by Dane Bagley
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“Bernice, look at these!” said Maryanne.
“Ohh, pretty!” said Bernice as she came over to inspect the flowers olfactorily.
“I’ve never gotten a good look at John in the light. Does he look as good as he did at a dimly lit dance?” asked Kendra.
“Kendra?” exclaimed Natalie, with a faux expression of shock. “How rude.” Then turning to Sarah, she asked, “well, does he?”
Sarah didn’t blush but instead smiled and gazed momentarily at the expectant expression on her friends’ faces. “Let’s just say, I wasn’t complaining.”
“Coming from Sarah, that’s sayin’ something,” said Maryanne and the other girls chided Sarah good-naturedly. Sarah blushed, but only a little.
“Tell us more,” said Kendra.
“Ladies, you’ve known me long enough to know that I would never kiss and tell.”
“What? He kissed you…on the first date?” asked Natalie excitedly.
Sarah really blushed. “Actually, no…no, he didn’t kiss me, but…” Sarah was bright red, but she stated it more apologetically than ashamed.
“Girl, don’t you get all bashful on us. Here we all are just hoping someday, some guy—any guy—will ask us out, bring us flowers, or something. And you’ve got the dream guy bringing you a beautiful bouquet, taking you on a perfect date, on your sixteenth no less—you’ve got John Bennett wrapped around your pretty little finger, and your embarrassed ‘cause he hasn’t kissed you already; the day after your sixteenth birthday. Girl, we’ve got nothin’ on you. Don’t you let any of us get under your skin,” said Bernice.
“That’s right,” said Maryanne.
“But, if you’ve got more to say, do tell,” said Bernice with a smile.
“Yes, do tell!” said Kendra.
Sarah smiled. “I don’t know why I blushed. Sorry. I guess any girl would be excited to be with John. I mean, Naomi, she went with Kevin; she couldn’t take her eyes off of John. She was real nice, and I wasn’t mad. It’s just that…I don’t think I’m the prettiest—you know, the biggest catch. If I was, and I liked John just because he was so handsome, I guess I would have daggers out for any girl that he looked at or who looked at him. But, it’s not like that. He likes me and it’s real. He’s going to see prettier girls and plenty of them will be available, but he love…likes me for me. If I had to win his attention, I never would, you know. It’s not really different for me. I really like him. Not just who he is or how great he looks—and he does look great both sunlight and dark. But seriously, I really like him. He could be smaller, and plain, and forgettable to everyone else and I would still feel the way I do. So, I guess I turned red because I don’t want anyone thinking that I’m just interested in him ‘cause he’s some kind of a trophy. I really like him. I don’t want it to be perceived as something superficial and lessor. Do you know what I mean?”
“Oh, yeah, we know what you mean. He was really looking good yesterday!” said Natalie. Everyone, including Sarah, had a good laugh.
“Sarah, honey.” Mrs. Peningham entered the room flush and slightly out of breath. “John’s here, and he…”
Sarah was out of the room and on her way before anyone else had the time to react. Mrs. Peningham turned to follow but after a few steps thought better of it. The other girls stayed put. Each wanting to go and be introduced and none of them willing to move.
“Hey, John!”
“Hi, Sarah.”
Sarah embraced him and then led him outside to sit on the porch. John wore a heavy brown coat and thick leather boots.
“Are you okay out here? It’s cold and you’re not dressed for it.”
Sarah wore a long blue skirt and a white short-sleeved top. It was cold outside but there was no breeze blowing and Sarah was excited. It would take her a few minutes to feel the chill.
“Here, take my coat,” said John as he began to remove it.
“No, I’m fine. You’ve been out here for a while; you’re colder than I am.”
“You’re sure?”
She smiled and sat down on the porch, instinctively clutching her bare foot and rubbing it. John looked down at her massaging her own foot.
“You don’t even have shoes and your feet are cold already.”
“Oh, sorry.” Sarah let her foot go and then let her feet hang down off of the porch. “I had so much fun yesterday…with you. I was just telling my friends…”
“You have company? I won’t keep you then…”
“They’re fine…I’m glad you’re here.” Sarah reached for John’s hand. It was a sign of affection but it was also getting a little cold.
“I don’t have an excuse for coming by. I figured I’d ask you out again, but…I just don’t want to be apart from you, Sarah. Is it okay that I came by?”
