Angel of Sin

Prologue

At what age do our conscious memories begin, two, three, four years of age? When do we first become aware that our surroundings are more than a mere backdrop of scents, sounds, and images, a kaleidoscope of ambiguous colors and meaningless dimensions? My very first memory, I can recall vividly. I can see a beige house with a stone porch with stone pillars at each end. A wooden floor covered by an old shag carpet and a flower-covered couch where I would lay in the afternoon, not on the cushions, but on the top of the couch back. I would watch the reflection of the late afternoon sun as it turned the factory windows across the vacant lot to solid panes of gold. This was the world I knew. I knew nothing of what lay behind that golden glass. What joy, what sorrow, what torment, what legacy of life awaited me when the unrelenting, passage of time would force me rudely from the sanctuary of my infancy.

Holly

Dreams! ------- Elusive, ethereal tapestries intricately woven by the artful hands of Morpheus were my only refuge from the turmoil of my youthful world. My brief nocturnal excursion into the placid realm of slumber was rudely interrupted by the sound of someone banging on my bedroom door. An all too familiar voice bellowed from the hallway.

“Reveille! Reveille! Hit the deck! Heave out and lash up.”

It was none other than the raspy bark of my stepfather Chet. I fought to stay asleep hoping this unwelcome intrusion would disappear, but it was too late; consciousness had prevailed.

“Okay, okay I’m up!” I grumbled.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed struggling with my reluctance to regain entrance into the boring realm of reality. Even in my state of less than full functionality I was acutely aware that Chet’s boisterous proclamation was a mere prelude to yet another episode in the continuous despoliation of my trifling existence.

It was nearing the end of the summer of ‘54’. My expectation of reuniting with my friends and classmates as a freshman at Belmont, the most ultra-modern high school in the state had been vanquished by my mother’s most recent episode of wanderlust. Now I alone was headed to Franklin, a dilapidated old inner-city school filled to its broken skylights with leather-jacketed hoods and hickey-necked rips. When I was sure Chet was no longer in the immediate vicinity, I got out of bed, dressed and went downstairs. Chet and my mother Maud were seated at the dining room table drinking coffee. Chet was reading the morning news. He pulled the paper aside and looked toward the entryway just as I came within view, negating my attempt to slip by unseen.

“I see you finally dragged yourself out of the sack; come in and sit down.”

I entered the dining area. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the room. Mom was wearing her reading glasses leafing through her latest issue of Colliers.

“Good morning, Bobby, get yourself a glass of orange juice from the kitchen before you sit down. There are fresh bakery goods on the table.”

“No thanks mom, but I would like a cup of coffee.”

“Don’t be foolish; you know drinking coffee stunts your growth.”

I pulled a chair out from the table and sat down. I took a donut off the tray and began nibbling at the icing.

“Gary drinks coffee; why can’t I?”

“Your brother is a junior in high school. You’re just beginning your freshman year. Now eat your donut and stop picking at it.”

Suddenly, Chet slapped his coffee cup down on the saucer and sat upright.

“Damn Maud! It says here the North Korean’s crossed the thirty eighth parallel again.”

“Oh lord, I hope that awful war doesn’t start back up, especially now that the boys are nearing draft age.”

She reached toward the center of the table and grasped the handle of her shiny chrome percolator.

“Hand me your cup and I’ll warm it up.”

Chet pushed his cup and saucer toward her. He moved his newspaper aside and glared at me across the table.

“I hope you’re not planning one of your weekend disappearing acts, you need to get busy cleaning the garage right after breakfast and you’d better not do a half-assed job like the last time.”

“Oh, quit badgering him Chet, he’s not one of your old war-time swashbuckling surrogates.”

“Well as far as I’m concerned, there’s only one kind of clean and that’s Navy clean.”

He took another gulp of coffee and stuck his nose back in his newspaper. I glanced at my mom silently thanking her for coming to my defense.

How Chet had managed to get by all those years aboard a battleship without getting his bosun’s pipe crammed up his ass was more of an enigma than my brain could solve, but I was willing to bet more than a few of his subordinates would have relished the idea. I could never understand why mom married him. He was sixteen years her senior and an asshole in the truest sense of the word. Fortunately for me he worked the night shift and left for work before I arrived home from school during the week. Anyway, this time I was ready for him.

“Is it okay if I go to the library and check out a book first?”

“I suppose so but get straight back here afterward and don’t piss around uptown and while you’re at it get a haircut. The back of your head looks like a penguin’s ass crack.”

“Give him a dollar out of your purse will you pet? My billfold’s in the other room.”

“Never mind, I’ve got money. Anyway, I have to get going, the library closes at noon.”

I hated for anyone to watch me eat. I excused myself and went into the kitchen. I grabbed a box of cereal from the cupboard and retrieved the bottle of milk from the refrigerator. I removed the cap and gave it a cursory sniff to make sure it wasn’t spoiled. Nothing could gag me quicker than the taste of sour milk. I filled my bowl with bran flakes and sat down. I was already in a bad mood and Chet’s nasty disposition didn’t help matters. After I finished eating, I quietly placed my bowl and spoon in the sink and slipped out the back door.

