On Again...Off Again...Forever

By Sylvia England

An unpopular war raged in Vietnam and Barry McGuire's song "Eve of Destruction" remained relevant. The summer of '68 was riddled with violent civil rights demonstrations and antiwar protests. Amid the troubled times, another conflict brewed between two young people who struggled to beat the odds and save their love. Olivia Donotelo watched in alarm as the two-toned Plymouth pulled alongside the curb. Oh no! She wasn't ready to face him yet! Just home from a rejuvenating summer at the Jersey Shore, Olivia had mixed feelings about seeing Matthew again. Their ill-fated romance the year before had been doomed from the start, thanks to the devious actions of jealous friends and her strict Italian mother. Olivia had tried to cast him out of her heart, but memories of his strong arms and gentle kisses haunted her dreams. Matthew Langdon warily waited for Olivia to acknowledge him and hoped she would accept a ride home. Given their rocky relationship, he didn't know how receptive she would be. He hadn't kept his word about calling, but that didn't mean he hadn't thought about her-all summer long! Would she give him a chance to explain?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 19, 2018
• ISBN: 9781642985672

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On Again...Off Again...Forever

Sylvia England

Copyright © 2018 Sylvia England

All rights reserved

First Edition

Page Publishing, Inc

New York, NY

First originally published by Page Publishing, Inc 2018

ISBN 978-1-64298-568-9 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64298-567-2 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Disclaimer

On Again . . . Off Again . . . Forever is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, business establishments, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental or are intended to equip the fiction with a sense of authenticity and history.

Part 1

BEGINNINGS

Chapter 1

September 1967

Over there . . . to the left! shouted Lynne above the cafeteria din. I see Janice and Christine.

Olivia Donotelo followed her new friend through the throng of noisy teens, even though she hadn’t a clue who Janice or Christine were. They wove their way through the crowded cafeteria hall until Lynne stopped at a table near the front and greeted some girls. Olivia scanned the room for her two best friends, Renee and Debbie, but didn’t see either of them.

It figures, she thought. They’ll probably have lunch together again this year, and I’ll be stuck by myself! She looked around for other familiar faces, including George’s, but didn’t see any of her closer friends.

Lynne plopped at the table with her friends and motioned Olivia to sit down beside her. Self-consciously, she slid into the bench and settled next to Lynne. She didn’t know anyone else at the table and Lynne quickly made introductions. Olivia silently sat and munched on her sandwich as she listened to the boisterous chattering around her. By the time lunch was over, she decided that she liked Christine with her blond bob, but she wasn’t sure about the sassy-mouthed Janice. A couple of other girls who ate with them seemed nice enough, but one at the end of the table, Leslie appeared a little standoffish. The bell rang, signaling the end of the lunch period, and everyone moved at once toward the cafeteria doors.

*****

Matthew Langdon unwrapped his second peanut butter and jelly sandwich as Tom Baylor entertained the guys at his table with a funny incident that occurred in homeroom that morning. They all laughed and began recounting their own adventures on this first day of school. All the guys at the table were seniors, as well as varsity players on the Irvington High School football team. All were excited about the first football game against West Orange that Saturday, and as returning players, they anticipated a successful season. Frank Colabella was regaling them with a colorful account of sociology class with Mr. Hanson, and as he listened, Matthew browsed the lunch tables for familiar faces. He identified some girls from his neighborhood sitting at a table nearby and swept over their faces. He recognized all of them except for one—a dark-haired girl (who wasn’t saying very much) sitting next to Lynne. Matthew wondered if she was new to the school.

*****

During the first few weeks of school, Olivia got to know the girls at her lunch table—Fran, Christine and Leslie, in addition to Dana, Doreen, and Sandy—and began to really enjoy their company. She liked listening to their escapades and couldn’t help but laugh at Janice’s antics. Every Monday the table rehashed weekend activities, especially football games and parties, and made plans for future events. Olivia found herself wishing she could spend more than just lunch periods with these girls.

Lynne and Beth had offered to meet Olivia at football games, but so far she hadn’t made it to a single one. September was a busy month for her family, and there always was an event to attend. She had even celebrated her own sweet sixteen party with family and friends early in September, but now that October was here, she hoped she could persuade Debbie and Renee to go to a game with her.

