Having
the limo meet us downtown cost us a little more. Who am I kidding? It
cost us a lot more. But it was worth it for what we had planned. As
this was the corporate office where my date's dad worked, convincing
the limo company to meet us, there was no problem. Limos are coming
in and out of here all the time. The parking passes helped also. It
will keep our cars hidden from snooping people and give us
last-minute cover if either of us was followed. Diffidently worked
hard to keep this under wraps.
Thinking of my date's dad
reminds me of how much I miss my dad. It hurt so much back then I
didn't think I would ever feel right again. Three years ago, I was
out riding my bike on a Friday evening, like I always do. The
Harrisons were chasing the dweebs and the rest of the group running
wild. Yep just like always. I was sitting laughing at the dweebs and
Harrisons when we suddenly heard my mom screaming for me. Her
screaming was not calling me in from play like when I was little. No,
this was a down outright scream. Every kid stopped in their tracks,
even the Harrisons. I think every bird and bug stopped also. I spun
my bike and headed for home just as fast as possible as she was still
screaming. I think every kid also followed, not too sure on that.
When I got home, mom just grabbed me off my bike and pushed me to the
car, and off we went. She told me my dad had been in an accident on
the way home, and we were rushing to the Hospital. After that, I
remember very little of the trip.
When my mom checked in at
the Emergency Room desk, they took us to a private waiting room.
Shortly the Doctor and 2 Police Officers came in, and I immediately
went cold. I knew what had happened to my dad. A drunk driver had run
a red light and T-Bone my dad's car right in the Driver's door. He
never knew what had hit him. My mom had to go and identify my dad and
prepare for final arrangements. I knew I just couldn't face that
right now and elected to sit out in the waiting room. I remember
sitting crying, not caring who saw me. I felt a shadow over me and my
name being called softly. I looked up, thinking it was my mom telling
me it was time to go. What I saw was Ruben with a sad look on his
face. Right then, I had to be held by someone and went to hug Ruben.
I know I cried a lot more in that waiting room just holding him.
I'm not sure about the trip home. Only me and Ruben sat in
the back while my mom sat upfront with someone else. At home, I
remember sitting in the kitchen and wondering where Ruben was. Mom
said he was going to get some stuff and be right back. The next few
days were nothing but a blur, people coming and going, with family
that had been long forgotten, and lots of tears. I know that water
ran over my head, so I knew I had been taking a shower, but I don't
remember doing it. Somehow every time I needed someone, Ruben was
there. The funeral allowed me to put closure on the whole ordeal,
actually seeing my dad and saying goodbye.
After I quit crying
and coming back to my senses, mom told Ruben that he could go home
now and thanked him for all his help. When I saw him leave with a
suitcase, I wondered if he stayed over here or not and what he had
done to help out. I may not know, but I know I felt a great sadness
when he left. Life soon turns to normal on the Cul-de-Sac, well as
normal as could be. Christine played with Jimmy and Johnny. Renato
still had his animals and garden. The Dorks were still dweebs with
the Harrison's triplets chasing after them.
My date and I
spent more time with each other without the others knowing about it.
Sneaking off has become something we were getting good at. There were
a few close calls. One time was when we were in the old junkyard, and
Andrew walked by calling for Ruben like his life depended on it. That
was nothing new. We had to stay very close and very quiet while he
was walking around. Who needs the news when you have an Andrew. He
tells everything he hears and sees.
About that time, I see a
white Sport SUV pull into the parking lot and head in my direction. I
give a big smile, knowing that my date is here and our ride will be
along shortly. The car pulls into the parking space next to my truck,
and the door opens. The driver is tall and slender with jet black
hair down to their hips. God, I love to run my fingers through that
hair, so soft and shiny. Closing the door and hitting the button for
the lock and car chirps, and my date approaches, eyeing me through
mirror Ray-Bans with a hunger that I know I feel also. With a kiss as
soft and sweet as could ever be, deep and passionate, we greet each
other. No words are needed. We both know each other so well. Yet, as
always, my voice will be heard. "You look as beautiful as ever;
you know that." "And you like to flatter me too much. You
know THAT"? Cheesy right?
After another deep kiss, the
sound of a motor turning off the road breaks our embrace. The Black
(my idea) Hummer Limo pulls into the parking lot and right up to us.
"Have any trouble finding us?" I ask. "Nope, been to
this building lots of times, and the instructions were dead on I
see," the driver responds, "the coordinated outfits were a
dead giveaway." while the Driver holds the door, I allow my date
to get in, and I follow like a perfect gentleman. Did I just say
that? Me, Donnie Murphy, a gentleman. Oh, the irony of that
statement. The driver returns to the front, and off we are off to
shake up Peachland High and enjoy our first date with our friends. I
hope.
