Note from Author
Hi! I'm glad so many people have enjoyed the story. I have to admit that this third installment lacks some of the humor of the first two. . It's basically a 2nd draft, but I've looked at it too much, so fresh eyes might help, it it's needed. { personal note deleted }. Thanks for making the story available to others!
Melanie
Copyright 1999 Melanie Brown
The Reluctant Girlfriend
Part 3
By Melanie Brown
Dad stared at my earlobe for a few seconds before saying, "Christopher, take those earrings out this instant." I was surprised that he didn't yell, but all the veins in his head and neck looked as though they were about to burst.
"I can't take them out now, Daddy. They have to be in for three or four weeks!"
"I don't care, Christopher. We're about to eat, and I want to see my son at the table, not some...some...drag queen!"
I was getting the distinct impression that Dad didn't like my taste in clothes. But then, he never did anyway. I flipped the hair out of my eyes and as I started walking towards my room, I announced flatly, "I am NOT a drag queen!"
Mom said, "Chris, do what your father says and wash up. Supper's ready."
"Mommmm!"
"Go!" was all she said.
I walked down the hall to the bathroom feeling very confused. I should have been anxious to take off this skirt and wash all this makeup from my face. But as I stood there looking at myself in the bathroom mirror, my only thought was that my makeup needed a little freshening. For several long moments, I just stared at the pretty teenage girl looking at me in the mirror. Was I nuts?
A sudden shock of cold went down my spine. Just what was I doing? I must be crazy. I'd just spent the whole day as a chick, hanging out with all the cool girls at the mall. That really wasn't too bad since these girls would never talk to me otherwise. The bad part of the day was that I now had a date to go to a concert with the cutest boy in high school...did I just say "cutest"?
I picked up a wash cloth and some soap and began scrubbing my face. I think I may have scrubbed a little too hard in my anxiousness to cleanse myself of the day.
A few minutes later, I walked back into the dining room, fresh faced and wearing my old uniform of an over-sized black t-shirt and shorts. I left the earrings in. Dad looked at me and frowned.
"Christopher, I thought I told you to take those earrings off." Dad's voice was a little strained and he put his fork down on the plate with a loud clink.
"Gee Dad...I'm worried my ears will get infected if I do it now." I thought that sounded reasonable enough. I looked over at Mom for some support. I didn't get any.
Dad just stared at me. So I said, "Well, anyway, all the really cool kids have earrings these days, Dad. After all, this is the new millennium...not those boring, conservative days of the '60s."
Dad just groaned and went back to eating. Finally he said, "I might let you keep one. We'll discuss it later."
At last it was over! I'll figure out a way to break the date and call one of my new found friends and tell them I had to go back home up state. Yeah, that's the ticket!
The rest of the dinner was uneventful and afterwards, Dad got up from the table and turned on the TV to go watch his new love, the 9th Wonder of the World, Chyna, on the WWF. Mom leaned over to me and said quietly, "I hope you learned your lesson today, Chris. You got yourself in quite fix and for what? What made you do such a thing?"
I smiled sheepishly and said, "Eddie talked me into it. He said he'd give me $50, which he hasn't done yet. Please Mom, don't tell anyone! Let this be our secret."
"You don't have to worry about that...do you think I want this to get around?"
"And you can bet I learned *my* lesson!"
"I certainly hope so! One teenage daughter was quite enough!"
I went out to the garage and picked up my bicycle. Glancing at my watch, I decided I had two more hours of good sunlight, and going for a ride seemed like a good way to clear my head. I hopped on and skidded out of the driveway and towards the park. The very same park where I was going to go before Ed came up with his stupid idea.
As I stopped at a busy intersection to wait for traffic, I heard a vehicle pull up behind me and then its horn honked. I turned around and there was the source of all my troubles...Ed.
"Hey doofus!" Ed called. "Put your bike in the back of the Samurai. We need to talk."
I walked my bike back to Ed's car. "Look Eddie, the only thing we need to talk about is a little matter of $50 bucks! Pay up or I'll...I'll..."
"You'll what, squirt? You wouldn't want Tank to know who he was trying to make out with, would you?"