Debbie and Renee were Olivia’s best friends since elementary school. The three of them remained close through their years at Myrtle Avenue Junior High and came to Irvington High together in tenth grade. Debbie wasn’t interested in sports or after-school clubs and Renee spent many weekends with her dad, so the three friends rarely attended extracurricular activities. Sophomore year had been disappointing and dull for Olivia, and she yearned for new high school adventures.

*****

The previous January, Olivia had decided to do something about the weight problem she had struggled with since fourth grade. With intense determination and her mom’s assistance, she went on a diet and coached herself with toning exercises. By May she had lost forty pounds and felt new confidence in herself. Her personality bloomed, and before the end of the school year, she had made several new friends, including Beth, whom she met in homeroom, and Lynne, who was one of Beth’s friends.

Summer came and Olivia left for the Jersey Shore to stay with her maternal grandparents. Within hours of arriving at their house in Seaside Heights, she became friends with other neighborhood teens and the fun began! She met a shy, cute boy named Mark from Philly, and they became the gang’s summer couple. Besides lazy beach days, there were boardwalk strolls hand in hand and gentle kisses on a moonlit beach.

The horror of racial riots in Newark and other US cities that summer was distant and unreal as Olivia, Mark, and their friends swam and lounged on the Seaside beach, transistor radios booming the Doors’ Light My Fire and the Beatles’ With a Little Help from My Friends. Hot beach days gave way to cooler evenings hanging around at the neighborhood playground or on the Casino Pier, listening to thunderous music near the Swiss Bob. The summer of ’67 slipped away and the last week of August Olivia sadly said goodbye to Mark and her other summer friends.

As soon as she arrived home that night, Olivia called her cousin (on her father’s side) and best friend, Maria, who lived a few miles away in West Orange. The two were exactly the same age, having been born days apart, and normally saw each other once a week at Sunday afternoon dinners at their grandparents’ house. There was usually a huge pot of fresh gravy poured over a large bowl of macaroni, followed by a heaping dish of meatballs, sausage, and other gravy meat, accompanied by a salad tossed with oil and vinegar. While the adults noisily chatted (or argued) about their weekly events and news from Italy, Maria and Olivia exchanged school gossip and shared secrets. Both felt they knew each other’s friends, even though they had never met some of them, through the stories and adventures relayed. And both always knew the other’s romantic interest of the time.

Some summers Maria’s mom (Olivia’s aunt and godmother) rented a bungalow in Seaside for a week, and the cousins got to hang together on the beach and boardwalk, but that summer Aunt Anna couldn’t swing it financially. The two usually spoke on the phone a couple times a week, but since long-distance calls from Seaside were expensive, Olivia and Maria hadn’t seen or spoken to each other in weeks. They had written a few letters to each other, but there was so much to catch up on that the two spoke on the phone for two hours the night Olivia returned from the shore, and both of them looked forward to getting together the upcoming weekend.

Hanging outside her neighbor’s house in Irvington a few nights later, Olivia met George. Although she detected an air of arrogance, she was flattered by his interest and drawn to his fair Polish good looks. George made her feel desirable but a little uncomfortable every time he gazed at her suggestively with his piercing blue eyes. When she acted skittish with his sensuality, he laughed at her innocence, but was drawn to her dark Mediterranean beauty and continued to pursue her. Soon they were taking quiet walks in the park and sharing heated French kisses. George’s aggressive caresses were a far cry from Mark’s shy, gentle ones, but Olivia grew adept at parrying his advances when she felt he was going too far. Sometimes she became angry with his male egotism. It was obvious that he appreciated her curvy figure by the way he looked at her, but he teased her about her thighs and hips, of which Olivia was already sensitive.

Although they were the same age, George was a year behind Olivia in school, having immigrated from Poland with his family only a few years earlier. Because most of his close friends were a year ahead, George felt he was treated second rate in school, especially when it came to sports. He was an outstanding athlete, which his lean, muscled body affirmed, and wanted to be treated on an equal level as his junior friends. Unfortunately, school personnel and policies prevented that, and as a result, George carried a chip on his shoulder. Once school started, Olivia noticed an increased air of superiority and resentment, often finding fault with his best friends, who were eligible to play on varsity teams. He thought fun-filled activities like dances and parties were silly, so she had to beg him to come to the sweet sixteen party her parents threw her on the second Saturday in September. She was happy when he came with his friends, Karl and Steve, but was somewhat embarrassed in front of family by his surly attitude.