As I got farther away from the house, my mood began to change. It was a beautiful summer day. The late August sun felt warm against my skin. Everything around me seemed peaceful and serene. I was young and filled with exhilaration. The simple act of breathing air into my lungs felt euphoric. I headed toward the bus stop, a direction that took me past a large apartment complex. As I approached the buildings, I spotted a blonde-haired girl twirling a baton. She was wearing bright red shorts with matching halter top. She had calf-high twirler boots on her feet. My attention was instantly drawn to her shapely legs. My eyes roamed up the backs of her curvaceous thighs. The bottoms of her butt cheeks peeked provocatively from beneath the leg openings of her very short, shorts. I was captivated by her movements as she twisted from side to side, kicking her leg up as she propelled the spinning baton high in the air. I slowed my pace as I approached struggling to think of something to say that didn’t sound stupid. Suddenly a loud wolf whistle emitted from her lips, followed by her impertinent pronouncement.

“Momma, buy me that!”

I stopped in my tracks. My heart began to palpitate. I stood there staring at her. She seemed almost unreal as though I was gazing at a life-size pinup poster. I strived to think of a meaningful response, silently imploring the patron saint of poets not to let me fail.

“Am I imagining things, or did you whistle at me?”

“No, you’re not hearing things; I thought you were cute, so I whistled.”

“I’m the one that should be whistling, what guy’s dream world did you walk out of?”

“Well now, aren’t you the charmer? Don’t be thinking your sweet talk will get you somewhere ’cause it sure just might.”

Fully aware by now that something extraordinary was unfolding before me, I boldly moved closer.

“What’s your name?”

“Holly Martin, what’s yours?”

“Bob Million.”

“You mean million like in a million dollars? Are you rich?”

“No, it’s just a name; my parents aren’t wealthy by any means.”

“Do you live nearby?”

“I live three blocks over on Poplar Street with my mom and stepdad. I usually pass by here on my way to the bus stop. I’m surprised I haven’t noticed you before.”

“No, you wouldn’t have, I just moved here from Ohio last week. My mom moved us here to be near her sister. My mom and dad are getting a divorce.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, I think I know how you must feel. My mom and real dad got divorced when I was three years old.”

“She placed a hand on each end of her baton and raised it above her head. She eased it down behind her neck letting it come to rest on her shoulders. She spread her legs apart and planted her feet firmly in the grass and began rotating her upper torso slowly from side to side, presumably unaware that her actions were seducing my brain into a mesmerizing romantic stupor.

“You said your parents are divorced and you live with your mom and stepfather; what is he like? I can’t imagine living with someone other than my real father.”

“Actually, if you want to know the truth; I hate his guts.”

“Jeepers! What did he do to make you so resentful? Like I said, I don’t know what I would do if my mom remarried it would be hard to accept but hating someone the way you do, he must have done something terrible.”

“He did, he killed my dog.”

“Oh my god! Why?”

“A neighbor complained about the barking so one day while I was at school, he took it to a vacant lot and shot it. I guess he wanted to get some target practice for the new rifle he had just purchased.”

“Oh, that’s terrible; I’m so sorry.”

“Thanks, I hope I didn’t ruin your morning with my disparaging remarks.”

“No, it’s okay, I’m well aware that life isn’t all sunshine and pretty flowers.”

She stopped the swiveling motion of her hips; she removed the baton from her shoulders and launched it skyward. Flashing glints of blinding sunlight caromed off the polished chrome as it spanned its lofty arc. She shielded her eyes from the glaring sun and fixed her stance awaiting its return. She reached out and caught it deftly when it came within her reach.

“Wow! You’re really good; you must practice a lot.”

“Whenever I can, I’ve been doing it for a long time. My dad bought me my first baton when I was six. I’ve wanted to become a majorette ever since. I’m planning to enter the tryouts this fall when I start my freshman year at Franklin.”

“I’ll be starting there too, so I guess we’ll be classmates.”

She tossed the baton in the air again. As it came spinning back to earth she reached out and tried to catch it but missed. The baton landed harmlessly in the grass. She reached over and picked it up.

“Whew! I need a rest; let’s go over by that shade tree,” she said gesturing toward a large oak tree at the edge of the complex. “There’s a bench under it where we can sit and talk.”

We walked over. Holly sat down near the end of the bench. She drew her leg up and rested her boot on the outer edge, a maneuver that unwittingly provided me with an unfettered view of the lace trim border of her lavender panties.

“You can sit here next to me if you don’t mind my being all hot and sweaty; I don’t want to offend you.”

“Offend me? I’ve been fearful of waking up from a dream from the first moment I saw you; I don’t think you could offend me if you tried.”

“Oh, that’s so charming. You’d better be careful I’m a push over for sweet talk.”

I sat down next to her leaving enough space between us so we could face each other comfortably as we talked. I focused my attention on her facial features. The deep blue color of her eyes seemed almost unreal. A most alluring dimple adorned the center of her chin.

