Going Home

By Robert P. Bell

When Scott returned home after spending all summer working in New York, where he learned the ways of men and what they expected of him, he felt different. He realized he wasn’t the same person he was in June. He was very confident, and his attitude toward his peers was “I’m someone to be reckoned with.” This, of course, caused problems with them, as well as with his teachers. So began the worst four months of his young life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: LifeRich Publishing
• Release date: Mar 9, 2019
• ISBN: 9781489719324

Robert P. Bell

While growing up in Southern California he learned to love the hot rod scene and became part of it. His first car was a 32 Ford three window with a 54 Oldsmobile engine, which he was forever working on. When he went into the Navy, he found some buddies of like mind and went to work on a 57 Chevy to cruise in when their ship was in port. After serving six years in the Navy and being married with one child, he became a police officer and along with his hot rods he also taught boxing through the Police Athletic League (PAL). Then the lore of Southern California called, he and his family headed west. Life was good and as his four children grew so did the desire to build fast cars and race them. As with all good things this too ended when two of his sons went to war, while they were gone things sort of stopped. Then his granddaughter suggested that he should write about all the things he'd done and seen. So, it began. He wrote about the things he knew best, life in the fast lane.

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GOING HOME

ROBERT P. BELL

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Copyright © 2019 Robert P. Bell.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

LifeRich Publishing is a registered trademark of The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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ISBN: 978-1-4897-1933-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-1932-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018910963

LifeRich Publishing rev. date: 3/7/2019

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Biography Of Author

I

want to dedicate this book to my grandson

Robert P. Bell ll

who pushed me to finish it and get it published.

CHAPTER 1

As I walked down the ramp from my plane, there to meet me was my family ready with hugs and kisses acting like they hadn’t just been with me a few days ago. I guess my mom summed it up best by saying, now we are all home again.

We picked up my luggage at the baggage claim area and all headed for the parking structures. There weren’t that many people around at this time Friday morning, but it was the start of the Labor Day weekend so it would get real busy soon.

We all climbed in Mom’s mini van and headed for Long Beach. The 405 freeway had little to no traffic on it but I could already feel the difference between where I had just come from and where I was going.

When we arrived home and parked in the driveway, I felt the lack of sleep and the adrenaline rush out of me all at the same time, which made for one very tired guy. I could only think of one thing and that was to get into bed and sleep for at least 12 hours.

When I told Mom how I felt she told my brothers that they could get my bags and put them in the living room so she could sort them out.

Once I was in my room, I looked around and couldn’t believe what I saw. There were games of all kinds, a TV, models of cars, planes and boats.

Then it hit me, this is who I used to be not who I am now and somehow I felt a little less for it. For I knew that these things of my not so distant past would never interest me again.

As I got undressed and into bed my sister knocked on the door. She came in and sat on my bed and sort of smiled and said, I’m so glad you’re back then gave me a kiss and said, see you in the morning, Scott. As I put my head on the pillow, I felt so different and again I wondered what lay ahead for me and my new self.

I didn’t get up until a little after noon, but I wasn’t alone. Everyone slept late including my dad who I met just heading for the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. The rest of the family was still asleep so we decided to take the moment for ourselves and enjoy the fresh brewed coffee and talk.

You know Dad, I have to tell you that I feel so different now than I did before I left, because everything seems to have changed while I was gone.

He just laughed and said, Something has changed but its not things, it’s you Son, you’ve changed a lot. Listen, Scott, you are going to have to play it by ear when you go back to school because you’ve matured over the summer far beyond your years. I have wondered if it is a good thing, but let me give you a heads up. This past summer you were in the company of men and I might say some very hard and of course tough men who gave you no quarter that you didn’t earn. You had to grow up to survive and you did. Of course you took your lumps along the way but you grew more sure of yourself each time. If the truth be known, you aren’t going to fit too well right off, mainly because the guys and girls who think you’re the same person that they were able to push around and intimidate before the summer are in for a big shock. A piece of advice Son, be a little easy on the ones who decide to try a little of you on, okay.

Sure Dad, but I’m not going back to school looking for trouble. All I want to do is sort some things out with you about how I’m going to stay in boxing and maybe get to see how good I really can become.

Listen Scott I don’t have a problem with that but are you sure that is all you want to do? With as big as you have grown a lot of other sports are going to want you to try out.

I know that I’m good at boxing and I really like doing it. I even like the training and all the roadwork that Al told me I would have to do.

Oh yeah, how many miles did he say you had to run every day?

Well, he said if I ran 7 days a week then I had to do 5 miles but if I decided to do 6 days then I had to do 6 miles a day.

Well I’ve heard of a gym over in Westminster that has a pretty good program, we’ll have to go and have a look. And just maybe I’ll do some roadwork with you, but not more than 3 days to start.

How come you didn’t wake me when you got up John, were you going to let me sleep all day?