George lived on the other side of town and didn’t have a driver’s license, so it was difficult to get together, especially once school started. He and Karl rode their bikes over a couple of weekends, and George and Olivia would manage to steal away to the park or a dark driveway to make out. Even though they both attended the same school, the two rarely saw each other, and when they did, it was a quick hello between classes. By the end of September, the romance began to fizzle out.

In October, weekends became dull. It had been a spectacular few months but now Olivia was disappointed with the way junior year was going. She was determined to get involved in extracurricular activities—with or without Debbie or Renee.

The Girl Reserves was a worthy service organization that ran both community and social events. Olivia talked Renee into signing up with her, and when Lynne and Beth suggested she join the French Club with them, Olivia gladly agreed. On the first Saturday in November, when she couldn’t persuade Debbie to go to a football game with her, Olivia brought her younger sister Concetta and met her new friends in the bleachers to cheer the Campers on to win against Kearny 14–7!

The following Monday, Matthew and his teammates joyously rehashed the key plays that led to their resounding victory on Saturday. Fred had just recounted Matthew’s submarine move that prevented a touchdown, and the rest of the guys applauded his achievement. The players laughed and congratulated each other on more big plays. Halfway through lunch, Matthew glanced toward the girls’ table. Over the past week he had noticed the new girl interacting with the others more often, and now he caught her laughing at something Lynne said. He made up his mind to ask Lynne or Chrissy about her the next chance he got and looked for an opportunity to meet her. Matthew thought the girl had a beautiful smile.

Chapter 2

Olivia was appalled the first time she encountered Matthew. It was toward the end of lunch period one day when this big dope dove onto their lunch table and pretended he was swimming! She watched in horror as he made a spectacle of himself.

Who was that jerky guy? she asked Lynne as they left the lunchroom.

Which guy?

"The one who was just swimming on our lunch table!"

You mean Matthew? Oh, Matthew’s all right. He’s a big teddy bear!

Olivia raised her eyebrows doubtfully in response.

The next day the same big jerk danced over to the table, rolling his hands and singing Heard It Through the Grapevine. His horn-rimmed glasses sat crookedly on his freckled nose as he imitated the familiar Motown moves, and Olivia rolled her eyes in disgust at his antics. She thought he dressed as dorky as he acted. Didn’t anyone ever tell him that you didn’t wear white socks with black pants?

*****

Matthew came over to their lunch table for a few minutes almost every day that week. Olivia realized that he was one of the football players who sat across the aisle and that he knew all the girls at her table. They all thought he was funny! One day he singled her out and asked which grammar school she had attended. When she informed him it was Augusta Street, he pointed out that his cousins lived near that school. Olivia glared at him and shrugged. Who cared?

After trying hard to get to know her, Matthew wondered why he wasn’t getting anywhere with Olivia. She didn’t laugh at his jokes like the other girls, and when he attempted to talk to her, she gave him the cold shoulder. Yesterday he sat directly across from her and asked if she came to the football games. She considered him for a moment and then responded almost regretfully, Only one. I hope I’ll get to a couple more. It was then that he noticed her extraordinary eyes—a mixture of pale green and brown, flecked with orange, and they seemed to change with her mood.

On the following Saturday Irvington lost to Montclair 21–0, and understandably the mood at Matthew’s table on Monday was somber. He wasn’t in the mood for wise-cracking but looked around for something to take his mind off the game. He spotted Lynne leaving her table and saw a chance to sit next to Olivia. He quickly slid into Lynne’s empty seat.

Olivia was vaguely aware that Matthew had slipped into the place beside her but was listening to Dana vent about a comment Mr. Loria, her business teacher, made, so Olivia didn’t acknowledge his presence. Suddenly she felt him lean over and whisper near her ear, Hey, Pretty Eyes, how’re you doin’ today? Olivia’s back stiffened as she slowly glanced over her shoulder into teasing blue-gray eyes. Was he talking to her?

