading. "Doesn't
everyone deserve a chance at a second chance?"


I respond, "What is your name?"


"Noah."


I was just standing there at my front door with Noah examining my face for
a reaction.


I knew in the end, I would have to make a decision. I have a hard time
choosing which toothpaste to use, let alone more than one proposition for a
second chance.  Noah sees me hesitating and asks what is wrong. I have no
idea how to even approach this topic with him. I mean, we weren't even
officially dating. He just had a one-night stand and left me wondering if
it was all a lie.


EPILOGUE CHOICE: Now you, the reader, have a choice to make. You have to
decide who you will give a second chance to:

If you wish to give Noah the second chance, choose story 3N.

If you wish to give Benjamin the second chance, choose story 3B.


Either way, make sure you choose wisely. Unfortunately, the future can
never be predicted nor past rewritten. No matter how much preparation, you
will only have the present moment to make the decision. So based on how you
are now, make your choice.

***