Chapter 4

I arrived home in time for supper and to talk with my folks about my week and about Alice.

As we ate, I talked about school and what had happened. They were surprised about Marilyn and Joe, particularly since we had talked about Marilyn previously.

Mother said, “It just goes to show you that people can change as they mature.” I decided not to comment further.

After supper, I called Alice. “Alice, I made it home safely. My parents would like to meet you.”

“How many girls have you talked about to them before me?”

“None. You are the first and also with a glowing description from me. I checked on my summer job. I’m not on the schedule any more. They really don’t want me back on an ‘off and on’ basis. That means I have more time for you.”

“How do you know I will want to see you?”

“I don’t but I hope that we started something worthwhile and you will also want to explore our feelings.”

She chuckled. “I was teasing, Jerry. I want to spend time with you ... I agree. I think we started something worthwhile. When will you pick me up?”

“I could drive over in the morning. We have two extra bedrooms here as well as a guest room. My mother would like to have another female here. Bring a swim suit. We have a hot tub and a pool.”

“Jerry, does your mother work?”

“No. When Dad was appointed as a judge, she decided that it was time to retire. So Mom will be here to chaperone us.”

“Okay, Jerry. Hang on so I can talk to my mother but I think that will work. At the latest, you can drop me off on your way back to the college.” She apparently put the phone down and left the room. I heard nothing until moments before she came back. “Mom says that will be okay but you have to bring me back Friday afternoon and stay for the weekend.”

“That would work for me. When should I pick you up tomorrow?”

“Jerry, you know I’m up early. I’m also anxious to see you. Leave after you eat breakfast. I’ll be ready.”

“That sounds good, Alice. I will see you tomorrow morning. My folks will be happy to have you here. Of course, I will, too.” We said our good byes. Later, I went to bed.

I woke early, cleaned up and dressed before going into the kitchen. My parents came in as the coffee I had started finished dripping. My dad said, “You are eager this morning.”

I replied, “Wait until you meet Alice. You’ll understand then.”

Mom cooked breakfast and, after a prayer, we ate. Dad and I left. He had a motions calendar to hear and I was headed to Alice’s parents’ farm. I drove in a normal manner. I wanted to rush but didn’t. I just drove the speed limit.

I pulled into the Meadows’ drive and parked in front of the house. As I got out, Alice came out the door and ran to my arms. She gave me a quick kiss before leading me inside. Her mother was there smiling. Her mother said, “I’m glad you’re here. Alice has been anxious.”

“Mom!”

I grinned, “I was in a hurry to get here this morning.”

Missus Meadows said, “That’s good. This is working out quite well. Enjoy your week.”

She hugged Alice and then me. Alice had a suitcase in the living room. I pulled it out the door and to my car. I placed it in the trunk. I started around for Alice but she was already sitting in the passenger’s seat of my car. I got in and cranked the motor. As I pulled out, Alice waved to her mother. I rolled down their drive to the road and headed for my folks’ home.

We were on the main road when Alice quietly said, “Do you need two hands to drive?”

“No, Alice.” She took my now free hand in hers. We held hands and rode quietly toward my parents’ house. It was a good hand and, every time I looked at her, she was smiling happily. I know that I was, too.

The ride seemed shorter with Alice in the car though I wasn’t pushing for speed. The road was quiet and I enjoyed the company and the wind in my hair. We pulled into my parents’ driveway and I parked in my usual spot under an aluminum carport that Dad had installed a year ago. We got out of the car. I grabbed Alice’s suitcase and wheeled it into the house. As we went inside, I said loudly, “Mom, we’re here.”

My mother came into the living room where we were standing and she stopped. “Alice, you’re gorgeous! I had expected you to be pretty from Jerry’s description but you are exceeding that. I’m glad you’re here.”

“Missus Short, thank you for having me. I have enjoyed being with Jerry and look forward to more time with him this week.”

“Good. Jerry, put her case in the guest room next to your room. She can go with you so you can explain the rules and the door policy.”

I tried not to gape at my mother though was surprised. I pulled Alice’s case down the hall to the room designated by my mother. As we passed, I pointed out my room. I was glad I had neatened it before leaving this morning. I went in the room leaving the door open.

I said, “Alice, any time that I am in this room, the door must be open. The same is true if you are in my room. We will share a bathroom. When you go inside, close the door to my room. When I am in there, I will close the door to your room. Failing to do that would expose one of us to the other.”

Alice grinned. “I might like to see you, Jerry.” I grinned back. We left her case in the bedroom and returned to the living room. Mom wasn’t there so I took Alice by the hand and we went into the kitchen. Mom was there preparing a roast for the evening by starting to marinate it.

She looked up. “I hope the room and bathroom are acceptable, Alice.”

Alice smiled. “They are. Jerry even explained the system and the rules about closing the door. We have a similar system at the farm. He will experience it when he stops over this coming weekend on his way to the football tryouts.”

Mom looked at me questioningly. “Mom, her folks want to get to know me like you and Dad want to get to know her. We are both in uncharted territory.”

Mom grinned, “It will be fun to watch you two see if your initial infatuations have legs.”

Alice grinned, “We walk a lot.”

I decided to maintain my silence and did.