First Date

"Oh gosh, here he comes," my mother said, hiding behind the door.

Blue Bar A rock song blasted. I stood quietly next to Patrick, watching Reggie and Jack shoot pool. As usual, we all had a beer bottle.

Patrick tried to tell me something, but the music was playing so loud that I couldn't hear what he was saying.

I didn't feel the rhythm and joy to be there that Friday night.

I decided to go with the guys because this was kind of a commitment we had and what we always did on Friday night after work. Went to Blue Bar, played billiards, and drank all night until we threw up all we got in our stomachs. We loved it!

Meanwhile Reggie made a great shot.

"Yeah! I'm so damn good," he yelled, teasing Jack. "Sucker."

I couldn't pretend anymore to be laid back just to please my friends. I didn't want to be there. I had to leave.

I left with anger without letting the guys know. I heard Jack said, "I thought he was over this shit."

No, Jack, I wasn't. I was still disappointed. I was still upset at myself for not winning the contest because it had been my only chance. Nevertheless, I had to do something about it. I went home to my mother.

Ocean My mother and I drove to the beach a few blocks from where we lived at one o'clock in the morning to practice. I played my violin by the lake, dancing to the song as my mother watched. On the shore were our shoes, the violin case, and a flashlight.