Although I neverdisplayed any outward effeminate behavior, somehow the bullies of theschool knew. They just knew. They called me a sissy and a fag and...aughed when I found myself unable to compete in any playgroundactivities, except for four square. In case you don't know, four squareinvolves standing in a square, catching a ball bounced to you from theneighboring square, and sending it on to the next square. The lineup wasusually me, a boy born with a crooked spine, another boy with sicklecell. I musteredall I had left of illusory resistance "Okay..." I concede that it wasn'tvery impressive. "Put this on, and then we have to practice physicalcontact." I tried to look as skeptical as I could, and I didn't move fromthe bed. I wanted to put it on so much. I needed to. Even if that meant Ihad to cuddle, or whatever, with Tom. "Don't be rude, Adriana. It wasvery expensive!" I rolled my eyes, again, and reluctantly got up from thebed. I grabbed the set from Tom, and closed the door to the. He lifted the jug and held it out from him with both hands, the typical gesture for offering a gift. "But I felt compelled to help."Gronnus raised his head and blinked wearily at the merchant. The Overlord was not looking well. The combination of the stifling heat and his anxiety over what was to come made him look pale. "Help? Help with what?" he said a bit crossly."You mentioned yesterday to me that the heat was affecting you. I bring something that will help."Gronnus looked at him oddly.. " And I've not asked Sarah. Nor seen Henry." Not really our problem, is it? I've never known who, if anyone, Winnie's seeing." No. There's something wrong with us. I've absolutely zero interest in other folks' sex lives." Wait till you get your license to practice: you'll be involved in adultery and divorce in no time." No, I won't. That won't be the sort of law I'll practice. I'll go in for contracts or licenses or real estate before I do that."Rachel looked around. "Some folks are leaving..