Ed always had me over a barrel. He had a promising future in politics. "You win" was all I could muster. I laid my bike in the back of Ed's, or rather Ed's father's, Samurai and climbed into the passenger seat. With a chirp of tires we darted into traffic.
There was an awkward silence as Ed changed lanes and put us on a course to that two-bit park I keep trying to get to. Then Ed suddenly broke the silence. "Are you outa your fuckin' mind?!" he demanded as he whacked me upside my head. "Just what kind of shit were you trying to pull in the mall today? Lisa almost broke it off with me again because of you. She thought I was trying to get back with you. I had to offer to take her to the Aerosmith concert next week."
"I really don't care about your love life anymore, Eddie. Just give me my $50 and drop me off at the park." I hope I sounded stern.
"Sorry duder...what do you think I'm going to use for spending money next week? I only get paid every other week and this week's pay is being spent on Lisa tonight." Ed paused a moment, then frowned before blurting, "One thing I gotta know. Are you some kind of faggot or something?"
I opened my mouth to utter a protest, but Ed continuted, "I heard that you made a date with Shane to go to the concert. What's up with that?"
"I got carried away...it's nice having friends who aren't retards once in a while." Ed was starting to piss me off.
The Samurai screeched to a halt at the park. Ed took on a superior demeanor and said, "I really don't care if you like guys or not, as long you don't try to date me."
As I unloaded my bike, I said, "Well, that's one point where most human females and I can agree." I jumped on my bike and started to speed away across the grass.
How much worse could this get? I had a sneaking suspicion that I was never going to see that $50.
Before I got more than a dozen or so feet away, Ed called out, "Hey Freak, wait a second." Frowning, I stopped and turned towards Ed. Lowering his tone, he said, "All seriousness aside, you really should steer clear of Shane. All he wants from you is somethin' you don't have. He thinks you're nothin' more than another notch on his gun -- sorta."
"Gee...you sound jealous..."
"Ask Gwen if you don't believe me."
"Well, I plan to have Chrissy head back home up state this weekend, so I won't have to find out. If I didn't know you'll try to black mail me later about all this, I'd almost think you're being sincere." With that, I turned and sped off.
I scouted through the park, but couldn't find anybody I knew. I guessed they must be either at Harvey's or Freddie's (the "safe" poolhall.) I saw a game going on at the baseball diamond, so I turned in that direction. The stands were nearly empty. I picked a spot that was one row down and a few feet from a cute girl.
After sitting, I looked around at my few, fellow spectators. I next looked up at the girl behind me, smiled and said "Hi!" I think I need to work on my opening lines.
She continued staring off into space for a moment and then managed to say, "Hi."
Pointing at the field, I asked, "Who's winning?"
"I dunno...I'm waiting for the stupid thing to end. Thank God it's almost over. My boyfriend is playing...we were supposed to have gone out tonight..."
That was a little more information than I needed. But, now I at least knew there was no point in trying further to hit on her. Actually, her next statement made it abundantly clear.
"Sorry", she said. "It's just that guys can be such jerks, ya know? Doesn't your boyfriend ever drive you nuts?"
Doesn't my what?!? What kind of question was that? Despite what I wanted to say, I just said, "No." And then I hastily added, "I mean, I don't have a boyfriend."
"You're lucky. Sometimes they're just too much trouble." She paused, then giggled, "But they are good for some things!"
I just smiled knowingly. She thinks I'm a girl! Granted, I was wearing shorts and my legs were shaved, but there wasn't that much hair there to begin with. And granted, I was wearing studs in my ears, but in these days and times, that's not all that uncommon.
We continued to chat for a few minutes. I found out that she knew Gwen because her boyfriend worked at the same theater (the world is much too small.) After about ten minutes into our chat, some yells came from the direction of the field. The game was over; time to head back home. Before I could get on my bike, a guy came running up to the girl I had been talking to.
"Hey Tiff, ready to go? Hey, who's your friend?"
"She just stopped by to watch you guys play. We just met. She's one of Gwen's friends from up state."
To me he said, "A bunch of us are headed down to Harvey's if you want to catch a ride."
I shook my head and said, "No. Thanks anyway. I think I'll just go home."
With a shrug, he and Tiff were gone.
