Youth's Mist

Youth's Mist Ch 11

Joven

MYSTERY GIRL DATE TIME! Wednesday evening has finally arrived, my nerves are about shot. Having only changed my clothing selection twice, I'm clean shaven with no nicks on my face, and brushed and flossed teeth. Maybe I'll get a kiss? A guy can hope. I'm ready and heading towards the Central Control Room. Having had lunch with my parents and borrowing their blue blanket that I use to lay on my bed when I was a kid; I'm so ready to rock this date!

BUZZ! BUZZ!

"Good luck tonight, son," text message from dad, which means mom's text, will be coming any moment.

BUZZ! BUZZ! And there it is, my parents are adorable and so predictable.

"Be sure you brush your teeth, dear, and have a nice night. Love, Mom".

"Thank you." I reply with a group message to them both.

That reminds me of something I need to do, and I turn my cell phone off for the night. When you're on a date, texting or talking is definitely a big No-No. I'm sure I'll make plenty of mistakes, but I can take care of one distraction.

It was a busy and productive day at work, so, thankfully time had flown by. It only felt slow when Susan would pop her head in my office, to remind me of the time and give her hourly countdown. But even she had mercy on my nerves today, and didn't play with any office supplies. Summer Solstice is only one week away, so there are multiple things to review and discuss with fellow council members. My mind is running in circles with all that needs to be accomplished in the next week that I enter the Central Control Room distracted. I'm greeted by Patsy and Dorthy, both smiling.

"We promised your mom we wouldn't let you go, unless you passed inspection," Patsy states and then begins looking me over to inspect my clothing for stains, wrinkles or any hidden contraband. Like I would have the audacity to sneak anything into or out of UpAbove. Okay, maybe I have, but I'm not about to confess to it now. I feel a bump on my shoulders, as Dorthy circles around behind my back.

"Okay, Patsy, you can text his mom and tell her that he passes inspection," Dorthy announces.

"You ladies do realize this is not my first date, right?" I pause for effect. "I'm a big boy now," and then stick my tongue out at both of them, as I move to the storage room to get my Dewbie Elixir.

There are actually three couples that share the responsibility of monitoring the screens. They work shifts among themselves, and it's a system that needs no help. In Dewstone, jobs are listed and then filled. If a Dewbie wants a different job, then they fill out an application and wait for an opening. It allows for a lot of diversity and pride in their work.

"Yep, Dorthy, you're right, he passes with flying colors. Do you think maybe he looks this good for us? Are you trying to make our husbands jealous?" They've both been happily married to their husbands for over 30 years, but their teasing helps relax me.

"Have your fun, ladies, and I'm betting your husbands will be here soon to watch the 'show' with you I assume? Just make sure you remember to check all the other monitors and not just the one showing my manly attributes. Maybe I can teach both of your husbands how it's really supposed to be done?"

I laugh.

Having my Elixir and blanket and confirming my exit route, I enter the tunnel maze. Upon reaching the top, I stand waiting for the green light; I emerge from the west side exit by an old sycamore tree. I rub my hands along the carved initials "PLC".

A touching memory from long ago, watching Pann and her dad carve those letters into the wood, comes to my remembrance. Then years later, my heart was so sad the day she came to the fountain crying, and I knew something tragic had happened. She'd had tears streaming down her face and falling into the fountain, as if her whole world had turned upside down. The urge to run to her was so strong. I just wanted to hold her and help ease her pain. I had swiped away at my own tears, trying to hide them from my friends. It wasn't my normal time to look at the monitors, but dad had sent me there on an errand, and when I looked up, there she was. I think she was around 20 years old and still toting her community college books down to the park to study. No more visits followed with her and her parents, and my fears were confirmed, they had passed away unexpectedly. I've looked at those carved "PLC" initials for years, but this time I touch them reverently for good luck.