Matthew saw the confusion in her eyes as he waited for a response. Finally she answered uncertainly, Fine. How are you?

He shrugged. I could be better.

Olivia felt a twinge in her heart. Yeah, sorry about the game.

Were you there?

No, but I heard about it. Her eyes darkened with compassion.

Hmmm. Then he brightened and said, Ahhh, we’ll come back next week!

Olivia was relieved to see him lighten up and smiled back. Yes, I’m sure you will. She was having trouble reacting to this different, subdued Matthew and couldn’t think what else to say to him. She reached out with the only other thing she knew about him. Did you go down the shore?

Now it was Matthew’s turn to be surprised. How did you know?

She smiled with understanding. Everything feels better at the beach.

Lynne came back just then, and Matthew returned to his table. Olivia caught his eye again from across the aisle and he grinned and winked. She couldn’t help but smile back.

Over the next few days, Matthew felt her warming up to him. He realized that she wasn’t keen on slapstick, so he eased up on the silliness. He contrived to walk out of the lunchroom with her a couple of times and discovered where her locker was located (on the first floor near homeroom 119). He learned that her grandparents lived in Seaside, that she spent most of her summers there, that she lived near Irvington Park, and that she hated science class. When he asked why he never saw her hanging around after school, she explained that she went right home most days to be with her younger sister.

*****

Olivia was indeed warming up to Matthew. She began to look forward to seeing him at lunch and smiled (not laughed!) at his humor. She learned that he had two brothers (whose names also began with M), that his dad was the police officer who directed traffic and crossed her every morning, and that he hoped to play football in college. She wished that she could go to Seton Hall on Saturday to support him and the team, but she had no way of getting there.

Matthew predicted correctly and the Campers redeemed themselves with a resounding victory—28–0! He made a point of meeting Olivia at her locker Monday morning, and when she saw him waiting for her, she broke into a warm smile.

Morning! he exclaimed jovially.

Good morning to you! I hear congratulations are in order.

He beamed. Told ya we’d come back!

She flashed a pert smile and shrugged. I never doubted it.

He laughed at her coyness and almost reached out to hug her, but he held back and tapped her nose instead. He gazed into those extraordinary eyes and gently whispered, I’m glad you believed in me, Pretty Eyes.

Olivia’s heart lurched. Oh my God! she thought. Lynne’s right—he is a big teddy bear, and I’m starting to fall for him!"

*****

Matthew waited to walk out of lunch with her almost every day that week. He teased her about science class and they shared geometry stories about Mr. Merillo. They talked a little football and she promised she’d make it to the upcoming Thanksgiving game. On Wednesday morning before Thanksgiving, he waited at her locker to hold her to her promise.

Olivia hustled to help her parents prepare for Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday night so she could spend Thursday morning at the game. She hurriedly walked to school with her brother and sister and met Lynne, Beth, and some of the other girls in the bleachers. Once she was settled, she searched for Matthew on the sideline, but she didn’t even know what number he wore! She was hesitant to ask the girls for fear of being teased. She wasn’t even sure that she liked him or not! He told her that he was a lineman and played right tackle, whatever that meant! Olivia finally picked him out (number 74) and for the first time recognized some of the other guys who sat with Matthew at lunch. Her family had never been big sports fans, so Olivia didn’t know much about football, but she thought it was exciting to watch the game and know some of the players!

At halftime, she took a walk to the snack bar with Lynne and Dana. As she waited nearby for them to buy some drinks, she felt someone take her elbow firmly. She whirled around and found herself looking into George’s blue-eyed glare. Hi, she said with surprise.

Shrugging his shoulders, he demanded, What are you doing here?

Olivia felt herself stiffen. I’m here to watch the game, she answered tartly.

I thought you didn’t like football, he countered suspiciously.

Olivia made a quizzical face. Why did she always have to explain herself to him? She finally responded, I never said that. I just never had anyone to come to the games with.

He pursed his lips and demanded, And who did you come with today?

What was he implying? And why did he care? I came with my brother and sister and met some friends here. She paused and then challenged him, "Why didn’t you join the team like you said you would?"

He sneered, I want to play varsity football, not JV.