Realizing that I was probably beginning to appear foolish gawking at her, I turned my head and looked down at the ground; momentarily directing my attention to an ant attempting to climb over a blade of grass.

“So, are you looking forward to high school?” I asked, “I mean aside from wanting to become a majorette?”

“I don’t know, I am in a way, I guess. I haven’t made many acquaintances around here. I miss my friends back in Ohio.”

“It’s none of my business, but I hope you try out for cheerleader; you’re a cinch to make it.”

“Well, thank you, I just might give it a try. What about you? Are you looking forward to high school?”

“I was but my situation is somewhat the same as yours. I moved here from a different part of the city. I hardly know anyone around here either. I’m sure I’ll enjoy the sports, especially football, although I never had much success playing it. Maybe now things will change.”

I continued staring at the grass. There was a long silence. Just as it was becoming acute, Holly spoke.

“It sure is warm out today, I’d invite you in for some lemonade but my mom’s taking a nap; anyway, I probably should go in soon and get started on the dishes.”

Fearful that the romantic spell I had been under was about to end I sat upright.

“I wish you didn’t have to go; we were just getting to know each other. Would it be okay if I came by to see you sometime?”

“Sure! I’m usually outside doing what I’m doing now if it isn’t raining.”

“If you’re not outdoors, how will I find you?”

“Well, you could solve that problem by asking me for a date, if you wanted to, that is, unless you have a steady girl.”

“No, I’m not going with anyone. Would you like to go to a movie next Saturday? Casablanca is playing uptown at the Regal.”

“Yeah, that sounds great, I love Humphrey Bogart. I’ll have to get my mom’s permission but I’m sure she’ll say it’s okay.”

“Cool; oh, by the way, I don’t have the use of a car; we’ll have to ride the bus uptown. I hope you don’t mind.”

“No, I don’t mind, in fact my mom won’t let me go anywhere in a car with a boy anyway.”

“So, what time should I come over? The matinee starts at two.”

“I guess around one o’clock; my apartment is number seven. It’s on the first floor straight down the hall from the main entrance.”

She stood up and picked up her baton.

“It was very nice meeting you Bob.”

“It was great meeting you too; I guess I’ll see you next Saturday.”

Just then her mother called from a nearby doorway.

“Holly, come in here, will you?”

Holly looked at me and smiled.

“I have to say goodbye for now.”

She turned and started walking. She had gotten only a short distance when she stopped and turned around.

“Oh, I meant to ask if I could have a picture of you. I’ll trade you for one of mine.”

“Sure, I’ll bring one with me Saturday.”

She turned once again and hurried away. I continued on my route to catch the bus. I was on top of the world. I had just met a new girl and was she ever a fox. Even Chet couldn’t dampen my spirits now.

The week preceding my date with Holly dragged by. I didn’t go near the complex fearing I might do something to jeopardize our date. I didn’t dare tell Chet I had a date with a girl. If he had known about it, he would have no doubt insisted we be chaperoned.

I decided to do extra chores throughout the week to butter him up. Saturday finally came. I arose, got dressed and went downstairs for breakfast. Chet was sitting in his underwear as usual with his nose stuck in the newspaper.

“So, dad,” I hated calling him dad, “is there anything you need me to do before I go?”

“Go where?”

“Don’t you remember me asking you last week if I could go someplace today?”

“Yeah, I remember but you never said where you were going.”

“A couple of friends of mine are building a club house, they asked me if I’d come over and help.”

“I don’t know; the hedges need trimming.”

My heart began to sink. I knew Chet was about to screw up my plans. Fortunately, mom came to my rescue.

“Oh, let him go Chet, he’s worked hard around here all summer. He deserves a little relaxation.”

“Oh, what the hell, all right, you can go, but make sure your room is cleaned up before you leave.”

I had already made sure my room was spotless.

“Thanks dad, thanks mom.”

I went to my room to get ready. I still had plenty of time but I wanted to get out of the house before Chet had the chance to change his mind. After I bathed and dressed, I searched through my belongings and found a picture of myself to give to Holly. I slipped it into an envelope. Afterward, I went to the refrigerator and took out the box of chocolate-covered cherries I had stashed behind the milk. I knew Chet wouldn’t find them there; Chet was lactose intolerant. I carefully opened the box and placed the envelope containing my picture inside and gently closed the lid. I tucked the box under my arm and headed outside.

I glanced at my Timex. I still had about an hour until it was time to pick up Holly. There was a small playground near the complex. I went and sat on the merry-go-round to kill time. About a quarter ’til one, I got up and headed for my rendezvous.

I arrived at the building and went in. I walked down the hall checking door numbers ’til I came to number seven. I began to experience a jittery sensation in my stomach. I rapped gently on the door. I stood back and waited anxiously for a response. There was no answer. Disparaging thoughts suddenly entered my mind. What if Holly had forgotten about our date or worse yet, had changed her mind and decided to stand me up? I knocked again harder. The door opened. My distressful thoughts disappeared in an instant. What I saw standing there took my breath away. Holly appeared in the doorway wearing a pale-yellow sleeveless dress with a white belt around the waist, white ankle sox and a pair of white flat-heeled shoes. Her gorgeous blonde hair was tied with a yellow ribbon.

