Rosewood

Chapter 5 Homecoming

Chapter 5: Homecoming 

Jayson’s Point of View

Walking into the principal’s office is nerve racking for most students. However, Jack and I was not in trouble, we were asking permission for Ruby to be able to come to Homecoming with me as a friend. Jack was already going with Daisy, and Travis and Vivian were attending together, since they were both juniors and dating.

So, let me tell you a little about Daisy, my red haired, green eyed beautiful and very intelligent sister. The teachers in her elementary school had an IQ test, Daisy tested in the top one percentile of the country.

Having done that, she was given several other tests, and done extremely well on those as well. So, as a reward she was promoted from 4th to 6th. That put her in the nineth grade while Jack and I was seniors.

Daisy and Jack, there’s a cute couple, with his sandy blonde hair, grey eyes, and muscular build, and daisy with that red hair. She was just a few inches shorter than him, but of average weight. Jack would tell you her best asset was her hourglass figure.

Back to the principal, (that was a nice little tangent there) we were waiting for our turn to go in the office when Rick and my dad showed up. I asked, “What are you guys doing here?” Rick said, “What did you boys do wrong now?” It was a slightly common occurrence for Jack and me to get into trouble.

About twice a year the parents were called in, because of a prank we’d pulled or fight we’d gotten into. Jack said, “We not in trouble, we’re getting permission for Ruby to come to homecoming.”

Before the dads could answer the principal called us in. He said hello to our dads, and then everyone took a seat. He then said, “Mr. Warden, and Mr. O’Connell, your sons have asked for permission to have Ruby attend the homecoming dance. As I understand Ruby is only twelve and in the sixth grade.”

Rick said, “That’s correct.” The principal then asked, “How do the two of you feel about the request?”  Rick said, “Mr. Rhodes, Ruby is very mature for her age, and could pass as her sisters twin. I know Jayson, and I know he will treat my daughter with respect. So, I have no issues.”

Bruce said, “Ruby hangs out with Jack, Jayson, Vivian, Daisy and their friends all the time. She does have friends her own age, but like Rick said she is mature for her age. Therefore, I have no issues with her going with the group.”

Mr. Rhodes sat back in his chair nodding his head. Finally, he spoke to Jack, “How do you feel about Ruby going? She’d be Jayson date more or less. Am I correct?” Jack said, “I think it would be awesome to have Ruby there, as long as she dances with me at least once. And yes, it would be a date type situation between Jayson and Ruby. But I know Jayson only has Ruby’s best interests at heart.”

Then turning to Jayson, “If I were to allow this, there would be no kissing, no groping of any kind. You must be the perfect gentleman. You would also be watched more than any of the other couples. Would you agree to those terms?”

Jayson smiled and replied, “Yes, I agree to those terms. I will be the perfect gentleman in every sense of the word.” Mr. Rhodes then said, “Alright you have permission to bring her. Just remember every chaperon there will be keeping tabs on you two boys.”

“Thank you, Mr. Rhodes, I will be the perfect gentleman.” Jayson said. Mr. Rhodes then told us boys to go back to class. As we were leaving, I heard him asking our dads if either of them would like to chaperon the dance. I didn’t hear the answer.

I bought tickets that very afternoon for Ruby and I. Jack and I went straight to our shop at his house, neither of having to work that day. Ruby came home about an hour later, she came into the shop and said she had a little homework to do and then would help us.

Turned out after her homework she had to help get dinner on the table. Of course, I was always welcome at dinner. This particular evening, I choose to sit next to Ruby, and during dinner, I handed her the ticket for the dance and asked if she wanted to go with me.

She looked at her dad and said, “May I go to homecoming with Jayson?” Rick said, “Ask your mom?” So, she asked, and Wendy said, “Talk to your dad?” They picked on her passing the buck between the two of them a couple of times.

Finally, getting tired Ruby said, “Dad and Mom, will you please allow me to go to the dance with Jayson?” Wendy nodded at Rick, and he replied, “Yes, young lady, but you best be on your best behavior. I will know if you’re not, Mr. Rhodes, Jayson’s principal has talked Bruce into chaperoning the evening. So, I will know if you’re not.”

