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Richard carefully unscrewed the bottle of aftershave lotion that belonged to Washington and took a deep sniff. It had a refreshing scent, reminiscent of zesty limes. With a sense of nostalgia, he splashed some in his hand and gently patted it against his cheek and neck, just like Washington used to do. As Richard performed this familiar ritual, he couldn't help but be aware of his brother's presence behind him. Washington, with meticulous care, folded up a sweater while observing Richard's actions intently.
"Hey, have you managed to hook up with Stacey yet? You know, gettin' lucky and all?" He turned around and faced Washington, curious to hear the answer.
“Hey, if you plan on using my stuff, no problemo! Just make sure to pop the cap back on the bottle once you're done and kindly stash it away. It's all about maintaining order and keeping things neat, right? Appreciate it!
After confidently securing the cap on the bottle, he nonchalantly placed it back down on the table. With a mischievous grin, he casually asked, "So, have you and Stacey taken your relationship to the next level yet? You know what I'm talkin' about, right?"
Washington's intense gaze locked onto him for what felt like an eternity, and then he casually asked, "So, how are you planning on getting to the dance?"
"Ossie's taking me?"
“Well, if you want, you can totally hop in and ride with me. Stacey won't even bat an eye, so no need to worry about any fuss being made.
"Nah, thanks anyways. Ugh!" Feeling so frustrated, he angrily tugged at the loose Mexican shirt that just wouldn't stay put on his slim frame. It hung awkwardly over his jeans, making him seriously consider whether he should ditch the whole outfit and go for something else entirely.
"Why not sport that awesome blue plaid shirt you've got?" Washington chimed in, as if he could read your mind. "Trust me, you rock it!" He casually grabbed his wallet and keys off the table. "You know what? Your guitar might end up getting stomped on."
“Oh, sure thing, mom! You got it - I'll definitely make sure to pick up my guitar, mom. No worries!"
Washington, with a mix of disappointment and disgust, shook his head like "No way, man!" Then he casually dropped a line like "See ya at the sock-hop, Richard!" It's clear that he meant to say it in a sarcastic tone. After taking one last glance around to make sure everything was copacetic, he coolly exited the scene.
Richard plopped himself down on Washington's bed, casually strumming his guitar with a mischievous grin spread across his face. He absolutely thrived on getting under his brother's skin, and boy oh boy, this was the perfect way to achieve that. As he was jamming away on his instrument, his mind started to wander off to thoughts of Stacey. He couldn't help but wonder if she ever had him in her thoughts too. What exciting plans would they make after the dance? Would they gather with their buddies at the hip Focus spot or sneak away to the peaceful hills for some quality alone time? The possibilities were endless, and he couldn't wait to find out what adventures awaited them!
Richard felt warm as he imagined being with Stacey, even if it was just holding her hand. But enough daydreaming. He went back to his room to take off the ugly Mexican shirt and put on the blue plaid.
Ossie showed up quickly, wearing dark pants, a short-sleeved white shirt, and shiny black shoes. His hands anxiously fiddled with his tie.
"You look like you're ready to take on the world," Richard said.
"Back atcha! Nice shirt."
His friend's compliment made him feel so much better. It helped calm his nerves and relax the big knot in his stomach. He was determined to have a great time tonight, no matter how scared he felt. Maybe, just maybe, he might even muster the bravery to ask Stacey to dance!
As they arrived at the school gym, they could hear the music blasting from inside. The sock-hop was already in full swing, with lots of kids hanging around outside. Richard anxiously scanned the crowd, hoping to find a familiar face.
"There's Stacey!" His heart skipped a beat as he caught sight of her standing next to Washington. Her soft blonde hair danced around her face, adding an enchanting touch to her presence. She gracefully donned a pink dress adorned with delicate purple flowers, which she held gently against her leg to shield it from the wind's playful gusts.
"Wow," Ossie murmured. "The girls sure go for your brother. Look at 'em, willya?"
Four girls suddenly gathered around Washington the way a flock of birds might swarm around a birdbath. Washington was used to that, though. Whenever he strolled by, the girls would freeze up and become alert, huddling together while exchanging hushed whispers with each other.
"Let's go," Richard said to Ossie. "I've got nothing against Washington's leftovers."
Ossie chuckled, and they sauntered across the quad to Washington and Stacey's side.
"Hi, Richard," Stacey greeted with a warm smile. "Hi, Washington. You guys know each other? Itzel, Princess. This is Richard, Washington's brother, and Ossie, his buddy."
Richard was relieved that the girls hadn't noticed him and Ossie, so he couldn't help but smile. He was grateful that they were preoccupied with Washington and hadn't realized that he and Ossie had been there too.
The girl who had been introduced as Abbie exclaimed, "Do you mean this is actually an air-raid shelter, like they show in war movies?". You have your own underground compound and everything? Is it all yours and all yours alone?"
"Washington and Richard use it as a clubhouse, kind of," Stacey said. "A getaway. We play games down there sometimes and pretend we're the only people left in the world, or sometimes we make believe we're on a desert island and..."
"But who built it, for heaven's sake? And why?" Princess asked.
"Don't know. It was there when we bought the house. My dad fixed it up. You know, new generator and bunk beds and stuff. They said there was a war scare almost 20 years ago when the Russians put up missile bases in Cuba," Washington said.