“Here,” I said handing her the box of chocolates, “these are for you, I hope they haven’t melted.”

“Oh, you didn’t need to do that but thank you anyway.” She took the box.

“Mmm chocolate-covered cherries! I love these; how did you know?”

“I didn’t, I just guessed.”

“Come on in; mom wants to meet you.”

She stepped aside to let me through the doorway.

“Mom, this is Bob Million, the boy I told you about he’s taking me to the movies.”

“I’m pleased to meet you Bob, Holly spoke highly of you; would you like some cookies? I baked them fresh this morning.”

Holly interrupted.

“I’m afraid we don’t have time mom; the matinee starts at two. it’s after one now, we still have to catch the bus and ride uptown.”

“Well, okay dear.”

She looked in my direction.

“It was nice meeting you Bob.”

“It was nice meeting you too Mrs. Martin.”

She called Holly over and hugged her.

“You look very nice sweety, that’s a pretty dress. Be careful not to spill anything on it. Oh, and maybe you should take a sweater along it could get chilly later on.”

“Okay mom.”

She left the room. When she reappeared, she had a white knit sweater draped over her arm. She picked up her handbag off the table and looked my way.

“Okay, I’m all set.”

We left the apartment and walked to the bus stop. It wasn’t long until the bus came. We stepped aboard. I dropped a couple of tokens in the slot. The bus was packed but we found seats near the rear exit. I let Holly have a seat by the window. I sat down next to her.

“Mmm! You smell like freshly picked strawberries,” I said, “I forgot to tell you how nice you look.”

“Why thank you, you look very handsome yourself. I like your hair; a lot of the guys back in my hometown have crew cuts, I never cared much for that style.”

The bus started and stopped in jerky motions all along the route as people got on and off. We finally arrived uptown. The bus stop was about a block away from the Regal. We got off and walked toward the marquee. I went up to the box office and bought tickets. A doorman was standing by the entrance. He was elegantly attired in maroon coat and trousers trimmed with gold piping. He had a maroon Pershing style hat on his head. The shoulders of his coat were adorned with a pair of fancy gold epaulets. He opened the door, and we went inside.

I glanced around at the opulent decor.

“This place is really swank.” I said, it feels like you’re inside a Sultan’s Palace.

“Yeah,” Holly replied, “but it’s a bit chilly for me, wait a second while I put on my sweater.”

She took her sweater off her arm and slipped it on.

“Would you like some popcorn or something to drink?”

“No thank you, I ate a bunch of Mom’s cookies before you came. Let’s find seats before the movie starts. We can always get something to eat later.”

We made our way to the entrance of the viewing area and went in. It was dark except for the soft iridescent glow of the aisle lights. A uniformed usher met us. He led us down the aisle with the beam of his flashlight directed downward toward the lushly carpeted floor. About halfway down the aisle, he stopped. He directed his flashlight toward a couple of vacant seats next to the aisle.

“Will these do?” he asked.

“Yes, these will do fine.”

I let Holly in first. We sat down. We had made it there just in time.

Holly nudged my arm.

“I heard this is a great movie.”

“Yeah, it looked like it from the previews; anyway, it has to be good with Bogey starring in it.”

Coughing noises ensued around us, so we quit talking. Holly was intently watching the screen. I couldn’t have cared less about the movie. There was no room in my thoughts for anything other than the beguiling creature sitting beside me.

I wanted to put my arm around her, but I didn’t know how she would react. Our knees were touching. I rested my hand on my leg, so the side of my palm was touching the fabric of her dress. Holly had her hands folded together on top of her purse. After a while, I moved my hand until it was resting firmly against her leg. The thought that only a flimsy piece of cloth lay between my hand and the silky-smooth skin of her upper thigh produced an immediate tingly sensation in my stomach.

Just then, as if sensing my mood, Holly removed her hand from her purse and placed it next to mine. Our hands clasped. I moved as close to her as the theater seats would allow. She tilted her head and rested it on my shoulder. Her action provided me with the opportunity to get better acquainted.

“Holly,” I said.

“Yes Bob?”

“Can I... Uh... Do you mind if I kiss you?”

“No, I don’t mind, but please don’t try to give me a hickey I’d have a tough time explaining that to my mom.”

“You could tell her it’s a rash that mysteriously appeared on your neck.”

“Oh yeah, and I could tell her I missed my period too but not to worry; that I’m just going through menopause.”

“You missed your period?”

I winched as her elbow jabbed my rib cage.

“I was joking; anyway, the conversation we’re having appears to have crossed the boundary of first date etiquette.”

“Well let’s stop talking then; and don’t worry about the hickey I never understood the benefit of doing that.”

We turned our faces toward each other and started kissing. I wasn’t sure if she wanted to French kiss or not, but I quickly discovered she wasn’t as modest and reserved as I presumed, she was.

