"Rafe are my eyes playin' tricks on me?" Danny questioned as he and his best friend walked toward their usual lunch table.
"What?" Rafe looked up from the airplane magazine he was thumbing through. Danny pointed and a the same puzzled look he were creased Rafe's brow
"Are those two getting along?"
It was an odd site; Rosie and Beth were seated at the table chatting like old friends.
"Well they're not trying to kill each other at least." Rafe rolled the mag up and stuffed it in his back pocket as they approached the girls.
Danny slid into to empty seat near Beth and kissed her cheek placing his hand in her lap. Rafe put his arm around Rosie and pulled her so close to him there was no daylight between them.
"So what are you lovely ladies talking about?" Danny queried
"Well the Memorial Day barbeque and dance is coming up and we were just thinking about some past ones that our dear boyfriends have made complete fools of themselves at." Beth smiled teasingly
"We never make fools of ourselves." Rafe said defensively
"Rafe, do you remember the time you offered to do the grill. Everyone told you, you put to much fluid on the coals. "But no Rafe McCawley never screws up." then you lit it and burned your eyebrows off?" Rosie stated matter of factly.
"And I seem to remember a time when Danny Walker tried to show off his new dance moves, by crashing into the refreshment table and sending the punch bowl flyin." Beth interjected
"I wonder if the principal ever got that pink stain out of his shirt." Danny added slightly embarrassed
"We're going to do it right this year guys, no stupid any things, from either of you or you'll have to answer to me." Rosie punched her hand for emphasis.
"Really this going to be our last summer together. We have to make it memorable." Beth said rather sullenly in spite of the perky mood she was in only moments before.
"Deal." Rafe and Danny both agreed
"Oh come on now Beth I can't wear this." Rosie looked in the mirror and cringed at her reflection
"You wanted me to make you a lady Rosie now stop squirming or you're eyebrows will come out uneven." Beth instructed as she plucked and tweezed till Rosie had two.
"I look silly." Rosie stomped
"Rosanna Marie Gadry, you stop acting like a baby. You asked for my help now shut up and sit still."
"Maybe I was wrong maybe Rafe'd love me just as much if I stay like I am."
"I've been telling you that right along, but its too late now cause I already started pluckin'. And I'm not bringing that darn dress back either it cost a fortune."
"How'm I gonna fix a plane in this get up?"
"You ain't Rosie you're a girl now. You're done."
Rosie looked herself over she had to admit it she looked good. Sort of like a cross between Jean Arthur and Judy Garland. She loved it
"I hate it." She pouted
"Don't lie to me I just saw your face you like it."
"It's not me."
"That's what you wanted."
"Well let's go try it out of Rafe."
Danny elbowed Rafe as he saw the girls cross the field
"Hey take a look at Rosie."
Rafe turned his head from the nail he was about to drive, and caught a glimpse of his girl.
"What the hell?"
Danny and Rafe climbed from the roof of the barn and met the girls half way
"Do you like?" Rosie spun around to show off the new her.
"Ummmm yes?" Rafe replied unsteadily
" You don't do you?" Rosie felt a little let down and she stared at her new MaryJanes.
"No, no I love if, it's just different that's all."
Beth knew she had to change the subject before Rafe got himself in trouble he couldn't talk his way out of.
"So what are you two doin'?"
"Fixin' the roof, ya'll wanna help?" Danny held up an extra hammer
A smile spread across Rosie's face as she went to reach for it, but when she noticed Beth shaking her head she shied away from the tool.
"No thanks." Rosie responded inaudibly
Rafe's mind flickered with one thought when he heard that is was
"Gee I don't think I like the new Rosie."
"You know I think Rosie just may be elected Summer Queen this year." Beth stated proud of her work
"Danny, you just need to tell Beth, to step off." Rafe and Danny were driving to town to go to the Memorial Day dance.
"Step off what Rafe?" Danny fixed the buttons on his shirt.
"Rosie, makin' her all girly like. You know as well as I do, we coulda gotten that roof done in the half the time, if Rosie wasn't all…girly."
"You don't think she looked pretty?"
