It was a warm summer evening, and Ty was headed to a backyard party that Renita was giving. He had just graduated two weeks ago. Class of 1976. Bi-Centennial year, and all of that. Now, before heading off to college the second week in August, he was going to try and get in as much fun as possible.
He realized that now, everything would be for the last time. He usually didn’t go to very many parties, but again, he was going to try and have as much fun as possible for the rest of the summer.
Now he knew the summer wasn’t going to be all fun. He had a job at Sears, working in the warehouse, plus he was working out just about every day to get ready for the start of football practice. That’s why he had to be at school the second week of August, instead of after Labor Day, when the rest of the students would arrive.
As he walked down the street, he saw Cheri on the other side of the street, sitting on the steps in front of her house. She had her stereo speakers in the window, with some kind of jazz song playing. He debated on whether he should go over there and say hi. He liked Cheri, and thought she was nice, but she sure didn’t seem to like him. She never had much to say to him, and more than once, he caught her glaring at him with a look that could melt steel. The funny thing was that she was one of his cousin Janice’s best friends. Go figure.
He decided to go over and say something to her. ” Hey, what’s up Cheri.” She looked up at him and smiled. “Hey Ty.” Wow. She actually looked like she was happy to see him. “Where are you headed?” She asked. “You know Renita’s having that backyard party. Seems like everybody’s going.” Ty answered. “I’m not much of a partier.” Cheri responded. Ty sat down on the steps.
“What’s this you’re listening to?” Ty asked. “I never heard this before.” Cheri answered. “You’ve heard of George Benson haven’t you? This song is, ‘So This Is Love.’ It’s really nice.” “George Benson?” Ty asked. “You mean the guy that sings, This Masquerade, and sounds a little like Stevie Wonder? That George Benson?” “One and the same.” Cheri replied. “He plays jazz?” Ty asked. Cheri looked at him, shook her head and laughed. “The whole album is jazz, except for that one song.” Ty sat back as the song played. It really was a nice song.
Cheri looked at him. “When do you leave for college?” she asked. “Football practice starts August 16th” Ty responded. “But Freshman have to be there on the 12th.” “The school is in Pennsylvania?” Cheri asked. “You’ll be so far away.” “Yeah” Ty sighed. He had just wanted to see a different part of the country, but yeah, Pennsylvania was a long ways away. He was sort of curious as to why Cheri would care that he was going to school so far away.
As George Benson played in the background, Cheri looked up at him. “You know, I’m really going to miss you.” Ty was dumbfounded. “Huh. What? Wait! You’re going to miss me?” he said, unable to hide his shock. Cheri looked at him like he had lost his mind. “Yeah I’m going to miss you. Why are acting all shocked and everything?” “Truthfully?” Ty began, “I always thought that you couldn’t stand me.”
Now it was Cheri’s turn to look shocked. “How in the world did you get that idea?” Ty looked at her. “You would always give me those evil side looks, and I’d try to say something to you, and you’d always be real short with me.” “I was just nervous.” Cheri said. “You, nervous?” Ty laughed. “Miss popularity?” “Well” Cheri started, “I used to tell Janice how much I liked you. That sometimes, I felt like hitting you upside your head with a brick, or something, to get you to notice me.” “I noticed you alright.” Ty shot back. “I just never thought I’d have any kind of chance with you. You being all popular and everything.”
Cheri laughed. “So here we were, both liking each other, and didn’t know it.” “Yeah.” Ty sighed. “I wonder why Janice never said anything to me. Thanks a lot cousin.” “We would have made a nice couple.” Cheri said. “I guess it’s too late now, you going off to school and everything.” “What do you mean, it’s too late?” Ty shot back. “I don’t leave for almost two months. We can at least spend time together until I Ieave.” A big smile crossed Cheri’s face. “I’d like that.” she said.
As she slid closer to him, the front door behind them opened, and Cheri’s dad stepped out. In his deep baritone voice, he asked Cheri if she needed anything. Ty knew he just came out to see who was out here talking to his baby girl. “Hi daddy.” Cheri said. ” I don’t need anything, but this is Ty. He just lives down the street. He just graduated, and is going off to school in the fall.” “How are you, Ty, and congratulations on your graduation.” Her father said. Ty answered.”I’m doing good sir, and thank you.” He stood up to shake his hand. Ty’s dad had taught him to always stand when shaking hands with an adult, and always look them in the eye.
“It sure is a nice evening. Well, Cheri, don’t be too long out here, and it was nice to meet you Ty.” “Nice to meet you to sir.” Ty responded. “Daddy. I wanted to ask you something.” Cheri spoke. “My friend Renita is having a backyard party, you know with graduating and everything. Ty was on his way there. Is it ok if I go too?” “Will Ty be bringing you home?” Her father asked. “Yes sir, I will.” Ty responded. “Ok then. Don’t be too late. You know how your mom worries if you’re out too late. Even if we know where you are.” “Thanks daddy. We won’t be.” Cheri said, happily. She stood up and kissed her father on the cheek, as he went back into the house.
Ty looked at her and grinned. “I thought you weren’t much of a partier.” “Oh shut-up, and let’s go” Cheri laughed.
As Ty held out his hand for her to take, he just could not believe it. He would have never guessed that Cheri liked him. Wow! As she took his hand, they smiled at each other, and walked hand in hand to the party. It was going to be a good summer. Yeah!