That was certainly a strange encounter. I wasn't even trying to pretend to be a girl and I was still being accepted as one. I decided to swing by Freddie's on my way home. A man's place to play a manly game of pool.
* * *
Fifteen minutes of riding brought me to the shopping center of which Freddie's is a part. Gliding past the front windows, I did a hasty check of the people inside. At first glance, I didn't see anyone I knew. I slid to a stop and locked my bike. That's when I noticed my reflection in the glass. My hair had been poofed up, apparently from the ride in Ed's Suzuki. It definitely gave my hair a more feminine appearance. I'd better go to the bathroom first and try to get my hair back to normal.
As I walked inside, glancing up and down the rows of pool tables trying to spot a friend or an empty table, I started to feel very conspicuous. Guys were looking up from their games and turning to look at me. I could feel my face turning bright red. Off to the side I heard a piece of a comment -- "Gwen's friend from up state..." -- and from another direction I could make out -- "she could sit on my face anytime..." -- among other comments. I suddenly felt a wave of panic. The room seemed to start to spin. This was just too weird for me. I had to get the hell outa Dodge...
Turning to make good my escape, a familiar voice called from the back of the room, "Chrissy! Hey! Come on back!" It was Shane. How could my day just keep getting worse? I wanted to run, but fate seemed to have decreed otherwise. Trying to smile, I walked slowly back towards Shane and his buddies.
"Hey girl! It's great seeing you again so soon!" smiled Shane. As much as I tried to fight it, I felt myself wilting under the delightful beam of his smile. He could charm a snake out of its skin...I hoped he wouldn't charm me out of my clothes...
"It's great to see you too, Shane!" I squeaked. Could his eyes be any more blue? I gave up fighting and surrendered to those eyes. In the back of my mind, I noticed a slight change sweep across Shane's expression that told me this wasn't the first time he'd had this effect on someone. But who cares...?
"Want to be my partner in a game?" asked Shane as he handed me a pool cue. I wasn't exactly a pool shark, but I did play a pretty decent game. How should I play now? I decided it was best if I pretended this was my first game.
"Sure! But for just one or two games. I shouldn't stay out too late. What do I do?" I asked as I fumbled with the pool cue. Shane smiled, and standing behind me, took my hands and showed me how to hold the cue, then told me how the game was played.
Shane and I played against one of his friends, Steven, and Steven's girlfriend Barbie while the jukebox blared out Cherry Poppin' Daddies' "Zoot Suit Riot". It really irked me to pass up some really good shots in order to make dumb ones so that I'd look like a newbie at the game. Fortunately, Barbie couldn't play worth sour apples, and she wasn't a newbie...
When the game was finished (we won), Shane wanted to sit out a few games. He was giving pointers to the other guys playing, and slouching against a stool, and I was standing next to him. I suddenly felt his hand on my arm and he slowly pulled me towards him until I was standing right in front of him. He put his arms around my waist and leaned me back towards him and then he placed his chin on my shoulder. It was then that he started nibbling on my neck and earlobe.
An electric charge surged through my body in wave after wave! I'd never experienced such feelings before; not even that infamous kiss with Ed. He pulled me even closer to him. I turned towards his face and stopped halfway, catching a glimpse of his eyes. He moved closer and my lips parted and the next thing I knew, his lips were pressed against mine. I closed my eyes while the kiss lingered and then he slowly pulled away. I thought I was going to pass out, feeling so dreamy. I wanted the kiss to never end; to become deeper and all consuming.
Suddenly I was taken by absolute panic as Shane's hand started sliding upwards from my waist! Geez! I wasn't even wearing a bra, which would make my lack of a chest even more noticeable. If I was really female, I'd be Chairgirl of the Board for the Itty-Bitty Tittie Committee. So, to distract him, I turned towards him, put my arms around his neck and planted a kiss of my own. Two days ago, the thought of Shane's tongue in my mouth would have made me hurl, but instead, I had to fight the urge to rip both mine and his clothes off and do it right there on the pool table.
I pulled away from him and fondled the shaft of the pool cue and smiled wickedly. I could tell he wanted to go find someplace private, but I had to bring him down, and fast. Things were about to get out of hand. My head spun from the conflicting emotions.