"Hell Danny, she looked more than pretty, she was gorgeous, but she's always does, but she…I don't know, but you know what I mean." Rafe pulled into a parking spot and looked at Danny, "What if Beth showed up in, I don't know, not Beth like clothes, pants for example, and I don't know, she didn't want to fly kites or whatever it is Beth likes to do, she wanted to help us dust crops, what would you do?"
"What would I do? I would take her temperature." Danny laughed, "Beth would never do that."
"You think she would never do that, I thought Rosie would never do that, but she showed up in a really nice dress, and those two for some reason are getting' seriously close, you better watch out, and get your thermometer ready."
As custom in Shelby Tennessee, the mayor and his wife greeted you at the gate of the fairgrounds. But, Mrs. Sullivan was otherwise occupied as usual. Beth saw Danny and Rafe walk up, and smiled.
"Beth, isn't that Rafe McCawley and that Walker boy?" Mayor Sullivan looked over at Beth, who was staring at them.
"Its Danny dad." Beth said through gritted teeth.
"How are you two boys doin' tonight?" Mayor Sullivan shook each of their hands.
"Fine Mayor, and you?" Rafe replied making conversation while Danny and Beth made goo goo eyes at each other.
"I'm just fine, Mr. Brooks has burger and dogs goin' on the grill, why don't you two go in and get somethin' to eat?" Mayor Sullivan nudged Beth, "Elizabeth, you're done here honey, have fun. But behave. You to Danny."
Danny looked over startled, "Of course Mayor."
Beth giggled and took Danny's hand, "C'mon Danny. Bye Daddy."
Once they were out of earshot, Danny let out a long whistle, "Your father scares the livin' day lights outta me…"
"Danny, don't pay him any mind." Beth leaned over and kissed Danny on the cheek, "He likes you, he's just…what's the word?"
"Overprotective?" Danny replied, squeezing her hand.
Beth smiled, " A little. Where did Rafe go?"
"Oh, to find Rosie."
"Didn't I do a good job with her?" Beth said proudly.
"Damn Beth, you're actin' like she was some doll you played with or somethin'"
"No, it wasn't like that at all Danny, she asked me too, and I did. I think I did a good job. I accented her features. She was pretty to begin with; I just made her beautiful, well, more than she already she was. She has this natural beauty, she doesn't have to work hard at it like some of us."
"Surely Elizabeth Sullivan, you aren't referrin' to yourself." Danny teased.
"Daniel Walker…" Beth scolded, and changed the subject, "Are you hungry?"
"Starved. Are you?"
Beth took a seat at a picnic table, "I already ate before I came, and you can though. I am so sick of standing."
"Alright." Danny leaned down for a quick kiss, "I'll be right back."
Rosie walked up behind Rafe and tapped him on the shoulder. She waited for him to turn around, but he just wasn't. "Rafe McCawley…" Rosie said crossing her arms.
"Rosie?" Rafe turned around, and saw she wasn't dressed like Beth, but she had a little makeup on which was nice, he gave her a hug and spun her around in the air, "You look great babe."
"Really?" Rosie blushed.
"Honest, you look more natural, not all gussied up, that ain't you." Rafe kissed on her forehead.
"You didn't like it?" Rosie looked hurt.
"No, no, I liked it, you looked so beautiful, but you didn't look like my Rosie."
"So, I don't look beautiful now?" Rosie looked confused.
"Darlin' you look beautiful all the time. I just like you like this." Rafe saved himself, and grabbed her hand, "Lets go get somethin' to drink, then we can sit down and I'll tell you how beautiful you are as much as you want." He began to walk, but when he did he ran smack dab into Bobby Martin.
"Rosie Gadry? Is that you?" Bobby eyed her up and down.
Rosie had to admit; she kind of liked it, "Yes Bobby." She looked over at Rafe, who looked like he was going to shoot up the picnic if Bobby made another move.
"Gee Rosie, you look really pretty tonight." Bobby seemed unaware that Rafe was 7 inches away from him.
"Doesn't she though?" Rafe spoke up, putting his arm around Rosie and pulling her close, "We'll see you around Bobby."
"That was a little strange." Rosie observed as she and Rafe walked over to the table Danny and Beth were occupying.
"Hey you two." Beth smiled as Danny nibbled on her ear and she elbowed him in the chest lightly.
