Young Love -- Finale

A Time For Young Love

Finale

        Or

What’s Love Gotta Do With It?

By

B.D. Adams ©2016

   Lucy’s graduating high school class had over 600 students and she was in the top 100. She graduated with very excellent grades, however, she didn’t graduate Summa Cum Laude. Her scores on the SAT were impressive, though.

   She was glad, but it really didn’t matter to her. She didn’t have her Roger.

   With Roger out of the way (of course, Lucy didn’t know about that), her mother had everything mapped out for Lucy. She planned to have her enrolled in TCU and spoke with the Tri-delta Sorority. This was her dream for her daughter.

   However, Lucy had other plans (her mother had no idea). Plans that did not include TCU, a sorority or Ft. Worth.

   For Spring Break in 1968 -- she wanted to go to Galveston, Texas. To visit Dobby, her paternal grandmother. Her grandmother had had that nickname since she was in college and Lucy called her that. A spry older woman in her 60s with snow white hair. She could pass for younger.

   Lucy was allowed to go to Galveston in her mother’s ’65 Ford Galaxy Coupe. Of course, Lucy had to swear she would be careful. Her mother couldn’t afford to buy another car. Plus, she had to swear she wasn’t really going to sneak a visit with Roger. (That puzzled Lucy.)

   Lucy swore to both.

   It had been a while since she’d visited south. She and Roger had planned to go there in his car, in order to introduce him to Dobby. Of course, that didn’t happen.

   Lucy loved this grandmother and going to the Gulf of Mexico beaches on Galveston Island. Great beaches and waves!

   Dobby and Papa lived, since their marriage in 1915, in a wooden clapboard, two-story Victorian house. Unfortunately, Papa’s untimely death in 1955 was more than sad. Lucy knew her grandfather, but only for a short while. Lucy knew he was in charge of their home.

   The house was in a cream color with accent, trim colors that subtly highlighted the house. The house always looked freshly painted. That always amazed Lucy.

   There were many properties like Dobby’s. Some of those houses in Galveston would rival the houses in New Orleans. The old Galveston streets were tree-lined with Oak Trees, Magnolia Trees, and Palms. And, like many of these houses, the inside was cozy – not sprawling large.

   With all the two story houses, there were porches downstairs and upstairs. Her grandmother’s downstairs porch went three-quarters around the house. The porch-less side had tall evergreen bushes.

   Lucy loved to sit on the back porch to eat Dobby’s waffles and drink freshly squeezed orange juice in the mornings. Her back garden was so soothing, so lovely. In the spring and summer, the fragrance of flowers, like honeysuckle, jasmine, and roses, filled the air.

   Lucy was elated to make this visit! Dobby. She always listened to her granddaughter, never berated her.

   Soon, Lucy pulled into Dobby’s narrow driveway. It was March, but warm for this early season.

   After several hugs and kisses, Lucy and Dobby sat with their filled ice tea glasses on the back porch to relax. For Lucy, to relax after the long trip.

   Lucy managed to confide to Dobby about her mother. She thought her mother was the reason Roger was so heartless to break-up with her -- the way he did.

   In her wisdom, Dobby played down the anger Lucy had for her mother. However, she understood this part of her former daughter-in-law’s personality.

   Lucy explained what her mother wanted for her and, on the flip side, what she wanted for herself. She told Dobby that she wanted to go to the University of Houston. Would she help out?

   Of course, she’d help her granddaughter. Then they could visit more often. Big smiles all around.

   They both did their parts to get the forms via long distance. Dobby signed the papers and paid for the first year’s tuition. That’s what Lucy had hoped for from her grandmother. Not expected, but hoped.

   When informed of her daughter’s alterations, Lucy’s mother and maternal grandmother were infuriated, to say the least. A lot of tears and yelling and screaming for two days. After the verbal mayhem, though, things calmed.

   Quite innocently, just before she trekked southward, Darcy was told by the girl who had introduced them that Roger had gone to North Texas, as he wanted.

   She was glad for him, however, she still felt sad. However, with the idea of change for her, she was more hopeful for her future.

   It was September 1968. Lucy took the train to Galveston, so Dobby to pick her up at the station. Then get her into her dorm room. Dobby’s car was a ’47 Chevrolet Sedan. Her jalopy she

teased, more to herself.

   Lucy was finally happy, not overly happy, but not as miserable as in the past months. She had always enjoyed time with Dobby!

   And she was away from her mother.

====

   Roger had stayed away from Lucy as promised. Oh, but he wanted to see her, accidently run into her. However, he knew that would be a disaster if Mrs. Coleridge or Mr. Edson learned about that.

   He might get another visit from him. He was a distinguished man but had the look of Al Capone when not happy – like when he and Mrs. Coleridge paid him that visit.

   Never again!

   From the girl who had introduced them, he learned that Lucy went to the University of Houston. Actually, that made him happy. A good school and not what her mother wanted.

   Good for you, Lucy, Roger silently praised at one time.

   Now, it was February in 1969 and Roger was knee deep in college himself at the University of North Texas. He enjoyed the curriculum, the campus, and his solitude. No one knew him – he was incognito. Just a handful of students from high school, but not any he really knew.

   He wasn’t employed in a hamburger place here but in a campus bookstore. Able to read any book he wanted.