Olivia sighed in exasperation at his arrogance and almost rolled her eyes. Fortunately, the teams were returning to the field and she saw Lynne and Dana waiting and watching the exchange curiously. I have to go, she said shortly. I’ll see ya. She turned her back on him and walked away.

"Who was that?" Dana emphatically asked.

Olivia shrugged and answered disdainfully, Someone I liked over the summer."

"He’s so cute!" Dana insisted.

Olivia mumbled back, Yeah, I know. And very conceited! How dare he interrogate her like that when he’d barely spoken to her these past few weeks!

The second half of the game was more fun for Olivia than the first. There was extra singing and cheering in the stands since the Campers were winning so overwhelmingly and also because it was the final game of the season. She thought she saw Matthew peering into the stands toward the end of the game. Was he looking for her?

The Campers won 28–0 and everyone was jubilant! Olivia wished she could stay for the victory celebration, but she had promised her mother she’d be home before one to help with dinner preparations, and it was nearly one! She hurriedly said her goodbyes and ran most of the way home with her siblings. Her parents were putting the finishing touches on the second tray of lasagne when she got there, so she quickly began to arrange the antipasto trays. As Olivia rolled the prosciutto and soppressata, the turkey came out of the oven, and the lasagne went in. The three of them worked cooperatively to finish the preparations before her grandparents arrived. The rest of the day was spent with the Gaetano side of the family and all savored the traditional seven-course Italian American feast.

*****

Although she enjoyed the four-day break, Olivia was anxious to see Matthew on Monday. She called Debbie Sunday night and requested that they meet ten minutes earlier on Monday morning for their walk to school. Olivia had a feeling that Matthew might wait at her locker for her and she wanted to be able to spend some time with him. Debbie was not very receptive to the idea but said she’d try to be ready. She couldn’t have tried very hard, because she arrived at the corner five minutes later than usual! Olivia was fuming when she finally showed up and the two grade-school friends exchanged angry words. They paced the eight blocks to school in stony silence.

They entered the building just as the first bell was blaring, and Olivia hurriedly stopped at her locker to pick up her morning supplies. When she slid into her desk in homeroom, Beth smiled a hello and informed her that Matthew was looking for her. Olivia’s heart fell with disappointment and then hardened against Debbie.

The morning seemed to drag because Olivia was so anxious for lunch period. When she finally entered the cafeteria, her eyes immediately veered toward Matthew’s table and sought him out. He was not there. She greeted her new friends, sat down in her usual spot at the table, and discreetly kept her eye out for him. When he finally showed up, he immediately sat and began eating. He didn’t look her way or come to the table for a visit. Besides feeling disappointed, she was confused.

Matthew was aware of her as soon as he sat down. He focused on the discussion at his table and intentionally didn’t look her way. Hadn’t he already embarrassed himself today by waiting at her locker? He wasn’t sure he was getting the right vibes. Maybe she was avoiding him.

She waited for him that day so they could walk out together. Hi, she said. Sorry I missed you this morning.

Matthew glanced down at her and shrugged. Didn’t think you were coming.

I got off to a late start this morning, Olivia answered apologetically. She paused and then added, Nice game Thursday.

He smiled. Thanks.

She suspected something was wrong and groped for something else to say. I kept my promise, ya know.

He raised his eyebrows. How come you didn’t stay for the victory celebration?

She smiled wistfully. I really wanted to, but I promised my mom I’d get home early to help with dinner.

Oh . . . So you were really there?

Yes! It was fantastic! You guys played great!

He seemed to brighten. Thanks. We’re all kind of bummed that the season is over.

She could only nod with understanding before she said goodbye.

*****

Two significant things happened after school that day: First, George showed up at her locker in a light-hearted, cordial mood and walked her outside. Second, Olivia informed Debbie on the way home that she was leaving for school every day by eight—ten minutes earlier than usual—even if she had to walk alone.

Chapter 3

The next few weeks brought many changes in Olivia’s life. She started walking to school herself and arrived early enough to chat and socialize before classes began. Matthew met her at her locker often and sometimes they strolled through the halls together. When he started to visit their lunch table almost every day, Lynne conveniently switched seats with Olivia so Matthew would be able to sit next to her. She felt dainty and petite sitting next to his burly form and tingled whenever he whispered something private into her ear.

