Caroline & Michael & Scott
Chapter 7
Promptly as six Friday night, Scott nervously knocked at the Duffy front door. Fred, Caroline's father opened the door.
"Hello sir. My name is Scott Aldrich. I've come to pick up, Caroline.
"Hello son. Come on in. You're right on time. Caroline's not ready yet, that's unusual for her, she's usually very prompt." He gestured to the living room couch. "Why don't you take a seat?" As Scott went to the living room, Fred called upstairs. "Puddin'! Your young man is here."
Through her closed bedroom door, Caroline heard her father's muffled voice calling to her. "Good… Let that Scott stew awhile. He's just like all the rest, heard I'm easy, out for a quick score. I'll show him… I'll make it as expensive as possible for him and I won't let him touch me."
Fred sat down in the living room and tried to converse with Scott. But Scott was so nervous, it was all he could do to simply answer the questions that Fred asked.
"So Scott, how is it you know my daughter?"
"Uh… she's in the band, sir."
"Oh, so you're in the band, too?"
"No."
Fred waited a few seconds for Scott to say more. Even as nervous as he was, Scott eventually realized that he should say more. "I'm on the football team, sir."
"I see" Fred replied, nodding his head, as if that had answered his question.
They both heard Caroline's door open and her steps descending the stairs, so they both stood up.
With her nicest fake smile, Caroline greeted them. "Scott, so good to see you. Dad, I shouldn't be home too late."
As Fred walked the couple to the door, he answered "Okay, have fun Puddin'".
Scott courteously opened the passenger door of his parent's car and held it for Caroline to get in. "Well, that's different" thought Caroline. "But if Scott thinks he's gonna get any action just 'cause he's a polite shark, he's got another thing coming. No matter what he tries, he's not even gonna get to first base tonight. Then he'll tell the whole football team. I know those guys talk. I'm gonna get my rep back quick...! But first... Scott must pay...!"
As they started out, Caroline asked in her sweetest voice "Oh Scott... I'm tired of always going to a burger joint for my dates. Couldn't we go to that nice restaurant that just opened at the edge of town?"
Scott hesitated, not having planned to spend that much money on this date. "Uh..."
"Oh course, if it's too much money..."
"No! No... I just... uh, I just wasn't sure if we were properly dressed for a fancy place like that."
"Oh, don't worry, Scott... In a place like Peshtigo, I'm sure they won't insist on formal attire. I mean, you're not wearing a shirt and tie, but you're not wearing jeans either. I'm sure they'll be glad to take your money."
Scott gulped. "Uh... okay."
...
They arrived at the restaurant and were quickly seated. Scott nervously looked around at the luxurious decor, while Caroline was grinning like a Cheshire cat, her plan working perfectly.
After giving them awhile to look over their menus, the waiter came to take their order. "And what will the lady have tonight?"
"I'm just famished. I think I'll have a nice, thick steak, medium well, baked potato, all the fixings, and a Caesar salad. And some ice tea, please."
"Very good. And for you, sir?"
Scott nervously looked over the menu prices, did some quick calculations, then replied "You know what...? I had a late lunch today, I'm not hungry. Water will be fine."
Caroline smiled sweetly at him. "Oh Scott, are you sure?"
"Yeah."
"Very good, sir" the waiter replied and took the menus away.
Twisting the knife, Caroline remarked "I've been curious about this place, but could never afford to come here."
"Me neither" Scott mumbled.
"What?"
"Nothing, nothing."
Scott was shy, a large silent gentle giant, and didn't say much throughout dinner. Since Caroline was only interested in getting back at all boys and in reestablishing her reputation, she also didn't have much to say. For long periods during dinner, the silence was broken only by the noises of Caroline's utensils, as Scott watched her eat.
...
When dinner was (mercifully) over, Scott carefully counted out his money while paying the bill. He left but a meager tip, so he would have enough money left over for the movies.
As Scott held the car door open for Caroline, she asked "What movie are we seeing tonight, Scott?"
Scott showed some enthusiasm for the first time since entering the restaurant. ""Raiders of the Lost Ark". It's been around awhile, it's finally gotten to Peshtigo. It's supposed to be pretty good, lots of stunts and special effects. And the guy that played Han Solo in "Star Wars" plays the hero."
Caroline nodded. "Sounds interesting."
...
After getting their tickets, Caroline and Scott were walking through the theater lobby. Scott's mouth watered as he eyed the popcorn and candy behind the counter. Caroline noticed this and asked "Scott, wouldn't you like to get popcorn or something? I know you had a late lunch, but you didn't eat any dinner, you must have some appetite by now."
Scott forced himself to look away. "No! No... I'm fine. Let's... let's get seated."
Caroline secretly smiled. "He probably ran out of money."
...
During the movie, when Scott tried to put his arm around Caroline, she glared at him. Dark as it was, Scott could feel Caroline's eyes burning at him, and he quickly withdrew.
Later, during a tender moment between Indy and the Marion, Scott's stomach started growling. Caroline stifled a giggle. "Serves him right!" she thought, but in the back of her mind, she was starting to feel a little sorry for Scott.
When the movie ended, Scott chuckled and remarked "That's pretty good. Nobody'll find the ark in that government warehouse!"
Caroline had actually enjoyed the movie. But when Scott tried to take her hand and lead her towards the exit, she quickly pulled it away.
...
Scott took Caroline straight home. As they stopped in front of her house, Caroline thought "Mission accomplished! That'll show the boys that Caroline Duffy is no easy mark. Tell all your friends, Scott!" As the walked to her front porch, Caroline thought "Too bad Scott turned out to be like all the other boys, asking me out only after hearing about my rep on a bathroom wall. I... I - I sorta liked him... Well, he'll never ask me out again, that's for sure."
As they reached her door, Caroline perfunctorily declared "Thanks for taking me out, Scott."
"You're welcome... Uh... would you like to go out again next week?"
"What?!" Caroline thought, caught off guard. "Uh... Maybe... let me think about it."
"Okay... My locker's by room 203, I usually stop there between classes. Let me know. Please say "Yes"".
Scott leaned in for a goodnight kiss, but Caroline turned her head, so he ended up giving her a quick peck on the cheek.
As he was walking back to his car, a somewhat confused Caroline called out "Goodbye, Scott" and waved.
Scott flashed a grin and waved back. "Bye!"