   One afternoon, Roger got a chicken sandwich at the Dining Hall and went to sit on a bench outside near the Business School to eat in the nice winter afternoon. His canvas book satchel was rather heavy, so he rested it on the ground by the bench.

   It was cool, but the sun was warm. No heavy coat, however, he wore blue jeans, sneakers and a warm wool, bulky, pullover sweater with a scarf around his neck.

   It would be warmer in a month or so. Trees had no leaf buds yet, but the sky was cloudless. The sun felt inviting.

   There were people scurrying around and others who just sat on the other sporadically placed benches or lay on the grass. Sunning on the dead winter grass, but who cared. There were a few couples who talked, smiled and kissed.

   How he wished Lucy was there. He took a bite of the sandwich, chewed and closed his eyes to the bright sunlight. Took another bite.

   After a moment, a shadow came across Roger’s face – opened his eyes. He was quite astonished to see the face that looked down to his.

   “Hello, Roger.” A man in a corduroy zip-up jacket, blue jeans, and work boots stood in front of him.

   He swallowed his bite of sandwich and then steadily said, “Mr. Edson. What are you doing here?” Actually, he wanted to go screaming away from this hateful apparition. However, he remained seated and stared at the man.

   “Roger, do you know about Lucy?” the older man asked.

   “Is she all right? Has she been hurt?” Roger asked quite concerned. He sat more forward on the bench.

   “Do you know where she’s going to school?” Mr. Edson blandly asked.

   “Last I’ve heard was the University of Houston. Did she change?” Then he realized his question was ignored, “Is she hurt?”

   The man gave a cynical smile and said, “She’s fine.”

   Roger gave an audible sigh of relief.

   “How did you know that’s where she went to school? Are you in contact with her?” Mr. Edson’s face had that look of cold suspicion.

   “Mr. Edson, we have many mutual friends. One told me. That’s all.” Roger was now irritated that he was being interrogated by this man. He had done what he and Mrs. Coleridge wanted. Painfully, he had done the deed!

   Roger stood, gathered his book satchel, then stuffed his unfinished sandwich in the bag and said, “If there is nothing more – good-bye.” He had begun to turn away.

   “Roger, this is for you,” Mr. Edson said. “I’m confident you have truthfully stayed away from Lucy. So, this is for you.” No smile, but no frown either. He handed Roger an oversized letter envelope.

   Roger mindlessly, robotically took the envelope and asked, “What’s this?”

   “Oh, nothing important. This is from me. Mrs. Coleridge doesn’t know about this. Enjoy your schooling here. It’s a good school.” He gave Roger a confirming pat on his shoulder, then turned and walked determinedly away, quickly went around a building.

   Roger sat on the bench again. He felt rather numb – wasn’t sure if he should look into the envelope or just throw it away.

   Nonetheless, he opened the envelope.

   Money! A lot of money inside! Fifties and hundreds!

   Roger put his hand to his mouth – amazed, startled, wide-eyed! Why? Why would this man do this? Mr. Edson didn’t even like him, for crying out loud!

   Then it hit him like a sack of bricks. He and Lucy had made jokes that Mr. Edson could be a gangster. After all, he was in construction – built houses and commercial buildings. They had teased that Mr. Edson had shifty eyes -- like a gangster.

   What Roger held in his hand was his “pay off,” for breaking up with his love. Now … Roger was infuriated!

====

   It was now February of 1969. Lucy had a dorm room on campus, and thankfully, she had no roommate. She stayed there only to study. Otherwise, she was with Dobby.

   Lucy’s birthday had passed in December, now 18-years-old – a woman. She had become a good collegiate student. All the subjects now were basic; English, history, math, etc. Her major was journalistic photography, but no major classes yet. Just a few humanities classes in photography.

   Of course, her mother had wanted something totally different for her. Just something to make her appealing to an important man --until she married an important man her mother approved of and then became pregnant.

   Lucy just continued to follow her heart.

   With the money she had saved – back when she was planning a wedding – she was able to buy a used Volkswagen Beetle for $500. Rather old but in decent condition and ran great. She would go to Dobby’s place as often as she wanted.

   She was able to get a job at the Houston Post – the same kind of work she had had in Ft. Worth in the teletype room. Just three days a week.

   At one time, she wanted to drive her car to Denton – to perhaps see Roger. Dobby suggested that would not be a good idea. Especially if her mother found out.

   That idea quickly dissolved.

   There was a boy she began to see at school. His name was Daniel and was a couple of years older than she and nice looking; black hair, blue eyes, and a slender physique. His major was commercial art/graphic design.

   She hadn’t introduced him to her grandmother in Galveston yet. Lucy wasn’t sure if he would help her forget Roger. Silly thought.

   This particular day was Sunday. Lucy and Dobby had been out walking and talking in the city. It was a brisk, winter day, but not biting. Beautifully sunny, hinted of an early spring. They had just arrived back at Dobby’s home and the phone was heard ringing, as they entered.

   “Hello?” Dobby happily answered. “Just a moment.” She handed the old black phone to Lucy. Her tone was now not happy.

   Nothing needed to be said. Lucy knew it was her mother.

   “Hello Mother,” Lucy answered the way she always did to her mother.

   “Are you ever in your room?” her mother asked snippily.

