Curse of the Fountain -13- Melanie Brown

Melanie Brown

Copyright © 2025

Part 13

As he leaned towards me, I closed my eyes. I couldn’t watch! This can’t possibly be happening to me! And why am I going to let him do it? His lips are so close to mine. No! No!  I can’t do it.

He parted his lips and paused his leaning towards me. He sat back up and stared out the windshield. What the hell? You tease me with those lips and then pull away? No! Come back here!

He turned back to look at me. He smiled, and before I could react, his lips were pressed against mine. His soft, warm, inviting lips pressed gently into mine. I leaned into his kiss. I couldn’t believe the flow of emotions. His kiss was magic. I’ve crossed the Rubicon. There’s no going back after this kiss. A kiss hasn’t excited me this much since before I met Joan, my wife. It was downhill from there.

He started to pull away. I put my arms around his neck, and in a feeble voice, I moaned, “No.”

He leaned in again and kissed me, shorter this time. He pulled my arms from his neck as he sat up. He said, “I think you should probably go. Your mom is watching. I’ll see you tomorrow about six.”

Being totally smitten, I whispered, “Just a little longer.”

Jeff smiled slightly. “I think we’re both in trouble with your mom. I don’t want to make it worse.  I’ll see you tomorrow.” He gave me one quick kiss before I opened the passenger door.

As I slid down to the pavement, I said, “See you tomorrow.” I turned and ran to the house’s front door. I heard Jeff drive away as I put my hand on the doorknob. I just couldn’t believe what just happened. I’ve been kissed by a boy and it was heaven. I twisted the knob and opened the door.

“About time you got home, young lady,” growled Mom from the couch, as if she hadn’t just been standing by the door looking out the window.

I clasped my hands behind my back. “Remember Mom? They had an after game party at Rosa’s and …”

Mom stood up. “It’s after one a.m. You’re way past curfew.”

I narrowed my eyes at Mom. “I have a curfew?”

Frowning, Mom said, “Of course you do. I told you.”

I shook my head. “No, you didn’t.”  Honestly, I don’t remember if she did or not. But I’m sticking with the not.

Folding her arms, Mom said, “I’m sure I did. But regardless, common sense should tell you that it’s not good for a girl your age to be out gallivanting around after midnight.”

Thinking Mom was being ridiculous, I said. “It’s not like I was alone. And we were just having fun.”

Glaring at me, Mom rubbed at a lipstick smear with her thumb. “Yeah. I can see what kind of fun.”

It dawned on me that arguing with Mom was the wrong tactic. It didn’t work when I was a kid before and I doubt it will work with my new Mom.  I looked down at my feet, and as sincerely as I could make it, I said, “I’m sorry, Mom. I just lost track of the time. I’m sorry.” I think that sounded sincere.

Mom’s expression softened. She fluffed my hair and said, “We’ll let it slide this once. Only this once you hear me? I know having fun is a new experience for you, Nell. But from now on, you must be home by midnight after these parties.  Eleven thirty for dates. We still haven’t met this boy of yours.”

I stood a little straighter now that the heat was off. “You will tonight, Mom.”

“Was that his father driving you tonight? Will he be driving tomorrow?”

What the hell is this? I said, “No, Mom. Jeff drove. He recently turned sixteen and has a license and everything.”

Mom cocked her head to one side. “Sixteen? I didn’t know that.”

I furrowed my brow again. “So? We’re in the same grade and I’m practically sixteen myself.”

Mom smirked. “You’re lawyers originally wanted to declare you thirteen instead of fifteen. I talked them out of it. Thirteen would have been much too young for you.” She laughed. “Although sometimes I wonder.”

I sighed. “See? It’s all arbitrary.”

Mom fluffed my hair again.”We’ll see. I can tell you right now your father won’t like him being older.”

“Isn’t Dad older than you?”

“That’s not the same thing,” Mom said. “You need to get to bed.”

I frowned. “He’s older than you because that douche nozzle flunked the eleventh grade!”

“Don’t call your father that!” scolded Mom. “I’m about to cancel your date tomorrow.”

“Okay, okay. I’ll stop.” Douche nozzle.

“Go wash your face and get in bed,” said Mom.

                    *

“Hey! It’s time to get up!” declared Mom’s insufferable offspring as she jumped on my bed. “Are you going to sleep all day?”

With my leg, under the covers, I pushed Riley from the bed to the floor. She grunted when she hit the ground. I pulled the covers over my head and groaned, “Until noon, at least.”

Riley climbed onto my bed and said, “That won’t work. Mom said you have a one-o’clock appointment at the salon.”

I rolled over and looked sideways at the ten-year-old spawn of hell, “Appointment where?”

Riley wiggled her feet off the bed. “The salon, goofuss. I know it’s a big task, but they’re going to make you beautiful for your date.”

I pulled the covers back over my head. “That’s hours from now and a big waste of time and money.”

Riley started drumming on my back. “It’s ten thirty.  Mom told me to make sure you’re up.”

“Will you stop that!” I snarled at Riley. “And get off my bed. I can’t get up with you sitting there.” She giggled and slid off my bed.