Still smiling, I set the pool cue down and said, "I need to go to the little girls' room, and then I'd better go. I can't stay out too late." You could see the disappointment wash across his face. But he just smiled weakly and took a step back so I could pass.
A girl from a few tables down who had been watching her date play, followed me with her eyes as I walked towards the back of the room where the bathrooms were. There was a moment of hesitation about which door I should enter. I saw the girl start to come my way as the door to the girls' room began to close behind me. I had barely remembered to sit down after entering a stall and closing the door, when the girl entered the restroom and walked up to the stall.
"You're that Chrissy." It was a statement, not a question.
"That's right! Thanks for playing..."
"Look...I know it's none of my business, but I really do need to warn you, ya know?"
"About what?" I had a sneaking suspicion what it was about.
"Shane. You really need to stay away from him."
I need to stay away from Shane and how! I shudder to think what he'd do if he ever learned the truth. Even so, I heard myself saying, "You're right. It's none of your business."
"Ya know, I've heard that you're really nice, and if you weren't Gwen's friend, I probably wouldn't say anything. Trust me, you don't want to get involved with Shane."
"Why not?"
"Believe me, he doesn't care anything for you...you're just another conquest for him." She paused a moment then added, "Look, I know you don't believe me, ya know. You think you're the one that Shane really cares about and that with you it'll be different. Well, ya know, that's what all the girls he's dated thought."
Gosh, I had no idea Shane was such a creep. Still, one could drown in those deep blue eyes...what am I saying!?
After a longer pause, as she turned towards the door, she said, "Just remember, you've been warned." Then she left.
I finished my business, but stopped to stare at myself in the bathroom mirror before leaving. I can't believe all this is happening. And just over money too! The root of all evil!
Shane was leaning over the pool table, trying to line up a shot, as I approached to say good night. He pretended he didn't notice me as he made the shot and scratched. He groaned and turned towards me.
"Do you have to go now? You're my good luck charm, babe!"
I had to force myself to avoid his eyes. I said, "Sorry, but I really should be going."
"Well, if you have to go..." his voice trailed off as he pulled me close, tilted my head up and gave me a soft, tender kiss. "I'll give you a call...'night."
"'Night." I felt dizzy. I turned and walked slowly from the pool hall.
* * *
It was a little past 11pm when I dragged myself through the door of my house. Dad looked up from watching "Xena", took a quick glance at me and then settled back down in his seat while saying, "Well, at least you still look halfway normal this time..." Little did he know...
Mom was at her usual post sitting at the kitchen table, reading a book. A troubling question was gnawing at my spine as I sat next to her at the table, putting my head on the table top. I stared into space for over a minute, trying to grasp what I wanted to say to her, and even questioning the sanity of saying anything at this point.
"Mom," I said finally, in a low voice so that only she could hear. "Would it really be a problem if I pretended to be Chrissy off and on for the rest of the summer?" I instantly regretted uttering so much as a sound.
Mom lowered her book slowly and stared at me as if I had just spoken in Swahilli. "That's stupid Chris. You can't be serious."
"You don't understand. I've never made so many friends before. Everybody likes Chrissy." And some like Chrissy a little too much...
"You're a boy" Mom stated flatly. "Why pretend to be a girl?"
"I told you, Mom. Chrissy is popular. I'm not."
"Is that all? Just so you can be popular?"
"Yes."
"Popular with who? Other girls? Boys? Do you like kissing boys now?"
I could feel my face turning bright red. "Mom, that kiss with Eddie was something that just happened. I'm not trying to date boys." Well, maybe one...
"Look hon, the bottom line is that it's wrong to fool people like that. Instead of pretending to be Chrissy, try to figure out what it is about Chrissy that people like. After all, Chrissy and you are the same person."
That's easy...Chrissy is a cute, sexy teen heart-breaker and I'm not. But I said, "You could be right, Mom, but still. I've had more fun in this weekend than I've had the past three summers combined!"
Unfortunately, Mom is one tough cookie. Her expression turning somewhat cold, she said, "Chris, I want you to stop pretending to be a girl. That's final." With that, she closed her book, got up and started fiddling with the dishes.
"Mom..."
"Not another word about it."