"Hi." Rafe sat down across from Danny and pulled Rosie onto his lap.
"You look nice tonight Ro." Danny stated
"Don't you start that shit to Daniel Walker I can't take it." Rosie groaned put her face in her hands and shaking her head.
The other three just broke out into hysterics.
"Glad to amuse you." She grumbled
"Oh now, don't you start actin' all worked up bout it Rosie we knew you don't care."
"Danny, Rafe you boys com'ere a minute we need help setting up the stage for the pie eatin' contest." Beth's father waved the boys over.
A few minutes later while Rosie and Beth were still sitting at the table impatiently waiting for Danny and Rafe to return Johnny and Bobby slithered over like the snakes they were.
"Howdy girls, ya'll look mighty bored." Johnny oozed with machismo.
"Would you lovely ladies like to dance?" Bobby grinned vilely.
Beth shrugged her shoulders, so Rosie stood up and Bobby took her hand. Johnny and Bobby lead their dance partners to the floor and pulled the girls so close to them as possible. Rosie could smell the stench of vodka on Bobby's breath as he pushed his groin nearer to her as they danced.
"Bobby you better knock it off, if Rafe sees he'll kill you out right." Rosanna warned
"Oh come on now Rosie, you come to the picnic dressed like that, you know you're lookin' for lovin'." Bobby spewed.
"I have all the lovin' I need, from Rafe thank you." Rosie tried to pull away but Bobby yanked her arm back and forced a kiss on her lips.
Rosie felt her fist ball up and when it collided with the side of Bobby's jaw she heard a cracking sound.
Johnny let go of Beth and ran to his friends side as he lay on the ground a bewildered look in his eye. Rosie turned quickly grabbed Beth's hand and run off in the other direction.
"He's done that to me before to, I've just never hit him. That's not the type of thing the mayors daughter can do." Beth panted out of breath from running from the scene. "I'm so jealous I could never do something like that. I wish I could be more fun and free like you are."
"And to think I always wanted to get more attention from the boys like you do." Rosie told her honestly " Being me ain't all that great, sometimes I feel like I'm wrong you know? I like I'm not a girl at all."
"I guess neither one of us have it all that easy do we?"
"Nope I guess not."
"What?" Rafe looked up from the airplane magazine he was thumbing through. Danny pointed and a the same puzzled look he were creased Rafe's brow
"Are those two getting along?"
It was an odd site; Rosie and Beth were seated at the table chatting like old friends.
"Well they're not trying to kill each other at least." Rafe rolled the mag up and stuffed it in his back pocket as they approached the girls.
Danny slid into to empty seat near Beth and kissed her cheek placing his hand in her lap. Rafe put his arm around Rosie and pulled her so close to him there was no daylight between them.
"So what are you lovely ladies talking about?" Danny queried
"Well the Memorial Day barbeque and dance is coming up and we were just thinking about some past ones that our dear boyfriends have made complete fools of themselves at." Beth smiled teasingly
"We never make fools of ourselves." Rafe said defensively
"Rafe, do you remember the time you offered to do the grill. Everyone told you, you put to much fluid on the coals. "But no Rafe McCawley never screws up." then you lit it and burned your eyebrows off?" Rosie stated matter of factly.
"And I seem to remember a time when Danny Walker tried to show off his new dance moves, by crashing into the refreshment table and sending the punch bowl flyin." Beth interjected
"I wonder if the principal ever got that pink stain out of his shirt." Danny added slightly embarrassed
"We're going to do it right this year guys, no stupid any things, from either of you or you'll have to answer to me." Rosie punched her hand for emphasis.
"Really this going to be our last summer together. We have to make it memorable." Beth said rather sullenly in spite of the perky mood she was in only moments before.
"Deal." Rafe and Danny both agreed
"Oh come on now Beth I can't wear this." Rosie looked in the mirror and cringed at her reflection
"You wanted me to make you a lady Rosie now stop squirming or you're eyebrows will come out uneven." Beth instructed as she plucked and tweezed till Rosie had two.
"I look silly." Rosie stomped
"Rosanna Marie Gadry, you stop acting like a baby. You asked for my help now shut up and sit still."
"Maybe I was wrong maybe Rafe'd love me just as much if I stay like I am."