I restrained my impulse to try feel her up even though the fervor she was displaying as we sat there sucking face caused me to think she wouldn’t have minded. I was far to enamored with her, to risk getting slapped across the face in a theatre full of people accompanied by the high degree of probability of an immediate dissolution of our brief association.

After a while, we became aware that our activity wasn’t going unnoticed. We dislodged our faces and watched the rest of the movie. All too soon, the movie ended. We stood up and joined the throng of patrons streaming toward the exit.

“I don’t know about you,” I said, “but I’m hungry. There’s a diner just up the street, what do you say we go get some burgers?”

The exit doors were blocked open to accommodate the exodus of the crowd. The sun was beginning to set. We stepped out into the early evening twilight. The late summer air was warm and fragrant. Holly placed her hand in mine and we headed up the street.

The diner was a narrow rectangular structure with a rounded metal roof situated between a dime store and a parking lot. A red and white striped canopy overhung the sidewalk. A man dressed in white cook’s garb was standing at the end of the canopy turning a crank, slowly retracting it back onto a roll across the front of the building. We went inside and sat down at a booth. Holly placed her purse down and picked up a menu. Soon a waitress came over. She focused her attention on Holly.

“Are you ready to order? The special of the day is chicken fried steak.”

“I’ll just have a burger and some fries.”

“And what would you like on your hamburger?”

“Just lettuce and tomato, no onions please.”

“And what would you like to drink?”

“A cherry Coke.”

The waitress turned her attention to me.

“Would you like the special? It’s very good.”

“No, just bring me a hamburger and fries also only I just want ketchup and pickle on mine.”

“Okay, pickle only, the ketchup is there on the table. What would you like to drink?”

“A root beer.”

The waitress wrote the order on her pad and walked away.

“Would you excuse me for a moment?” Holly asked, “I need to use the lady’s room.”

I politely slid off my seat and stood up. Holly picked up her purse and headed toward the restroom. As I was awaiting her return, I glanced around. There was a jukebox near one end of the diner. I got up from the booth and walked over. I began looking over the selections. After a short while, Holly came out of the restroom and came over to where I was standing. She stood behind me looking over my shoulder. I put a quarter in the coin slot.

“Go ahead and pick,” I said.

She looked over the list of songs.

“Oh, here’s one of my favorites, B-7 and oh, here’s another one, A-3.”

“Okay, we still have one more.”

“I picked mine now it’s your turn.”

“Okay let’s see; here’s one of my favorites, Wheel of Fortune.”

I located the corresponding red plastic buttons and pushed them. We returned to our table. Soon the vibrant tones of Kay Starr filled the room. The waitress came back with our order. We sat there eating our meal and listening to the music. Holly was dipping the last of her French fries into a small glob of ketchup on the end of her plate. She finished her last bite and pulled a napkin out of the holder and wiped her mouth.

“I didn’t dribble ketchup, did I?”

My eyes roamed her frontal area.

“I don’t see any.”

“That’s a relief, mom would kill me if I soiled this new dress.”

She rolled the used napkin into a ball and placed it on her plate.

“By the way, did you remember to bring a picture of yourself?” she asked.

“Actually, you already have it; it’s inside the box of candy I gave you.”

“Oh, aren’t you the clever one.”

“What about your picture?”

“I’m afraid you’ll have to wait. I was all out of my old ones. I had some new ones taken, but they’re still at the developers. They should be ready in a few days.”

Just then the waitress came by again.

“Would anyone care for dessert?”

“Umm, a banana split sounds good,” Holly said.

The waitress turned to me.

“Would you like one also?”

“No, I think I’ll have a hot fudge, Sundae.”

The waitress turned and disappeared from view. Another young couple came in. They were over at the jukebox making selections. The waitress came back with our desserts. She placed them in their respective places in front of us. Holly stared down at her dish embellishing a look of disbelief.

“Judas! Jiminy! I can’t eat all that!”

“We don’t like to see our customers leave hungry,” the waitress replied.

She turned around and left. Holly stared back down at her dish. She picked up her spoon and allowed it to hover over the monumental task set before her. She slowly rotated her spoon in minute semicircles searching for a point of attack ultimately settling on a crimson maraschino cherry perched precariously on top of a swirly mound of topping. We sat there eating our desserts and listening to the music. Holly finished the last of her banana split and placed her spoon in her dish. She opened her purse and took out a small round compact and flipped it open. She looked at her reflection in the mirror turning her face slowly from side to side. She brushed her hair back with her hand and gently wiped the corners of her lips with the tip of her little finger. She closed the compact and put it back in her purse. She looked at me across the table.

“I’m sure glad we happened to meet; when I first saw you, I figured you were probably going steady; I was really glad to learn that you weren’t.”

“I wondered the same about you; you must have known a lot of guys back in your hometown; wasn’t there someone special?”

“Sort of, I didn’t date much, but this one guy I knew was more than just a friend.”

“I’ll bet he was heartbroken when you left; I know I would be if I was him.”

“Well, it’s nothing I could help. What about you? Didn’t you have a girl in your old neighborhood?”

“I had a crush on my best friend’s sister for a while, but she treated me like a second brother, if I was going steady, I wouldn’t be wearing my medal.”

