Rosewood

Chapter 7 Prom and Graduation

Chapter 7: Prom and Graduation 

*** Jayson’s Point of View***

There was never any doubt in my mind that I wanted to take Ruby. So, once again I go to the principal for permission. This time I go alone, and I let him know that it would be considered a date, and that our parents knew. Mr. Rhodes asked for some time to think it over.

Two days later, I was called to the office, I waited patiently as Mr. Rhodes was in another meeting. Finally, I get sent into his office. “Jayson,” Mr. Rhodes began, “I’ve been thinking, and evaluating the situation. Researching laws, and because of that, I should say no.”

My heart dropped to the floor, and I began to speak, “Mr. Rhodes, I …” He said, “Jayson, just wait a minute. I spoke with both sets of parents, along with some of the staff here at the school. We all agree on two things.

You and Ruby have a unique relationship. The second thing is just a little word change, that would make this ok.” I asked, “What word change, sir?” He replied, “When you’re announced, it will be Jayson O’Connell and his friend, Ruby Warden. Not your date or your girlfriend, and the same rules from homecoming would apply.”

“Mr. Rhodes, I accept the terms, and offer you my sincerest thanks.” I spoke. I left his office so excited, that I went right ahead and bought our tickets that day. I knew that if I wasn’t allowed to take Ruby, I wouldn’t go either.

After school, I called my boss letting him know I’d be a little late. I ran, (well drove) to Ruby’s and asked her to come as my friend. I explained what Mr. Rhodes had said. She agreed to the terms, then she hugged and kissed me.

Man, I hated to leave her, but work called, and I needed to save for a limo. No way was I gonna skip out on the limo. Jack and Travis both asked if they could pitch in and share the cost. That was fine with me, so when the night came, we all ended up at the Warden house.

Our prom them came from the Whitney Houston song ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody.’ The theme was ‘When the night falls.” The prom committee got the country clubs main ball room. It was decked out in balloons, crepe paper, silk ribbons, and a ton of stars hanging from the ceiling. The DJ played Whitney’s song about five time that night. Each table was cover in neon confetti, and we each got a glass with ‘Prom 1987’ etched on it.

We met at six pm at the Warden house, Wendy had brought in a professional photographer to get the before prom pictures. The lady brought a screen with a party design on it. She set up in the living room. Each couple had a couple of shoots, then individuals, and a few group shoots.

We left at seven-thirty and the driver went the longest route he could, to make sure we had fun. We arrived at the club just as others started arriving. The beautiful dress, and tuxes. The Junior/Senior classes was looking good.

Daisy dress was a simple black number with sequin lining around the top of her chest, it hung down to her ankles hugging her curves. She had her hair all curled and hanging in a cascade down her back. Jack was in awe the moment he seen her.

Vivian found a forest green, one shoulder number that had a scoop hem. You could see just blow her knees to her feet. She wanted to show off her sexy 4-inch green healed sparkly shoes. Travis had on a classic black tuxedo with forest green bowtie and vest, over a simple white button up shirt.

Ruby put them all to same, she wore a beautiful lavender mermaid number, with a white rose lacelike overlay on the bodice and off the shoulder cuff sleeve in the same lace. It hugged her hips and thighs, then flared out at the knees. I, as per her request was in a white tails’ tux with a lavender vest, bowtie, and handkerchief in the outer breast pocket. (or would it be chest pocket).

No, I wasn’t the only guy in a white tux, we even had one guy show up in the blue tux. You know the one I’m talking about, every prom has that one blue tux, with the ruffle shirt. I was however the only one in tails.

When Ruby and saw each other we both whistled at each other. I said, “Damn, baby you’re smoking hot.” She said, “Nothing sexier than a man in tails.” I really didn’t know how I was gonna keep my hands from touching that ass, but I had to behave.

When we entered, they introduced each couple, Ruby and I was last, and the vice principal said, “Next we have Jayson O’Connell and his date, opps, I mean his friend, Ruby Warden.” I smiled when he winked at me, then turned to see Ruby smiling too.

We danced, drank, ate, and party like the end of the world was tomorrow. I only groped her but half a dozen times or so. One time during a slow song I smooshed her into my chest. She’d giggle each time. A few times she copped a feel of my behind, and then look at me like, ‘What I didn’t do nothing,’ while grinning from ear to ear.