The emotions battling inside me made me feel as if I was about to be ripped apart. Part of me had no desire what-so-ever to be a girl and rebelled against the idea. But there was that tickle at the back of my mind that whispered to me that those moments when I was being a girl, felt somehow...right.
* * *
Monday morning oozed into my life like most summer mornings. A shaft of sunlight slicing through the window. A normal every day summer Monday. Sunday made a buffer that put the insane antics of Friday and Saturday into the dim past. Mom had suggested we spend Sunday at the state park for a picnic. It helped to get out of town for a while. Of course, when we got back, there were quite a few messages on the answering machine. Mom wouldn't let me listen to any of them.
I felt better. The craziness had left me. All I need to do to complete my transformation back to my old self was to make a couple of phone calls to say that I, Chrissy, had to suddenly return home up-state. Then I could put that weekend of weirdness behind me.
The doorbell rang. I looked at the clock. It was past 9:30am. Dad would be at work and Mom was probably tending her garden in the backyard. I pulled a t-shirt over my head and hurried to the front door. There was some sort of delivery truck parked out front. I opened the door and there was a woman holding a huge bouquet of roses. The woman looked at an invoice and asked if a Chrissy lived here. I nodded dumbly and she handed me the flowers.
I carried them back inside and set them on the coffee table. There was a note attached. It was from Shane. A thrill shot through me that I couldn't contain. Wasn't that sweet of Shane? And then a chill suddenly poured through me. How was I going to explain this? Something told me that Mom wouldn't like me getting flowers from anybody, much less Shane.
Through the back window I saw Mom getting up and brushing off her pants. She was on her way back inside! I grabbed the vase (it was very pretty), spilling some water in the process, and hurriedly carried it to my room. I pulled open the closet and gently slid the vase behind a few boxes. I'll have to dump the flowers later when neither Mom or Dad would be around.
I sat on my bed looking through some comic books until I heard Mom go back outside. Then I reached for the phone. I really hated to do this, but I had to call somebody and tell them the sad news that Chrissy was leaving. I decided to call Heather since she'd spread the news around the fastest and I wouldn't have to call anyone else.
An hour and a half later, I hung up the phone. I never got to mention anything about Chrissy. But I heard all about Megan, another Heather, Tammi, Sheri, Gina, Amy, Jeanette, Holly, and about a dozen other girls. Not to mention the absolute latest on Brad, Phillip, Alex, Sean, Jerry, and a few other choice boys. My head was spinning from the depth and detail of this "news". Well, I could always tell them about Chrissy later. Maybe...
Actually, I never did get around to making that call during the week. More than once I'd leave the house looking my normal scruffy self, only to rush into some tall bushes and emerge wearing a mini skirt or a sundress, or my sister's jeans, etc. and meet up with some of the girls for an evening of driving up and down the strip or hanging out at Harvey's. It was a blast!
Thursday night, the phone rang and as usual I beat Mom or Dad in answering it. It was Ed. What could he possibly want? Trying to sound bored, I said, "Hey Eddie...what little scheme are you hatching these days?"
"Cut the crap, you bloated sack of protoplasm. I just wanted to know something...are you still planning on going to the concert Saturday with Shane?"
"It's none of your business, but yes."
"I don't know what's gotten into you Chris...I guess I created a monster. I just want to warn you once more not to go with Shane. At worst you'll get yourself into some really major trouble and at the least..." He paused for few heartbeats. "At the least he's going to hurt you, feelings-wise."
"I've already been told he's a "love em and leave em" type. It's just a date...a chance for a free concert. Do you really think I have a thing for Shane?"
"Word gets around girlie-man. I heard about last Saturday when you two were practically swallowing each other's tonsils. Look, I honestly don't know why you suddenly went gay on me and if you were anyone else, I'd just say good riddance, who cares what you do anymore. But we've been friends way too long. Sometimes you were my only friend. Shane will either beat the shit out of you when he discovers you don't have what he wants, or he'll drop you like rock when you turn him down. Either way, you lose."
"Thanks Eddie. It's really nice that you care. But really, it's just a date...free concert and dinner and a chance to have a good time play-acting. I've had a really great time this week." I kept telling myself it was just for a free concert.
"Your funeral, man. Later..." and he was gone.
