The Look Of Love

Chapter 46: Fresh Hell

The first Monday of 1985 brought frustration. The frustration began when Mary drove into the school parking lot, and parked her Jeep. As she walked to join her friends, she saw various students murmuring in hushed tones. She could tell they were talking about her. A girl from Civinette's Club, Vicki Adams, hurried over to her. 

"Hi Mary! Is it true you got engaged to Bobby Brown, over Christmas break?" she asked in a sugary voice. It's one of those voices that grates on your nerves, because you know the only thing they really want is dirt, scandal, and gossip.

Thinking this question to be quite nosy, Mary responded with caution. "Where did you hear that from?"

Vicki's gossipy lips answered, "From our club VP, Missy of course. She heard it from Terri, who heard from her Little Sister Kayleigh. Kayleigh heard it from your Little Sister Molly, who was told by Bobby's real sister Sam."

Ah-ha! The truth came out from a meddlesome Samantha Brown. What a mess! This is not how they wanted their news to be broadcasted. They both preferred their engagement to fly under the radar, until it couldn't any longer. Then, united, they would announce it together. 

So much for flying under the radar. Mary gathered her wits about her and proudly proclaimed, "Yes. We're engaged. My ring is being resized. That's why I'm not wearing it." She could see the wheels spinning in Vicki's brain. She decided to share just a little bit more. "He'll  pick it up from Tiffany's soon." Every girl would wonder where it came from. They would think it's some cheap ring, since Bobby's still in high school. Nope! It's not. It's the real deal.

Vicki's face looked like she'd been sprayed by a skunk. "Oh wow! So it is true. That's... that's... great Mary. Congratulations!" Vicki walked away, to go tell her friend group no doubt. Word of confirmation would soon spread like wildfire.

Mary turned around and spotted the boy's bikes. She headed in their direction. When she approached she saw apprehensive expressions and body language. It's clear to her they are nervous for how they'll be received by their peers, after having been badly beaten in the tournament. This is one of those rare defining moments in life, significant and powerful. 

She rushed over and gave each one a hug. Bobby's lasted longer, for obvious reasons. She handed her guy a sausage and biscuit. He handed her a cup of peppermint tea. After their exchange of goods, they exchanged a short kiss. "Hi guys! How are you this Monday?"

Mary received shrugged shoulders as a response, except for Dutch. He bluntly said, "We're nervous as crap. By now everyone knows we lost, like losers."

Yes, she already knew they felt like this. She ping ponged her eyes from her girlfriends to her guys. Then she spoke. "Well, if your path demands you walk through Hell, then walk like you own the place." She saw Johnny's eyes brighten and Tommy's expression turn to pure gold. Speaking again she stated, "It's alright if some people don't like you. Not everyone has good taste."

By then, Tommy's truth with humor wanted to come out to play. He told his Cobra's, "I'd take a nerf bullet for all of you guys!" 

Gwen decided to speak truth too. She looked around at the boys. "I'd fight a bear for all of you. No, not a grizzly bear. Or a polar bear. Not even a panda bear. More like a koala bear or a Teddy Ruxpin. Or a Care Bear? I'd fight one of those for you any day of the week." Jimmy gave her a look like a person seeing a toilet backed up and overflowing... disgusted.

"I believe in all of you," Ash began. She grabbed Dutch's hand, and finished her statement. "I also believe in Bigfoot, and the Loch Ness Monster, so don't get too excited."