After placing the rose in a vase, I placed it back on my nightstand; admiring it.
I wasn't quite sure how or why it was here, but I was too beat to wonder. I sat on the edge of my bed and fluffed my pillow before laying down and drifting into a soft, deep sleep.
March 4th, 1942 early that morning
I woke up to the sound of a tapping at my window. I smoothed my gown and hair out and looked to see Don's car sitting in my driveway with his friends inside, and he was sitting on the hood.
I didn't know what time it was, but it had to be late considering it was still dark out.
I quietly cracked open the window and whispered, "What in the hell are you doin' here?!"
"Figured seein' you once tonight wasn't enough," Don smirked, "Wanna go for a ride?"
I looked from him to my bedroom questioning whether to stay or go. My mother didn't catch me the first time, how could she the second? "Let me get dressed." I flipped around, moving out of the window frame.
I pulled off my night gown and put on a button up jean dress that reached to my knees, then slipped on a pair of Mary Jane's. I looked in my mirror. My hair was still slightly curled from earlier, but had flattened out for the most part. It wasn't a bother though. I skipped towards the window and quietly yelled, "I'm ready!"
I stuck one foot out the window, stepping onto the ledge, then the other foot. Once I was out of the window, I scooted down the roof top and hopped off, then smoothed my hair and clothes out again.
I smiled up at Don, "Ready to go?"
"Sure am." I said looking at his friends in the car.
"Out the car, boys." Don hit the hood of the car.
"What? We can't catch some of the action?" Nelson winked.
"Out." Don pointed towards the road.
Out of the blue, Harry hopped out the car and slammed the door before lighting a cigarette.
"Hey easy, this baby didn't soup itself up!" Don yelled at Harry.
"Hey, Harry." I gave him a small wave.
"Hey." He dully said, not even looking towards me. "C'mon let's get outta' here guys." He took another puff of his cigarette before walking down the street as the other boys followed.
"What was his problem?" I frowned at Don who was running his fingers through his hair.
"Hell if I know. Let's go." He walked to the other side of the car and held the door open for me.
I sat inside and Don closed the door, then he hopped into the driver's seat.
I looked up at my house as a light turned on. Shit. My mother was awake.
"Quick, get out of here! If Mama see's me out with a boy at this hour I'm dead!"
Don flashed out of the driveway and down the road.
Half way down the street we came across Nelson, Reese, and Will who were making all kinds of provocative noises at us as we passed. I laughed and looked at Harry who was just staring at me with a look a can't put my finger on.
I frowned again.
"What's the matter?" Don asked, speeding up. I watched Harry's reflection fade in the mirror.
"Nothin'." I looked back in the mirror to see Harry was gone.
About ten minutes passed and we were in the middle of nowhere. Multiple thoughts and feelings flashed through my head but I ignored them all.
"I'm glad I got to see you again." Don smiled and placed his hand on my leg.
"I'm glad I got to see you too." My heart was racing.
Don leaned in and placed his fingers under my chin, turning me towards him. We stared for a few short moments when finally Don's lips brushed softly against mine. I turned in my seat to face him completely, my hands clinged to his face, pulling him closer. With every second, each kiss got sweeter. I started to laugh in the middle of the kiss because I was just so happy.
"What?" Don smiled in the kiss.
"I'm just happy, that's all." I pulled away and looked him in his golden brown eyes.
"That's good." He said before pulling me back down for another kiss.
~
I woke up pressed against Don's chest. The birds were chirping and the sun was out.
I yawned and sat up, stretching my arms out. "Don?" I shook him.
"Yeah?" He grunted as he sat up, wiping his eyes.
"What time is it?"
Don looked down at his watch. "Seven forty-five on the dot."
"I'm suppose to be at school in fifteen minutes!" I shrieked.
"No worries, I'll drive you."
"I can't go in there lookin' like this! Look at my hair, I have no make up on, I slept in these clothes-"
"You look fine." Don backed up the car.
Fine. The word every girl loves to hear.
I crossed my arms, "I don't even have any of my books, what about that?"
"Pick them up on the way." We were now back on the road.
"My mother's home! She'll see me walk in and know I left!" I practically yelled. For such a popular guy, Don wasn't that bright.
"Sneak back in the way you got out, then!" He yelled back which made me jump.
A few minutes passed and we arrived at my house. I jumped out the car and stood on top of the hood, then climbed back up the roof and through the window that was still open. I went towards my nightstand to grab my hair brush, when I noticed a note under my lamp.
I will love you until the final rose dies.
-