Well Barbara, the thought did enter my mind but I figured if you weren’t up by the time I finished my coffee, I would go in and jump all over the bed.

Oh aren’t we a smart ass today. What have you two been cooking up sitting out here by your lonesome?

I can tell you this honey we didn’t solve any of the world’s problems, but Scott has decided that he wants to continue his boxing.

Surprise, surprise, as if I didn’t already know that, but you better understand Scott that your grandmother is going to want to know exactly how you are doing, and you’re not to get hurt, and she wants you to get the best trainer possible.

My dad and I both laughed at that but didn’t expound about it. As the rest of the family began to show their faces my mom and sister started to make brunch, which really surprised me because my sister never wanted to do anything in the kitchen. All in all it was a great first day back, we all got along and even the boys weren’t at each other.

The phone rang and my sister got it then she called me and said it’s, for you. When I picked it up Mary asked if I missed her. Of course I said yes then she asked me what I was doing and I told her. For a second, she didn’t say anything then asked aren’t you curious as to what I’m doing?"

I know what you are doing Mary, you’re lying on your bed talking to me, right?

Oh you’re so smart, you think you have me all figured out don’t you O’Grady?

Not in the least it was just a good guess but I do miss you. How’s that, still love all my quirky charm?

Of course, but I want to let you know that the deal went through and I will be out there in October, the exact days I don’t know yet. Hey tell me something, does it rain out there in the fall?

Sometimes it does, Mary, why?

Oh I don’t know, also are you going to have a car when I’m out there?

There is a very good chance that I will, why all the questions?

I’ll tell you the next time we talk but Scott please don’t forget to write, okay? Got to go love you, talk to you soon.

When I walked back into the kitchen everyone looked like I should give them a blow by blow on my conversation but all I said was that she loves and misses me. I headed for my room to take a shower.

When I finally finished getting dressed and walked into the kitchen again Mickey had 3 of her best friends there to check me out. I had put on walking shorts and a tank top with my leather sandals, plus I had some aftershave on which made me feel really fresh and full of myself.

Well, hello girls, how are you all today?

The first one to answer was Kathy and all she could say was, What happened to you over the summer?

Inside, I was really relishing this encounter because she was one of Mickey’s friends that were so blunt during last semester. She went out of her way to embarrass me by telling everyone that I would be the last guy she would ever go out with. With a big smile on my face and malice in my heart I said, Whatever do you mean Kathy? I’m the same, let’s see dork or was it a nerd that you dismissed a little over 3 months ago.

She just stared at me then said, Well, I see you still have your smart ass mouth so I guess the only thing that has changed is the package not the content.

Well, that puts me ahead of you being that nothing has changed about you. You’re still the same little girl, who someday might grow up to be another candidate for all the dumb blonde jokes.

She acted as if I had struck her, then her face got real red and she just stared at me and if looks could kill I would’ve been dead. All the while, I waited for my sister to tear into me for embarrassing one of her best friends.

When that didn’t happen, I gave her a sideward glance and to my surprise she winked at me as if to say good for you. Her other friends just stood there and said nothing.

So I said, how are you girls doing this fine Friday afternoon?

That brought them back to what was going on and made them say something to me, which is what I wanted from them. As they told me about their summer I made sure that I showed the utmost interest in everything they said which I could see really annoyed Kathy to no end, which is what I wanted.

My mom walked in and sized up the situation by the looks on everyone’s face and asked if anyone was going to go swimming this afternoon. The girls said yes, but I surprised everyone by saying I thought that I would give Danny a call and see what he was doing.

As they headed for Mickey’s room Kathy gave me a look that said this isn’t over yet, I will get you back. Of course, I had to give her a mock salute as she went by which had its desired affect.

I guess I was getting even for the hard time she gave me last year, but as I called Danny to let him know I was back and coming over to see him I decided that I would not continue this attitude towards people. From now on I would forget the past and assume the attitude of that was then and this is now.

Mom was rolling up the solar blanket on the pool and making sure it went on straight, when I walked up behind her and asked if I could borrow her car for the afternoon. It nearly scared her to death, but she said I could and told me where her keys were. My mom’s car was a new Dodge Caravan, but it was wheels and it had air conditioning. As I hooked up my seat belt I wondered how Danny made out during the summer.

As I started the van I realized how much I loved my family not just them as individuals but who they were as a family. How many guys my age could look back at his father’s family and see all the things not to do. As I backed out of the driveway, I discovered just how different mom’s van was from the Nomad that I got to drive this past summer. It didn’t take but a few minutes to pull up in front of Danny’s house and I noticed a lot of cars were parked all over the street.

When I got to the door, his sister Linda opened if for me and just stood there and stared at me for a few seconds then said, what did you do for the summer, join the Marines?

Hardly, I just got to workout for the whole 3 months, where’s Danny?

Oh he and his football buddies are all out in the backyard, have fun you look great.