   “Of course, I am. We spoke last week.” Dobby made a hand gesture that Lucy should go easier. Lucy understood and then asked, “What’s going on? You sound … aggravated.”

   Dobby gave a roll of her eyes like that was the wrong thing to say. Lucy nodded with a small frown that she knew that.

   “Well, not that it matters to you, but … but Mr. Edson is dead,” she said. There was a hint of tears in her voice.

   “Dead? Mom … I liked Mr. Edson. What happened? Did he have a heart attack?” Obviously stunned, Lucy sat on the chair by the phone.

   “Not a heart attack – everyone is perplexed,” she said. Then she took a deep breath and continued, “He was drinking and smoking. He must have fallen asleep – the sofa where he was lying caught

fire. He burned to death!”

   “Oh, Mother! Burned? That’s horrible!” Lucy was truly affected. But she had to ask, “When did this happen? Did the police say it was an accident?” What she really wanted to say was to correct the wordage from ‘fallen asleep’ to being ‘passed out.’

   Calmly, sadly her mother said, “Three days ago. I didn’t find out until yesterday – I thought he was out of town. They want to talk to that boy you used to date – the one who wanted to marry you.”

   “Roger? Why on earth would they want to talk to him?” Lucy asked shocked. “Do the police think Mr. Edson was murdered? Roger would have no reason to murder Mr. Edson!” Lucy offered on Roger’s behalf. She couldn’t understand why she was sticking up for Roger – the guy who had sex with a hooker!

   “I don’t know why. I told them the same thing that Roger would have no reason to harm Mr. Edson.” Her tone sounded unconvinced – like she might know something. She sniffled and blew her nose, then queried, “Have you seen Roger?”

   “Mother, I haven’t seen him since we broke up over a year ago.”

   “Talked to him?”

   “No, Mother. I haven’t seen him or talked to him!” Now, Lucy felt grilled and had no idea of why. “Look … I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Edson, but I don’t … don’t need your attitude.”

   “I’m sorry, Lucy. I’m just so upset and confused about my friend’s death. You can understand that, can’t you?”

   “Yes … I can.” Lucy was softer to her mother.

   “Can you come home, Lucy? Please?” her mother pleaded.

   “I can’t. Prelims are coming up. The mid-term exams are soon. This is the only day I haven’t study -- needed a break.” She felt bad for her mother, but there was nothing she could do. And, she was being honest. She suggested, “Call some of your girlfriends. That will help you.”

   “Yes, that will. I’ll do that. Thanks, sweetheart.”

   That ended this call.

   Lucy remained on the chair by the phone and just looked dumbly at that apparatus. For some reason, she felt at a loss, bummed-out.

   Dobby had been in the kitchen to brew up some hot chocolate to drink once the phone call was ended. She had a thermos filled with the hot liquid and it was on a tray with the mugs and a plate of graham crackers. The tray was put on the coffee table in front of the sofa.

   “Want some soul food?” Dobby smiled softly.

   “Got anything stiffer than hot chocolate?” Lucy asked. She looked to her grandmother now. She didn’t want to get drunk, but, after this trauma, she wanted to mellow somewhat more.

   Dobby pointed to the tray and there was her decanter of bourbon. That was exactly what Lucy wanted. She calmly changed from the stiff chair to the more comfy sofa.

   Her grandmother put not quite a jigger of the bourbon in a mug and poured in the chocolate. Her intention was to ease her granddaughter. She handed the mug to Lucy, who took it.

   Dobby poured a full jigger into her mug. Her former daughter-in-law had the way to irritate even vicariously.

   Lucy blew onto the hot mixture, then took a large gulp of her drink. She just sat back and took another gulp.

   “Mother’s boyfriend died recently. Unexpectedly. He had passed out while smoking. Burnt to death. He’s a drinker and smoker like my mother.”

   “My word,” Dobby said. “I wasn’t sure if I heard correctly.” She was definitely surprised about this. She took a large gulp of her mug.

   “For some reason, Mother wanted to know if I’d had contact with Roger since we broke up. She said the police wanted to talk to him.” Lucy got quiet, sipped her drink now. Then she said, “It is a mystery why they think Roger would know anything about Mr. Edson’s death. He’s going to school in Denton.”

   Again, Lucy seemed to become more in thought.

   “Lucy. What are you thinking?” Dobby asked.

   Lucy set her mug on the coffee table, turned to look to Dobby and wondered, “How much do we really know about someone? I mean, I never thought my parents would divorce. We never thought Papa would die. I still can’t believe Roger went to bed with a hooker.” Now Lucy screwed up her face and analogized, “Life is never what we think. But I really doubt … doubt that Roger would know anything about Mr. Edson’s death.” She shook her head and added, “I’m never going to tell my mother anything about Daniel, or any other boy.”

   Lucy and Dobby just continued silently with their toddies.

****

   Three days ago, a story came on the teletype in the Houston Post about a man’s burning death in Ft. Worth:

AP – UPI: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram --   On Thursday, February 20, 1969, Mr. Alfonso Edson was found burnt to death in his home in an affluent neighborhood in Ft. Worth. He was 61-years-old, had attended Arlington Heights High School, then attended Texas Christian University. He was a family man with two older children, however, divorced for 5 years.

     His construction business has been involved in the building of many downtown projects and suburban developments in the Ft. Worth and Dallas areas.

