Eighty and Out (6 page)

Aunt Violet’s funeral was the most depressing day of my life. Mom cried harder than I’d ever seen her cry, Dad did his best to stay strong for her, and Jeannie was suffering from a severe case of diarrhea and had to keep escaping to the restroom.

I stood in front of the casket feeling numb. Aunt Violet didn’t seem real to me. She looked more like a made up doll than the woman I visited at the old folks’ home.

After saying a prayer, I turned toward my family and wiped a fake tear from my eye in the hopes I’d seem like a normal person. People were supposed to cry at funerals, not zone out. Thankfully everyone was so wrapped up in their own grief no one questioned the sincerity of my sadness.

The next day was Saturday, and I couldn’t have been happier. I was dolled up and about to hop on my bike to meet Jim when my dad stopped me.

“How about I give you a ride,” he said. “I wouldn’t want you to show up out of breath and sweaty on your first date.”

I thanked him and got in the car. As I sat there, I began to wonder if this was just a ploy to have “the talk.”

My dad broke the somewhat awkward silence at a stop light. “I remember my first date with your mom. Seems like it was yesterday.”

So far so good. “Where did you go?” I asked.

“A dance,” he said, smiling. “She was the prettiest girl in school, and when I asked her, I didn’t think she’d say yes, but she did.”

“Guess you have to put yourself out there when you’re a guy. Sounds stressful.”

Dad turned the corner. “It can be.”

We continued driving. When we pulled to the curb near the theater, he said, “Lou, I’m sure you know how boys are. You’re not a child.”

I felt my neck muscles tense. “Yes, Dad, I do. Mom told me all about it.”

“Good,” he said, looking relieved. “That saves me from having to tell you then. It’s kind of awkward being a parent sometimes.”

His honesty surprised me. “I hope I have the opportunity to find out someday.”

“Me, too. But not too soon,” he quickly added.

I shook my head. “Don’t worry, Dad.”

He nodded and I stepped out. After I shut the door, he waved and drove away. I smoothed my dress, laughing to myself over how funny parents could be, and heard the sound of an engine rumbling. I watched as Jim pulled up, his Bel Air so clean it sparkled.

He parked and got out. He was wearing a white t-shirt and jeans. A husband and wife slowed to admire his car as they passed, and another man nodded at him in approval. Jim looked across the street and spotted me. A wide smile spread across his face as he crossed over. “Louise. You look beautiful,” he said.

“Thank you.” It was exactly the kind of thing I hoped to hear a man say to me someday. “You look nice, too.” I pointed at his car. “And those wheels! You must get stopped everywhere you go.”

Jim swelled with pride. “We do get a lot of attention. Maybe because I take such good care of her.”

I could only imagine how great a husband he’d make if he took care of a car that well. He led the way inside and paid for our tickets, and I suddenly began to feel nervous.

“Would you like popcorn?” he asked.

“Only if you’re having some.” My answer sounded mousey, not at all like me, but I was feeling frazzled.

Jim got popcorn and soda, and we made our way through the semi-darkened theater to find good seats. There was an area that was emptier than the others, and he chose to sit there, which made my heart race. I’d heard stories of boys expecting all kinds of things and hoped I wouldn’t be put in a position where I would have to say no.

We began snacking on our food as we waited for the place to fill up. I wanted to say something to try and get to know him better, but my mouth was dry and I couldn’t think straight. I took a sip of soda. “How did you manage to get a car like that?”

“It’s stolen,” he said, wearing a straight face.

I studied him, trying to see if he was joking. He burst out laughing.

“I’m kidding,” he said. “You should see the look on your face right now. It’s adorable.”

I laughed, which helped ease the tension. Beautiful. Adorable. I could get used to being called these names.

“So are you going to tell me?” I asked again.

“I worked hard and saved up. I’ve been helping my dad with his business since I was a kid. Between what I saved and what he chipped in, we made it happen.”

I couldn’t help but notice the similarity to Bernice. She was motivated like that. “Boy. You must have really wanted that car.”

“Yep. And if you really want something, I think you shouldn’t stop trying until you get it.”

With that said, the lights went out and the previews started. I tried to focus on them, but found myself preoccupied with sitting next to Jim. I’d just told my dad not to worry but was now sitting next to someone who had just admitted to the relentless pursuit of what he wanted.

