A Starling's Awakening

Young Love

Josh and Shannon talked Bret and I into going out on a double date. They had never been out on an official date, and her parents wanted them to have a chaperone. A double date with Bret and I was a compromise upon which everyone could agree.

I told Shannon, "When you are out on a date, lay it on kind of thick. Flirt, and be playful."

Bret and I took them to an Italian restaurant called 'Il Ciccione'. Josh was a gentleman, maybe even more so than Bret. I set the example for Shannon by flirting with Bret. After ordering, she and I stepped away to use the restroom.

"Elise, I'm not comfortable with that level of flirting."

"What would you be comfortable with?"

"Is there maybe something simple I could start with?"

"How about twirling your hair with your finger." I demonstrated.

"Like this?" She tried, and did reasonably well.

"Yes. And when you do, tilt your head slightly, and flash a shy smile at Josh. He'll absolutely melt." Shannon giggled.

"Will that make him want to kiss me?"

"I don't know. It might."

"I hope so. I really want him to."

"Have you two kissed before?"

"Neither of us has ever kissed anyone before."

We returned to the table. Bret was slicing the warm loaf of sourdough bread that had been dropped off by our server. We ate the bread with whipped butter, and discussed what Josh and Shannon hoped to do on their future dates.

After we finished eating, I was flirting with Bret. He kissed me.

Josh asked, "How do you do that? Kissing I mean?"

Bret answered, "It goes perfectly with flirting."

"No, I mean how do you do it?"

"You mean the mechanics of it?"

"Yeah. Do you just press your mouths together?"

"No. You take her in your arms. Use your lips to firmly but gently grasp her lower lip, and you carefully suck on it. Like this...." Bret grabbed me. He gave me one of those kisses that makes my heart pound, and leaves me a little short of breath.

Shannon asked, "Josh...?" She tilted her head, twirled her hair, and smiled at him. " ...Would you like to kiss me?" He wrapped his arms around her and began to lean in.

Their first kiss lasted about three seconds. When Josh moved his face away from hers, her eyes were still closed. Her face was red, and she was glowing. When she opened her eyes, they were absolutely gleaming. She was slightly out of breath.

"Wow! That was amazing!" She and Josh were staring at each other.

On the drive home, I asked, "How do you two feel about your first date?"

Shannon answered, "I can't wait until our next one. Maybe we can go it alone next time?"

Josh queried, "How soon can we move on to the next step?"

Bret stated strongly, "Not until you two are married!"

"But you and Elise...." Bret interrupted him.

"Elise and I have come a little too close to crossing that line on more than one occasion. It's way too easy to do, and there will be no going back. Now listen to me, Joshua. Wait until you are married."