     The Ft. Worth Police are treating the death as suspicious. There was an oversized envelope with a large sum of partially burnt paper money near the body. They are still questioning neighbors, especially about a Chevrolet Corvair parked in the area with a University of North Texas parking sticker on the windshield.

     Anyone with information should call the Ft. Worth Police Department.

*** With any mystery, a lot of the speculations can be what’s in the mind. My all-time favorite scary movie is “Rebecca,” a black and white movie by Alfred Hitchcock. No scary hobgoblins, no vampires, werewolves or zombies. To me, the mind can conjure things scarier than what can be shown in a movie. ***

Happy Halloween

Young Love #2

A Time For Young Love

Part Two

By

B.D. Adams ©2016

   That next day, after Lucy was out of school and not at work, Roger drove them in his Corvair to a parking spot by Bend Brook Lake, a large man-made lake. When they wanted more privacy, this was where they’d go.

   Lucy was not happy, almost devastated. She had to tell Roger that her mother was explicit about returning his engagement ring. She took off the ring and sadly handed it to him.

   “Why?” Roger cried out loudly. He took the ring, not knowing what else to do.

   Lucy had begun to weep, as well, as she said, “She thinks … thinks we should wait. We’re too young.”

   “We just want to be engaged. Nothing else right now.”  Roger was very dismayed and angered. “When? When would we’d be old enough?” Roger covered his face with his hands and breathed heavily.

   Lucy saw his resentment and realized that this was the first time he’d shown this emotion. It was the first time they had been placed in that situation. All because of her mother!

   “I don’t know, Roger,” she shook her head. Now, she had the same anger – for her mother. “She believes we’re active – sexually. She doesn’t want me to be pregnant.” Now, she didn’t look at him.

   He removed his hands, but still didn’t look at her and said, “Did you tell her again? Tell her no sex until after we were married?” Now, Roger had a damning tone to his voice toward Lucy.

   “Of course, I did!” Lucy cried. “She doesn’t believe me. I don’t know why!” Lucy was more than hurt by Roger’s accusation. “Don’t you believe me?”

   He was upset and angry. He still didn’t look at Lucy. His face was tinged with anguished red!

   Lucy didn’t know what to do. All she did was sob into her hands and leaned against the passenger door window.

   Sadness … sorrow … nothing but misery.

   “I’m sorry, Roger! I never wanted this to happen!” Lucy did not know what to do, so she pleaded, “Please … please take me home.” Not that she wanted to go to her mother’s home, but where else could she go?

   Then, gently, Roger pulled her to him, He hugged her to him – firmly and tenderly!

   Lucy felt better in his arms and snuggled against his chest.

   “I’m sorry … I’m sorry,” Lucy whimpered.

   “Shhhh … I know, babe. I know. Not your fault,” Roger said sincerely. He always called her “babe” when he wanted to be gentle, like now. Then, he had her look him in his eyes and said, “Let’s do what she wants. Show her we are serious about our love. Once she really sees this, she’ll believe.” He gave her a soft, sweet smile and kissed her lips.

   Now they were together -- still.

====

   The weather had become cooler now for the season. Cooler in Ft. Worth, Texas. It had been a few weeks since Lucy gave back the engagement ring.

   Roger and Lucy had spoken to Lucy’s mother again, but not about marriage. About college. Again, her mother was not cooperative, not agreeable. They didn’t know what to do. However, they continued to date, see each other. Her mother continued to make dates for her. Dates Lucy didn’t want to go on with boys for which she had no desire. This was Lucy’s continued problem with her mother.

   Roger continued his studies and to work at the hamburger place but as an assistant manager. Those plans of his still remained.

   Next year, Roger wanted to go to the University of North Texas, an affordable state university. It was in Denton just north of Ft. Worth. Lucy could go there also, to study her journalism major. This was how they would continue with some of their plans.

   Where Roger had lived since birth was in an old neighborhood – houses in the 1930s or 1940s – tree lined streets. Like where Lucy lived, as well. The driveways were narrow for only one car. Other cars would park on the street.

   This was Wednesday and Roger had the day off from work and there were no classes at the college. He was at his parent’s home with papers strewn all over the dining table. This paperwork was so he could transfer to North Texas.

   The paperwork was somewhat tedious, but he felt he could complete the necessary forms in a timely manner. At the dining table, he sat and worked diligently on the forms.

   Then the doorbell sounded with its traditional ding-dong. It only took a moment for him to remember that he was alone, so he went to answer the door.

   “Mrs. Coleridge … Mr. Edson,” Roger said surprised, as he opened the heavy door. He couldn’t believe that those people were at the door. He rarely said Lucy’s mother’s last name. Mostly he’d say ‘ma’am’ – yes, ma’am, no ma’am, thank you, ma’am. He allowed them inside and politely confessed, “My mother and father aren’t home. They won’t be home until later.”

   Mrs. Coleridge was nicely dressed in a skirt and jacket suit in mauve color, black pumps and a black mid-calf, material coat. It was cool today. Mr. Edson was in a business suit of dark gray wool and brown wingtip shoes. No overcoat, though.

   Mr. Edson spoke first with, “We’re here to see you, Roger.”

   “Me?” Roger inquired calmly, albeit baffled.

   “Yes,” Mr. Edson said.

