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This is the second instalment about a forlorn young soldier at odds with his self-esteem and sexuality. Thank you for the words of encouragement so far. All characters are over 18.

Chapter 2 ? In the Prone Position

I arrived home almost in a daze, not really knowing how I had got from Leo's house to my parents front door. I knew that I should be grinning like a Cheshire cat at that moment; however, in my mind I was as unfulfilled as I was in my groin. Julia had used me and then discarded me; what is more, I had cheated on my mate and potential wingman. I could not look him in the eye and invite him out for a beer now.

I put these thoughts to the back of my mind as I put the key in the door. My mother certainly knew me well enough to see when I was troubled and I did not feel like having a conversation about my afternoon... she would not approve.

It was Saturday evening, and as I had no other plans I succumbed to the soon-to-be ritual of visiting with nearby relatives and a drink in the "legion" club. Several scotches, and a few 'war stories' later, I had almost forgotten my tryst with Julia. Life, it seems, goes on.

Sunday morning greeted me with the smell of bacon and I dragged my hangover downstairs for breakfast. Later, a walk to the corner shop to get the Sunday paper and some fags (cigarettes, for the benefit of American readers!) re-established the feeling of normality. I was a born again virgin.

Like most families, Sunday lunch is the hallowed ritual in our household when everyone actually sits down together for the only really civilised meal of the week. My mother never failed to disappoint in the roast dinner department. After three months of army food, I must have been slavering like a rabid dog at the table in anticipation.

About halfway through the roast lamb