SWEET 16

by

Goosefire

Cindy Brady was a very attractice young woman; she was of medium height, slender of build, had blonde hair down to her shoulder blades and had bright, deep blue eyes.

She was also angry enough to chew through iron.

The cause of her anger was easy to understand: today was her 16th birthday and nobody seemed to remember, or care.

So close to the start of the school year, Jan a sophomore, Peter a Junior, and Marcia a Senior had left for college. Greg had graduated and was starting medical school. Alice, their former housekeeper, had married Sam, her long-time boyfriend. But mom and dad were at some business function. She wasn't sure where Bobby was. When Peter had his turn at the attic room, Bobby decided he had privacy in the boys' room now and when Jan took the attic Cindy felt the same about the girls' room; now she felt lonesome.

She heard a knock on the door. "Come in!" she called. She heard the knocking again, and this time rose to answer. When she opened the door she couldn't believe her eyes: there was Bobby in a tuxedo acting in a very formal manner. "Cynthia Martin?" he asked her, but that was her old name; what was happening? She answered, "Yes." He replied, "My name is Robert and I'm to escort you to a formal event tonight." "Tonight?" "Yes ma'am, but we must leave in 5 minutes." "I'll be ready!"

She hastily closed the door and hit the shower, getting herself clean and washing her long hair. After blow-drying her hair she stepped into her room and dressed in a knee-length gown, high-top stockings and low heels still wondering what Bobby was planning.

Going to the door, her escort was still waiting. "4:56", he announced. "Shall we go?" He extended his arm which she took and led her to the stairs.

Cindy was led to the kitchen where the table had a 'Reserved' sign on it as well as 2 un-lit candles. Bobby pulled out a seat for her and draped his jacket over the other seat. After removing the sign, he identified himself as the waiter and told her that her escort had already ordered dinner.

The dinner consisted of Cindy's favorites and after serving, the 'waiter' picked up his jacket and again became her escort. With the lights off and the candles lit, it was very romantic and Cindy was uncertain what to think or say until Bobby mentioned it was her Sweet 16 celebration and gently smiled at her. She even noticed strains of soft music in the background. After the dinner, Bobby produced a small cake that was enough for the two of them.

After dinner and dessert, he led his sister into the family room with the drapes pulled and played a variety of music for them to dance to. Cindy enjoyed kicking up her heels to quick music and she and Bobby danced many dances. Then came the last song, a slow romantic music and he extended his hand which she accepted. Her arms were extended over his shoulder and his arms held her waist; it had a very intimate feel and allowed Cindy to just lay her head against his chest and hear his heartbeat.

He addressed her again; "Miss Martin, I almost forgot your present." After the music ended, he turned to a box that lay on the table, and holding it up, he opened it. It took her breath awawy: inside the box was a necklace with letters spelling out her name: CYNTHIA. She turned away and asked him to place the necklace on her which he did. Once more he extended his arm to her and escorted her back upstairs.

Cindy stopped him before he could walk away. She looked at the floor and shyly looked at Bobby asking him if he would like to spend the night with her. He laughed a soft laugh. "O, Cindyrella." Another name? "O, Cindyrella." he repeated. "You know the magic goes away at midnight." She understood. "It's not midnight yet." She took another chance. "Will you kiss me, goodnight?"

In answer, he took her gently and lovingly, and kissed her. "Bobby, the magic hasn't left yet so I want to say, I love you." Looking into her precious blue eyes he replied, "I love you Cindy." With that he opened the door and entered his room.

Almost immediately, the clock started to chime and Cindy wondered what it meant. After the last chime she knocked on the door, to be greeted by her brother; but Bobby was wearing sweats and had his hair messed up. He took in his sister's appearance and said, "What's with the outfit? You going somewhere?"

Somewhat saddened she replied, "No. I just got back." With Bobby standing in the doorway and the door only partly opened, it's no wonder Cindy missed the neatly arranged tuxedo behind Bobby's bed.

A gift for Retro Mania