It had been a year since we had seen each other. We had texted a few times, but the lines on the screens of our phones looked stilted, as if we were holding back. Necessarily so, because we were four years apart in age and had been in different stages of our lives. #lookinmybriefs #birthdays

“I didn’t think so. And you’re the only friend I have who is over twenty-one.”
“And not in jail. I intend to keep it that way.”
Another whoop from the old folks had me turning back to the game. I felt his hands touch my shoulders, and then they hesitated. I didn’t hesitate. #lookinmybriefs #romance

"Thank you so much.” I’d always thought the ending to that sentence inane. Not now.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t have time to get you a present.”
I half turned and looked up at him, mischief on my mind.
“Would you buy me some beer?”
“No.”
I sighed, feigning disappointment. #lookinmybriefs #birthdays

Without turning I murmured, “You came.”
I sounded breathless. I was. And I was sorry when he let his hand drop.
“Couldn’t let you celebrate your birthday without me.” A moment passed. “Did you want me here?”
“Yes." #lookinmybriefs

During the holidays, I had sex for the first time. He was a nice boy, and we had sex several more times, until he ended our relationship, just before spring break. I think he realized he was a stand-in. The sex was pleasant, but I kept wondering how it would be with Rickie Baines. #lookinmybriefs

Inside I found a giant, silver aluminum foil wrapped Hershey’s Kiss. I stashed it in the fridge and hoarded it for weeks, taking only nibbles. Each bite was delicious and heart wrenching.
Rickie didn’t come home for Christmas. #lookinmybriefs

He turned back to me, sadness in his eyes.
“Bye.”
“Bye.”
I watched him until he disappeared around the edge of the garage, headed back to his mother’s house. My mother’s words floated into my memory.
“I know how much you like Rickie. I know how much he likes you." #lookinmybriefs #birthdays #romance

His tone was filled with false heartiness. “I’ll see you at Christmas then.”
My heart started to pound. I had to act. I rose to my tiptoes to kiss his mouth, but at the last second he was distracted by a sound from Cybil. He turned his head and my lips caressed his cheek. #lookinmybriefs #romance

I glanced at Cybil. She discreetly moved away.
“That sounds like fun,” I said gently. “But I have a date.”
“A date? On your birthday? But we…” His expression was blank, confused, and then my words and their meaning sank in. “Oh. Okay. That’s cool.” #lookinmybriefs #birthdays #contemporary #romance

The rest of the party went smoothly, and I managed to get everyone out the door before my parents succumbed to insanity. Only Rickie and Cybil were left.
“You want to go for a cruise?” he asked. “Maybe get a bite to eat?”
It was the moment for truth.
#lookinmybriefs #birthdays #contemporary #romance

“Out of chips. I’ll get more.”
By the time I returned, he was engaged in a game of darts. I filled the bowl and went to my room. It was a relief to get a brief moment of privacy. I heard a knock. It was Cybil.
“Are you okay?”
“Sure. I just needed a second.”
#lookinmybriefs #birthdays #contemporary

We were distracted by Marsha’s laughing squeal when a boy chose a circle that allowed him to curve over her bending body, bumping her butt. Casually, Rickie laid his arm behind me across the top of the couch. I leaned forward and pointed to a bowl. #lookinmybriefs #birthdays #contemporary #romance

Inwardly I winced.
“When are you leaving?”
“Early tomorrow morning. I was going to leave next week, but I want to get moved in before school starts.”
The news startled me. I should have been happy but…
#lookinmybriefs

“How is Purdue?” I asked.
“Still in Indiana.”
“Your junior year. Are you excited?”
He shrugged. “I’m more excited about moving off campus. I heard back today. I’ll be sharing a house with a couple of guys. You can visit.”
Inwardly I winced.
#lookinmybriefs #birthdays #contemporary #shortstory

We left Cybil and went to watch some of my classmates play Twister. The game was a good, socially acceptable excuse for teens to brush against each other with a few extra rubs thrown in. We sat down on the couch, ignoring the smell of sweaty teenagers. #lookinmybriefs #birthdays #contemporary

Her glance moved from him to me, and she rolled her eyes. “Oh, right. My party.” We all laughed.
She looked at him again and hesitated before saying to me, “About later…”
“We’ll talk about it,” I said. “Let’s see what’s happening in the den, Rickie.” #lookinmybriefs #birthdays #contemporary

Sharing laughter, we made our way to the kitchen, where the smell of fresh baked pepperoni pizza soon had him salivating. He was carrying a wrapped gift which he laid on the table with the others, and then he devoured two large pieces of pizza before Cybil Hart spotted us. #lookinmybriefs

“Right. And since I’m your only next-door neighbor girl…”
He grinned. “Exactly.”
I was always happy to see him, but there was a bit of consternation behind my smile.
“We have pizza, cake, and ice cream.”
“The three food groups.”
#lookinmybriefs

A moment of maturity hit. There would not be many of them while I was fifteen, but there would be more than before. I pressed “send.”
His reply was swift.
Always. Gotta get back to work.
I was tempted to text, I love you, but I didn't.” He didn’t need the distraction. #lookinmybriefs #contemporary

I’m sorry
Tears leaked again. I texted back
Me too. Thank you for the locket. I love it.
My cell dinged.
Glad you liked it.
On impulse I typed Forgive me, and then I stared at the letters. #lookinmybriefs