"I've been telling you that right along, but its too late now cause I already started pluckin'. And I'm not bringing that darn dress back either it cost a fortune."
"How'm I gonna fix a plane in this get up?"
"You ain't Rosie you're a girl now. You're done."
Rosie looked herself over she had to admit it she looked good. Sort of like a cross between Jean Arthur and Judy Garland. She loved it
"I hate it." She pouted
"Don't lie to me I just saw your face you like it."
"It's not me."
"That's what you wanted."
"Well let's go try it out of Rafe."
Danny elbowed Rafe as he saw the girls cross the field
"Hey take a look at Rosie."
Rafe turned his head from the nail he was about to drive, and caught a glimpse of his girl.
"What the hell?"
Danny and Rafe climbed from the roof of the barn and met the girls half way
"Do you like?" Rosie spun around to show off the new her.
"Ummmm yes?" Rafe replied unsteadily
" You don't do you?" Rosie felt a little let down and she stared at her new MaryJanes.
"No, no I love if, it's just different that's all."
Beth knew she had to change the subject before Rafe got himself in trouble he couldn't talk his way out of.
"So what are you two doin'?"
"Fixin' the roof, ya'll wanna help?" Danny held up an extra hammer
A smile spread across Rosie's face as she went to reach for it, but when she noticed Beth shaking her head she shied away from the tool.
"No thanks." Rosie responded inaudibly
Rafe's mind flickered with one thought when he heard that is was
"Gee I don't think I like the new Rosie."
"You know I think Rosie just may be elected Summer Queen this year." Beth stated proud of her work
"Danny, you just need to tell Beth, to step off." Rafe and Danny were driving to town to go to the Memorial Day dance.
"Step off what Rafe?" Danny fixed the buttons on his shirt.
"Rosie, makin' her all girly like. You know as well as I do, we coulda gotten that roof done in the half the time, if Rosie wasn't all…girly."
"You don't think she looked pretty?"
"Hell Danny, she looked more than pretty, she was gorgeous, but she's always does, but she…I don't know, but you know what I mean." Rafe pulled into a parking spot and looked at Danny, "What if Beth showed up in, I don't know, not Beth like clothes, pants for example, and I don't know, she didn't want to fly kites or whatever it is Beth likes to do, she wanted to help us dust crops, what would you do?"
"What would I do? I would take her temperature." Danny laughed, "Beth would never do that."
"You think she would never do that, I thought Rosie would never do that, but she showed up in a really nice dress, and those two for some reason are getting' seriously close, you better watch out, and get your thermometer ready."
As custom in Shelby Tennessee, the mayor and his wife greeted you at the gate of the fairgrounds. But, Mrs. Sullivan was otherwise occupied as usual. Beth saw Danny and Rafe walk up, and smiled.
"Beth, isn't that Rafe McCawley and that Walker boy?" Mayor Sullivan looked over at Beth, who was staring at them.
"Its Danny dad." Beth said through gritted teeth.
"How are you two boys doin' tonight?" Mayor Sullivan shook each of their hands.
"Fine Mayor, and you?" Rafe replied making conversation while Danny and Beth made goo goo eyes at each other.
"I'm just fine, Mr. Brooks has burger and dogs goin' on the grill, why don't you two go in and get somethin' to eat?" Mayor Sullivan nudged Beth, "Elizabeth, you're done here honey, have fun. But behave. You to Danny."
Danny looked over startled, "Of course Mayor."
Beth giggled and took Danny's hand, "C'mon Danny. Bye Daddy."
Once they were out of earshot, Danny let out a long whistle, "Your father scares the livin' day lights outta me…"
"Danny, don't pay him any mind." Beth leaned over and kissed Danny on the cheek, "He likes you, he's just…what's the word?"
"Overprotective?" Danny replied, squeezing her hand.
Beth smiled, " A little. Where did Rafe go?"
"Oh, to find Rosie."
"Didn't I do a good job with her?" Beth said proudly.
"Damn Beth, you're actin' like she was some doll you played with or somethin'"
"No, it wasn't like that at all Danny, she asked me too, and I did. I think I did a good job. I accented her features. She was pretty to begin with; I just made her beautiful, well, more than she already she was. She has this natural beauty, she doesn't have to work hard at it like some of us."