Olivia began to stay after school to watch a basketball game or wrestling match and was thrilled one afternoon when Matthew walked her home. There were also Girl Reserve meetings and fund-raisers to attend after school, and since Debbie had no interest in these activities, Olivia usually walked home alone. The two old friends rarely saw or spent time together and grew farther and farther apart.

*****

Christmas was already approaching and a holiday mixer was scheduled for the second Saturday in December. Matthew mentioned he’d meet her there, but when Olivia told her parents that she planned to go to a dance that Saturday, her mom reacted with suspicion and anger. She had noticed changes in her daughter’s behavior the past weeks and she hadn’t met her new friends, who all lived in another part of town. She was also upset that Olivia’s friendship with Debbie was disintegrating. Mrs. Donotelo did not want her going to the dance unless Debbie or Renee went too.

Olivia spent Friday night pleading with her mother and cried herself to sleep. In the morning, her mom was ominously quiet and Olivia was afraid to broach the subject. When Lynne called to make plans, Olivia choked back her tears and was embarrassed to admit that she probably wouldn’t be going with her and the others. While Olivia did her usual Saturday chores, the silence continued and the afternoon wore on.

Thank goodness for her dad. He saw his daughter’s disappointment and convinced his wife that Olivia should go to the dance—he would drive her there and back again. With joyous relief, Olivia called Lynne to tell her the good news. Because she felt awkward going to the dance herself, Olivia arranged for her dad to pick up and drive Lynne too, so they would arrive together.

She washed and curled her hair and chose a favorite green-and-yellow-striped dress to wear. For the finishing touches, she selected some simple gold jewelry and tied a green ribbon in her hair, which Olivia thought brought the green out in her eyes.

The dance began at eight and ended at twelve. Lynne was waiting outside her house when they drove up, and Mr. Donotelo dropped them off in front of the school a few minutes past eight. He told Olivia he would pick them up promptly at twelve.

When they entered the gym, they were met by Dana, Beth, and Leslie. The lights were bright and a live band was playing a Rascals song. The place wasn’t very crowded, but gradually more kids showed up. The girls danced to a couple of fast songs but mostly hung around and talked with other friends, both girls and boys. Some of the other girls eventually came too—Doreen, Sandy, and Fran.

Matthew didn’t get there until almost nine thirty, and when he did, he headed purposefully for Olivia. She raised her eyebrows when she saw him coming toward her, looking attractive in a button-down oxford shirt, dark chinos, and his varsity jacket. When he reached her, he gently put his arm around her waist and drew her near. I waited for my dad to get home so I could use the car, he explained. He wasn’t supposed to be this late.

She smiled up at him. Ohhh, I didn’t think you were coming.

He squeezed her waist and murmured close to her ear, I told you I’d be here.

They hung around and laughed and talked with the others for a while, and when the lights dimmed, some kids began to dance, even though the music wasn’t very good. Matthew and Olivia attempted to dance to a poor rendition of a Temptations song but gave up halfway through. They stood in a corner for a while with others and joked around, and when the band broke into a version of If I Fell, Matthew took Olivia’s hand and drew her onto the dance floor. He pulled her close and they began to sway with the music.

Olivia really believed she was dancing with a teddy bear! She felt warm and safe in his strong arms and was a little surprised that he was such a smooth dancer.

Matthew reveled in her nearness and inhaled the sweet fragrance that was hers. She was different from most of the other girls he knew, with their heavy perfume and sassy comments. The only reason he came tonight was so he could spend some quality time with her. Whispering in her ear, he asked, Want to leave and get something to eat?

She stiffened. I can’t, she choked out. My dad is picking me up at twelve.

Disappointment washed over him. He had purposely waited for the car so he could drive her home. Can you call? he asked hopefully.

Olivia hesitated and wondered if she should even try. She was lucky to be here at all! He was holding her tightly and they were still swaying to the music when she looked up into his eyes and smiled crookedly. I’ll try.

Matthew walked her into the hallway and waited while she called home. Her dad answered and she asked if she could go out with the gang to get something to eat, explained that she could get another ride home, but after a brief discussion with her mother, the answer was no.