* * *
Saturday. I was fit to be tied. I was worried sick about tonight. Should I back out of the date? Was I being stupid? Crazy? Stark raving mad?
I had made arrangements Friday to meet Gwen at her house for another transformation. She was reluctant this time. She was very worried I was doing something I really shouldn't be doing. Still, she couldn't resist the chance to turn me into a work of art.
I don't know how I managed to do it, but I, along with free movie tickets compliments of Gwen, convinced my parents to go out for the evening. Nothing big, just dinner and take in a movie. And, they would leave in time for me to get back home from Gwen's and get ready to be picked up by Shane.
Gwen had decided that my outfit was going to be basic black once again. However, it was a very short dress from my sister's closet. Gwen also went further with the makeup, with more eye liner and shadow. Also from my sister's room, Gwen selected a pair of very skimpy and very lacy black panties and bra.
"Too bad you're not really a girl" said Gwen as she worked on my hair. "You're going to be turning a lot of heads when you go to the concert. I mean, your being so pretty is just wasted."
"Thanks Gwen. I..uh...don't tell anyone this, but I feel so *incredibly* sexy right now."
"Just don't let Shane sweet talk you into anything."
"Don't worry...I'm not gay you know. I'm just doing this because it's fun, exciting, and...well...forbidden." Gwen raised an eyebrow at my last comment, so I added, "You know...guys aren't supposed to dress this way or act this way..."
"Or go on dates with incredibly hunky guys" interrupted Gwen.
"He's cute, but...you know, that doesn't matter to me."
"Well, you need to get on your way home. It's almost time for Shane to come pick you up." Gwen paused for a moment, then continued, "Just be careful Chrissy. This was all a big joke when Eddie wanted you to dress up for Lisa's party. But now...now I'm not sure where this is going. I don't want you hurt...and I don't want my brother hurt."
"I'll be a good girl."
* * *
Zero hour. D-Day. The moment of truth. Hmmmm...maybe not truth exactly... I was really putting Soft & Dry to the acid test. Shane's car pulled up to the curb outside our house. He was driving a shiny and very red Corvette.
As he approached the house, I started to stand up from the wooden chair I was sitting on. Sweat made me stick to the chair, even through my pantyhose since my skirt was too short completely cover my ass. I was shaking like a leaf and half deciding I really should be running for the back door.
The doorbell rings! Oh jeez! He's actually here! A date...a real date with a real boy. I felt sick. I really shouldn't be doing this. I took a glance in the foyer mirror and checked my makeup and tousled my hair a little. Summoning up all the courage I could muster, I slowly opened the door.
"Hi Chrissy!" Shane smiled. "Wow! You really look great!"
"Hi Shane. Thank you! Let me get my purse, and I'll be ready to go!" He looked great too, in his black jeans and black "Metallica" concert t-shirt. He definitely works out...
I grabbed my purse and closed the door. Shane took my hand as we walked to his car. He opened the door for me and closed it after I had seated myself. Ed could learn a lot from Shane..."
I took a sidelong look at Shane in the driver's seat and slowly scanned across the dashboard of the 'Vette and then down my dress and legs and stopped at my high heels. How had I arrived at such a situation? Unlike a week ago, I didn't feel self-conscience about being dressed as a girl. I felt completely natural. Still, I thought this should be Chrissy's last night out. Ed was right, Shane would be royally pissed at being fooled and I doubted that I could sneak out of the house in my sister's clothes all summer long without getting caught by Mom or Dad.
The radio was playing and I was almost beside myself in excitement as we neared the community center where the concert was being held. It was a few moments before it sunk into my skull that I knew the voice talking on the radio. It was Ed!
"That's right, " he said. "I want to dedicate this song to a special friend..."
Then the DJ blurted, "All right folks, as requested, here's a moldy oldie..." and then the radio started playing the song. I knew it was aimed at me. I knew even before I heard the words "I went and lost her, to the Great Imposter..."
The song played on, but I didn't really listen. I looked at Shane, but he just smiled back. He didn't recognize Ed's voice and I know he wasn't listening to the song. That was sweet of Ed to dedicate a request to me...even if it was just another warning about Shane.
