Today was Thursday and I knew that I was supposed to be focusing on school. However, all that I could think about was Corny Collins and how great of a kisser he was. Once he realized that I had no prior experience, he took his time and let me find my own rhythm. When that happened things really got going and I found out that I didn't have much control when it came to kissing him. We stood out on my front steps that night for at least 10 minutes, just kissing and enjoying the moment. Finally, when it seemed like things might get out of hand, Corny stepped away and kissed my hand. He promised that he would see me soon but I wasn't sure when he meant and that kept my mind preoccupied all week long.
Finally, it was the last two classes of the day and I was meant to spend them in the detention room. Before going, however, I decided to step outside for a few minutes to stretch my legs. As I was walking around, a few people said hello to me and I smiled back. Now that Tracy was basically famous, more and more people were noticing me and simply saying hello. It was nice but I still think that I preferred it better when nobody really knew that I existed.
A beautiful dark blue Mustang pulled up to the curb and sat idling for a moment. Many of the boys stood and stared, their mouths practically hanging open in their admiration. Though I didn't know much about cars, I could appreciate a good one when I saw it. What kept my attention though, was the person who was getting out of the car and walking right to me. The one and only, Corny Collins.
"Corny! What in the world are you doing here?" He just smiled and wrapped an arm around my shoulder while he kissed my cheek.
"I told you that I'd see you soon, didn't I? Well I got a bit antsy and I really wanted to see you again. So I just figured that I'd swing on by and say hello." I rolled my eyes but smiled at his answer anyway. My gaze traveled back to the car and Corny noticed. His smile got bigger and he started leading me toward the car.
"She's the newest model and she runs like a champ. She can drive for miles and miles without overheating or needing a fill up. Want to take a ride?" The bell rang, signaling that there were 5 minutes to get to class and students started scurrying away to class. I looked back at the building for a moment before deciding to take a chance and do what everyone was telling me. I decided that I was going to live my life how I wanted, that I was just going to be me. So I looked at the dapper man beside me, smiled brightly, and then hopped into his Mustang.
We drove out of town, only after Corny had made sure it was alright, and wound through the country roads. Then we stopped in a small little town that probably had a name but I couldn't remember it. We ate at a quaint restaurant that we were probably underdressed for but nobody mentioned it and we had a great time regardless. By the time we got back into Baltimore and near my street, it was late and I expected everyone to be asleep. Instead, the lights were on in the house and the shop and I had absolutely no idea what I was about to walk into.
Once Corny had driven away I walked up the stairs and pushed open the door, only to hear ma crying her heart out. Practically running through the house, I found her sitting in the living room tearing open candy wrappers. She would get them to her lips then start crying all over again and throw them to the side. Tracy was sitting to the side, doing her best to comfort our mother but nothing seemed to help. When she saw me, she said my name pleadingly as if she hoped that I would be able to do something about it. Mom looked up, saw me, and was immediately on her feet shouting at me.
"Where have you been? First, I get a call from the school that you didn't show up to your last two classes, then you're gone for the entire evening! Probably out with some crooner, wasting your life away. Now, you come home and try to act like nothing has happened! You're such a terrible child! Why couldn't you be more like Tracy? You're worse than your cheating, no good, father! Get out! GET OUT!"
Tracy tried to stop her but nothing did any good and I could only stand there, wide eyed. I felt like a deer stuck in headlights until her words completely registered. Tears welled up in my eyes and anger filled my stomach so quickly that all I could do was turn around and run down the stairs. Through the door and onto the sidewalk, slamming the door behind me hard enough to crack the wood. Then I stomped down the streets of Baltimore at night with tears running down my face, my home life seemingly in shambles, my mother's words ringing in my head, and no idea how to fix it.