   “May we come in?” Lucy’s mother asked. Her voice tone was not overly pleasant.

   Roger opened the door more to allow them inside. With a hand gesture, he bade them sit on the sofa and then offered, “Would you like something to drink? Coffee? Water? My parents don’t keep alcohol in the house or I’d offer it.”

   “No thank you,” Mr. Edson said. “No problem.”

   Then to Mrs. Coleridge, Roger asked politely, “May I take your coat?”

   “No Roger. We won’t be her long,” she said.

   Now Roger felt a wave of anxiety or fear that rested in his chest.

   “Have a seat,” she insisted to the young man.

   “What’s wrong?” he dismally asked. He could only wonder what was wrong – what was going to happen! He sat on the chair across from them.

   “Roger … you are what’s wrong,” Mrs. Coleridge began. “You are confusing my daughter. Her future is being messed up by you. She doesn’t want to go to North Texas, she wants to go to Texas Christian U. A better university!” The woman’s voice began to become more irritated toward this boy, but she rather digressed. Her voice mellowed, a bit, as she continued, “Her grandparents – my parents – are paying for her to go to TCU.”

   “Mrs. Coleridge!” Roger tried to speak, had become confused and overwhelmed by all of this.

   “Not the University of North Texas. And, she really doesn’t want to marry you. Don’t you want her to be happy?”

   “Of course I do, but ….”

   “But, she is just retaliating against her father for marrying that woman. I will not allow ….”

   “How old are you now?” Mr. Edson jumped in now with a man’s argument.

   Roger hesitated a bit, then said, “Nineteen. Why?” He was dazed. He had never been berated by any adult like this ever!

   “How old is Lucy?” Mr. Edson asked him.

   “Seventeen. You know her birthday is in three months.”

   “Seventeen.” Mr. Edson looked defiantly at Roger and declared, “With your age, she’s a minor. You’re an adult.”

   “We haven’t had sex!” Roger loudly demanded. He knew what was coming next.

   “Maybe not, but she is still a minor. Her mother wants you to stop seeing her daughter – a minor.”

   Roger spouted, “What are you getting at, Mr. Edson?”

   Mr. Edson looked Roger in the eyes and said specifically, “Have you ever heard of ‘statutory rape?’”

   Roger knew the word. He couldn’t understand why that would apply to him. Everything they did was consensual. That term was more familiar to him. They hugged, kissed touched – nothing more!

   “Lucy is too young to give her consent for what you want,” Mrs. Coleridge demanded.

   Roger was stunned, dumbfounded. He knew these people didn’t like him, but he had never been rude or spoken disrespectfully to either of them!

   “All I’ve wanted is to love Lucy, make her happy and have a future with her. We both want the same things.” He looked them in their eyes and saw irritation with Mrs. Coleridge and a smirk from Mr. Edson.

   “If you don’t stop seeing my daughter, I will tell your parents what I think you’re doing. I’ll have you arrested for statutory rape. I have a very good lawyer,” Mrs. Coleridge insisted.

   Now, Roger was decimated. This was the most distressing

thing in his life. He wanted to cry – wanted to strike out – to run and hide under his bed! But he couldn’t do a damn thing. He just sat glued in his chair unable to move.

   “Break-up with Lucy,” Mr. Edson said. “You’re smart, you’ll come up with something.” Mr. Edson was deadpan, no emotion.

   The two monsters that passed themselves off as well-meaning adults stood, went to the door and let themselves out. Of course, they closed the door behind them.

   He remained in the chair. Just sat and stared … stared at nothing. Decided he wanted a drink of water. His mouth was dry, very dry. Stood from the chair – but fell to his knees! His knees were weak. His fall made his hands go in front of him to catch him from falling more. Then he fell to his side, then to his back, then he cried like a baby! Loud howls!

   At this point, he didn’t care who heard. Didn’t care … didn’t care.

   He hadn’t cried like this since he was in grade school. He still cried, but no howls, no sobs. The tears continued, but now he was able to stand on the floor. Went to the kitchen sink to pour a glass of water. The tears had subsided.

   He took a few gulps of water. Looked out of the window over the sink. His mother still hung laundry on the outside clothesline. There was a slight breeze that made the dry clothes flutter on the line.

   At that moment, he hated his mother for invading his conscious thoughts. He hated all mothers now! A mother wanted him to break-up with the love of his life. His Lucy!

   Why did Mrs. Coleridge and Mr. Edson hate him so much? Why?

   Roger’s thoughts:

      “She’s not my mother. He’s not my father. They aren’t my family. Does that woman want to have me arrested? Arrested for statutory rape! How can they do that? So, they have a lawyer – so what? I don’t know anything about the law. I should call Lucy and tell her what her mother has done. What her mother wants to be done.” Other thoughts came to mind. “Could Lucy become like her mother – a witch? Years later, could Lucy be witchy? Witchy Lucy. Maybe this was good to see. See what love meant to that family.”

   He was so depressed! He had plans for his life. His plans were supposed to include Lucy. However, getting arrested would be the worst.

   Roger developed tears again.

====

   Lucy was off her job for this Friday. She really liked her job but wanted to meet Roger for their date. They hadn’t spoken for several days, he had been working more hours at the hamburger place, so he told her, and doing the paperwork to transfer to North Texas. He needed to meet with people at the community college to get signatures and other items. She knew he was excited about the transfer and so was she.

