"
It was 1955 in Manchester. I was six years old, and it was time for me to start schooling.
I put up many a protest but my mum really forced the idea.
Barry, my brother, and Leslie, my big sister, were already at school and said it was going to be great fun.
Ya see, my twin Maurice was always much more outgoing….
and I was terrified that because I was a frail, introverted, always thinking, always pondering little thing, I'd never make any friends.
I remember asking my mum the morning school started if I could just stay home with baby Andy.
She wasn't convinced that was a valid option, so with a kiss and a 'it'll be fine, luv,' she sent me off with the others.
Us four walked to the bus stop, about a mile from our house.
On the bus, Barry sat with friends he knew and Leslie sat with friends she knew.
Maurice found the prettiest girl with blonde hair who was sitting right up front, and sat right by her.
I had no idea where to sit, so I walked to the back of the bus.
And then, I heard it.
The sweetest and kindest voice in the world said 'You can sit with me! I don't bite.'
As I looked to see who had set it, I saw her for the first time.
She was the prettiest girl I'd ever seen.
Of course, I would never have admitted that out loud at the time because I didn't want to be known as a cootie lover.
It's funny how it's been all these years and I still remember exactly how she looked that day on the bus.
Her hair was real short. It was raven black and shone like sunbeams were constantly hitting it.
She had a bright red bow in her hair, and she kept fidgeting with it.
She had on a blue and yellow dress that was covered in flowers.
She was smiling the biggest, happiest smile I'd seen in my life.
When I saw her, I just remember feeling at home.
It's odd that I recognized that feeling…because I was so young… but I knew that's the way it was.
Seeing her was like coming home.
The bus started moving, and I sat down beside of her.
Not knowing what to do and not wanting to be rude, I held out my hand for her to shake.
I managed to squeak out 'm'name's Robin.'
That's when she looked right in my eyes for the first time.
I remember feeling like her golden eyes were the only ones in the world.
And then, she shook my hand.
'I'm Beth. 's nice to meet you. We'll be friends, okay?'
And that's where it all began.
"