Now that surprised me, because Linda was going into college and I didn’t think she even knew I was alive. As I went through the house I ran into Mrs. Jones who was cooking and when she saw me she stopped and kind of cocked her head to the side and said, well don’t we look all grown up? What did they feed you back there in those mountains?

Lot’s of meat and potatoes at every meal. How are you Mrs. J?

I’m fine Scott, everyone is in the backyard, go on out there and say hello.

Which I preceded to do, but as I stepped out on their porch I was shocked the whole backyard was full of students. I saw Danny over by the barbecue. I headed for him, acknowledging people as I moved through the crowd, but before I could get to him Amy was standing in front of me with a big smile and a sweet hello.

Man she looked so good that as usual I got tongue tied and stumbled all around my hello but she took my hand and told me that she missed me. Finally I got control of my thoughts and was able to talk intelligently with her. As we talked she asked me when I got in and I told her early this morning. She let me know that she had had enough and came home as soon as she could. By now Danny had spotted me and came over to say hello.

Well, I don’t believe my own eyes, then he looked at Amy and said, you weren’t kidding when you said he had put on a lot of muscle. Man how tall are you now, 6 something at least?

I don’t know Danny I have put on a few inches, but look at you.

And I stood back and appraised my friend at arm’s length then said, you look like one big muscle." With that we grabbed each other and hugged then he lifted me completely off the ground.

That is when Amy said, Well I guess I know where I stand, no one gave me a hug.

That made us stop and look at this gorgeous blond blue eyed girl standing there, so we both enclosed her in our arms and lifted her off the ground to which she literally squealed. That made everyone around us stop and look around to see what was going on. We put Amy down laughing like three friends should when they are totally happy.

Just then a hand grabbed my shoulder and spun me around to face Angel. The crowd got quiet and I just kept saying to myself "be cool and don’t start any trouble for yourself. I could see that he was really pissed about something but I didn’t have a clue.

What do you think you and DJ are doing with my girl?

All I could think to say was, Saying hello to a friend of ours.

That is when Angel started poking me in the chest telling me to stay away from Amy if I wanted to stay healthy. Just when I had enough Amy jumped between us and tore into Angel verbally telling him to stay out of her life and away from her, that she was sick and tired of his crap. I could not believe how ruthless she was it even made me feel sorry for Angel for about one second. When he walked away I turned to Danny and asked who the hell is DJ?

Well, over the summer the football coach gave us all nicknames and mine is DJ.

Then he started to tell me all about his summer and as we walked away I failed to notice the look I got from Amy. His summer sort of paralleled mine except for the summer school. He worked for the local gas station after summer school for spending money and the owner let him vary his hours so he could make all the football practices and the weight training sessions. As we talked people came by and said hello and a lot of the girls were a lot friendlier than last year. After about an hour of talking with Danny he got real serious.

Dude, you have to be careful around Angel and his friends. He just got a wake up call from Amy and he doesn’t like it much.

You mean what she did a little while ago?

No it all happened when she got home and told him how she felt about him and how she felt about you. It’s safe to say that he went ballistic and has told anyone who would listen just what he is going to do to you first chance he gets.

What do you mean how she feels about me?

Well Scott, she told me all about what you two went through back there this summer and what her uncle did or tried to do to you. She said she has always liked you, but you were too stupid to see it and always gave her a hard time.

With that said he just sat back and waited for me to say something.

Listen Danny, it is a real long story but what I can tell you is that there is a girl back in New York that I am crazy about and sometime in October she is going to come out to do a photo shoot and you can meet her. As far as Amy and I are concerned, we are just friends.

Photo shoot, what the hell are you talking about? Have you taken a good look at Amy lately, she’s a 10 in anyone’s book.

Yeah I know but so is Mary, don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to hurt Amy because we are good friends, but I’m nuts about Mary.

You said something about her coming out to work on a photo shoot, how old is she?

That is when I started telling him about my summer and before long we were the only ones still in the backyard and his mouth kept dropping open as I explained all the things that happened to me as well as all the things I did. But when I got to Mary and told him who she was, he told me that I was full of crap and nothing I could say would convince him that I was seeing M&M, the model, let alone seriously, seriously dating her. I just laughed and told him that in October we would all go out on the town and he could meet her and see for himself.

Now listen Danny, please don’t go telling everyone. It’s bad enough having you not believing me. I really don’t want the whole school giving me a hard time.

For the rest of the evening we talked about my boxing and where I was going to workout. When I told him that I was going to have to run 5 miles a day, he suggested that we run together which I agreed to. By 9 pm it was time for me to go home and I realized that I was still tired and Danny was hungry, so I said goodbye and headed home.

Everyone was in the living room when I came in including Mickey’s friends, so I got an evil look from Kathy, but I was too hungry to give it much thought. I headed straight for the kitchen where my mom was just finishing cleaning up the dishes after a late dinner. I guess one look at me and she knew I was hungry so out came the leftovers and into the microwave oven. Before I knew it we were sitting at the kitchen table, me eating and her asking questions.