Ruby jumped up and hugged both her parents before telling me she would come with me to the dance. The dance was still two weeks away, so I had plenty of time to rent a tux. I even offered to pay for Ruby’s dress, but Rick refused.

*        *        *        *        *

The dance was on Friday night, after the Homecoming football game. Both families attended the game. Before the game there was a parade, and the King and Queen of the dance was announced. It was an early game, and yes, our ‘Tiger’s’ won in a landslide 34-7 game.

The after fighting to get through the traffic leaving the stadium. I dropped Ruby and Jack off at the house and went home to get ready myself. It was six in the evening when I got home, the dance started at nine.

Jack and I had planned on taking Ruby and Daisy to dinner, at Hillside Restaurant. I made reservations for seven-thirty, so I needed to be at the Wardens by seven, for pictures. I had chosen, a classic black tux, and my mom tied the bowtie for me.

When I got to the Warden house, I was nervous, but I tried to hide it. I rang the doorbell, normally I would just go in, but I thought since this was a ‘date’ type situation I would treat as such.

Jack answered the door, he said, “Dude, why didn’t you just come in?” I said, “I’m here to pick up my date, she deserves proper treatment.” Jack replied, “Well, the girls are still putting on their finishing touches.”

We waited in the living room. Jack was also dressed in a classic black tux; however, he went with a green vest and bowtie. Vivian came into the living room first, she was dressed in a low-cut red dress, that flared at the bottom. Daisy wore a green dress that match Jack vest. It was a scoop-necked, low back, below the knee number, with a ton of sequins.

Then came Ruby, out of the room a vision of loveliness in a strapless, slimline, ballroom gown. The dress had a little bit of a train on it and was deep purple satin with a shimmering sheer cover piece. She had her hair up in a french twist, clear rhinestones placed at the top of the curl. There were a few curls that framed her hair.

Her makeup was minimal, just eyeliner, mascara, and lip gloss. She took my breathe away, I couldn’t even speak for a moment. “Earth to Jayson.” I heard Jack say, I shook my head and said, “Never ever, have I seen someone as beautiful as you are tonight, Ruby.” She grinned and said, “You clean up nice to Mr. O’Connell.”

I walked up to her and handed her the single white rose corsage I had gotten for her. “Thank you, Jayson. This is a beautiful rose. Would you put it on me?” She asked. I replied, “Certainly. Would you like to wear it on your wrist, or pinned?”

“Wrist will be fine.” She spoke. I took the pearl topped pin out, and placed the corsage on her wrist, as Rick took a picture. They gave me a rosebud boutonniere, which she pinned to my lapel. Jack and Daisy exchange theirs as did Vivian and Travis. Then we had individual pictures and a group picture in the living room.

Travis and Vivian rode in a separate car, while Jack and Daisy sat in the back seat of my mustang. Ruby was beside me as we drove to Hillside Restaurant. Once again pictures were taken, and then we went in to eat.

Ruby and I both had steak and shrimp, with baked potato and side salad. Jack and Daisy went for the hamburgers, while Vivian had spaghetti, and Travis had lobster. We had a good time talking and laughing while enjoying the meal.

We left the restaurant at 8:30 and drove to the school gym where the dance was being held. The dance committee did a wonderful job of decorating the gym. In fact, if it weren’t for the bleachers and the basketball hoops, you’d think you was at some fancy ballroom.

Ruby’s Point of View

So far, that night had been one of the best nights of my life. Jayson was the perfect gentleman, and the corsage was delightful, and so fragrant. The gym looked amazing, white curtains hanging around the perimeter, with white lights hanging down behind them, accents of blue and gold ribbons attached to the curtains themselves.

Round tables with white cloths to one side of the gym, with a buffet of drinks and finger foods near the tables. The center pieces were blue and gold flowers in glass vases. Each table was set for eight people, each place set with blue paper plates, gold plastic silverware, and plastic champagne flute glasses.

The band was set up at the opposite end of the refreshments area. Jetter’s was a local band that played both rock and country tunes at events through-out the area. There wasn’t really a theme to the dance, but we all celebrated the victory.

Everyone started going home around midnight, we left a little after. I didn’t have to be home till 1:00 a.m., we arrived at 12:45. Jayson walked me to the porch, and we sat on the sing for those last fifteen minutes.