When the DJ played the Righteous Brother’s song ‘Unchained Melody’ Ruby insisted we dance, she said, “This is our song.” I answered, “I’m cool with that.”

She placed her head on my chest and wrapped her arms around my waist. We danced, swaying back n forth in a small circle, to the rhythm of the music. Having her in my arms as we had sung along, it was a magical moment. When the song ended, I gave her a quick kiss on the lips, then we went and sat with our group.

The limo was set to come back at twelve thirty, the Wardens wanted everyone in by one a.m. We got in the limo and again he took us on a scenic tour of the town, before dropping us off at exactly 1:00 a.m.  

Everyone was still hyped up from the dance, so we sat around the living room sharing the events of the evening with Wendy and Rick. Vivian was the first to change out of her dress, then Daisy, and finally Ruby. As Ruby changed all three of us guys went to change in Jack’s room.

I caught Ruby coming out of her bedroom and pushed her up against the wall. I wrapped my hand around the back of her neck and kissed her deeply. She sighed, and then we walked back into the living room, settling on the couch in our favorite position.

We slept till 10:00 a.m., when Jack’s alarm went off. He had to work at eleven, I didn’t go in till three. One more month and we’d be high school graduates, and just two weeks later, I’d be in culinary school.

Our graduation was held at the local theatre, it was indoors, so we didn’t have to worry about weather. Everyone from all three families was there, even my oldest sister flew in for the ceremony.

When they called our names, everyone cheered, clapped, hooped, and hollered. Ours was the loudest group there. But I still heard Ruby, “That’s my man!!!” I looked at the assistant principal, he was just shaking his head, he said, “Looks like somebody has a fan.” I just smiled and keep going.

After getting my diploma and shaking hands with people, I headed back to my seat; on my way I threw a couple kisses toward the families, mainly to Ruby. I loved the girl, and she loved me. Age didn’t matter, only the love in our hearts and an understanding family.

Jack got the same whooping and hollering. Just for reference y’all that is why graduation ceremonies take so long, every kids family showing the love. Finally, we were done and headed back to my parents’ house.

All three families along with other friends and families was there for a huge celebration in honor of Jack and me. Cake, presents, music, playing games, and just having fun. Oh, and food, a ton of food.

The fun didn’t stop when the sun went down, out came the tiki torches and mini white lights. The back yard looked awesome. I finally found a few moments to sneak off with Ruby.

We went up to my room. (don’t go getting all upset, I was a gentleman.) I showed her all the trophies I had won through the years. In all the time we’d known each other this was the first time she had been in my room.

I didn’t want to make her uncomfortable so, I let her have the lead. She looked at the pictures on the walls, then walked over to the bed. She sat down and looked at my nightstand.

“You have my picture by your bed?” She spoke. I replied, “You are the last face I see at night and the first I see in the morning.” She said, “awe, and to think, your picture is just on my dresser. I’ll move it tonight.”

I carefully sat down beside her, she leaned over and laid her head on my shoulder. Quietly she said, “Jayson, I wish I was 18, so we could get married tomorrow.”

I said, “Don’t wish the next few years away. You’ve got some great experiences ahead of you, and I’m not going anywhere.” Then I tilted her head up and kissed her passionately.

That kiss led to dangerous stirrings in my body, so I jumped up and said, “Let’s get back to the party before we’re missed.” She shook her head, but I knew she wanted to stay right there every bit as much as I did.

You see despite the past, or maybe because of it. Ruby was more mature than girls her age, even some my age. As for her looks, her and Vivian could be twins. Both, five foot five, both curvy, just Ruby a little more so.

Vivian had short brown curly hair, and Ruby’s was long and blonde. Viv was brown eyed, and Ruby a hazel blue. And yes, Ruby was more blessed in the chest area. Just because I can’t touch, don’t mean I can’t look. I am a man after all, even though some would say I was a creepy man.

That leads us to the summer of 1987, Ruby’s parents had a pool put in, during the spring months. Let me tell ya, their house was the hang out house even before the pool, but now nobody wanted to go home.

