love takes time | "only you & you alone"

ᴘᴀsᴛ - 2

July Of 1955
10:30am PST
:ROBERT'S POV:
𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚐𝚒𝚗𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐

"Mama, I haven't got the time for that." I'm stood by the front door of my home wearing an oil stained coverall as my mother tries her best to mess with my hair and fix it to her liking. I attempt to move her hand away so I could fly out the door and go on to work but she insists. "Bobby, now you know I'm not lettin' my son go out there, lookin' like he just rolled out of bed." She places her hands on her hips and looks up at me, looking straight at me. "You know what the neighbors said to me the other day? 'That boy of yours needs to learn how to clean up. He looks like he got hit by a Cadillac.'" I smile at my mama. I knew she was stretching the truth, there hasn't been a single time I've even left the house with a single strand sticking up.
"Don't make me laugh, Mama."
"I'm just teasin', you know I just want you to look presentable."
I bring my arm up to look at the silver watch on my wrist. Seeing the time, I realize I would be late if I didn't leave now. I mutter out 'I have to go' to my mama before I place a kiss on her forehead and head out the door. I got into what used to be my old man's dark green Chevy Truck.

As I drive to my job at a mechanics shop, I think of my pa. My daddy spent a pretty penny on this truck, he wouldn't let me drive it until I turned 18. Even when he passed away last year, I kept that promise. I think he would be proud of me if he were here. I'm taking care of mama, making sure she's all right, and I'm working. All to make Papa proud, even if he ain't physically here.

Upon reaching, Johnny's Automobile Shop, I park somewhere near the entrance and look around for my boss. As soon as I spot him, he walks over to me, pointing his thumb back at the client, she wore a blue dress with a white belt that was paired with blue and white striped shoes. Her blonde hair reached her shoulders and curled out nicely.
"Hey son, happy to see you here! That nice young lady, Ms. Johnson, needs her tire fixed, again." I look over at her and she smiles, doing a flirty little wave before setting her hand back on her purse handle in front of her. I smile back at her then looked back at my boss.
"I'll be in the back if you need me." And with that Johnny left me with the girl and walks to his office space, if you could even call a storage closet that. I walk over to the girl as she twirls her hair and chews on her gum.
"Hiya, Rob!" She gave me a toothy grin as I smile back at her. Betty is her name, she goes to school with me. Many have said we are perfect for each other, Betty being one of them. I mean I don't blame 'em, she's a pretty girl.
"Hello, Betty. How've you been this summer?"
"Fine, thanks." Her smile stays in place but she reduces it to a small one. I nod and proceed to look at her car as she speaks.
"Rob, I was wondering if you'd like to catch a movie with me sometime? Maybe tonight?" I face her, raising my brow slightly.
"Drive-in?" She replies with a nod, I mimic her action as a way to say I understood before she walks over to me and points at the tire that needs air. She walks back over to where she stood when I had came in and allowed me to get to work.
"Thank you." I grab the tools I need to put air into her tire and once I finish, I get up and walk over to her.
"All set and 'bout that movie, I'd love to." She smiled even bigger than before if that was even possible and seeing her smile, made me do the same. She asks me how much was it for the tire and I shook my head, my smile stays in place as I did so.
"The movie just 'bout covers it, Bets."

☏

06:30pm

After working about 8 hours, I arrive home. Which was perfect for dinner and to get ready to meet with Betty at West Wind Drive In. Mama kept our door unlocked whenever I went out so all I had to do was open the door. Upon opening the door and closing it behind me, I see her in her apron, cooking a familiar delicious smelling dinner that hasn't been made since last year.
"Mama, are you makin' what I think you're makin'?"
She turns around with a light smile, placing her wooden spoon down and walking over to me. She reaches up and kisses my cheek, before grabbing my sweater and placing it on the coat rack by the door.
"Mhm, roast beef. I'm almost done with the potatoes so you just go on and wash up before you eat."
I nod before walking towards the stairs that lead to my bedroom, grabbing a fresh outfit then heading back down to the bathroom. Once I finished showering, I put on a clean white dress shirt and paired them with black dress pants. After tucking in my shirt, I comb my hair, making sure it looked just as good as before. Once I was sure to be done, I make my way to the dinning table.

As soon as I get to my seat, Mama places a plate of the delicious smelling dinner in front of me before placing one of her own in front of her then sits in her chair that's placed across from me.
"Say, Bird, are you going out again?" Mama questions me before cutting a piece of her meatloaf and putting the fork in her mouth in a sort of elegant manner.
"I am, actually. That nice girl from school, Betty, invited me to watch a movie at the drive-in." I do the same Mama did after talking as she shares a smile. "Oh, that girl is just so sweet, ain't she?" I nod and gave her a small smile in return.

We continued to eat and chat here and there before I had to go. I made sure to wash my plate before placing it on the drying rack and grabbing my keys to go out once again.
"Bye, Mama." I give her a smile before walking over to the door.
"Don't be too late, Robert! I don't wanna have to be up worried sick about you."
I chuckle at her stern words before reassuring her that I'll be home as soon as that movie finishes.

Once I get into my truck, I put on the radio. The first song that plays is one that goes by 'Only You' by The Platters. I listen to it while I make my way to the drive in. I am excited to get to know more about Betty, she seems like a nice girl. Hopefully, I don't screw this up.

☏