The movie started and thankfully nothing happened, so I relaxed into my seat and got absorbed in the plot. About halfway through the film, Jim reached over and took hold of my hand. His was warm and dry and soft, and I didn’t feel like pulling away, so I didn’t.

Besides, holding hands was harmless. Everyone knew that.

My heart skipped as I wondered what he might try next. Part of me hoped he would kiss me and another part of me wanted to keep my word to my dad. Luckily, I didn’t have to decide. When the credits rolled, all Jim had done was hold my hand for half of the film.

It was a sunny day, so we went for a walk in the park afterward. It was a shame we couldn’t have driven there in his beautiful car, but we were stuck on foot as some rules couldn’t be broken.

“What kind of business does your father have?” I asked him.

“He had two businesses. An apartment building and a Laundromat. But he sold them both, and we moved here.”

By the tone of his voice, it sounded like there was a story behind that decision, but I didn’t want to be nosy, so we continued walking, enjoying the sounds of birds happily chirping overhead.

An old couple sitting on a park bench caught my eye. Jim noticed them, too. “That’s how it’s supposed to turn out,” he said. His words had a sharp edge to them, and as I looked at his face, I could see pain in his eyes. “My parents are divorced. That’s why we came here… to get away from it all.”

Divorced?
I didn’t know anyone whose parents were divorced. I didn’t know what to say.

“My dad said he’s going to start over. Get another Laundromat, buy another building.” He looked into the distance, as if seeing the future they’d planned.

“I’m sure you’ll help him be successful again,” I said.

Jim turned to me. “I will.” He smiled.

He glanced at my lips, and I thought he was going to kiss me, but he didn’t. “We should be getting back,” he said. “I’m sure your dad is worried sick waiting for you.”

“How did you know?” I teased.

“Because I make a habit of observing people. I can tell my dad worries about me all the time even though he never says it. Plus, I’m a guy,” he smirked. “Your dad probably thinks I’ve tried to have my way with you.”

I blushed. “We did have
the talk
on the way here,” I said.

Jim laughed. “I’ll bet.”

He reached for my hand, and I laced my fingers through his as we headed back to his car.

“Thanks for the movie and the popcorn,” I said. “I had fun on my first date.”

Jim stopped. “This is the first date you’ve been on?”

“Uh huh,” I replied nervously.

We got to his car and faced each other. “Well, I’m honored I could be your first date. How did I do?”

I blushed. “I can’t think of how it could have been any better.”

Jim stepped closer. He gazed deep into my eyes and said, “Me neither.” He gave me a kiss on the cheek, hopped in his car and drove away.

The next day I walked to Bernice’s house, my mind buzzing with all that had happened since we saw each other last.

Her mom answered the door. “How’s your arm?” I asked her, noticing her artwork covered cast.

She lifted it. “Healing… in style.”

I smiled, and Bernice came in.

“What’s new?” she asked.

“Tons. We need to talk.” We went outside and began walking to the park.

“Let me start with the bad news. Aunt Violet died.”

“Oh no! Your mom must be so upset.”

“She is. But I think it’s for the best because Aunt Violet was in a lot of pain.”

Bernice kicked a large pebble. “True.”

“And now for the good news. I met a boy named Jim. He just moved here from New York.” I paused and added, “We went on a date.”

Bernice stopped walking. “No way.”

“Yep.” I beamed. “He’s really nice. I think you’ll like him.”

“He sounds great,” she said, but she wasn’t very enthusiastic.

I didn’t expect her to jump up and down, but this was a big moment. “How come you don’t seem happy for me?” I asked.

“I am,” she assured me. “I guess my mind is elsewhere. Sorry.”

“What’s going on?”

She exhaled noisily. “It’s this college thing. There just aren’t very many options for women, and that’s so frustrating.”

“Can you major in business like you hoped?”

“I can major in whatever they think is appropriate for me, not what I want.”

“But you’re paying tuition. Doesn’t that mean you have a say?”

Bernice laughed blackly. “You’d think so, but no. They’ll take our money, but they still run the show.”

There was nothing worse in the world for Bernice than being told she couldn’t do something she’d set out to do. Her mind was probably working around the clock to find a way to overcome the obstacle.