Before I finished Mickey came in and sat down at the table, didn’t say anything just sat there until Mom was finished. Then she asked if I saw Amy. I told her yes and we hugged, then Danny and I picked her up and made her scream.

You know Scott, she has a thing for you. When I was talking with her mother, she told me that she has always liked you.

I know Mom and I really like her, but as a friend. I don’t want to cause her any grief, so what do I do?

Well Scott, if it were me I would play it by ear and not burn any bridges so to speak.

What are you saying, you don’t think that Mary cares for me and that it won’t last past me coming back to California?

Yes, that is exactly what I’m saying, but look I could be wrong. I just don’t want you to isolate yourself from all your friends out here.

Me too, was all Mickey said, then she got up and walked to the door and said, remember big brother we all love you.

I thought you liked Mary, I know Grandmother does, so why say what you just said?

Listen young man, you are just 16 years old and I don’t want you getting tied up with someone who is light years older then you mentally. And yes, I really like Mary and would love to have her come and visit us when she is out here, but remember that she lives in a different world from ours. Write to her Scott, see if she writes back and go from there and don’t be mad at me for loving and caring for my 16 year old.

With that said she gave me a big hug and told me she was so happy to have me home.

Talk about being blown away, I knew my mom and sister loved me but it didn’t make what they said any easier to accept. Well, I guess that I had better do a little more soul searching. As I got up from the table and headed for my room all of a sudden I was exhausted. As I entered my room there stood Kathy looking at something on my desk.

When she realized I was standing behind her, she turned and smiled and reminded me that she still owed me for trying to embarrass her, but right now she wanted me to try and get an autograph from M&M for her collection.

I just stood there in disbelief then I got mad and asked her in a quiet voice, who the hell do you think you are coming into my room looking at things on my desk? Let me tell you something, I don’t like you and I want you to stay away from me. With that said she headed for the door and I sat down on my bed exhausted and a little bewildered by the day. Could this be the way the whole year is going to go? I hope not.

CHAPTER 2

It’s amazing how a good night’s sleep can make you feel, because when I got up on Saturday morning I felt like my old self. After a quick shower and a new set of clothes I was ready for whatever the day threw at me. In the kitchen I found my dad and mom having coffee while they read their papers.

Oh hi Scott, want some breakfast?

Sure Mom how about 3 eggs over easy and some bacon or sausage and some potatoes if you have them?

Wow that is really a big breakfast are you sure you don’t want some toast also?

No, but some coffee would be great.

Okay, how do you take it?

Just black, how long do you think that it will take you to fix all that?

Why am I on a time schedule?

No, but if you think that it will take about 30 minutes I might be able to get a short run in. I’m curious as to find out how my wind is going to be when I push myself running.

Well if you don’t take more than 40 minutes, I’ll have it ready for you to sit down and eat when you get back.

I went out the front door did some minor stretching and then headed for the first real run in my life. As I went down my street towards the ocean I felt good and gave a brief thought of running all the way to the pier and back, but soon realized after about a mile that as far as I ran out that I had to run back. So I ran to the lagoon before I started back, but I did kick it up a notch and by the time I reached my block I was in a full sprint. That is when my dad found me leaning up against the porch trying to catch my breath, while I sweated buckets. He started laughing and asked, How far did you run?

I have no idea but I’ll tell you this, I’m not in the shape that I thought I was.

Well Son you‘re probably in great shape but not for extended running. Believe it or not you use a different set of muscles when you do roadwork so you had better be prepared to be sore. Listen Scott, later on today I’ll go over how to do your roadwork correctly so you get the most out of it. Now you had better do a little walking to let your muscles cool off, then come in and have breakfast.

When I had gotten myself back together I went into the kitchen and sat down to a great breakfast. It took me longer to eat then usual, but I finished everything that my mom made for me. Right around that time Mickey came strolling into the kitchen half awake.

Hey something smells great will you cook me some breakfast, Mom?

Why not Mickey, but first you go in and wake up the boys so this doesn’t turn into an all morning project.

No problem, I’ll get them up and moving just like it was a school day she thought. Hey you little vermin it’s time to get your butts up and moving. Did you hear me? Mom is making us breakfast so if I don’t see movement by the count of three, I’m going to pull you both right out of those beds.

With that both boys sat up in their beds and started to give her a hard time but the look on their sister’s face made them reconsider their response.

Within 20 minutes all three were dressed and sitting in the kitchen waiting for their food.

Instead of taking another shower I decided to go for a swim to cool off and get the sweat washed off. I passed Mickey coming out of her bedroom on my way to the pool, she took my arm and asked, What happened last night between you and Kathy?

Some lame excuse that she wanted me to get her Mary’s autograph. It really made me mad so I told her that I didn’t like her being in my room and in fact I really didn’t like her looking over my things. Then she gave me the same stupid excuse about the autograph so I told her to stay away from me.