“Oh yes, I have been admiring that all evening; do you mind if I look at it up close?”

“No, here.”

I pulled the chain up over my head and handed it to her. She took it in her hand and gently rubbed her thumb over the embossed initial.

“So, this letter ‘B,’ it stands for Bob, right?”

“I guess now it does, it was meant to stand for Belmont. I guess I got overly anxious when I bought it. I just naturally assumed I was going to go to high school there.”

“Do you mind if I try it on?”

“No, go ahead.”

She unfastened the clasp, placed it around her neck and snapped it closed. She centered it on the front of her sweater and brushed her hair back behind her shoulders. She raised her chin and leaned forward striking a pose.

“There; how does it look?”

Her breasts were pointing straight out, straining against the confines of her sweater.

“It looks good on you; like it belongs there.”

“Do you mind if I wear it ’til we get home? I promise I’ll give it back.”

“No, I don’t mind.”

Just then, the waitress came over with the check and placed it on the table.

“Well,” Holly said, “as much as I hate to say it, I suppose we’d better be heading back.”

I stood up and reached into my pocket and took out some change. I laid a quarter on the table and picked up the check. I proceeded to the cash register and paid for our meal. We exited the diner and headed in the direction of the bus stop.

Nighttime had settled in, and the lights of the city had come on. Myriads of multi-colored incandescent bulbs on the theater marquees high above the street flashed off and on in sequence sending luminescent waterfalls of light cascading downward to the sidewalk below. A warm surreal feeling came over me. We reached the bus stop and sat down. The moon was beginning to emerge. It loomed large and full with an orange glow filling the late summer eastern sky. The bus came and we got aboard. The bus was practically empty except for the driver and an old guy in the back who appeared to be sound asleep. We sat down for the short ride home.

“I had a great time on our date,” Holly said.

“I did too, only I wish it didn’t have to end so soon.”

“Maybe I can make it last a little longer; I can ask mom if she’ll let us watch TV for a while.”

Holly leaned her head over and rested it on my shoulder. We rode in blissful silence the rest of the way. When we got to the complex, Holly invited me in. As we stepped through the door, Holly’s mom’s voice rang out.

“I’m in the kitchen.”

We followed the sound of her voice. Her mom was busy at the sink.

“Hi, Bob, hi Honey; how was the movie?”

“Great, Bogart and Bacall make a great pair; they can really heat up the screen.”

“Oh really! I hope it wasn’t too suggestive. Maybe I should have checked it out before I let you go.”

“No mom, it wasn’t one of those sleazy art films like the ones that played at that theatre back in Ohio if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“Oh! And how would you have known about those?”

“Geeze-o-peety, mom, it isn’t like it was a big secret; everyone knew what kind of movies they showed at the Avon. Please mom, you’re embarrassing me. Can we please change the subject?”

“Oh, all right, I suppose you’re both hungry, can I fix you something to eat?”

“No thanks, we ate uptown; mom, can Bob stay and watch TV for a while? Please! It’s still early; Suspense Theater is coming on.”

“I suppose, for a while anyway but change out of that dress first and put on slacks and hang it up on a hanger so it will stay nice for church tomorrow.”

“Thanks mom.”

She went over and gave her mother a hug.

“Come on Bob.”

I looked around. I hadn’t noticed before how small and confining her apartment was. A dining area opened into the living room where the TV was located. On one end of the room was a bed unit that folded up into the wall. Holly proceeded to pull the bed down and arranged some pillows toward the foot of the bed facing the TV.

“Take off your shoes and jacket and make yourself comfortable,” she said, “I’ll only be a minute; oh, and would you mind turning on the TV while you’re waiting?”

She disappeared around the corner. I removed my jacket and shoes and went over to where the TV was sitting. I turned it on and waited for it to warm up. The picture kept rolling. I fiddled with the horizontal control ’til it stopped. Holly came back into the room. I immediately noticed she had ignored her mother’s suggestion to put on slacks. Instead, she was wearing a short plaid skirt with knee socks and a beige wool sweater. She went over and plopped face first down on the bed.

“Come over here and lie down,” she said, patting the bedspread beside her.

I glanced around to see if anyone was watching. Her mother was evidently still going about her business in the kitchen. I climbed onto the bed and lay down on my stomach next to her. I felt apprehensive at first being in bed with a girl whose mother was in the next room, but my anxiety was soon displaced with feelings of total infatuation.

As we lay there watching TV, I began to feel an irresistible urge to kiss her. She must have intercepted my thoughts. Our heads turned simultaneously toward each other. Our lips touched. Our mouths opened, and we started French kissing. I moved my body firmly against hers attempting to maneuver her onto her back. She immediately interrupted our kiss and pushed me back. She sat up and smoothed out her skirt.

“What’s the matter?” I whispered, “did I do something wrong?”

“No, it’s not you but we better not do that in here, mom will catch us for sure.”

I knew she was right, but at the moment, I was extremely turned on. Just then, her mother came in the room.

