This is the first 'chapter' in my series called "The Firsts". I guess they are more like vingettes (think House on Mango Street) instead of chapters. They will each tell an event which will build on each other till the final culminating event. So it's more of a running plot across all of the parts... Trust me, it will all make sense at the end. Thanks for reading! - Shel

-edited on 7/22

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I jump out of the barely-stopped car, already late. I try to hurry through the thick grass between the houses, but the unnatural heels and dress make this feat difficult. Finally making my way into the backyard, I step into the already formed line with our backs to the house. The soft ground gives in to our heels making us do an impromptu dance to not sink. The parents taking pictures on the porch of the empty house next door look confused, only adding to our laughter. The soft evening sun provides the perfect lighting for our backdrop of a few short trees.

Smiling for the cameras, I check out the different dresses, from my black halter to Lucy’s pink spaghetti strap. I realize I don’t know the blonde boy standing in front of Lucy. He must be Lucy’s friend that didn’t have a group.

Shifting my weight from foot to foot habitually, I find myself not knowing how to act in this unnatural outfit. Thankfully I packed my normal clothing of basketball shorts and a tee for after. Pictures go on for another ten minutes with multiple poses: boys only, girls only, couples only, silly picture. Finally we are done, but no one can stop smiling; it’s sophomore homecoming.

Talking with my friends, I glance around the groups, stealing looks at Lucy’s friend. He catches my eye once, and I blush and quickly look away. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice him and Lucy making their way over to me. I quickly drop out of my other conversation.

“Hey Marissa,” Lucy says coming over to me with the blonde boy.

“Hey Lucy,” I reply hugging the brunette. My pulse quickens as I feel the boy’s eyes on me. As I pull back from the hug, my gaze travels up six inches, and my dark brown eyes connect with his beautiful clear blue eyes. He smiles softly, like he’s got a secret to himself.

“Marissa, Aaron. Aaron, Marissa,” Lucy breaks the trance between Aaron and me.

“Hey,” I test my voice. It’s as steady as an old jungle gym.

“Hi,” he says his amazing smile growing. Another silence falls as our eyes lock again.

“Nice dress Ris,” Lucy blurts using my nickname to break our connection again. I look at her to reply, but can still feel Aaron looking from my small silver heels up to my shoulder length hair that I took extra time to get perfectly straight.

“You do like nice Marissa,” he says in a voice that has a slight deepness, but boyish qualities too.

“Thanks,” I reply. It’s my turn to check him out. “You’re not so bad yourself,” I say finding my voice. My arms, however, have a mind of their own as they reach up and pretend to straighten the lapels of his jacket.

“Thanks. My tie matches the inside of my jacket,” he says obviously unsure what to say. He reveals the inside lining to be a similar pattern to his tie. I smile at his nervousness.

“Did your mom help you pick that out?” I flirt.

“Yes she did,” he replies his smile changing to an impish one, “She even tied my tie for me.”

“Well aren’t you a special boy,” I say placing my hand on his arm quickly.

“My mommy says I am very special,” Aaron replies drawing himself up, acting high and mighty. I laugh, and he smiles sweetly.

Leaving for dinner, I see that Aaron is already going in another car with Lucy. I jump into my car and forget about it.

Arriving at the fancy, but simple Italian restaurant, Aaron makes sure he is sitting across from me at our long table outside. It is a beautiful clear night with a slight breeze. As we wait for our food, the conversation between the two of us flows like we have known each other for years, not an hour. We talk about everything from sports to our families.

I find myself memorizing not only his amazing physical features, but his life story of swimming and more. His sparkling eyes, radiant smile, glowing personality, and sense of humor makes the three hour dinner fly by. The night has fallen and so has the temperature. I wear his jacket to the car where he is whisked away by Lucy again.

Miraculously, all three cars arrive at the school at the same time. Joining the sea of people heading inside, Aaron slips up next to me. “Save me a dance?” he asks shyly.

I’m smiling a mega watt smile now, “Of course.” The mass of people separates us and just as quick as the moment came, it passed like two ships passing at night.

We follow the music into the “Under the Sea” themed field house. There’s a mass of dancing people in the center, looking like seaweed. It’s the one night a year to dance, so I let loose.

Soon enough, I find Aaron dancing behind me, smiling down at me. His arms slide around my small waist, and our hips move together to the pulsing beat of the song as he pulls me closer. I feel his strong swimmer’s muscles on my back. I smile up at him, enjoying how close we are. Our friends surround us, making us the center of the group. I get a few winks from my friends, but laugh them off with Aaron. I turn around in his arms, throwing my arm around his neck pulling him closer to me. His blue eyes are even more intense then before and I am entranced. The adventurous boy moves his hands lower and lower till they settle over my butt. I smile letting him know it’s okay. A popular song comes on and we are crushed up against each other. Our actions are now controlled by those around us, and soon enough it’s like a MTV music video on the dance floor. The crowd dissipates, and my basketball team pulls me away as he joins the swimmers. We dance with our teammates, stealing glances at each other.

The first slow song of the night comes on. Couples are dancing around groups of girls and groups of guys just standing there. Suddenly I hear his cute voice in my ear asking me to dance. I nod, unable to speak. We sway to the easy beat of the slow songs moving closer till my head is resting on his shoulder. It’s perfect. The moment feels as if it lasted forever, but the two songs pass like any other songs.

The music changes back to the quick beat of a popular radio song. Our hips quicken to match the music. I’m crushed between him and another guy, having a good time. Suddenly Lucy is at his side, and his arms go to her. I’m not jealous as my other friend grabs me, and we dance together.

The dance goes too fast; soon it’s the last slow set of the night. Standing with my friend, I glance around looking for Aaron. Then I spot him, dancing with Lucy. I brush it off and enjoy the rest of the night.

Heading to a friend’s house for a bonfire, I get multiple comments on Aaron and me tonight. I shrug them all off as having fun, but my mind wanders to the comments for the rest of the night. He stays for an hour, sitting next to me at the bonfire, talking. As we separate for the night, I realize something will come from this night: a friendship for now, but maybe more later.