Oh well, I agree with you being mad about being in your room but please Scott take it easy on my friends they really don’t know how to treat you since you’ve come back from New York. You’ve got to admit that you aren’t the same guy you were in the beginning of June. Also big brother, I want you to know that I’m very proud of you and who you’ve become. Just give people a chance to readjust to the new you, and it will make your life a lot simpler.

With that I headed for the pool and she went to help Mom clean the kitchen. I said hello to the dogs, hung my towel up, dove into the pool, swam a couple of laps and then rolled over on my back to float awhile. Before I could complete the maneuver both dogs came flying into the pool, almost landing on top of me. Somehow I had forgotten how much these two mutts loved to swim, so for the next 20 minutes I rough housed with them and threw two balls for them to chase and bring back to me. If I didn’t know better I would have thought that the Cocker Spaniel, Mike, was born for the water. He literally dove into the water to retrieve his ball. When I got out I decided to do some pushups, and true to form both dogs felt that they just had to help.

By the time I got into the house I had a good workout, sort of. Once changed I went looking for my dad and found him out in the garage standing in the middle looking around as if measuring something in his head.

What are you doing and how come both cars are out in the driveway?

Well Son, I do believe we could put a heavy bag up there in the back corner and maybe a permanent speed bag by the side of the garage door. I’ll have to get a contractor out here so he can put it up the right way and it will have to be retractable so your mother can put her car in here when we aren’t using it. What do you think Scott, we can make this into a fairly decent workout gym?

Sounds great dad, but I thought that you were just going to do some light roadwork till you get in shape?

Yeah that is what I said but now that you are going to be getting into the manly sport of self-defense I’ve caught the bug and want to workout with you.

Well Dad, when are we going to check out that gym you were talking about?

How about we do that next week after the holiday, but what I thought we might do today is head over to the sporting goods store and get some equipment.

I hadn’t seen my dad so excited in a long time, so I told Mom we were going over to L&S to see what they had in the way of boxing equipment. Most of the things we needed had to be ordered but Dad got the dimensions and weights he needed for when the contractor came by to install the two bags. As we came into the driveway there stood Mickey and Amy talking like two old friends? Man things have really changed.

My dad got this big grin on his face and said, Looks like you have company.

Both girls had this coy smile on their face when I walked up, so I asked, What is so funny ladies?

Oh I don’t know maybe we weren’t talking about you and then again maybe we were, but you’ll never know Scott.

Well Mickey I’d like to believe you but I think you were just waiting out here for me to get home and give you both a hard time.

He’s all yours Amy, I’ve had enough for today and I used to think that there wasn’t a conceited bone in your body, boy was I wrong.

When my sister went into the house and I was alone with Amy, my pulse began to speed up and my ability to say something witty and debonair evaporated. So we just stood there looking at each other.

Finally she took my hand and said Let’s go some place and talk, I’ll drive. She had her mom’s car so we headed for the shore and Second Street where all the kids hung out. By the time we found a place to park I came to the stark realization that I didn’t have my wallet or any money with me.

Damn Amy, I don’t have any money on me in fact I don’t even have my wallet.

So what’s the big deal? This is the 80’s, we women have been liberated, it will be my treat.

I must have turned beet red because she took my arm and told me to relax. With that she gave me a peck on the cheek and told me how much she wanted this to happen. As we started our walk along Second Street we did a little window shopping and people watching but we were holding hands and it was like we were all alone.

Man this was great, I wasn’t even paying attention to where we were until I heard someone call my name. When I looked across the street to see who it was, I saw Danny and some of the jocks over at the Union 76 Station.

When I started to cross the street Amy squeezed my hand and said, let’s not, I don’t feel like sharing you today. Tell them you’ll see them later, please?

Okay not a problem. I waved at Danny and told him I would catch him later; he gave me the okay sign. But some of his friends weren’t so nice and they started with catcalls.

One of them yelled Hey, O’Grady you must be PW’d, what’s she got that we don’t?

Man that really pissed me off. I started to turn but Amy dug her nails into my hand and said Don’t it isn’t worth getting into a fight. So we turned around and went back the way we had just come.

As we neared Legends there was a crowd standing on the sidewalk as well as some in between the parked cars, mostly men and making comments about any girl or women who walked by. I tensed but the comments that were made I didn’t hear and that made me wonder why I was so protective of Amy.

I could feel that she was nervous so I asked her why. She told me that she was afraid that I would explode at some comment and punch some guy out. We had stopped and were looking at each other, when she told me that if I did something like that it would ruin everything.

What if I promise that I will keep my cool no matter what, will that help you relax?

Yes it will, I don’t want you to get in any trouble especially when we are together.