For me I was one of three places, work, culinary school, or that pool. Oh, my talk about having to control yourself. The girls, Vivian, Angelic, Alisha, and even my sisters, was looking good in their suits. Hey, don’t going judging, just because they were my sisters, didn’t mean I couldn’t see the beauties they were becoming.

But Ruby, she had a one piece that ended right there, yeah you know where, and her but cheeks just pecked out in the back. The bottom looked more like ‘Daisy Duke’s’ then a swimsuit bottom.

The top part had a scoop neck, Vivian said it was a romper style suit. Whatever that means, I just know my baby looked better than anyone else there. Yeah, even my manhood seemed to be affected, good thing I was in the pool.

Yes, the hottest girl out there was a thirteen-year-old. I wanted to tell them all to go up on some cloths. Then Ruby spotted me and asked, “Hey Jayson, will you come put some lotion on my back.” Oh my God, was she trying to kill me. “Sure.” I hesitantly answered.

Time for revenge, I swam over to the latter and climbed up, water dripping down my abs, I knew I was hot. I was no longer that skinny bean pole, I had muscles. As I sept my hair back out of my eyes; I heard, “oh my,” coming from her sweet lips. Oh yeah, I was very pleased with myself.

I dried off a little and took the lotion from her and covered her shoulders, and what was exposed of her back. Then she laid stomach down on a lounge chair, “Would ya do my legs too? Please?” I did and then laid down next to her on another lounger.

This was a common occurrence when I was there. One time I asked, “who does this when, I’m not here.” She said, “Jack, Vivian, whoever.” Then gave me a smile and a wink.

***Ruby’s Point of View***

The best investment my parents ever made was getting that pool, everyone got tanned, and had so much fun. Jayson was practically living in our living room. He was always at the house, and he pitched in with food and even cooked a few items he learned, at school and from the restaurant.

Momma loved when Jayson, would take over the kitchen. He’d make me his sous chef, have me grabbing things for him, and stirring. I liked being in the kitchen with him. It was calming and somewhat intimate time for us.

But the most fun was out at the pool, every time he was there, I had him put sunscreen on me. I liked feeling his hands rubbing my skin, especially the back of my thighs.

When that man got out of the pool, my heart skipped beats, and feelings stirred inside of me. He was H.O.T. hot, with a muscular build, but not overly so. Some men go too far, makes me want to puke.

Jayson had hair on his chest and that line going down his stomach disappearing under his swim trunks. He had well defined thighs, and calves; and when he turned, away from you. Girls let me tell ya, a tight ass, and strong looking back.

Fourth of July we went to the lake as always, Jayson joined us after getting off work. That evening I laid my head in his lap as we watched the fireworks. We still had separate tents for the girls and boys, each of the parents had the campers to sleep in.

This year though Jayson bought an extra tent, so we kids wouldn’t be as squished. It was fine when we were all little, but not so much anymore. Vivian, Daisy, Stacy, and I was in one. The other girls tent consisted of Helen, Michele, Angelic, and August (Angelic’s new friend).

The boys, Jack, Jayson, and Travis fit in one. The three handsome guys, and all of us beautiful girls. Weren’t they lucky? We did the usual camping stuff, smore’s and roasting hot dogs over the fire at night and swimming in the lake or laying out during the day. It was a fun weekend.

There wasn’t that much more to tell that year. We did camp out over Memorial Day weekend. Jason was promoted to 3rd position line cook. Basically, chopping food, like he was before. But the title came with a raise. I got another purple wood rose for Christmas.

Jack got him a used pick-up truck, and opened the bike shop back up, but by appointment only. His dream was mechanic school and he planned to one day build custom motorcycle shop.

Vivian and Travis started their senior year in the fall of 1987. Vivian had plans to go to work for a florist and study botany at the university. Travis was going to go into business with Jack, so his plans included design and mechanic schools.

Me, well I was going into seventh grade, still in middle school, still learning lessons. I had a nice little group of friends, still hung out with Alisha and Eric. But as the 1987 ended, I just wasn’t feeling myself.

With me, I would always get the blues after the holidays, but this year seemed to be worse. I felt more and more like I was putting on an act and playing the happy little 13-year-old.

Most of the time I barely ate, and I stayed off in my room, even with Jayson being there. My mind was messed up, yeah, I talked to Tiffany once a week, but even for her I felt like I was ‘acting.’