   Unfortunately, Lucy wasn’t able to get him on the phone. His mother or father would answer, say he wasn’t home, how busy he was and take a message. She was a little sad that she couldn’t talk to him or see him, but she understood.

   Actually, her mother had been different over the last few days. When Lucy brought up about how busy Roger was with work, she seemed pleased for him. Wasn’t snide toward him. Lucy felt that her mother had a new attitude toward Roger. Maybe she had come to her senses.

   Finally, he called her and set the date. No matter, Lucy was ecstatic about this date!

   She was driven home from her work by a girlfriend. She just wanted to change from her school/work attire to a dress that she liked for this movie date. She always liked to look special for Roger. Even for movies. Also, she wanted to spritz on the perfume Roger really liked.

   Her mother was picked up by Mr. Edson because they had a date, an early date. Her mother’s car was in the driveway waiting for Lucy.

   When he called to make the date, Roger explained that he couldn’t drive to get her because his car was in the shop. Nothing major, just regular maintenance. So she drove to his house.

   When she rounded the corner to Roger’s house, she noticed his cousin’s car was parked out front on the street. Dale, his cousin, was a year older than Roger. He was a nice guy who worked in a hardware store.

   Many times, Lucy and Roger would double-date with Dale and his girlfriend, Kathy. Dale and Kathy were engaged, planned to marry in six months. Nothing had been mentioned about a double-date tonight, but that was all right. This would be fun.

   There were no other cars at the house – Roger’s parents must not be home, Lucy decided. So she went to the door and rang the bell.

   Roger opened the door and had a wide grin, but didn’t say anything – didn’t kiss her either. Roger and Dale stood in the living room.

   “Is Kathy here?” Lucy asked Dale. She smiled nicely. Then she noticed Roger’s expression. “What’s up?” she asked. 

   Then Roger began to laugh raucously! Dale laughed but not as loudly.

   Lucy giggled and inquired, “What’s so funny?”

   “I can’t tell you,” Roger said. He laughed louder. And Dale merely snickered.

   Lucy became as giddy as the guys and repeated, “What’s so funny?”

   Then Roger calmed a bit and said, “I had the best afternoon I’ve ever had. Best for a man!” He went whew a few times like he was still out of breath.

   “The best,” Dale played along, but not as silly.

   “What does that mean?” Lucy queried. “Best of what?”

   “Lucy, what do men want?” Roger looked at her like she was dense.

   “I’m gonna get it every day in six months.” Dale picked up on his cousin’s meaning.

   Now Lucy was speechless, dumbfounded. She wasn’t dense, but if Roger really meant what she thought … she would be hurt beyond any words she had.

   “You had sex? Did you really have sex?”

   “The best … the best,” Roger smiled wide again.

   “Why couldn’t you wait? Couldn’t you wait?” Lucy was wide-eyed and numb.

   “Lucy, did you really want me to wait as long as your mother would want?” Roger laughed again and informed, “Babe, I doubt if you’d ever give me sex the way that woman did.” He rolled his eyes and grinned again.

   “A woman. A prostitute?”

   “Oh, babe …” Roger sat on the sofa with his legs apart and rubbed his hand rhythmically over his crotch.

   Lucy could not take it any longer! She ran out of that house! 

   After she left, Roger continued to sit on the sofa, but with his legs closed now. No laughing, no teasing, no rubbing. His head was back against the sofa – he looked to the ceiling.

   “It took you long enough to dump that goody-two-shoes,” Dale congratulated.

   “Is that what you think? That I wanted to do that?” Roger lifted his head to look at his cousin. “Do you think I had sex with a prostitute? You have no idea what this was about.”

   Now Roger sat with his elbows on his thighs and his face in his hands and cried the tears of despair.

====

   Lucy drove the car back home. She had tears that made it hard to see, but she drove.

   Lucy’s thoughts:

      “What did I do? Why did he do this? Did he really mean to hurt me like this? He’s barely a man. Did he go with a hooker to break-up with me? How revolting! He knew how this would affect me! Well, he did the right thing!”

   She was in the driveway at her mother’s house and just sat there. Numbed, dazed.

   Lucy’s life was changed in a heartbeat.

=== To Be Continued ===

Young Love

*** Daniel and I are happily married for three months now. Of course, we’ve lived together for 13 years. Because of our happiness, I was reminded of a time when the idea of marriage was taboo. Like for a teenage girl in 1967. This story is about me, but more about a girl I had known with her dilemma. What a difference 50 years can make! ***

A Time for Young Love

Part One

By

B.D. Adams ©2016

   It was 1967. Music by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Doors, Simon and Garfunkel, Bob Dylan and much more that influenced this era. Lucy had been dating Roger since the mid-summer. They were very much in love.

   Lucy was 17, two years younger than Roger. He was attending Community College. She was still in High School.

   Roger had lived in Ft. Worth, Texas all his life. Lucy had recently moved to Ft. Worth with her mother, who was now divorced from her father. Her maternal grandparents lived here, also.

   Before moving more inward to Ft. Worth, Lucy had lived in an average coastal city on the Texas Gulf Coast where she had lived with her mother and father.

   Because of the divorce, it was not a pleasant time until Lucy met Roger.