For the remainder of our walk we really enjoyed ourselves and we decided to get something to eat. We were in front of the North Woods Restaurant so we went in and the hostess sat us at one of tables by the front windows. Once we started shelling and eating the peanuts I realized that I had sat down next to her instead of across the table like I did with most people. Our conversation bounced all over the place until it landed on Mary. Then it turned kind of serious and I knew that I had better be very careful in what I said because I knew Mickey probably told her everything she knew.

Amy, I’m going to tell you the truth about me and Mary, we are friends very, good friends and she is going to keep in touch. In fact, she’s coming out here to do a shoot sometime in October and I’m going to spend time with her. But I will tell you the same thing that I told her, I’m sixteen going on seventeen and where I’ll be when I’m in my twenties or who I’ll be with is a mystery. I want to be your friend Amy and I can’t deny that you have an effect on me good or bad that no one else has. So that is as honest as I can be about Mary, she should be way out of my league so everybody says but for some reason we really connected this past summer.

She just sat there and said nothing just stared at me and then she looked out the window. Made me wonder if I was going to have to walk home. She then took my hand and said at least I was honest and she really liked that in me.

With that the waitress came by and took our order while Amy gave hers, I couldn’t but think maybe honesty wasn’t the best in this situation. She was every bit as beautiful as Mary was why was I trying her patience by telling her the truth.

Then before I could stop myself I asked her if she was mad at me.

She started laughing at me, when she stopped she said, no Scott but I do think that I love you a little more than a friend. So after dinner maybe I’ll show you just how I feel about you now and tell you how I’ve felt since I first saw you two years ago. Let you in on a secret, I’ve always thought you were good looking I just couldn’t get past your smart ass mouth, what do you think about that?

Was I really that bad before this summer?

Whoa there, what do you mean were you all that bad? All you did over the summer was grow up and put on a lot of muscle, but your mouth is still a little on the smart ass side.

With that comment I was shocked into silence to which she gave me a big beautiful smile and told me to close my mouth before I started catching flies. The only saving grace was that our food arrived and prevented me from putting my foot any further into my mouth. We ate in tune with our own thoughts and when the bill came Amy took out a twenty and paid which made me even more embarrassed, but she didn’t even bat an eye.

Then she leaned over and asked, are you ready?

As we walked out on the street again we were holding hands, I was still a little on the embarrassed side so I kept my thoughts to myself until we got to the car. She went to the passenger side door and unlocked it, opened it for me and waited for me to get in before closing it. When she was finally in the driver’s seat she had the biggest smile on her face, which really annoyed me to no end. Just as I was about to say something about it she turned and gave me a kiss that evaporated all my issues. We sat there and made out for the better part of a half hour but then the people in the car next to us were getting into their car and started making comments.

Amy sat up and asked, Where do you want to go the beach or Signal Hill?

I don’t care wherever you want, you’re driving, damn Amy, you drive me nuts. Where did you learn how to kiss like that?

Oh I’ve been practicing just for this date with you Scott O’Grady. I warned you that I loved you more than a friend. Just behave yourself, I want to spend a lot of time with you, but I want you all to myself and I’m not much into sharing.

Somewhere around 11:30 I walked into the house and met both my parents sitting in the living room. Just as I was about to say something my dad stood up and motioned for me to sit on the couch.

Listen Scott, I know that you have grown up quite a bit and maybe you think that you don’t have to check in with us on what you’re doing. Just so we understand each other, you are 16 years old and there are rules that you have to follow. Plus this isn’t the Catskill Mountains in New York where it is a lot simpler pace. We live in a metropolitan city, which a lot can happen to a couple of 16 year olds. I think that Amy is getting the same lecture from her parents because they called and wanted to know where you two had gone. Of course we didn’t know, because our son didn’t inform us. So from now on we want to know what’s going on especially whom you are with and where you are going. Do we make ourselves absolutely clear on this subject?

Yes sir, I’m sorry that I didn’t let you know but time just got away from me and the next thing I knew it was late and we both knew we were going to be in trouble. Please believe me it will never happen again and I never did anything like this back in New York, my grandmother would have killed me.

Well Scott, you have to remember that you’re our oldest so we get to practice on you so we can get it right for the other three.

Gee Mom, that kind of makes me a guinea pig.

That is right Son and if we don’t get it right with you can you image what it will be like when we have to go through it with Sean?

Got you Mom, now I see what you mean and I’ll try real hard to give you a good game plan to use on him.

Now if it isn’t too prying, what were you doing all this time?

I started giving them a complete explanation of what we did leaving a few parts out but I knew they could read between the lines. When I finished they both just sat there and finally my dad smiled but didn’t say anything.

Do you remember the conversation we had not too long ago about your relationship with Mary?

Yes.

Well, this is why I told you that you should leave all your options open. You’re going to have a great year and you don’t need any commitments causing you any grief. I don’t know if Mary is going to be the one for you but I want you to promise me that you won’t even think about anything so serious until you are at least finished with college. In fact, that goes for any girl okay?

You got it Mom, I’ll just play the field like my dad did, right Dad?