He knew the answer before she told him—he could tell by the expression on her face. They walked back into the gym and he took her into his arms for another slow dance. Neither of them spoke, but after a few minutes, he coaxed huskily, Come for a drive with me? I’ll get you back by twelve. I promise.

Olivia’s heart fluttered. She wanted to be alone with him as much as he wanted to be alone with her. Looking into his eyes, she nodded and breathed softly, Yes.

They found Lynne, and Olivia told her she was leaving with Matthew and to meet her at twelve in front of the school if she still needed a ride home. Then, with Matthew’s hand firmly holding hers, they left the building and headed for the parking lot. Matthew led her to his car and watched as she slid into the passenger seat, but once he was behind the wheel, she smiled and slid over closer to him. When he started the car, the radio exploded with a Janis Joplin song! She jumped and quickly reached over to lower the volume, then peered up at him and giggled. That was it! He couldn’t resist. Leaning over, he gently touched his lips to hers.

When he pulled away, she opened her eyes and smiled, and those multicolored orbs drew him back for a second, more urgent kiss. She lightly placed one hand on his shoulder to draw him closer and pressed her lips to his with the same urgency. Finally parting, each gazed into the other’s eyes in surprise, both startled with the sensations stirring within. Matthew blew out a breath and took a firmer hold on the steering wheel as he finally backed out of the parking space and drove out of the school lot. Olivia smiled and cuddled up to his muscled form.

Matthew drove aimlessly through town with Olivia snuggled beside him, and both were content with the other’s nearness and companionship. They listened to Little Anthony and the Dave Clark Five and sang along to the Rolling Stones. Matthew drove with his arm around her, snatching a couple of quick kisses when a light turned red. Both kept track of the time and Matthew made sure they were back at the school by eleven forty-five. Most of the kids had left by then, including Lynne and the other girls, so Matthew waited at the door with Olivia, both careful not to stand too close.

Matthew was disappointed that he couldn’t spend more time with her, but Olivia was embarrassed and angry. When her dad pulled up, she opened the passenger door and peered in to explain that Lynne had gone out to eat with some other friends. Then Olivia motioned Matthew over and introduced him. Mr. Donotelo nodded, said hello, and waited for her to get into the car. Olivia turned to Matthew, smiled sadly, and thanked him for waiting with her. She slid into the seat and he closed the door for her, and with a final nod, her dad drove out of the parking lot. Matthew watched sullenly as they made the turn onto Clinton Avenue, considered driving to the diner to join some of the others, but decided against it and went home.

*****

As they were walking home from church the next morning, Olivia and Concetta were offered a ride from Concetta’s best friend, Jennifer, and her big brother, Glen. Even though they were both juniors in high school, Olivia and Glen hardly knew each other, since Glen attended Seton Hall Prep and not Irvington High. The two had spoken a few times about high school events when one or the other had accompanied a younger sister to one of their homes or to Irvington Park. Now, on the way home from church, Olivia congratulated Glen on his new driver’s license and car. Each conveyed an impatience for Christmas vacation and a break from schoolwork.

When they arrived home and Olivia thanked him for the ride, Glen hinted, Maybe I’ll see ya over the holidays?

Olivia turned back and nodded. Yeah, probably. She waited for Concetta to slide out of the back seat and then waved goodbye. For the rest of the day Olivia’s mother carried on about how nice it was of Glen to give them a ride home!

Chapter 4

The week before Christmas was jammed with tests, wrestling matches, and basketball games. Olivia stayed after school for a wrestling match and was surprised when George showed up and came to sit with her on the bleachers. Ever the expert, he pointed out good and bad moves on the mats. Olivia felt uncomfortable with his presence, especially since Matthew sat two rows below her with the team. Thank goodness he didn’t have a match that day. She couldn’t have handled George critiquing his every move!

Two nights later, at a basketball game, Olivia was sitting on the bleachers between Lynne and Matthew, when George arrived with his friends. She watched them make their way over to the Irvington side, searching for available seats. Olivia knew exactly when he spotted her—and Matthew. She watched his piercing blue eyes glide from her to Matthew and back to her. He threw her a knowing smirk and then followed Karl up into the bleachers. Lynne nudged Olivia with an elbow, not missing the exchange, and Olivia wondered whether Matthew had noticed it too, and if he recognized George from Wednesday’s wrestling match.