   They had met through mutual friends. It was after school one day, before the end of her junior year. Lucy and two other girls went to a hamburger joint, where they had been a few times. Actually, they stopped for milkshakes, a great place for hamburgers and shakes.

   The girls were giggling and talking, as teenage girls did. The one girl Lucy had become very friendly with pointed to one of the fellows behind the counter and said, “See that guy?”

   “Yeah,” Lucy acknowledged. “Why?”

   “He’s been our friend in band. He’s already in college. Would you go out with him? He really thinks you’re cute,” her friend encouraged. “I think you’ll like him. He’s smart, like you.”

   Lucy tried to look at this boy without staring at him.

   Like the other counter workers, the boys, he wore black trousers, a white shirt, a yellow apron and a white hat that looked like the summer hats for the cadets at Texas A&M. The boy wasn’t tall – maybe only an inch or two taller than her 5’2”. Rather slender in build, but a nice face. A sincere face. What hair she could see was blondish and his eyes were a darkish blue. Darker than hers.

   She said to her friend, “Okay. Yeah. I’ll go out with him. What’s his name? What instrument did he play?”

   “Roger. He played the flute. I’ll give him your phone number.”

   The girls left with their milkshakes.

===

   Lucy was afraid to talk to this boy. He was in college, he might not think that she would be up to him.

   The next day, though, Lucy got the phone call from Roger. She had the phone in her room via the long cord from the living room. A little privacy. An affable call, but a short call. He asked if he could take her to lunch soon.

   “What food do you like?” Roger asked.

   “It would be better to tell you the foods I don’t like. A shorter list,” Lucy snickered.

   “Okay, what are they?”

   “Liver, in any way, and collard greens. Yuk! I really hope those aren’t your favorites,” Lucy said.

   There was a brief silence, so Lucy asked, “Roger – are you there?”

   “No liver? Really?” Roger teased. After a moment, he let out with a big laugh, which really broke the ice for them.

   They decided on seafood. She loved seafood, of which Roger wasn’t all that familiar with. He would give it a try, though.

   After that luncheon, Roger and Lucy became a steady couple. Roger acquired a taste for seafood, as well. They went to movies, to other restaurants and to plays and classic music concerts. Lucy really enjoyed the plays. And, they sat many times on her mother’s porch to drink Dr. Pepper and to talk. Just talk.

   Their relationship flourished! As said earlier, they fell in love!

===

   Then, the summer vacation had ended. It was the beginning of Lucy’s senior year. This was the down slide of 1967, on its way to 1968. To approached graduation. Time for life decisions.

   Lucy’s mother kept trying to get her to go out with other boys – whose families had money. She managed to manipulate those “dates.” But these guys were nothing like Roger!

   One of these boys was a drinker. From a wealthy familiar, but Lucy couldn’t stand the rich boy! Her mother got so angry at her when she refused to go out with the boy.

   There were a few brew-ha-has between mother and daughter, but they managed to move on, not stay angry.

====

   According to the school she had transferred to in Ft. Worth, she learned that she could graduate six months early, like in December. This really intrigued Lucy. She really liked going to school, but was more than ready to become an adult, to progress.

   Then the “M” word came up for Roger and Lucy. Marriage. Were they ready to marry? Yes, they were. With their hopes and desires, Roger gave her a very lovely engagement ring. Not an ostentation diamond, but lovely. They felt they were doing the right thing. Especially to talk to her mother and Roger’s parent’s, in turn.

   Roger was already in college and she could go to the same community college. Part-time college for both of them.   

   Lucy had a part-time job at the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram newspaper, the rival to the Dallas Morning News, in Dallas. Her mother got the job for her from a one-time school chum of hers. An editor at the Star-Telegram.

   She wanted Lucy to go to TCU – Texas Christian University – where she had gone, but hadn’t graduated. She had married instead – helped her husband to get his degree. Her mother was emphatic that Lucy would NOT follow in her mother’s footsteps. Wanted her daughter to do better.

   For his contribution, Roger was already in the works for management with the hamburger place. More money for him – and Lucy. As yet, Roger hadn’t chosen a college major or career.

   If Lucy decided to stay with the newspaper, he would be very glad to support her in that job and career. She could be a reporter, a copywriter. He was proud of her newspaper position, even though it was only as a copygirl -- tore stories as they came in on the teletype machines to distribute the stories to the various editors.

   Unfortunately, Lucy’s main concern was about her mother’s social problem. She was a functional alcoholic – the kind that could hold a job … sort of. Lucy had read about this kind of alcoholism in an article in Reader’s Digest. She knew that was the main reason her father had divorced his wife – plus, he had a woman he was interested in. He and the woman married not long after the divorce.

   When Lucy’s mother would drink too much, and get on the subject of how horrible “that man” had treated her, Mom felt that Lucy didn’t understand or wouldn’t understand. Mom would get angry with her, which could be often. Lucy would go for a long walk in the hopes that Mr. Edson, her mother’s boyfriend, would come to calm her down. Mother would always call him.

   A nice man and rich. Lucy couldn’t understand why her mother wouldn’t marry him and leave her alone with Roger.

   Her mother could be lucid, easy to be with. However of late, she would berate her about Roger – about getting too serious, too quickly. That Lucy could do better than a boy who worked at a hamburger joint and went to a community college.