Sarah smiled and leaned in close to him. The temperature and her feelings were working in conjunction with each other. John put his arm around her shoulder and felt the side of her bare arm. Goosebumps were already forming and her skin felt cold. John rubbed her arm gently as Sarah laid her head back against John’s shoulder.
“Kevin comes up with all the good ideas. He’s not so…pre-occupied…with anyone right now. Usually, I’m tagging along with him and whoever he’s chasing. It works out fine. But now I’m the one who’s head over heels and can’t keep my mind off of…you. I figured, I’d rather spend my day walking back and forth in the cold, if it meant that I’d spend a few minutes with you, than going stir crazy sitting at home and wishing that I was with you. But now I feel like I’m interrupting you. I just stopped by and assumed that you’d set your whole birthday aside to be with me and then figured I could just come by unannounced and you’d be just waiting for me—nothing better to do.”
“So far, you’ve got me figured pretty well.”
“Oh, Sarah.”
“All I want to do is be with you, too.”
Mrs. Peningham had made her way to the door. Sarah had left the door open and the chill had entered into the house.
“Honey, it’s too cold to be out there without a jacket. John, if you don’t have plans would you like to stay for dinner?”
Sarah, moving to get up, smiled at John and then looked at him expectantly.
“Mrs. Peningham, I’ve already intruded upon you. I don’t want to cause you any trouble.”
“Non-sense. It’ll be our pleasure. Sarah, I’ve already invited your friends. It’ll be a day late birthday dinner for you.”
Sarah had grabbed John’s hand and was dragging him into the house. “You’re staying, right?”
“Thank you, ma’am. You’re very kind.”
The four girls had made their way to the living room and a light chatter could be heard emanating from that direction.
“Let me introduce you to my friends.”
Maryanne was seated in Mr. Peningham’s chair. The couch had been left for John and Sarah. The other girls were bringing in chairs from the kitchen.
Maryanne turned in her chair and smiled sweetly at John as they entered the room. John recognized her. He had never asked her out but he had asked her to dance a few times, in the past. He smiled back. Maryanne was a pretty girl with fiery red hair. Her smile was contagious and she exuded excitement and joy as she interacted with people—strangers as easily as friends. Maryanne was feminine; she was girly without being prissy. Her attractive figure and aptitude for adorning herself, along with her hair, made her at once noticeable and instantly recognizable. Today she had on a powder-blue dress that accentuated her figure, yet was modest and comely.
Maryanne did not have a jealous bone in her body. It simply was not a part of her makeup. She was genuinely thrilled for Sarah. John was super attractive to her but she was no flirt. It was just her personality to smile, be friendly and fun, and delight whomever she was addressing. At the end of summer dance Maryanne was quick to notice John with Sarah. She had kept an eye out for John, hoping for a dance. She was surprised at first to see John with Sara
h but that quickly turned into pleasure for her acquaintance. Sarah had never been a close friend to her. Sarah had sometimes been around and she was nice enough. But Maryanne could be selective with her close friends. Everyone liked Maryanne and there were so many girls around that she simply couldn’t be buddies with everyone. So Sarah fell amongst her wide group of acquaintances.
When Sarah had become the apple of John’s eye she became intriguing to Maryanne. If Maryanne wanted to be close friends with someone then that took place. Maryanne was not using Sarah to get something that she wanted. Her interest in Sarah had been piqued, and as they spent time together over the past several weeks their friendship had grown such that it was approaching best-friend status. The other girls, longtime Maryanne’s inner circle, were equally thrilled to have Sarah in the group. If John’s interest in Sarah had been fleeting, perhaps their interest in Sarah would have waned, but not Maryanne’s. This friendship had reached the threshold of long lasting.
Sarah had never had a close friend before Maryanne. She enjoyed all of the girl’s company but felt a particular kinship for Maryanne. Life had never been better for Sarah Peningham and it kept getting better. Sarah was at a loss as to how to present herself. This skill had alluded her thus far. Because she found herself in a prime position, minus this skill, she started becoming interested in it. It was not because she felt insecure and she was trying to hide that. Rather it was because she felt so secure and good about herself that she desired to allow this to come to the surface. She wanted to present herself as she felt about herself. She just didn’t know how to.
