As I woke up early on a lovely July day I quietly crept over to my dresser to put on my navy blue t-shirt and light wash jeans. I made sure to not make a single peep as I laced my sneakers and slowly crawled outside my room through the hallway to the front door. I slowly shut the door behind me making sure a single sound was not heard. I glanced over to the east only to see the sun slowly rise.
I was not awakening so early this summer of 1973 voluntarily, but because I had to. It was the only way to learn. I sped through the streets filled with empty parked cars and lifeless residencies until I reached the fence surrounding Paul's. I gathered myself, walked back then quickly accelerated and jumped the fence. Opening his back door I prepared myself to be engulfed by the aroma of incense. I patted Moonshine on my head and grabbed the neck of my light blue fender. Plopping down on the couch I dug through my pockets looking for a pick.
'Ah there it is,' I thought to myself with pick in hand. Paul came stumbling through the door with a cup of tea in hand. "Oh good morning Pete!"Paul muttered.
"Hello Paul, ready to start?" I eagerly asked.
"Yes, uh just a minute. I must get mine," Paul croaked. I could tell I had woken him up just a bit too early by the tired look on his face. "How was your day yesterday?" I questioned.
"Oh it went quite well. And you?" he commented back. "I was scolded by my parents for them not finding me in my room yesterday morning. I told them I went on an early walk and they believed it. But still they are angry, so we must be quick today and finish within an hour okay?"
Paul nodded and sat down across from me. "You ready?" he exclaimed. "I have come prepared," I claimed while smirking. Paul began playing with me mimicking every note played causing a lovely harmonious sound. Going to California echoed throughout the decorated walls of the small house. With each quiver of the strings my smile seemed to get brighter and brighter. Playing guitar seemed to be the only thing worth living life for anymore.
After some corrections and realizations of my mistakes I placed my guitar back into its case. I realized it was 6:45 and I needed to be back by seven. So I said my goodbyes to Paul and ran for my life. Never had I ever been so out of breath. I ran past the park, the church, the school and finally reached home. I dragged myself up the stairs and dug my hands into my pockets to find my keys. I dug and dug, but nothing was found. I checked my back pockets, front, shoes but no key.
At this point I was in sheer panic. If I wasn't inside my house by seven o'clock sharp I would never be able to leave this house again. I thought this over in my head. Where had I left my keys. Oh dear, I had placed them on Paul's couch while looking for my pick. Now not only would my father beat me for not being inside the house but also for loosing the keys. Well I was pretty much dead now.
BRINNNG BRINNNG BRRRIIINNG, ah there it was. The lovely ear piercing ring of the seven o'clock bell from the church three blocks down. I heard rustling noises from inside my house. At that moment I just gave up, I knew my life was over. I sat on the bench on our front porch preparing myself for the screaming that would be happening momentarily. But just as I heard the front door begin to unlock I heard a faint "Good morning!" being directed to another man.
I turned around and saw the most beautiful girl I had ever laid eyes on. This was love at first sight.