"Can I see it? Oh, can I? I've never been in an air-raid shelter. It sounds neat!" Abbie looked eagerly at Washington. Richard grinned at Ossie and raised his eyebrows.
Richard cleared his throat. "I'll be glad to take you down there. Just say when."
Abbie's glance slid over him. "Washington? Will you show me? If there's ever a war can I go into it with you?"
The girls giggled. Washington rolled his eyes skyward and said, "Let's go, Stacey." But he didn't move.
Boring, Richard thought. How could Stacey stand it? Still, they were female. He looked the four girls over and discounted Princess and Abbie immediately. They were so eager for Washington, they looked like they could eat him. Daphne, who hadn't said anything, wore a dazed smile. Itzel? Well, she wasn't bad. She was about his height, freckled, maybe a bit plump---but pretty. And a little aloof. He sidled closer to her. While the others fired questions at Washington, he nudged her. She didn't notice at first, so he nudged a little harder.
"What?" she asked irritably.
"Wanna go inside and dance?" Heat rushed to his head.
"No."
He took a deep breath and looked away, pretending to be interested in some distant spot. Was he that ugly? That unpleasant? He wanted to sniff under his arms and blow into his hand to see if he smelled okay. God, what the hell was he doing here?
"Richard?"
His throat constricted. He was scared to talk for fear it'd come out garbled.
"Wanna dance? We'll never be missed." Stacey took his arm. "Washington? C'mon. I'll introduce you to someone I think you'll like. We'll be inside, Washington," she called back. Washington nodded and kept on talking.
"He can't help it," Stacey said, walking between them and linking her arms with theirs. "He really doesn't like all that attention, but sometimes they corral him. He's just being polite, but he really hates it. Really!"
"Yeah, sure," Richard said.
"I wouldn't mind a night of that kind of hateful attention," said Ossie.
"You guys just wait. By next near you'll be complaining that girls are phoning you all the time. Now, just listen to that music. Doesn't it make you wanna go? C'mon! Let's boogie!"
Richard figured he had maybe two minutes before Washington came looking for them. Longer, if he could manage it. He pulled Stacey through the mass of jumping, bouncing, gesticulating dancers in the crowded, noisy gym. He was counting on another few minutes if they could hide where the flickering lights made it even harder to see anyone.
Sweating, heart pounding, he turned to face Stacey, worried she might laugh at his head, ran up through his feet. Stacey's eyes danced. She was the most beautiful girl on the floor. He'd always pictured dancing with her like this. He flung his arms around and felt as if he really knew what he was doing. Stacey had always put him at ease.
"Remember the Halloween party we planned last year?" he shouted above the deafening noise. They'd spent happy hours together working out the party details. His smile faded. It was also the night Washington really noticed Stacey.
"Yeah!" she cried. "Grapes for eyeballs. Cooked spaghetti for innards." She laughed. "What kid stuff! But wasn't it fun?"
He nodded. "What's Washington got that I don't?" he shouted, willing her to look at him.
"Oh, Richard..."
"Well?" In the intense excitement he bumped into a girl dancing behind him.
"You've got lots of qualities."
"Like what?"
"Persistence."
"Oh, right. That one does me a lot of good, doesn't it? All it does is get people pissed off at me."
"It's a good quality!"
Discounting her words, he shrugged. "Anything else?"
"You're fun."
"So's Washington."
"Nope." Her eyes slipped away for a second.
"Well, what else?"
"Boy, you're a greedy bastard, aren't you?" She laughed. Shaking her body so that her dress swung around her legs, she said, "You're good at math. You're a terrific runner."
"Says who?"
"Washington."
The answer came as such a shock that he stumbled against her. Washington said nice things about him to Stacey? He didn't tell her what a slob he was, how clumsy, what a pest? God, he loved that brother of his at this moment. He admired, worshiped, even envied him!
Stacey cocked her head in a teasing way. The music had stopped, but he went on dancing until she put a hand on his arm. "Surprised?"
"Shocked."
"Freeze, pardner!" A voice from behind him sounded like Washington. Something jabbed him in the back. "Okay, move away slowly or I'll plug ya!"
Stacey laughed.
"Unhand my woman, and run for your life."
"Turkey!" Richard turned around and playfully gut-punched his brother.
"What's this you're shocked about?" Washington asked, arm around Stacey.
"At the number of females you manage to fool."
"Charm, not fool."
"So? Did you line up those girls to come see your secret lair?" Stacey asked.
Washington hugged her closer. "I told them to show up Saturday afternoon. That's when we give the half-price tour. I told them to bring refreshments, and if they're lucky, my little brother would play his guitar, so they'd get a show along with the tour."
"Little brother? You didn't! You're kidding!" Richard's heart jumped high with hope.
Washington smiled. "Am I?"
"Well, if they come, it'll only be because of you."
Washington had already lost interest in the subject and turned back to Stacey. Stacey had been silent throughout the conversation, but Washington could tell she was eager to speak. He looked at her expectantly, waiting for her to share her thoughts. She began to talk, her voice filled with enthusiasm. Suddenly, the P.A. system crackled and burst forth with the next dance number. His brother and Stacey started dancing.
For an instant Richard remained where he was. Dancer bounced against him, jammed into him. Richard stumbled back, barely staying on his feet. He felt a sharp pain in his ribs, and he could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He gasped for breath, struggling to regain his composure. Then, sighing happily, he turned around and worked his way through the crowd looking for Ossie.
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