“But there’s still hope, right? Surely there are some schools that let women study business?”

“Yeah. But the list is narrowing. Some of the more progressive schools are out of state.”

We sat on the swings, but I didn’t start swinging. My happiness had deflated like someone let the air out of a balloon.

“Gosh, I hope you don’t have to leave,” I said.

“I might have to.” She looked down.

I didn’t want to think about it right now. “Let’s go get a soda. My treat,” I offered.

“Okay.”

We raced each other to the soda shop and spent a long time chatting while sipping our drinks. Then I saw Jim pull up. When he got out, a few pretty girls came his way, oohing and ahhing over his car, trying to make conversation with him.

Bernice noticed my attention had drifted. “Is that your boyfriend?” she asked.

I didn’t take my eyes from the scene. “We just went on one date.”

Jim was talkative, but not flirtatious. His body language didn’t indicate he was interested in any of them, which surprised me since they were all much more popular than me.

He walked inside, and when he spotted me and Bernice, came our way.

“Hey, Lou,” he said, wearing a big smile.

“Hey,” I smiled back. Bernice looked uncomfortable all of a sudden, like she wanted to disappear.

“Who’s your friend?” Jim asked.

“This is my best friend, Bernice.”

“Hello,” she said, offering a little wave.

“Pleased to meet you. Anyone who can be called Lou’s best friend must be someone special.”

Bernice and I smiled in agreement.

“Do you want to join us?” I asked him.

“No thanks. I’m just picking up dinner for me and my dad.”

I pictured him and his recently divorced father sitting at the kitchen table together. The thought warmed me.

“Okay. See you around then,” I said, trying to act casual.

Jim placed his order, and stopped by again on his way out. “I’m not sure if you’d be interested, but there’s a dance coming up soon. Would you like to go with me?”

He stood holding his to-go order, looking nervous.

“Of course,” I answered. “But let me run it by my parents just to be sure.”

Jim turned to Bernice. “I’ve got a few friends who don’t have dates yet. Do you think you’d be able to help me out with that?”

Bernice looked taken aback. “I don’t know. I’ve been really busy lately,” she finally managed.

“Understood,” Jim said.

With that said he left, and when he was out the door, I turned to Bernice. “That was the lamest excuse I’ve ever heard.”

She shrugged. “I’m not good with being put on the spot.”

“I can tell,” I smirked. “But really, why don’t you come with us? It’ll be fun.”

Bernice looked unconvinced. “I don’t think so.”

“Give me one good reason not to go.”

She began fiddling with her straw. “Because I should be studying,” she said.

“That’s not good enough. You’ll have to do better.”

Bernice narrowed her eyes. “Because I don’t want to get involved with anyone. I don’t want to take a chance I might fall head over heels for someone like you obviously have and then have to leave the state for school.”

”What, so you’re not going to go on any dates until you graduate?” I asked.

“No.”

The idea seemed silly, but I knew better than to push her as she rarely changed her mind.

“What about if he sets you up with the ugliest kid he knows?”

Bernice choked on her soda. She managed to swallow it and let out a laugh. “That’s awful, Lou. What if the guy really liked me? That wouldn’t be right.”

“You’re a party-pooper, you know that?”

“So I’ve been told.”

“Well, if you change your mind, let me know.”

Bernice smiled. “I won’t.”

“I know, but I wish you would. We need to have as much fun as possible in case you go away for four years.”

Later on I told my mom I’d do the dinner dishes. When I had finished, I plopped down on the sofa opposite my dad.

He was sitting in his favorite chair, reading the paper.

“How’s work been?” I asked.

“Fine,” he replied.

He just sat there, staring at me.

“Is there something you want to talk about?” he asked.

I shifted in my seat. “I just wanted to hear how things have been at your job,” I replied unconvincingly. “You know, find out about the office.”

“I’m a pipefitter,” Dad snickered.
“I don’t sit at a desk.”

“I knew that.” This was going bad fast. I decided I better get to the point and not dig myself a deeper hole.

“Did you want to talk about something else?” He looked anxious to get back to his paper.

I cut to the chase. “Yeah, I do want to talk to you about something else. Jim asked me to the school dance, but I told him I had to check with you first.”

Dad smiled. As he thought it over, time seemed to stop.

“I don’t see why not,” he finally answered.