“Holly,” she said, “I think you and Bob should say good night. You have to get up early for church tomorrow--and why are you wearing those clothes? I thought I told you to put on slacks.”

“I was going to mom, but I couldn’t find a clean pair. Please mom, can Bob stay until this show is over? It’s only eight thirty.”

“Okay, but only ’til nine o’clock-no longer. Anyway, I came in to tell you I’m out of milk. If you want breakfast in the morning, I’ll have to run to the store.”

“Why didn’t you say something mom? Bob and I can go for you.”

“No, it’s too late now the corner store is closed. I’ll have to drive over to that all-night market on Cleveland Avenue. Oh, and while I’m at it, I can drop Bob off and save him a walk home.”

“Mommm, you promised he could stay and watch the show!”

“Okay, okay, I was just trying to be helpful, I’ll be back shortly.”

She turned and walked out of the room. I waited for the sound of her leaving. As soon as I heard the front door close, I moved back closer to Holly and started easing her back down on the bed. I began to ease my body on top of her.

“Wait Bob, please. I don’t want you to think I’m a tramp. This is our first date. It would be different if we were going steady.”

“Well, in a way we are going steady; technically that is, you are still wearing my medal, aren’t you?”

“Hmm, yes, I am, I forgot about that. You do have a point. I guess we could do a little something, but we’ll have to keep our ears open for mom; just a second.”

She climbed off the bed and went over to the light switch on the wall and flipped it off. She came back and lay down on her back. I wasted no time. I positioned my body full on top of her. This time she didn’t object. I began slowly rotating my hips in a rhythmic motion. I thought I sensed her body beginning to respond. I reached my hand up under her sweater. To my complete amazement, I discovered she was not wearing a bra. I placed my hand on her breast and began gently massaging the nipple between my fingers. Her breathing intensified. I felt her legs begin to spread apart. The motion of our bodies caused her short skirt to rearrange itself to the top of her thighs. We were both approaching an extreme state of arousal. I took my hand off her breast and reached up under her skirt. I slid my fingers up ’til I felt the elastic band at the top of her panties. I grasped the elastic between my thumb and fingers and began to ease them down. Holly reached down immediately and halted the movement of my hand.

“No Bob, please don’t, not now; there isn’t enough time; mom is sure to come back and catch us. Shhhhhhhhh! I think I heard something!”

“What? I didn’t hear anything.”

“Listen!”

Just then the room light came on.

“Oh no!” Holly gasped.

We untangled ourselves and sat up. It was inconceivable that Holly’s mom had made it to the store and back that fast and gotten back in the house without either of us hearing her come in, but it didn’t matter now, our fritters were fried.

“What’s going on in here? Why was this room light off? What have you two been up to?”

“Uh nothing mom; we were just kissing, that’s all.”

“Don’t nothing me! I didn’t just fall off the turnip truck!”

Her mother turned her attention to me.

“And you young man, I took you for a gentleman. It seems I was mistaken. You had best gather your belongings and leave.”

I hurriedly began putting on my shoes. I glanced at Holly. Neither of us dared to speak. I knew she wasn’t going to be allowed to see me out. I grabbed my jacket and headed for the door. I was a block away from the complex before I even stopped to tie my shoes.

I arrived home and gently opened the door. The house was quiet. Mom was sound asleep on the couch in her bathrobe with the cat curled up at her feet. I headed straight for the solitude of my room.

The next day, as soon as I was able, I went to the complex hoping to see Holly. I walked past her building a dozen times or more hoping to catch a glimpse of her, but she was nowhere around. I knew better than to go inside and knock on her door. Finally, in despair, I turned and went back home. I was at least somewhat consoled by the knowledge that I would still be able to see her at school.

The start of the fall semester came quickly. I had laid out my clothes and the things I needed for the start of the school year before I went to bed. I awoke to the sound of the alarm clock. I had a busy day ahead of me. I got dressed and went into the bathroom to brush my teeth and comb my hair. As I examined myself in the mirror, I suddenly realized something was missing, my medal. I just remembered I had been forced to exit Holly’s apartment so fast she didn’t have the opportunity to return it. I quickly dismissed it as a matter of no concern, as I was certain Holly, and I would be reunited at school. I ate breakfast and headed for the bus to take me uptown. I arrived at school and walked up the long set of steps leading to the old brick structure. I went inside and found my homeroom. It was crammed with kids, none of whom I recognized. I looked around for Holly hoping we had been assigned to the same homeroom, but she was nowhere in sight. The bell rang. A large middle-aged man wearing brown slacks and a greenish plaid sports coat came into the room. He closed the door behind him shutting off the noisy din from the hallway. He laid some books and papers on his desk and walked over to the blackboard in front of the room. He picked up a piece of chalk and wrote his name in large letters across the board. He placed the chalk down on the tray and turned back around.

“Okay everyone, please be seated.”

He waited patiently for the noise of chairs scooting and papers rustling to subside.

“Good morning class,” he continued, “welcome to Franklin High. My name is Mr. Loomis. I will be your homeroom teacher this semester. For the time being, take seats anywhere. I will assign permanent seats later.”

