Chapter 3

The bus pulled into the parking lot, its tires crunching on the gravel.

The people started to get out of their cars to collect their children. Each child had to be signed for by a parent or someone authorized by a parent. My parents had already given permission for either Andy or Rob to pick me up anytime.

Both Andy and Ron were there to pick us up, they’re such awesome people. Always kind and ready to help anyone out.

Sofi and I piled out of the bus, whispering and laughing. We had our arms around each other, walking in step. I suspect the dads picked up on the change in us. I know I felt different. Happier, smiling so much my face hurt. Walking like that wasn’t unusual for us ... but I’m sure something gave us away.

“Hmmm, next time I go home, I’ll ask them” I mused.

The ride to their house was nice, Sofi and I found ourselves drawn into whispered conversation. Not about anything in particular. Just being close staring into each other’s eyes. I swear to this day, I can see her eyes in the dark, like they shine with a light from inside her ... I’ve only talked with her about it, no one else has even mentioned it ... maybe it’s another kind of connection?

I could see the desire in her eyes and I’m sure she saw it in mine. We had to be careful (well, we thought we did anyway, looking back on it ... as long as we didn’t get too crazy, I don’t think Andy and Ron would have cared if we started kissing) we didn’t want to be too obvious, it was all so new.

I felt ... protective of my newfound feelings. Like a little kitten I wanted to hold and feed and make it feel loved. I don’t know if that makes any sense to anyone else ... but that’s how I felt that night staring into my first love’s eyes, watching her lips move, thinking about how much I wanted to kiss her ... to do sooo many exciting new things with her.

Describing how I felt then only really works through analogy I guess no matter how clumsy they feel. If you’ve ever jumped from a really high place or maybe if you’ve been skydiving? That feeling you have as you wait in the door for the jumpmaster to say ‘GO!’. That’s how I felt that night, that anticipation mixed with fear, and exhilaration...

The drive, and being tired, gave me a languid lazy feeling ... I wanted a hot shower, a bed, and Sofi...

I thought to myself, “Hmmmm, I’ll get Sofi in the shower and then in the bed...” grinning naughtily to myself.

“What?” she whispered, smiling back at me but noting my smile held something else...

I looked into her eyes and whispered, “I’m just thinking about a nice, hot, shower.” Emphasizing the last three words.

“And a nice, soft, bed.” Continuing my whispered emphasis.

Her eyes widened and she bit her lip as she smiles at me, this time the smile held a sense of heat and passion.

“Yeah, mmmm that does sound ... very, very, nice.” Playing my own game, she also emphasized the last three words.

Ron spoke up a few minutes later, “Hey girls, we are almost home ... time to wake up.” I swear I could hear a smile in his voice. He knew we weren’t sleeping, I’m sure of it. Andy, being the super focused guy, he probably had no clue we were awake. He was making sure he got his family home.

He was very protective of Sofi and me. Since we became friends and were basically inseparable, I had become like another daughter to Ron and him. He was always at school events, making sure everyone knew whose dad he was and how much he cared for his daughter. The boys at school were terrified of him. Though, I think it was because he is so big, His biceps were bigger than most guy’s thighs. It’s not like he went around seeming mean. He even brought stuff to the PTA meetings. He was ... just ... present.

We piled out of the car; it was a nice Honda SUV. Nothing fancy, Ron was really practical. I know he could easily have afforded a fancier brand or version, but it wasn’t something he worried about.

Though we were tired, it had to have been obvious we were full of energy. Andy and Ron said good night and reminded us they would be leaving early in the morning. Admonishing us to be safe and that if we wantred we could have one, one other girl over. No boys, no drinking, no edibles etc etc etc ... they were such parents ... the memory made me smile as I tested the relays I had installed. When they finally went to bed, we grabbed some water from the fridge and bustled into Sofi’s room. Carefully closing and locking the door. Not that we worried about anyone walking in on us, Ron and Andy were very careful to respect privacy.