If that is what your mother wants you to do then be my guest, but be careful that has its perils also.

If it is okay with you guys, I think that I will go to bed. It has been quite a day for me.

They just smiled and nodded affirmative as I got up from the couch. Once I got to my room I started to realize the full extent of this day. In reviewing everything that had transpired I wondered just what I had set in motion, but couldn’t think of a thing that I would have wanted to do differently. It was a great day.

CHAPTER 3

I had a feeling that this Sunday was going to be a little different but couldn’t wait for it to get started. I woke up just before 6:00 and went to the kitchen to make coffee then grabbed some eggs and scrambled them along with some dark toast. By 6:30 I was finished and had cleaned up my mess. Now what am I going to do? Even though I ate a light breakfast it might not be the best thing to go and do roadwork.

Hey boy, what are you doing up so early?

Hi Dad, well I just woke up and was hungry so I got up and made myself some eggs, toast and coffee. But I was wondering, even though it was a light meal would it be a bad thing to go out and do some easy roadwork?

Depends what you mean by easy, if you mean a slow jog around the track no it won’t be a bad thing, but a full out run would not be advisable.

Great, I think that I’ll go and take that jog before everyone gets up. Oh by the way what Mass are we going to?

Probably 9:30 if we can get your sister up and moving.

As soon as I got my running shoes on I was out the door and jogging toward the beach, it felt great to be free just me and the world. I saw a couple other joggers who waved but we all were in our own zones. As I started to loosen up my stride increased and even though all I wanted was an easy run I started to increase my speed. I figured as long as I didn’t get any signs of cramps I’d be all right. Once I reached the lagoon my energy level was so high that I decided to go all the way to the pier. By the time I reached the end of the pier there were a few fisherman packing up getting ready to leave, plus a dozen or so strollers who gave me a few curious looks. I stopped at the end and leaned up against the railing to catch my breath and take a look around to see who was on the beach.

As I stood there an old man came up to me and asked why are you running so hard so early on a Sunday morning?

Well sir you see, I’m going into training to be a boxer so I want to build my wind up and I’ve been told to run at least 5 miles 7 days a week.

Kid from where I stand you look to be in pretty good shape now but you’re right about needing to keep your wind up if you are going to compete in that sport. Good luck kid keep up the good fight and you’ll make it.

As I watched him walk away I wondered who he was, but didn’t dwell on it too long because I could feel myself cooling off and that wasn’t good if I wanted to make it back to the house. I decided to walk to the end of the pier and then start to run from there. Once back on the street I started to pick up the pace but it wasn’t as easy as it had been coming here. All of a sudden my legs started to feel like they were made out of lead and as I started up the hill towards the lagoon they got heavier and heavier, but I was determined that I was going to be moving faster than a slow walk when I got home. When I turned onto my street I was in a slow jog mode, but I had made it all the way without stopping or walking and that made me feel that I had accomplished something. Once I sat down on the porch, I couldn’t stop my legs from shaking and I was sweating buckets through my clothes, from the top of my head to my running shoes were sopping wet.

Well what do we have here a new type of sprinkler system?

No Mickey not quite but close. How are you this fine Sunday morning?

Well from the look of you and the sorry condition you’re in, pretty good, I hope that you intend on taking a shower or something before we go to church?

You know Mickey, I have given that some considerable thought and as soon as my legs stop doing this little dance their doing I’ll get a shower, how’s that Sis?

You know Scott sometimes I think that you are just a little on the crazy side but whatever as long as you don’t embarrass me I can live with it. By the way what did you do to get yourself in this condition?

I decided to do some easy roadwork and ran to the end of the pier and back. It was a little more than I was ready for so as you can see I’m paying the price. With that she just shook her head and went into the house. After a couple more minutes my legs seemed to get back to normal and I felt that I could walk around and not worry about ending up on the floor. When I finally walked into the house it was the usual mad house it always was when the whole family was getting ready to go to Mass. Of course all the bathrooms were in use and it didn’t look like they would be free anytime soon so I got my swim trunks, a bar of soap and a large towel and headed for the pool. There were more than just two facilities where a guy could get cleaned up.

My brother Sean saw me heading for the pool and asked if he could do the same thing.

Sure little brother, why not go get your stuff and we’ll both use the pool as our own special bathtub.

About 9:10 my mom was yelling for everyone to go and get in the van or we were going to be late. As usual the parking lot was packed and we had to look hard to find a parking space. Once that was done we all had to pass Mom’s review before heading for the doors. The Church was packed but we found a place on the side we usually sat on before Mass started.

I couldn’t help but look around to see who was there and caught some of them looking back at me. It was cool and made me smile that is until my sister caught me and gave me an elbow to redirect my attention.

Once it was over and we were heading for the parking lot I heard someone calling our name. There were a lot of people exiting church so it was really confusing to say the least. Then I saw Mr. & Mrs. Connolly coming towards us from the other side of the parking lot. My parents both said hello and then turned to me, at least they were smiling when they asked how I was doing.