I found an empty desk at the back of the room and sat down. Mr. Loomis went to his desk. He picked up a sheet of paper and faced the classroom.

“The stacks of papers you see on my desk are release forms for your parent or guardian to sign. As you hear your name called, please come forward and pick up a copy. There will be a number stamped on the upper left-hand corner of the page. That is your locker number. The numbers are selected at random, so it doesn’t matter if they get switched. Please remember to bring them back signed when you return to school tomorrow. You will not be permitted to start your classes until it is signed and returned. You will also need to bring a padlock for your locker. It is your responsibility to make sure your locker is kept locked at all times.”

As roll was called, the thought occurred to me that Holly might just be running late, or possibly had gotten lost. Mr. Loomis finished calling names. It was now evident her name was not on his list. Although somewhat disillusioned, I remained confident that the likelihood of her absence was merely a case of her having been assigned a different homeroom. After everyone had picked up their release forms and returned to their desks, Mr. Loomis readdressed the class.

“I assume all of you have by now selected your curricula. If not, you will need to visit the counselor’s office after class is dismissed to get it straightened out. A building directory is posted on the east wall showing the location of your classrooms. That’s all for now; you may spend the remainder of the period getting acquainted. Please keep the noise to a minimum. If you need any assistance, I’ll be here at my desk.”

There wasn’t much time for socializing. The bell rang soon after Mr. Loomis had finished speaking. He dismissed the class. I joined the frenzied rush exiting into the hallway. I didn’t have a spare moment to search for Holly. I hurriedly navigated my way to my next class. The rest of the day went pretty much the same. New faces all around but not the one special face I longed to see.

When I returned home after school, mom was in the kitchen.

“Hi Bobby, how did school go?”

“Pretty good I guess, it’s a lot different from junior high; they treat you more like an adult.”

“I made some fresh ham salad, it’s in the refrigerator. Go ahead and fix yourself a sandwich. Oh, I almost forgot. There’s a letter for you on the dining room table. It was stuck in the mail slot with the rest of the mail. There’s no stamp on it. It must have been hand delivered.”

“A letter for me? That’s strange. I never get any mail. Did you see who delivered it? Didn’t they knock or anything?”

“No, I didn’t see or hear anyone.”

I went into the dining room and found a pink envelope addressed to me. I picked it up. It seemed a bit heavier than I would have expected for an envelope just containing a note or a letter. There was no postmark or return address. I returned to the kitchen. As soon as I opened it, my missing medal fell out. I immediately knew the sender’s identity. I unfolded the note and began to read the words.

Dear Bob, I’m sorry for what happened the other night. We should have been more careful. My mother won’t let me see or talk to you. I wish she was more understanding, but that’s not all. I’m afraid I won’t be enrolling in Franklin either. We’re moving to another part of town. I just wanted you to know I had a great time on our date. I think you’re a really cool guy. I will think of you often. I wish you the best of luck. Love and kisses, Holly.

I sank down on the chair feeling as though a shard of glass had been driven through my heart. I felt the tears beginning to well up in my eyes.

“So, who’s the letter from? By the looks of the stationary, I’ll bet it’s from a girl.”

“It’s nothing mom, just a thank you note from a friend. I’m going to my room and take a nap.”

“Okay, I’ll call you when dinner’s ready.”

I hurried to my room before the anguish of my lovesick misery registered on my face. I positioned myself face down on my bed and buried my head in my pillow. The tears gushed from my eyes. The succeeding days and nights were agony. I couldn’t eat or sleep. I didn’t want to talk to anyone. I just wanted Holly. I thought I would die of heartache.

It was difficult to imagine how

infatuated I had become with a girl I had known for such a short time, but Holly Martin was no ordinary girl. I guess that’s what made losing her so painful.

The months passed, I became acclimated to my new surroundings. My classes were harder than I expected. Being a freshman and an outsider quite naturally placed me in the lowest rank of the social pecking order. In the cafeteria, I sat with the nobodies who no one knew or wanted to know.

It was the end of the school week, I arrived home in a very low and melancholy mood. Mom was seated at the table in the dining room.

“Make yourself a snack,” she said, “I’ve got some news to tell you.”

“Nothing bad I hope.”

“No, it’s not bad.”

I went to the kitchen and fixed myself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I returned to the dining room. Mom waited for me to pull up a chair and sit down.

“Do you remember that house we looked at a while back over in Rivertown?”

“Yeah, I remember; it was a nice house. Why? Don’t tell me you and Chet bought it?”

“I’m afraid we did. The realtor called this morning, it’s all ours.”

So how soon are we moving? Will I have to change schools in mid-semester?”

“No, the seller has to make repairs first. The closing won’t be for thirty days, by then the semester will be over.”

That seemed okay; I’d be entering new surroundings at Rivertown High at a more advanced grade level and at a school as nice as, or possibly even nicer than Belmont. I would still be faced with the challenges of making new friends and having new teachers, but that was something I had grown accustomed to long ago. My dismal mood suddenly changed. My thoughts were filled with hopeful expectations of brighter days ahead.