I don't remember at all what I wore or how I looked. The only definite, was the 80's poof I must have sported up top my curly locks. I likely didn't wear much in the way of make-up, as I never have and I was sportin' a kick ass tan because it was already late July. I do however, remember exactly what he was wearing. I'm not sure why. There was nothing at all wrong with it (for the time period), but nothing particularly notable about it either. All of the brands and styles were specific to the mid to late 80's and early 90's. Faded blue Edwin's jeans, a wide stripe pink and white ID# shirt, and Bean shoes (LL Bean). Of course to match my mall chick hair, he had none other than a mullet. Laughable now, but inconsequential and commonplace at the time.
We finally arrived at the theater, and though I don't remember having any say at all, I found myself walking into the latest installment of the Friday the 13th series. That year, I think it was part 6 or 7. I really didn't care because I hadn't seen any of the others and was less than interested in seeing this one. I had made up my mind the rest of the night would be a drag, and the notion was further reinforced when the guys managed to rig the seating so us girls couldn't gab through the movie. They sat in the middle next to each other flanked by the two of us to each of their outsides. Now I was nervous and a bit annoyed. But I watched the movie. I don't even remember if we shared popcorn or candy. I just remember being mortified when the opening sequence had a topless girl. I think he was a little embarrassed too.
I don't remember any of the movie or the ride out, but I do remember standing awkwardly in the driveway at my friend's house that night trying to make conversation with Paul while our friends engaged in a match of tonsil hockey. It started to get late, and Paul's parents were really strict about curfew. Sometime earlier that night (the details here are blurry) I went home to get my mom's car so I could stay out later or spend the night at my friend's house, and my mom was out with friends or left town. I can't remember exactly. Rather than attempt to pry the other couple apart, we decided it would be best for me to drive Paul home. We shouted a courtesy, "We're going to head over to Paul's," and took off.
We pulled into the driveway just in the nick of time, and saw through the curtain that his parents could see we were there. Safe! Two awkward teenagers, finding common ground in laughing about our friends wrapped up in each other, quite literally, we both started to feel more comfortable. Paul assured me that he was ok sitting in the driveway. The point was that he was home on time. We sat and talked. And talked. Apparently for hours. At about 3am, his friend in the green car tore down the street and pulled up in front of us. Everyone (he and his girlfriend and my sister) were looking everywhere for us, worried frantic (this is long before cell phones were in the hands of teenagers). It's no wonder they didn't hear our shout out. Now he knew we were safe, so he told me to call or go home, then he left.
Trouble was waiting for me at home, but at this point that was coming no matter what. I couldn't go back to my friend's house, and my sister was going to read me the riot act and threaten to tell my mom (she did both). My fate was already sealed so we talked a little while longer, he kissed me goodnight, and he went into the house. I drove home and slid into bed with a growl from my sister.
Never mind the aftermath. Paul came to see me at work the next day, and almost everyday after that. We spent a lot of time together that summer and by August we were pretty much inseparable. At the time it just felt like a high school boyfriend. Someone to hang out with, make out with, and go to school dances with. Who would have thought it was the first day of the rest of my life?
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