When
I pulled into the parking lot, I spot my date right away. It's rather
hard to miss that smile that I have fallen in love with so many times
before. I take my time parking and walking up to my date. I just want
to savor that outfit for as long as I can. I am already feeling a
stirring in ways only a Teenage Boy can. After a deep kiss and our
usual greeting with a play on words, we can only stare at each other,
knowing tonight will be something special no matter what happens. Our
limo arrival lets us know it is time to head to the Prom as a couple.
Just the two of us without having to sneak around.
Our first
date away from the Cul-de-Sac, just the 2 of us, was about two years
ago. We both were 15 at the time and able to ride the buses downtown
and back. The arcade and movie were great, especially when we could
sit close together in the dark. We were two teenagers in love and
having a great time. That was the night we lost our virginity
together. My parents were gone again, more often now that I'm older,
and I had permission to stay over. Exploring each other's bodies for
the first time only added to the excitement. To say we were worn out
and very happy in the morning would be an understatement.
From
then on, it was pure bliss, a time I will never forget in my life.
Our parents eventually found about us dating and had a neutral view
of it. My parents were not too surprised, saying they had known my
preference for a long time now. From the time I became a teenager.
They were just surprised to find out who I was seeing at the time. Of
course, I got the whole lecture on being safe and what to do and not
do. It seems to take an entire day to sit through that, and I don't
know how long I stayed embarrassed afterward.
I didn't know
about the other side of the equation, about my lover, until and a few
days later. There was lots of crying and questions from his parents
and hours of talking. There was finally acceptance also, and I felt a
lot better about that. At least now we had our parents helping us
keep the secret from our friends, and they understood why. Well,
tonight, that will all change completely.
I am looking forward
to the new me without my beanie and having the one I love hand clasp
firmly in mine without a care in the world. It's not going to be
easy, far from it, and we know this. We will just have to wait and
see how things turn out.
I look over and smile at my
sweetheart as we make our way into the community where the High
School is. It's now or never, and we know it. A brief nod tells me
that we are going ahead with the plan, and I lean over for a tender
kiss and a quiet "thank you" before we arrive. Pulling on
the school grounds, we see limousines of all different colors and
sizes lining the drive to the Gym. Each one stopping for a moment at
the Gym entrance to let their occupants enter and enjoy the Prom.
Some go, and Park others leave to return later for their pick up.
All of these vehicles lined up reminds me of Mr. Murphy's
funeral. We sat in the back of the family Limo with me holding
Donnie's hand. He had no intention of letting go. And the wait for
everyone to get settled before the driver opens the door and we exit
the car. I can't help but squeeze my date's hand, looking over,
knowing our time has come. We now have to face the music, our peers,
and our friends. I see many color tuxes' and dresses going into the
Gym, knowing this is always a colorful affair. Just a couple of cars
ahead of us, I spot Nazz getting out of a car with her date. She is
always looking like she stepped out of a fashion magazine. Her date's
outfit matching hers, and I know she had a hand in picking it out for
him.
Chase and Andrew walked in without dates like I expected
them to do. No surprise there. The next car has Renato and his date.
"Is that Darlene Harrison?!" I ask. Wow, and she is with
Renato. A red evening dress that goes well with her red hair, and
speaking of which, it is done up where you can see her eyes for a
change. Renato is dressed in a basic black tux, and the only sign he
shows of his family heritage is his cumbersome and tie. How he found
them, I will not ask. But I am sure there is a great story behind it.
The car in front of us is the Senior Class President and this year's
Homecoming queen. They are expected to be crown this year's Prom King
and Queen.
As their Lincoln pulls out, it is our turn. Our
limousine grabs the attention of those gathered outside. So we have
lots of stairs turned our way. At the last minute, I decided to put
my Ray Ban's on and wait for the driver to open the door. At the
appropriate time, I step out of the Limo without moving away from the
door. I just stand and look at the crowd that is now staring, trying
to figure out who is staring back at them. After a moment, I turn and
reach for the hand of my date. Waiting for them to stand, I set my
sunglasses back into the Limo for safekeeping for later on. With my
back still to the gathered crowd, we grab a quick kiss before, hand
in hand, we turn and walk into the Gym. Those outside only gasp and
stand in shock as we pass, holding hands. Our new life starts
now.
We enter the Gym, and a shocked hush goes across the
dance floor. From one side of the Gym, we hear Andrew shouting
"RUBEN!?" from the other side, Nazz shouts, "DONNIE!?"
Donnie and I just turn and kiss and go to greet our friends as an
ecstatic couple.
Comments (0)
See all