We finally arrived. Shane tried to park his car in a clear area, as if it would stay that way. It also meant a long walk...in heels. At least during the walk, hand in hand with Shane, I got the chance to check out the crowd...and the competition. Gwen was right. As we walked along, I noticed guys turning to look our way. And to Shane's credit, his eyes didn't stray (much) to other girls.
We got at the end of the line and while Shane chatted with some friends, I sized up the girls who were sizing me up. While looking at the crowd, off in the distance I saw Ed, with his arm around that slut Lisa. If she's the kind of girl Ed wants, he can have her!
Exiting from the stairwell that led down onto the floor of the huge auditorium was an awsome moment. I felt like I was the one making the grand entrance. The floor was definitely the place to be. All the cool people were here. Looking up into the stands, I felt that every eye was on me. I held Shane's hand a little tighter. I kept looking for Ed and Lisa, but I never saw them.
Finally, the lights went out. We stood there in total darkness for a few moments while everyone in the auditorium was cheering and lighting lighters and pointing lasers in people's faces. I pressed closer to Shane and he bent down and gave me a quick kiss and put his arm around my waist. Then the opening band burst on stage. Man, did they suck.
We roamed around through the crowd until we came to the gaggle of giggly girls I hung out with last Saturday. I enjoyed their obvious envy at being Shane's date. When the opening band finally ended and the break between acts started, Shane left with a couple of his friends to hit the restrooms before Aerosmith came out. I stayed and chatted with the other girls. They wanted to know *everything*.
Shane made it back less than a minute before the lights went out again. Aerosmith burst out on stage with high energy and flashing lights. Shane tried to move us closer to the stage. The sound was pounding...I couldn't hear myself think. There were gyrating bodies and flying hair everywhere. I got flicked in the face by what I *hoped* was just sweat. Shane once lifted me up on his shoulders and Tyler looked my way, then I was blinded by a security guy shining a flashlight in my eyes, telling me to get down. A mosh pit formed to one side, but we avoided it. I never enjoyed being at a concert more. I felt some embarressment when they sang "Dude Looks Like a Lady".
About twenty minutes into the concert, Shane leaned over to my ear and said, "Hey, this concert's starting to be a drag. What do you say we go back to my house. My parents are gone for the weekend."
For one thing, the concert was great and I wanted to stay for it. Secondly, the last thing I should do would be to find myself alone with Shane. So I said, "But I want to hear the rest of the concert!"
"It's lame. Come on...there's some beer and wine at the house..."
"Shane, I want to stay. Please?" I really didn't want him to get me drunk and make me his latest sex toy.
He looked mildly angry, but said, "Okay sure. I'll be back. I gotta go take a piss." And he disappeared into the darkness surrounding the crowd.
I stood there by myself, as the minutes ticked away, trying to peer though the fog of smoke and who knows what else, trying desperately to see some signs of Shane. I made my way through the crowd and suddenly stopped.
There, by one of the floor exits was Shane. And he wasn't by himself. He had a hand on Lisa's shoulder. The other hand was gesturing, as if to say "let's leave." Lisa nodded, and Shane smiled broadly as he gave her butt a squeeze. And then they were gone. I started to run after them, to tell Shane what I thought of him. But I didn't. I'd been warned about Shane and I chose to ignore it. I wouldn't make that mistake again...
As I turned to go back to the crowd and the concert, I saw someone leaning against the wall on the other side of the auditorium. Even though it was dark, I could tell it was Ed. He kept looking at his watch and looking around like he was waiting for somebody. I headed his direction.
When I got close to him, he saw me coming and he forced a smile. I started to say something, but he shook his head and said, "I saw Shane leave with Lisa."
"I'm so sorry, Eddie. You tried to warn me, and because of me, you lost Lisa too."
"It's not your fault. I don't know why I liked her anyway."
I moved closer to Ed. He ran his hand softly down my cheek and then brushed my hair out of my face. He said, "You look really great, Chrissy."
I felt myself blushing. I said, "Thank you!" and then looked down at my feet. Ed lifted my chin up and then gave me a wonderfully deep kiss. I put my arms around his neck as the kiss seemed to last forever. The crowd disappeared and the music faded as the world shrank down to just me and Ed.
I knew then, that this summer was going to be decidedly different...
The End
since 04/07/03