Maryanne’s gifts were quickly brought in. Maryanne could not do for Sarah as she could for herself. Sarah’s less than inspiring figure, short stringy blond hair, eyes that wouldn’t pop, and overall plain facial features did not provide the canvas Maryanne was used to in painting her masterpieces. Still, there was something about Sarah. John could see it and so could Maryanne. And that something was growing, expanding, improving, perfecting. It was still subtle, to be sure, yet not so subtle as it had once been. Perhaps Sarah’s inner happiness and confidence were beginning to shine through; that must have had something to do with it. But that wasn’t all. Sarah was becoming more beautiful. It took some time, but Maryanne was starting to get things moving. It would be fair to say that Sarah was a pretty girl—not overtly so, but faintly. Maryanne was pleased with her progress—to what extent she could take any credit.
“It’s a pleasure to see you again,” said John to Maryanne. “I didn’t know until just yesterday that you and Sarah were such good friends.”
The other girls were edging up awaiting their introductions. Sarah complied and John addressed each of them pleasantly. Natalie appeared as though she may swoon. John had seen this look before.
“Perhaps we should all sit,” he said and then, perhaps not helping the situation, grabbed Natalie by the upper arm and helped her to the chair she had just brought in.
Bernice and Maryanne exchanged a glance. Kendra took her seat near Natalie. Sarah waited for John to escort her to the loveseat.
“You okay?” Kendra asked Natalie quietly. Natalie was pale white already and the color was still fading. Bernice was up and soon brought in a glass of water. Maryanne had leaned over and was gently fanning Natalie.
“That chair must be heavier than it looks,” said Bernice handing her the water.
Natalie looked up curiously as Kendra attempted, unsuccessfully, to hold back a giggle.
“Yes, I’m sure it was the chair,” said Maryanne ironically.
Sarah and Bernice began to laugh and Maryanne smiled brightly. John looked uncomfortable, though only momentarily. Soon, he displayed his hearty laugh and everyone was settled. Everyone that is, except for Natalie. Her color returned and overwhelmed her leaving her deeply flushed.
The front door opened and Mr. Peningham entered in. He looked at the crowd in the living room, somewhat bewildered, and then nodded his head and moved toward the kitchen.
“Honey,” shouted Mrs. Peningham.
“Yes, dear.”
“Come in the kitchen,” she shouted back.
The laughter and giggling had paused upon his entrance. With his departure, everyone looked back towards the still reddened Natalie and it erupted again. This time she joined in. Though unplanned for, this introduction eased everyone into comfort with each other.
After dinner, dessert, and some nice conversation back in the living room, Mr. Peningham was looking fidgety. Mrs. Peningham caught Sarah’s eyes and got her to look at her father. He liked some quiet time in his chair reading each evening. Sarah could see instantly what was needed. It was agreed upon that Sarah and John would accompany each of the young ladies to their homes and then John would escort Sarah back before returning home himself.
Everyone bundled up and set off. Depending on which way they circled either Kendra or Maryanne would be the closest. Both set off in the opposite direction of their homes hoping to be brought home last. Maryanne won out and the group set off as she went, towards Kendra’s. Kendra reluctantly caught up. She was disappointed when she arrived and had to leave the group.
Next they made their way to Natalie’s. Natalie’s mother, pretty and extraordinarily plump, invited everyone in to warm up by the fire and have some hot cocoa. John took the lead in thanking her but declining. He said that it only made everyone colder to keep warming up and then cooling off. At this point, Natalie was disappointed. The rest of the group, however, agreed. Bernice was starting to shiver, having brought the lightest coat. They all spoke at the door for a few minutes.
“Either we go in or we take off, but I’m not standing here shivering another minute!” said Bernice with a chatter in her teeth.
“You’re freezing, honey,” said Mrs. Maxwell, Natalie’s mother. “Let’s get you something warmer.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Maxwell. But let’s just go, the moving will warm me up.”
“Bye, Natalie,” said Sarah.
They picked up the pace to let off Bernice. She was a little out of the way from the other girl’s homes. There was no lingering at the door at Bernice’s. She hustled up to the door and opened it.
“Bye, everyone. It was nice meeting you, John. I’m freezin’, see ya.”