After the game, a bunch of them hung outside the gym deciding on a diner. Matthew was standing by Olivia when she saw George pass in front of her. She caught his eye briefly, but he quickly turned away and her heart hurt a little. She couldn’t help it; she still had feelings for him.

The group of them, including Matthew and a couple of his friends, finally decided on a nearby diner. About twelve of them noisily strode toward Don’s, three blocks away. Although Matthew walked nearby, Olivia was disappointed that he didn’t walk with her or take her hand. Afterward, however, he insisted on walking her home. He grabbed for her hand almost immediately, and because it was such a cold night, eventually wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. When they got to her house, he gave her a quick kiss good night and left to hike the long walk home alone in the biting cold.

Talk at the girls’ lunch table the week before Christmas was about Beau Night, the semiformal dance coming up in early February. Beau Night was hosted by the Girl Reserves (an all-girl organization) and modeled after the Sadie Hawkins tradition of girls inviting boys for a date or night out. The girls chattered about date possibilities and the night’s theme A Cup of Oriental Love. By this time, it was obvious to almost everyone that Matthew and Olivia liked each other and were kind of going out. During lunchtime on the last day before Christmas break, Christine asked Olivia directly if she planned on asking Matthew to the dance. I think so, she answered.

Actually, Olivia had given much thought to the subject. She enjoyed being with Matthew. Besides making her laugh, he made her feel soft and feminine with his gentleness and compliments, and when he held her, she felt warm and safe in his arms. Olivia found herself comparing Matthew’s thoughtfulness to George’s domineering manner. Even if she considered the possibility of asking George to Beau Night, she knew he would scoff at the idea and put down the whole event. She couldn’t understand how she could be attracted to both of them! They were as different as night and day!

*****

Holidays with Olivia’s family were always loud, joyous affairs, and that Christmas was no exception. There were large family gatherings where everyone enjoyed sumptuous Italian feasts, starting on Christmas Eve with the traditional Seven Fishes, and followed by midnight mass. After mass, oftentimes the family, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins played penny poker until the wee hours of the morning as they munched on homemade cookies, tartalles, and struffoli. Olivia’s family always opened gifts on Christmas morning, followed by preparations for another five-course dinner. There was often bickering around her grandmother’s table as the women disagreed about the right way to seal the homemade ravioli or how much escarole to put in the soup, but it always ended with a delicious meal. Christmas Day festivities usually went well into the evening, and when they were over, all were exhausted from two days of celebrating and eating.

On the day after Christmas Olivia and Debbie got together for a while to exchange their own gifts—a mod-style corduroy hat for Debbie and two new 45s for Olivia, Hello Goodbye by the Beatles and the Monkees’ Daydream Believer. Olivia still valued Debbie’s friendship but found that they had fewer and fewer common interests. When Debbie teased her about Paul McCartney’s new engagement to Jane Asher, it reminded Olivia of their zealous Beatlemania years in junior high, but Olivia had moved on; she wanted more than sitting around listening to records and poring over teen magazines. Debbie had no interest in extracurricular school events or Beau Night (she didn’t even know Matthew), and those were the subjects Olivia most wanted to talk about.

*****

On Wednesday afternoon, December 27, Olivia met Lynne and a couple of the other girls at school for an afternoon basketball game. Matthew saw the girls arrive but stayed where he was until the end of the first half. During intermission, he strolled over to chat and wound up sitting next to Olivia through the third quarter, but then returned to sit with the guys. At the end of the game, he hustled to catch up with her and offered her a ride home. Olivia’s heart lurched. It would be a good time to ask him to Beau Night!

On the way to her house, he mentioned that he planned on driving up to Nutley that evening for the Christmas wrestling tournament and asked if she wanted to go too.

I’d like that, she answered.

He smiled down at her and exclaimed, Great! I’ll pick you up at seven.

When he pulled in front of her house to let her off, Olivia turned to him a little nervously. I have something to ask you, she said.

Matthew’s eyebrows raised and he sent her a