“I had a wonderful time with you tonight, Ruby.” Jayson spoke. “I did too, Jayson,” I replied. Jayson put his right arm around my shoulder. He said, “You was the most beautiful girl there tonight. Thank you for coming with me.”

I look up to his face and smiled. He placed his hand under my chin gently, leaned in a gave me a simple long and passionate kiss on the lips. No tongue, so definitely not a friendly kiss. I felt tingles all through my body, it was exciting.

When he pulled away, he stared in my eyes, as I stared into his. We were lost in that moment, then the lights flashed. That was my dad, I knew it, even before we got up from the swing. Jayson held the screen door, while Dad opened the main door.

He was trying to be all slick, “I thought I heard a dog barking out here. Guess, I was wrong. Where’s Jack?” I said, “Still in the car with Daisy.” Dad said, “Go on inside, Ruby, I’ll go get Jack.” And just like that dad heading toward the car.

Jack jumped out of the car quickly when Dad knocked on the window. I was watching from inside the house. Jayson reached the car moments later, he looked at Jack and laughed. Once Dad and Jack was in the house, Jayson pulled away. All in all, it was a very good evening.

Mom allowed us to sleep in a little the next morning, and for the most part things returned to normal. Jayson and Jack both had to work, so Travis and I opened the shop for a couple hours. I had chores and homework to do, had to help with dinner. The whole day, all I thought about was that kiss.

Sunday, Jayson held my hand during youth services and later that evening during services. He had lunch with us at home and gave me several friendly peck type kisses on my lips, the back of my hands, and on my cheeks. 

Then Monday it was back to school, and I found myself missing him so much. How this boy suddenly became all I thought of was a wonder to me. Homecoming set me to thanking of Jayson in a different way.

I mean I’ve like boys before, but this was different more intense and certainly nothing I could tell anybody about. No one would understand, I was sure of that. Tuesday at my weekly meeting with Tiffany she knew something was different.

She talked to me into telling her about the dance, and about my feelings. She assured me that the feelings I was having was normal and that I should talk to my family and even Jayson about them.

I didn’t know how even approach the subject, so I started with mom. “Mom, I need to tell you something?” I said nervously. “Well, more like ask you something.” Mom replied, “What is it Ruby?”  I looked down at my hands, and asked, “how did you know Daddy was the one?”

Mom looked at me, and said, “I felt it in my heart. He was the most important thing in life to me, until you kids. Why are you asking?” I answered her with a question, “Was he all you thought about?” She nodded, smiled, then asked, “Who’s the guy you’re thinking of all the time?” I looked up at her and said, “Jayson.”

Mom giggled, “Jayson as in your brother’s best friend, Jayson?” Grinning from ear to ear, I said, “Yeah, that Jayson.” Mom said, “Well, it’s probably just a crush. Just try not to think about him and look at the boys in your class. I’m sure one of them is cute.”

That’s just what I was afraid of, this wasn’t like the crush I had on Sam in fifth grade, or even Jordon back in Hamilton. This was different, how would I ever get anyone to understand. I barely understood it myself, so I tried Vivian next. She wasn’t help all she wanted to talk about was Travis.

Next, I talked to Dad and Jack, while we out gathering supplies for the shop. Jayson was at work, having gotten the breakfast shift. Dad and Jack both agreed with Mom, that I was just crushing cause of the dance, but I knew that wasn’t it.

Finally, I called Stacy and Angelic over for a girls pow wow, afternoon. Angelic said, “Ruby, do you like like him?” I said, “No, I love him, but not like I use to. He used to be just like a brother to me and know all I can think about is when is he gonna kiss me again.”

Stacy said, “Yelp, you’ve got it bad for my brother, but he has it bad for you. So, what’s the problem?” I thought for a moment, then said, “Um, age?” Angelic spoke up, “When you’re older it won’t matter. So, date other boys and in a few years if you still feel this way, then go for it.”

Doing the fake crying, grumbling thing I replied, “but I don’t wanna wait. I wanna be with him now.” Both girls laughed hysterically at me, Angelic hit me with a pillow, “Stop being so dramatic!” and soon a pillow fight had broken out.