As I sat up and pulled my hair from my eyes, Mom said from the door. “About time you got up. We have lots to do today, and we still haven’t picked what outfit you’re going to wear tonight.”

I looked over at Mom as strands of hair fell back over my eyes. “Outfit? Why do I need an outfit? And what’s this salon nonsense?”

Mom started going through my closet. “The salon is going to do your hair, make-up and nails.”

I shook my head. “You’re kidding, right? What’s the point?”

Mom pulled a skirt from my closet. “You want to be beautiful for your first big date don’t you?”

I stood up and yawned. “Why bother? I can guarantee you that Jeff isn’t going to a lot of trouble.  I’d be surprised if he even bothers to take a shower.”

Mom chuckled as she pulled a skirt and matching tank top from my closet. “Oh, I doubt that. He’ll want to make a good impression.”

As I stepped into the bathroom, I groaned bleary-eyed at Mom. “We’re making a ridiculous investment into this one date.”

Mom smirked at me. “You can afford it, Nell. You get an allowance from your account for special occasions.”

                    *

It was hell on earth, I tell ya. Maybe I’m exaggerating just a little. But going to the salon was the worst! First I thought they were going to break my neck when washing my hair. They added a large wave and hi-lights to it. What was wrong with my hair before? We’ll see what happens in two weeks when I go back.

But it didn’t stop with the hair! Oh no, of course not.

I was going to be wearing make-up to this silly teen escapade. It was bad enough having to wear make-up for cheerleading. But now I’m supposed to have an evening look with heavier eyeliner and smoky shadow but stillteen-appropriatee. They just kept applying layer after emasculating layer. This, along with a pale pink lipstick that’s to match my nail color. Seriously?  This seems like a lot of extra work.  Why do girls do this to themselves?

My hair feels so wonderfully silky. Never in my life has what hair I had felt so grand. I twisted my head around and felt my hair cascade about my shoulders. Why do girls have this mania about their hair and painting their faces?

I was stunned looking at myself in the mirror. I couldn’t believe it was me. Riley kept blabbing about she was about to pee in her panties if I didn’t get out of the bathroom. Wow. Just look how my hair flows now.

“Honey!” called Mom outside the bathroom. “Jeff will be here soon and you’re still not dressed.  And Riley needs to go really bad.”

“Okay, okay.” I sighed. One more check in the mirror, and I opened the bathroom door and stepped out. Riley practically pushed me out of the way as she rushed in and slammed the door.

Through the door, I growled, “Well, excuse me!”

Riley shouted, “You’re such a stuck-up b…”

Mom exclaimed, “Riley! I won’t tolerate talk like that!”

“So rude!” I grumbled.

Mom touched my arm. “Come on, honey. Let’s get you dressed.”

                    *

‘Oh my God, he’s here!” I gasped, looking out the front window. “I can’t do this.”

Mom chuckled. “It’s a little late to get cold feet now. Hurry. Get in your room. We’ll call you.”

I watched Jeff get out of his truck.  He had washed it. I wonder if he changed his underwear. Not that I would know.

“He’s right here, Mom,” I said. “Why go to my room?”

Dad sat in his recliner. “We’ve told you that we want to talk to any new boy you date.”

I shook my head as I closed my door. Riley was sitting on my bed, staring at me. “What are you looking at, butt-head?”

Looking solemn, Riley said, “You’re scared, ain’t ya?  I can tell.”

I took a deep breath. “Maybe.”  I jumped when the doorbell rang.

I heard Mom open the door. I had my ear pressed against the door.  Sounding surprised, she said, “Yes?”

A little muffled, I heard Jeff say brightly, “Good evening, Mrs. Fenwick.  I’m here to pick up Nell.”

Mom said, “Oh, you must be Jeff. Have a seat.  I’ll see if she’s ready.”

I should have backed up as Mom bumped my head with the door.  She whispered, “Give us five minutes, okay?” I bit my lip and nodded.

I turned to look at Riley. “How do I look?”

Riley laughed. “You look beautiful. For the fiftieth time.” Why am I so nervous?

I leaned my ear against the door again. “…would you like some water?” asked Mom.

“No, thank you.”

Dad said, “That’s a nice truck out there. Is your father driving you guys?” Douche nozzle! He knows the truth.

Jeff said, “No, sir. That’s my truck. I got my license last month.”

Dad said, “That’s a big truck. Must drink a lot of gas.”

Jeff chuckled. “Yes, sir. I got a part-time job at the Lawson convenience store to pay for it.”

Mom said, “I don’t know what’s keeping her. You know how girls are.”

Jeff said, “Yes, ma’am.”

Mom said, “I’ll check on her.”

I backed up this time so I wouldn’t bang my head when Mom opened the door.

Mom poked her head into my room and grinned. “You’re on.” She turned and walked away.

I looked at Riley, and before I even opened my mouth, she said, “The same as three minutes ago.”

I turned back to the door and sighed. I’ve been in combat. I’ve faced down charging rhinos. I’ve weathered violent storms on the high seas. I’ve stood at the altar and said, “I do.” None of these times was I more petrified than I was now.

He’s just a boy…

                    *

End of Part 13