Earth Angel

Chapter 2

The next morning as I ate a bagel, my mother and Jan argued about how difficult it'd be to see Frankie Avalon. As their arguing continued, my chews became harder and more aggressive.

"But mom, it would be worth it, I promise! Please, mother!" She pleaded, with a fake tone that annoyed me to the core. I chuckled silently, knowing my mom wouldn't let up. If we don't keep a low and controlled tone, it's always a 'no'.

"Janet Marie Young, you stop your bickering this instance," She gave her classic death look and Jan sighed in angry defeat.

"Jan just let it go," I snapped. They both turned their head to fully understand my rude interruption.

"Oh honey, is it that time of the month?" My mother inquired nosily. I felt a rush of annoyance through my body, and it was so difficult to keep it down.

"No. I just think you should stop arguing." I answered. My mom nodded slowly, and Jan grinned.

I heard the quick pitter patter of tiny steps down the stairs and out came Kat, dressed in her swimsuit.

"Let's go to the pool! Mommy, take me to the pool!" She begged while jumping excitedly up and down. My mom looked desperately at Jan and I for help. Jan groaned.

"Fine!" Jan raised her voice and stomped up the stairs. I rolled my eyes at her incurable dramatic-ness.

"Maybe it's her time of the month." I muttered under my breath.

"Margaret Eve!" My mom scolded, obviously trying not to laugh.

.....

Around 3:00, Jan was finally done getting ready for the pool. I hadn't the slightest idea of why it would take so long to just put on a swimsuit. Probably because she won't even go in the water, but she'll lay there in all her glory, tanning and getting boys' attention, so she cakes on make up. She likes when boys ask her out, so she can say 'no, I have a boyfriend'.

I stood for awhile in front of my vanity, trying to get a full view of my body by standing on the bed. I twisted around and looked at my body. I sighed and felt really insecure about how pale I was, and how you could clearly see my ribs. I should be grateful for being skinny, I guess. But I want to be tan and curvy, like Jan.

I finally decided on a black and white striped bikini with a high waistline and a top with straps that created a 'v' shape on my chest and tied around my neck. I grabbed a cover up and joined Kat downstairs. A few moments later Jan followed and we got in her T-bird to go to the local pool.

Upon arrival, Jan was already showing off her curls and her perfect body to all the boys. Kat jumped straight into the pool, and left me alone with Jan, making it easier for people to compare me to her.

Jan and I found a spot in the sun, and laid our towels down. She put on her glamorous sunglasses and stared at college boys, and lifeguards. I sat next to her, my curly and unruly hair up in a bun. I pulled a book from the bag I had brought along and began reading.

After only 15 minutes, I was sweating severely. I put down my book and looked at Jan laying in the sun, tanning her tan skin even more. I shook my head at her and got up.

I sat at the edge of the pool and put my legs in the cool water. It wasn't too cold, but it wasn't too warm either. It was perfect for a hot June day. The sun was bright, and my eyes were sore from squinting so much. I hovered my hand over my eyes and scanned the pool. I could see Kat with her little friends as they splashed around, and I saw cute couples laughing together, and splashing each other.

I got out of the pool for a moment to retrieve my sunglasses, and as I bent over, a warm hand touched my back and a low voice spoke.

"Hello Margaret."

Startled, I turned abruptly and my whole bag knocked the person down in the pool.

"Oh goodness!" I exclaimed and threw my bag back at Jan. I squatted and reached out my hand. "I'm so sorry, are you alright?" Matters became worse when the person rose from the pool.

It was Andrew. I just knocked Andrew into the pool. I whacked him with a bag, and then shoved him into a pool.

"Andrew! Oh my... I don't... I'm so sorry.." I felt my face get fire hot and I knew by the look on my face I was turning red. He looked angry.

"You're gonna pay!" he yelled, and before I knew it I was being pulled into the pool. I shrieked and thrashed around, only to be pulled up by two strong arms.

"How could you Margaret?" Andrew teased. He wore a big goofy grin on his face and I began laughing. We both started laughing, for no reason except maybe we just both found it silly that we just knocked each other into the pool.

"Pssh, at least I didn't do it on purpose." I responded, and splashed him lightly. He glared playfully at me.

"Margaret-"

"Margie," I cut in. "I prefer Margie." He laughed and shook his head.

"Okay," He smiled. "Margie, you asked for it." He began splashing me with huge amounts of water, and I returned his blows.

I felt so good with him. I felt immature, which I liked. I never liked feeling like an adult. Once I turned 17, I felt like I could never be a kid again. But this little splash fight we were having, made me feel so happy and giddy. Maybe it was good I knocked him into the pool.

"Okay," He chuckled, "Okay okay, Margie!" He grabbed my wrists and I giggled.

Our laughs soon got quiet and we stood in the water, him holding my wrists and me smiling like a goof. I stared at him. I took in his face. It was truly gorgeous. I admired how his eyes were sparkling with gold in the brown that they were, how his short little bangs were slicked back with the chlorine infused water, how the water droplets looked perfect falling from his hair down his face, how his lips were a luscious color of soft pink that taunted me, how small dimples formed at the corners of his mouth, and how his smile was as bright as the sun... wait, no, brighter.

It was all so perfect. This boy who helped me buy tobacco for my dad was now the king of attractive men. He even beat Elvis by a milestone! Not sure if he beats him to other girls, but he sure does beat him to me.

His adam's apple was so prominent as he giggled, and it made me feel like I was floating. Even the smallest things about him led me to euphoria.

He pulled my hands up to his face, and my body got goosebumps. Remember, it's June. It's, like, 90 degrees.

"Margaret," he whispered, "You are so beautiful." I thought I might collapse and then drown, but he put his big hands on my face and pressed his soft lips to mine.

I felt true nirvana. Nothing was around us, it was just me and him. His lips were so soft, softer than satin. I felt weightless and just truly amazing, it was indescribable. The way he passionately kissed me like there were only 2 seconds to live, but also gently kissed me as if I was glass and I were about to break was all so perfect in the sense where I even doubted reality.

When he pulled away, my lips throbbed and I wanted more. The butterflies in my stomach multiplied by every second he just looked at me.

He held my hand and pulled it above the water, up to his mouth.

"Oh, Margie." He said in a sigh, and planted a kiss on the back of my hand.