Because the homecoming dance was on the weekend, that meant I would be with my dad. I had talked to my father about the Homecoming date and he was beyond ecstatic for it. As for my mother, not so much.
The date plan was that my father was going to be the chauffeur and take Lilly and I to this nice Italian restaurant I loved. Lilly had never been to it so it was a perfect choice. After that, it's off to the Homecoming Dance.
I was excited and nervous at the same time. From the moment I jumped into the shower to the time I was fully dressed, the same questions kept pacing back and forth.
What if the date goes bad? What if it doesn't? What..."THE...HELL...IS...THAT...THING!"
"EWW!" I was in complete disgust at what I was seeing in my reflection. There was this massive white growth at the crease of my nostril. The skin around it was very red and irritated. "Oh my God! Is that a pimple?"
Until that moment, I have never had one.
My first reaction was to poke at it. "Ouch." I winced immediately from the pain. I had barely applied any kind of pressure to it and It was definitely full by the intensity of the sting.
Hearing many of my classmates stories, many have stated popping pimples on your face was bad as it can cause scarring. At this point, it was a nasty mark whether I left it or popped it.
With my index fingers pressed firmly at the sides, I applied a good amount of pressure and it had erupted like little volcano. The action had made a loud pop sound followed by instant relief. "EWWW." I was completely disgusted. I didn't realize they actually made noise and can turn into a projectile.
There was now a bloody crater that is even more noticeable on my face. I did my best and decided to try a remedy I have heard about. The remedy was to apply a small dab of toothpaste onto it. I wasn't really sure how that worked, but many classmates swore by it.
Once I was finally cleaned up (again) and got dressed, I was once again admiring how I looked in slightly formal attire.
When the time had come to pick up my date, there was one tiny thing that I really didn't anticipate...my little 6 year old brother was tagging along. He was very hyperactive and was a huge pain in the ass sometimes. Being a middle child, I got blamed for a lot of things.
What else could possibly go wrong?
Lilly was one of the many students at our school that came from a Military family. She was also from one of the few families that stuck around longer because of her Father's job. My father being former military knew his way around the base.
The residential areas had many houses were built with very identical designs. Only difference was color and any yard decor. If you've been to one of those houses, you've been to them all. They called these Cracker Box houses.
When we made it to her address, I got out and made my way to knock on their door. My dad already had a disposable camera ready to capture all these moments like some tourist documenting the courting habits of some wild animal in the Serengeti.
(--"If I we look closely, the young male makes its approach into unfamiliar Territry. Cautiously, he surveys the den of a possible mate. Fascinating."--)
This was also the first time meeting her family. When I knocked on the door, I was greeted by a short and stout woman with a voice that had a very sweet chime to it.
"Oh. You must be Alfie. Hello." She shook my hand with both her hands. They were very warm and definitely motherly. "Let me go get her, she's almost done."
Lilly's father came out and I introduced myself to him as well. "Hey Alfie!" He didn't have an intimidating demeanor about him, but the squeeze to his handshake was rather firm. "Nice to meet you, kiddo!" Is all he really said to me.
However, he did go over and talked to my father while I waited for Lilly. I guess a soldier can spot a soldier from miles away. Might as well let them become acquaintances.
I laughed lowly as I was hearing Lilly bickering inside the house with her little sister. This must be a usual occurrence. Once Lilly stepped out, I didn't recognize her for a second.
The dress she had picked out was a very rich red that did appear like the blush of a wine. A gold satin sash was tied around her waist that brought out the curves of her figure a bit more. Her skin appeared very porcelain-like in contrast to the dress. In her hair, tiny speckles of light were being caught and reflected by tiny crystals that were fastened by an invisible string.
Was this really Lilly? Was this the same rocker girl I have known since 6th grade? She was stunning.
Her family and my dad took some quick pictures of us before heading out.
During the ride in my dad's SUV, I really couldn't help but to stare at how beautiful she looked. It's not everyday that you see your friends dressed elegantly and formal.
She punched me on the arm playfully. "Stop! Your going to make me blush."
"Oww". I started to rub my arm. Her punch really did sting more than I had anticipated. "Sorry. I'm not used to seeing you all dolled up."
She giggled as her cheeks started blush a soft pink. "I'm not even used to it."
My little brother kept looking back at us from the front seat and making faces at us. I was trying my best not to bicker with him. Instead I was giving him a serious look to knock it off. It wasn't as effective as when my older sister did it. "Such a brat." I muttered under my breath.
Lilly shot him an even more menacing look that made him quickly yelp and turn around.
My jaw dropped in disbelief. I looked over at Lilly who was now just sitting innocently like she did nothing at all. "You scare me sometimes, you know that?"
"What?" She shrugged and stared at my dumbfounded face. "I am the oldest of 4."
There must be some kind of mystical power older sisters possess. Even I have faced these powerful stares that strike instant fear among the bravest.
We had arrived at an antique looking brick building with a hand painted sign that said "Capettos Ristorante". The aromatic smells of garlic, basil and fresh baked bread filled the air as we stepped closer to the restaurant.
I took in a deep breath and exhaled. "I'm telling you, Lilly, this place is awesome. The Spaghetti balognese has these massive meatballs that do not disappoint."
"How many?" The hostess greeted us.
"Table for 4." My dad spoke out.
My head turned sharply at my dad. I thought Lilly and I were going to have our own table while they sat somewhere else. They're sitting with us?
WHAT!!!