"Surely Elizabeth Sullivan, you aren't referrin' to yourself." Danny teased.
"Daniel Walker…" Beth scolded, and changed the subject, "Are you hungry?"
"Starved. Are you?"
Beth took a seat at a picnic table, "I already ate before I came, and you can though. I am so sick of standing."
"Alright." Danny leaned down for a quick kiss, "I'll be right back."
Rosie walked up behind Rafe and tapped him on the shoulder. She waited for him to turn around, but he just wasn't. "Rafe McCawley…" Rosie said crossing her arms.
"Rosie?" Rafe turned around, and saw she wasn't dressed like Beth, but she had a little makeup on which was nice, he gave her a hug and spun her around in the air, "You look great babe."
"Really?" Rosie blushed.
"Honest, you look more natural, not all gussied up, that ain't you." Rafe kissed on her forehead.
"You didn't like it?" Rosie looked hurt.
"No, no, I liked it, you looked so beautiful, but you didn't look like my Rosie."
"So, I don't look beautiful now?" Rosie looked confused.
"Darlin' you look beautiful all the time. I just like you like this." Rafe saved himself, and grabbed her hand, "Lets go get somethin' to drink, then we can sit down and I'll tell you how beautiful you are as much as you want." He began to walk, but when he did he ran smack dab into Bobby Martin.
"Rosie Gadry? Is that you?" Bobby eyed her up and down.
Rosie had to admit; she kind of liked it, "Yes Bobby." She looked over at Rafe, who looked like he was going to shoot up the picnic if Bobby made another move.
"Gee Rosie, you look really pretty tonight." Bobby seemed unaware that Rafe was 7 inches away from him.
"Doesn't she though?" Rafe spoke up, putting his arm around Rosie and pulling her close, "We'll see you around Bobby."
"That was a little strange." Rosie observed as she and Rafe walked over to the table Danny and Beth were occupying.
"Hey you two." Beth smiled as Danny nibbled on her ear and she elbowed him in the chest lightly.
"Hi." Rafe sat down across from Danny and pulled Rosie onto his lap.
"You look nice tonight Ro." Danny stated
"Don't you start that shit to Daniel Walker I can't take it." Rosie groaned put her face in her hands and shaking her head.
The other three just broke out into hysterics.
"Glad to amuse you." She grumbled
"Oh now, don't you start actin' all worked up bout it Rosie we knew you don't care."
"Danny, Rafe you boys com'ere a minute we need help setting up the stage for the pie eatin' contest." Beth's father waved the boys over.
A few minutes later while Rosie and Beth were still sitting at the table impatiently waiting for Danny and Rafe to return Johnny and Bobby slithered over like the snakes they were.
"Howdy girls, ya'll look mighty bored." Johnny oozed with machismo.
"Would you lovely ladies like to dance?" Bobby grinned vilely.
Beth shrugged her shoulders, so Rosie stood up and Bobby took her hand. Johnny and Bobby lead their dance partners to the floor and pulled the girls so close to them as possible. Rosie could smell the stench of vodka on Bobby's breath as he pushed his groin nearer to her as they danced.
"Bobby you better knock it off, if Rafe sees he'll kill you out right." Rosanna warned
"Oh come on now Rosie, you come to the picnic dressed like that, you know you're lookin' for lovin'." Bobby spewed.
"I have all the lovin' I need, from Rafe thank you." Rosie tried to pull away but Bobby yanked her arm back and forced a kiss on her lips.
Rosie felt her fist ball up and when it collided with the side of Bobby's jaw she heard a cracking sound.
Johnny let go of Beth and ran to his friends side as he lay on the ground a bewildered look in his eye. Rosie turned quickly grabbed Beth's hand and run off in the other direction.
"He's done that to me before to, I've just never hit him. That's not the type of thing the mayors daughter can do." Beth panted out of breath from running from the scene. "I'm so jealous I could never do something like that. I wish I could be more fun and free like you are."
"And to think I always wanted to get more attention from the boys like you do." Rosie told her honestly " Being me ain't all that great, sometimes I feel like I'm wrong you know? I like I'm not a girl at all."
"I guess neither one of us have it all that easy do we?"
"Nope I guess not."