Darcie's First Date

Tonight was the night! Darcie was going on her first date to the Homecoming dance. We had bought a stunning dress for her and by prior arrangement my best friend, Pam and her daughter, Amy were coming over to help with hair and make-up. The entire scene was reminiscent of the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy got her makeover. Mike took pictures of the three women buzzing around Darcie like honey bees. When all was done, my little girl was breath-taking. I had never seen her look more beautiful. I knew Brad, her date, would be knocked over and I was so excited for her. None of us were surprised when his eyes popped upon seeing her. After much picture-taking and promises of safe driving (I'm always a mom), we sent them on their way. Pam and Amy packed up their supplies and headed off as well.

Mike and I were alone at last. It was then I realized what a sight I must be. Knowing that I would cry over Darcie's big night, I had opted not to put on any make-up. I can hear you women gasping at the thought. Here I was, trying to make a good impression, and I was bare-faced. Chalk it up to the years Mike and I had known each other. Or the fact that I had never worn make-up in high school. Or that I really am crazy. But it didn't seem to matter. It's hard to describe the level of comfort I felt with Mike. I was breaking all the rules - my own as well as those that are commonly accepted.

As fate would have it, a good friend of mine who had moved away nearly a year ago, was in town for the weekend. By this time I had introduced Mike to so many people that I was hesitant to drag him out to meet yet more. But we did have to eat after all and my friends were gathering for dinner. Being the sweet, amenable guy that he is, he agreed, so we got dressed - make-up included (for me, at least), and off we went. I wondered what would happen if we ever had some real time alone. I wouldn't mind another one of those incredible kisses!

Homecoming

I've been so caught up in telling the story of me and Mike that I have neglected a very relevant sub-story. You may recall that my original invitation to Mike was partially motivated by my daughter's Homecoming football game. This year was more exciting than ever because Darcie would be going on her first real date. I knew I would be teary-eyed (remember, I'm an emotional Italian).

Friday was Ranger day at Jesuit - a day of fun and games involving both Jesuit and Ursuline (Darcie's school) students. The school day ended early so Darcie and some of her friends, including her date, congregated at our house before the big game. Mike and I had a blast talking with them. We both felt so young again. We were sitting at the fireplace holding hands when Darcie's best friend, Amanda said, "Oh, look how cute they are. They've only been together 24 hours and they're already holding hands!" I busted out laughing. Only 24 hours! I had been waiting 30 years!

An annual Texas-style barbeque is part of the Homecoming tradition at Jesuit so Mike and I headed to the high school. I had attended 6 of these alone and I have to say, it was so much more fun with Mike by my side. After dinner, we walked to the stadium and set up our seats in my usual place near the band. As other parents trickled in they were surprised to see me with someone. I was giddy as I introduced Mike, whose hand I was still holding, by the way. There was just no wiping the happiness off my face. We explained that we were old high school buddies but the looks we got back were skeptical. I think we looked like more than buddies by this time. When Mike went to the concession stand, all the mom's said how gorgeous he was and how happy I looked.

Near the end of the third quarter we decided to stretch our legs a bit so we went for a walk. We walked along the fence through the masses of students until we reached the corner of the end zone. We stood facing each other and Mike took both my hands in his. Suddenly, we were the only two people in the world. There was no football game, there was no band, there was no mass of students anywhere near. My heart felt like it was pounding out of my chest as I gazed into Mike's eyes like a moonstruck teenager. He took my face in his hands and finally, unbelievably, he kissed me. And I felt nothing, empty, what was the big deal.

Just kidding. For the first time in my life I understood the phrase, "the earth moved". I actually trembled. I could barely keep my knees from buckling beneath me. Forget self-control. I was lost!

Back in Time

This blogging process is taking a little longer than I had hoped so I am going to speed the story line a bit. I will add details in future posts if they are relevant to the present.

In light of the escalated story, it's time to take a step back for a little more background. Mike, Paul and I became pretty good friends during the school year '74-'75. Mike was crowned Homecoming King while I sat with his sister and watched and mooned (does that word still mean the same thing these days?).
Mike's sister, who was a sophomore, and I played basketball together but I never spoke of my crush on her brother. Mike and I continued to study Chemistry together and continued to have profound and heartfelt discussions. Still, he didn't ask me out and still, I just smiled and resigned myself to being his friend and confidante. Mike and Paul graduated in May of '75. Paul and I kept in touch over the summer but I didn't see Mike before he left for college.

Then in the summer of '77, I was living in an apartment off-campus and lo and behold Mike came back into my life. I stayed in Florida to go to college and I didn't live too far from our hometown. Paul and Mike would come to see me and we would go to soccer games and discos (remember those?). At the time, I was too self-conscious to enjoy dancing (although I had 13 years of ballet training) but I would have gone anywhere with Mike. The drinking age was 18 back then so we all did our share of partying. I wouldn't call it dating because we were always with a group but Mike and I got closer than I could have ever dreamed. Then he left for college and dropped out of my life once more.