I was born in 1947, oldest daughter of a farming family in Rural Wisconsin. Those days’ children and young adults had many rules they had to follow. A no-nonsense farming community especially imposed restrictions and values that teenagers were to follow. Passion and love always found a way. Part 1 to follow

My mom had a rule, “no dating until you are sixteen.” Well, I turned sixteen just four days ago, so this was to be my first “official” date.

Actually, I had been around Ronnie before, but it didn’t count because all it amounted to was a few stolen kisses when my parents weren’t looking. Oh, but I remembered those kisses. They had turned my knees to jelly and my heart beat so fast I thought it would fly out of my chest.
I had thought about them for a whole week.

Ronnie had called on Tuesday and Mom had said it was okay for him to pick me up for a date on Saturday at 7:30PM.

Mom was a little concerned about me going with Ronnie because he was “older”. She said “he is much too old for you,” and was considering changing her mind. I remained outwardly calm and suggested that perhaps his age would be safer for me, inwardly I was seething that she would worry because I was so responsible for my age. It wouldn’t do to be angry with my Mother for the result would not have been in my favor.

I was impressed he liked me. I was a girl who at sixteen could attract the attention of an older man, thats made me feel so special. I carefully chose my words to sound as if I could handle any problem that may come up. I quoted all the rules word for word. I did feel a touch guilty because if she had known about the kisses she would not have been so quick to relent.

Saturday finally arrived. I spent hours getting ready. I teased my hair, and piled the golden strands high on my head in a French Roll. I washed and pressed my best blouse and skirt. Nothing was new of course, but they looked real nice. I put on my fake cashmere sweater and checked my reflection in the mirror. I looked great. I swirled myself back and forth in front of the mirror, checking the effect from all angles. I watched to make sure Mom didn’t see, she didn’t approve of vanity.

Then I put lipstick on, it was a pale pink. This was a rule too only pink for young girls. I had asked for red but Mom said that was for older women and divorcees. I pretended to kiss him when no one was looking. It left pink smudges on my hand that I quickly and guiltily washed off. If Mom had seen, she would have called the whole thing off.

By the time 7:30PM rolled around, I was a nervous wreck. I alternated between picking at my supper and pulling at the curtains to see if a car was coming. Finally, twin beams of light were seen bouncing up the rutted gravel driveway. The large blue car pulled up to the sidewalk in the front of the house.

I fled upstairs to my room. My throat was suddenly so dry that I couldn’t swallow. Mom called up the stairs softly saying, “Marsha don’t let him know you are anxious it just won’t do to let him think that. Be calm.”

I heard the knock on the kitchen door and his deep voice, “Hello Mrs. Hanson nice to see you this evening.” My mother’s reply was muffled so I crept down a few stairs, listening intently and heard “She must be home by midnight.” I rolled my eyes humiliated by her instructions.

Her voice called up the staircase, “Marsha come down Ronnie is here to pick you up.” Bucking up all the courage I could I answered in a soft voice, “Okay Mom, I’ll be right down.” I ran the few steps up took a quick look at my face in the mirror. Deciding all was in place I took a deep breath and walked deliberately and slowly down the stairs.

I turned the corner at the bottom of the stairs and Ronnie saw me. His eyes lit up and instantly I knew, he approved. I blushed as he helped me put my coat on and turned to escort me out of the house.
My Mom stood in the doorway, “bring her home safely Ronnie!”
His reply, “I will Mrs. Hanson!” sounded like a genuine promise. He made me proud I was in his care.

We got into the car he played the gentleman and opened the car door for me. When we reached the end of the long driveway, he stopped. I thought was to check for cars but he leaned over and kissed me very gently. I was surprised, I felt his soft, full lips on mine and it thrilled me sending swirls of pleasure all the way to my toes. Immediately he returned to the task of driving and I felt the loss of his touch. He must have sensed my discomfiture because he reached over put his arm around and slid me up against his hip.

I gladly rested my head on that arm and chest, oh, he smelled heavenly. The fragrance of clean skin and Old English Leather Cologne was making me want to touch him. I put my hand under my thigh preventing me from touching him. Mom had given me instructions on proper behavior during dating. Touching was not one of them.