It was the spring of my 6th grade year. The prettiest girl in 6th grade, Cheryl Ridgeway said “Yes” to my invitation to the end of the year 6th grade dance!
Cheryl was a true blonde, with a beautiful face and beautiful cherry red lips. She had a natural smell that must have come from either a soap or perfume she wore. I had snuck a kiss from her and was totally in love. Ours was for the most part a distance romance. That is, where I kept my distance unless her father chase me with a shotgun, even for the 6th grade. She was only my second love in my life.
My first was: Cookie Mangino, a beautiful black haired girl who visited her grandparents on Hull Street in Brooklyn. She smote me. She had the cutest nose and rich black hair, and a voice like Heaven. I never did get a kiss from her, because we moved! There was a strawberry curls girl from kindergarten, but I can’t remember her name.
The night of the big dance came, and I was spiffed up. Hair slicked down, brown shoes polished and tie set around my neck by Dad. I marched out to the station wagon to pick up my date. My chauffeur, Dad was waiting amusedly behind the wheel of the Chrysler, as I slid into the back seat. Around the block we went, I anticipated what she would look like, and with a corsage in a box, sitting on my lap, ready for distribution.
Into the driveway, we arrived. I stepped out and went to the door and knocked. I could detect her Mother, hiding behind the door. I could also detect Dad, laughing at me from the car. I didn’t care; this was Cheryl, the prettiest girl in the school! SHE was my date!
The door opened and Cheryl’s Mother let me in. I forgot the corsage, and ran out to get it. I was tempted to tell Dad to back out and step on it, but instead, steadied my nerves and grabbed the corsage. Back I marched. Calling up the courage, I asked if Cheryl was ready. Out came the most beautiful vision since before my wedding day!
I escorted her by the arm, down to the car, where I opened the door and she climbed in. Saying “Hello” to my Dad, who by now was ready to roll out of the car with laughter. My life was turning into a living Hell. Dad was not letting go!
Off to the school gymnasium we went, Cheryl, Me and my Dad driving, making me nuts. We went into the gym, and the music was playing. I started to dance, the only couple dancing! Yes, all the guys lined one wall, and on the opposite were the girls. As we danced to ‘Smoke gets in your eyes’ I glanced out the gym door window, and there was Dad, laughing his head off, once more.
After the dance, Dad took us to get some ice cream, and as he drove, he gave his observations of the dance. Of course, he had to put his 2¢ in.
To this day, I remember Cheryl and her blond hair, the dance, and my Dad screwing with my head.
Please remember my pals, Joan and Anita.
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