   Well, no matter, the young couple decided to talk to her mother. They chose a day right after she got home from work.

   Once, her mother made her vodka highball, sat in her overstuffed living room chair with her feet in her slippers on the ottoman, and lighted a cigarette she would be ready to listen to anything. Almost anything.

   And, Roger was right on cue. Lucy opened the door to him. The young couple sat on the near sofa to face her.

   “Mom … Roger and I want to talk to you about our plans,” Lucy began.

   But Mom looked at her hand and asked, “What’s that on your finger?”

   “An engagement ring, Mom,” she calmly answered. She held her hand out so Mom could see how pretty it was. 

   Mom leaned closer to really look at the bauble. After looking at the ring, she relaxed back in her chair, took a drag off her cigarette and commented, in her way, “Kind of a small diamond.”

   Lucy knew what her mother was doing, so she decided to ignore her mom’s tripe.

   Roger and Lucy began their orchestrated arguments for why they wanted to marry. Of course, Mom asked if Lucy was pregnant, which Lucy was not. College and education for both of them were their key subjects … and to work. They would not expect money from her or Roger’s parents. They saved the argument that they loved each other to the last, which they did.

   Mom had finished the highball, snuffed her burned up cigarette in the ashtray, stood from her chair to go to the kitchen to make another drink. No yelling or harsh berating, as she returned to her chair with her refreshed glass and lighted another cigarette.

   “You both believe you’ve figured everything out,” Mom said. “What about insurance? Especially health insurance.”

   Roger spoke up, “I have insurance through the college. When we’re married, I can include Lucy or she can get insurance after she’s enrolled.”

   “Where will you live?” she questioned.

   “I found a small apartment,” Lucy answered, “above a garage two blocks from here. The woman was very nice and understood we are young, but responsible.”

   Mom nodded her head – frowned a bit, but didn’t go into a tirade. “Let me think about all of this,” was all she said.

   Roger and Lucy calmly left her mother to mull everything over. They got in his 1964 Chevrolet Corvair to just drive around. No conversation, just together. They stopped on West 7^th Avenue, on a little hill, where they could park to look to Ft. Worth’s downtown. A nice and somewhat romantic view, especially as the sun began to set behind them. The downtown lights began to twinkle. A popular place just to sit to see the view, talk or kiss. The Cops usually left the teenagers alone. 

   “What do you think?” Roger finally asked. He looked through the windshield, not at her.

   “I don’t know. She was hard to read,” Lucy quietly replied. She didn’t look at him either.

   He took her hand to admire the ring he had given her. “Do you think she liked the ring?” He lovingly pressed her opened hand to his cheek.

   Now, she looked at him. Love swelled in her chest. She scooted to sit closer to him, rested her head on his shoulder. Their arms were around each other.

   “I don’t know, Roger.” Lucy gave a heavy sigh.

====

   Their talk on this evening had been more of their future. They hoped that Lucy’s mother was on their side, so they could next go to Roger’s parents.

   When Roger took Lucy home, after a few parting kisses and hugs, Roger went to his parent’s home.

   Once inside her home, she knew her mother was not at home. Probably with Mr. Edson.

   Lucy slept all right, but somewhat edgy. Some minor demons poked into her dreams. She awoke and felt good, in spite of the dreams. The morning was bright and comfortably warm. Still good weather before the cooler Fall weather in northern Texas.

   She sat on the side of her bed in her flowered cotton nightgown. Her awaken mind went over what she would wear for school today.

   Then, there was a tap at her door as her mother gently opened it.

   “Good morning,” Lucy nicely said to her. Her full-sized bed was near to the door. Not a large room.

   Her mother’s face was neither happy nor angry. A mother’s face. She stood in the doorway in her slippers and long, pale blue robe. Slightly leaned against the doorjamb with her arms folded defensibly.

   She spoke, “Honey, I thought about all you and Roger said. You seem determined.” She paused, then continued, “I have to ask again … are you pregnant? Are you and Roger sexually active?” 

   Lucy was irritated by this again assumption.

   “No, Mother. To both questions. When we have sex, it will be after we’re married. Only then!” She really hoped her mother would believe her honesty.

   Mom remained by the door, but then she casually turned to sit beside her daughter on the bedside. She took her hand with the ring and said, “Honey, that ring says – to me – that you are committed to Roger. No one else has a chance. Is that the message you want to send?”

   Lucy took her hand from her mother, then said, “We are committed to each other. That’s the only message.”

   “Look … why don’t you take more time, give the ring back for now. You could change your mind about Roger.” Her mother gave a tight smile.

   “No, Mom. I won’t,” Lucy said defiantly.

   “You are so obstinate!” Now her mom stood again and turned to look at her. “You are both too young. I don’t want you to make the same mistakes I did.” She wasn’t yelling, but she was firm.

   Lucy was adamant in her attitude, as she fought back with, “You mean because you married Dad so young.”

   Her mother seethed to her and put her right hand out to slap her daughter’s face.

   Lucy was astonished at her mother’s slap! She moved immediately to the other side of the bed, to distant any other aggression.

   Her mother just stood with the eyes of peevishness at her daughter and said, “Get dressed for school. Give that … that ring back to Roger. We’ll talk later.”

   Lucy was hurt, but not from the slap. She could not understand why her mother could be so hateful.

=== To be continued ===