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.