With that they headed towards Maryanne’s. The remaining three were bundled up nicely, and though the temperature was cold and continuing to drop, no one felt rushed anymore. They took a leisurely pace, each enjoying the other’s companionship. Snowflakes floated by in the full moon’s glow occasionally lighting on someone’s cheek or nose.
Sarah was on John’s right with her left arm through his right arm, cuddled up tightly. Maryanne walked alone while Bernice was with them. As soon as Bernice went inside and the three turned towards Maryanne’s home, Maryanne walked up on John’s left and slipped her right hand through John’s left arm in typical Maryanne style.
Sarah felt blissful in the company. She loved a walk in the moonlit night and she loved a light snow. The cold night only enhanced the warmth that she felt radiating from John. She enjoyed watching his breath condensate in the night’s air.
“What’s your favorite color, John?” asked Maryanne.
“Favorite color of what?” he replied.
“That’s a weird answer. Everyone has a favorite color,” said Maryanne.
“Ah. What’s yours?” he asked.
“Huh,” she let out mildly irritated by his ability to turn control of the conversation. “Aqua-marine.”
“I think you’re teasing,” said John.
“How so?”
“You’re just being clever. I know what your favorite color actually is.”
“You think it’s red, don’t you?”
“Is it?” he asked.
“I already told you—it’s aqua-marine.”
“Right. But is red your favorite color?”
“You said that you knew what it is. So why are you asking?”
“Just being polite.”
“I see,” said Maryanne. They all walked in silence a few paces. “It is red.” John didn’t reply. “Red is actually my favorite color.”
“If you say so.”
“You still don’t believe me?”
“I told you, I already know what your favorite color is.”
“So, what is it then?”
“Teasing is one thing. Now you’re just being silly. You’ve got to know what your own favorite color is. Everyone knows what their favorite color is.”
“Then what’s your favorite color?”
“Of what?”
“You’re impossible,” she said as she reached over and tapped him on the arm.
“My favorite color of hair is short blond.” Sarah looked up at him as he said that and smiled sweetly. John looked down and towards her. “My favorite color of eyes is baby blue. My favorite color for a bow in the hair is white.”
“That’s what I had on when we first met,” said Sarah.
“I never had a chance, you see; short blond hair, baby blue eyes, and a white bow in your hair.”
Sarah reached her right arm around and gave John a squeeze.
The glow from Maryanne’s home came into view. As they arrived on the porch, Maryanne gave John a short embrace and then Sarah a longer one.
“Good night, it was lovely.”
They walked silently out of view of Maryanne’s home. The snow started coming down harder and was beginning to stick. There was a short space on the journey between Sarah’s and Maryanne’s home where they were in view of neither home. They both slowed their steps instinctively and then stopped. Sarah turned towards John and looked up at him. The moon was behind him. John had several snowflakes in his brown hair. They sparkled in the moonlight and increased his beauty—if that was even possible. Sarah melted into his embrace and held him tight for several minutes. She felt warmer than ever in her life. When she pulled back to look at his face again his glare bore into her.
John leaned in slowly towards Sarah as Sarah lifted her chin. Shortly before their lips touched their eyes closed. Sarah could feel the breath that she had been watching, it was washing over her face. The impact of his lips did not bring a swoon to Sarah but rather it charged her. Her heart beat hard and fast. She tightened her arms around him as he did around her. At first touch his lips seemed cool, but with a moment they were warm and then they felt hot. They broke the first kiss and embraced. Sarah had never felt such an exhilarating rush nor such a soothing peace as she did then. The first kiss was John’s to her. She did not wait long to deliver hers to him. He sensed her movement and the second kiss began. She could hardly believe that the intensity of feeling and emotion would repeat itself, but even more so. It was warmer, stronger, and her heart beat even faster. As when they grasped hands for the first time, their lips seemed made for each other. They embraced for several minutes after the kiss and then slowly made their way back to Sarah’s home. One more kiss at the doorstep shared and then a warm Sarah sent a warm John home in the freezing night air.
John knew that he had given Sarah her first kiss, he just knew it. Sarah, however, could have never guessed that she had given John his first kiss. She expected him to be an experienced kisser and nothing about the kiss gave her a reason to think otherwise. Nevertheless, it was John’s first kiss and Sarah’s lips would be the only lips his would ever touch.
Chapter 9