CHAPTER 2: A NIGHT ON THE TOWN
Sally was dressing up in a dark navy blue dress with matching pumps. She had mascara, lip gloss, perfume, blush, and eyeliner on, as well. Her hair was also straightened out so it hung slightly passed her shoulders. When Charlie entered the room and saw his sister dressed up, he was in awe.
"You look amazing, Sally," he said.
"Thanks, big bro," said Sally.
"Going out with Schroeder, I take it?" Charlie asked.
"I am. This is our first official date. While we already went to dances and hung out with the other kids together, this is the first time we've been out on an actual date-date."
"Well, I hope you have plenty of fun." And the doorbell rang. Their father, Silas, got up from his chair.
"I'll get it," he announced. And he opened the door and Schroeder was standing there.
"Hello, Mr. Brown," he greeted.
"Hello, son," said Silas, looking serious. "Come on in." And Schroeder walked in with Silas leading him to the living room. Charlie was sitting on the sofa. Silas sat next to his son.
"Hey, Charlie," Schroeder greeted his friend.
"Hey, Schroeder," Charlie greeted back.
"Now, Schroeder," Silas began, "we've known you and your family for years. Next to Linus Van Pelt, you are Charlie's closest friend. Now I don't have to tell you, Sally is my baby girl, the youngest in the family. I hope I can trust you with taking her out." He looked sternly at Schroeder.
"Oh yes, you can, sir," said Schroeder. "I will not have Sally out too late. I will have her back at any time you want her back home. And I have nothing but good intentions with her, and would not try to do anything to hurt her or make do something she wouldn't want to do."
Silas continued to glare at Schroeder. Finally he gave out a big laugh and said, "Relax, son! I'm only having fun with you. I know you're a good kid. Anyone who stands up for my kids is always good in my book. All I ask is that you have her back no later than midnight, and to call ahead if you're going to be late. No big deal."
"Sure thing, sir," said Schroeder, who then sighed with relief.
"Sorry, Schroeder," said Charlie. "Dad always wanted to do that with the first boyfriend Sally would have. If not you, it would have been someone else." Sally then came out and greeted her boyfriend.
"Are you two behaving yourselves?' said Sally to her brother and father.
"We're good, Sally," assured Charlie.
"Never mind your knucklehead of a father and brother, Sally," said mother Maureen, walking in from the kitchen. "You two kids go and have a good time."
"Thanks, mom," said Sally. "See you all later tonight. We won't be out late." And Sally and Schroeder left for their date.
"I swear you two," sighed Maureen.
"It was all dad's idea, mom," said Charlie.
"Way to throw your old man under the bus, son," jokingly retorted Silas.
"Sorry, dad, but you of all people should know, it's not wise to cross the mother. And in your case, the wife!"
"Well spoken, Charlie," smiled Maureen. "Now you two come in the dining room. Dinner is ready." And the two Brown men joined the matriarch of the Brown household for supper.
NEXT CHAPTER: CHARLIE SCORES A DATE!