Once all the pleasantries were over Mr. Connolly told me that he was a little disappointed with Amy and I and was giving considerable thought on grounding their daughter plus not letting us see each other except at school.

Well young man do you have anything to say for yourself?

All I can say is that we were talking and time really got away from us. It was the first time in a long time that we really had a chance to catch up on what was going on in our lives. I will promise you this Mr. Connolly it won’t happen again. If we are allowed to go out again we will make sure that you and my parents know exactly where we are going and for the most part what we are planning on doing.

Well that was my best shot but he just stood there and didn’t say anything.

What do you think John is this kid of yours as full of it as I think he is?

I’m thinking he is and then some. It must be the Irish in him. What the hell and him just leaving church and all.

My sentiments exactly, so I guess we’ll just have to wait and see won’t we, John? But you be sure of this Scott O’Grady just as sure as the Pope’s Catholic if you pull a stunt like that again you’ll be of voting age before you see Amy again, is that understood?

Yes sir, it is.

Well my daughter is over at coffee hour waiting to see how bad your old man and me roughed you up so go tell her your story.

Thank you, Mr. Connolly I’ll do just that.

The cafeteria was packed with people talking about the new school year as well as what they had done for the summer. I spotted Amy right away, she was the center of attraction surrounded by her girlfriends as well as a lot of guys who wanted to be her friend and a lot more. I went over to the tables and got a doughnut with some black coffee then just stood by the wall and watched all the people do their thing. As I watched one very large family go through the line and I was amazed at how well behaved they were. When they received their donuts and drinks each and every one said thank you. At first I didn’t take notice of the person standing to my right until she tapped me on the arm and there stood Kathy looking very pretty.

Hi, Scott, how are you doing? Look, Scott, I’m really sorry that we got off on such a bad foot the other night and I want to apologize that is if you’ll accept it. I had a long talk with Mickey last night and she told me that she was on your side and that I had screwed up big time. What do you say, friends? and she stuck out her hand?"

Well Kathy, I suppose if you put it that way we can stay friendly even if it’s just to keep my sister off my back, and I took her hand. Just so you know, Kathy, I don’t trust you and will be on my guard whenever you are around.

Oh come on O’Grady wasn’t it you who said I was real easy on the eyes whenever I came over to go swimming?

I cannot tell a lie that was me and you certainly are very easy on the eyes, when you wear that white bikini especially when the pool is a little on the cold side.

You know Scott, you are still the same old smart ass you’ve always been just packaged better. You just remember that I made the effort to be friends.

What have you done now big brother?

I think that I’ve really pissed off your best friend again but she’ll get over it so don’t you start with the attitude, Mickey, please, Okay?

Do you know, Scott, that I spent a good hour talking to her and telling her what a great guy you’ve become since June?

Yes as a matter of fact I do. She told me after she apologized but Mickey we are still the same two people we were in June, me with my smart assed mouth and her thinking she’s a princess and everybody better know it. Before you come unglued I’ll do this for you whenever she is around, I’ll be nice and polite even if it kills me okay?

I can live with that big brother but please don’t make it too obvious.

Got you, I’ll throw a few barbs at her every once in awhile just to keep her on her toes.

No just be sort of nice. Oh your impossible, you’re lucky I still love you.

With that my sister turned and walked away to probably find Kathy and share stories on what a jerk I was, oh well. Back to my people watching.

Hey, Scott, what’s up you just going to stand there all day or are you going to come over and mingle with your buddies?

I can’t believe it. How did they get you to go to Mass, Danny, your family hog-tie you?

No man, it’s the new football coach, he wants the whole team going every Sunday and there will be no excuses accepted.

Wow that must be tough on the guys that like to party all Saturday night.

Not really they just go to the evening Mass, but they go Scott you can believe that.

How does the coach know if you do or don’t go, do you guys have to get a note from the Priest?

No something even better we are on the honor system.

Oh.

Hey Scotty how are you doing? Looks like you got a growing spurt over the summer, what’s that all about?

Well, Dave, I had one bitchen summer it couldn’t have gone any better if I had scripted it myself.

Oh yeah well what is this bull you’ve been laying on DJ about going with some famous model?

Damn it Danny I told you not to go and say anything about what I told you the other night.

Oh come on O’Grady what would a babe like M&M see in a dork like you?

You got me there Dave I don’t have a clue, but she is going to be out here next month why don’t you ask her for me?

Hey big brother we are ready to leave so let’s go.

Still taking orders from your little sister, big brother?

Do you really want to get on my bad side David Bailey?

Well I can’t really see that you have any side that looks bad Mickey but you’re right about one thing, I don’t want you carving me up with that sharp tongue of yours.

That got a smile out of Mickey, because I think that she sort of liked Dave.

"How about helping us out Miss O’Grady, we want you to tell us the truth about your brothers claim that he is dating M&M and that she