Happy news (I think ;) )

I have to announce that the break will be shorter than I thought, and you'll get chapter 10 in July, not in August. It's incredible how I feel now after the big stress connected to the planning the wedding during the pandemic. I'm full of energy and creativity now. :) Thanks for your all wishes, the wedding and honeymoon went well. I have two weeks more off work, and however I have to watch my renovation crew, and of course I have to spend much time with my wife, I keep writing the new passages from chapter 10. I want to share one scene with you.

It's a scene that is an answer for your suggestions. Many people complained that Robert is less nuanced than most of the crew. However, his role didn't end yet, and he will be important in the further plot, I've decided that maybe he needs some flashlight. And, of course, there's Olivier who's struggling with accepting the Parity that suspiciously improved his life. In chapter 10 he admits that he starts to date some girl and gets the proposition to become "one of the boys". 

Thanks again for being here. :)

***

Robert sighed.

"Thanks that you agreed to talk," he said quietly. "I... Well... I... Uhm..." he stopped for a moment, then he cleared his throat. "Fuck! I had the whole speech prepared, but... Fuck it! Anyway, it's about the team."

Olivier raised his eyebrows.

"I can't focus on the game," Robert said. "Or on the team. Those urges I had are... are just crazy. I'm too horny to think sometimes. I've got so easily distracted... And the locker room with guys... Auntie totally fucked my brain up. I'm useless."

You heard the despair in his voice. Robert was a good player. He was really devoted to the team. You lived in the country where most universities were free and public, so he didn't need a scholarship to study, but he had a chance for a professional game. And he really was devoted to the team.

"And guys are scared of me," he added quietly. "I can't blame them. So... I think I will quit. For the sake of the team."

Robert was a tough guy, so you didn't see any tears, but the deep sorrow in his voice showed his emotions.

Olivier was still silent. He was listening carefully. You realized he was holding his breath.

"I watched your game during PE," said, then he blushed furiously. "I wasn't looking at you THAT way I swear! But you're good. As a player. Can... Can you come to a practice tomorrow?"

You saw the shine in Olivier's eyes. Olivia loved football. And as the boys were using the game as a test of their masculinity, she used to hear a lot of sexist comments during the play.

"Sure," said and smiled a little. "You can count on me."

He smiled too.

"At least I can leave the team with the proper replacement."

"Oh, come on. I'm not that good."

But you noticed that the praise was pleasant for your best friend. Somebody noticed him. It wasn't an usual situation in his life.

"But you will be. See ya," he said and left. You realized that he carefully avoided even looking at you during this conversation.

Olivier smiled wryly. You remembered how he used to despise the jocks that played in the team. Now he was excited that he would become one of them.

He chuckled and looked at you.

"Strange life, isn't it?"