Pressure

Homecoming story part 6

Pressure 

Because the homecoming dance was on the weekend, that meant my brother and I would be with my dad at my grandparents house.

Their house was tiny, but also cozy. This was the place my dad and uncle were raised— So many memories were made there.

The couches they had were very aged and from the early 80s. They had earthy tones and floral designs—but their velvety texture made them extremely comfy.

One thing that stuck out—literally— Was the big screen TV in the living room.

This thing was massive It took 4 of us to move it around and place it where it needed to be. 

In order to properly have it in the living room without taking up so much space, my uncle cut a hole in the wall big enough to set it in. 

This TV was literally in 2 rooms.

Plugging anything into it—like my PlayStation— was a chore. You had to go into the next room to access the AV ports.

It was my grandpa's pride and joy.

The moment I had talked to my dad about the homecoming date, he was beyond ecstatic for it. As for my mother, not so much. 

The plan was that my dad was going to be the chauffeur and take Lilly and I to this nice Italian restaurant I loved. Lilly had never been to it so it was a perfect choice. 

After that, it's off to the homecoming dance. 

I was excited and nervous that I had trouble sleeping the night before. 

From the moment I woke up to the moment I jumped into the shower, the same questions kept pacing back and forth— 

What if the date goes bad? What if it doesn't? What...—

"THE...HELL...IS...THAT...THING!"

"EWW!" I grimaced at what I was seeing in my reflection. 

"Oh my God! Is that a pimple?" There was this massive white growth at the crease of my nostril. The skin around it was very red and irritated. 

Until that moment, I have never had one.

My first reaction was to poke at it. 

"Ouch." I winced immediately. At this point, it was a nasty mark whether I left it or popped it. 

With my index fingers pressed firmly at the sides—

POP!

My eyes widened seeing how it had erupted like a little volcano followed by instant relief. 

I was completely disgusted. I didn't realize they made noise and can turn into a projectile. 

There was now a bloody crater that is even more noticeable on my face than the pimple

I applied a small dab of toothpaste onto it as I heard many classmates swear by it to clear them up.

I wasn't really sure how that worked, but it's better than nothing.

Once I was finally cleaned up and got dressed, I found myself admiring how I looked in the mirror again.

When the time had come to pick up my date, there was one tiny thing that I really didn't anticipate—my little brother was also tagging along.

Why?

He was very hyperactive and was a huge pain in the ass sometimes.

What else could possibly go wrong? 

Lilly was one of the many students at our school that came from a Military family. She was also from one of the few families that stuck around longer because of her Father's job. 

My dad being former military, knew his way around the base. 

The residential areas had many houses built with very identical designs. Only difference was color and any yard decor. If you've been to one of those houses, you've been to them all.

When we made it to her address, I got out and made my way to knock on their door. My dad already had a disposable camera ready to capture all these moments like some tourist documenting the courting habits of some wild animal in the Serengeti.

(Sounding like David Attenborough) "If I we look closely, the young male makes its approach into unfamiliar Territory. Cautiously, he surveys the den of a possible mate. Fascinating."

This was also the first time meeting her family. When I knocked on the door, I was greeted by a short and stout woman with a voice that had a very sweet chime to it. 

"Oh. You must be Alfie. Hello." She shook my hand with both of hers. They were very warm and definitely motherly. "Let me go get her, she's almost done." 

Lilly's father came out and I introduced myself to him as well. 

"Hey Alfie!" He didn't have an intimidating demeanor about him at first, but the firm squeeze to his handshake said otherwise. "Nice to meet you, kiddo!" 

He really didn't say much after that, however he did go over and talked to my dad while I waited for Lilly. 

I guess a soldier can spot a soldier from miles away. Might as well let them become acquainted. 

From outside, I was hearing Lilly bickering inside the house with her little sister. This must be a usual occurrence. 

Once Lilly stepped out, I didn't recognize her for a second. 

The dress she had picked out was a very rich red that did appear like the blush of a fine wine. A gold satin sash was tied around her waist that brought out the curves of her figure. Her skin appeared very porcelain-like in contrast to the dress. 

Tiny speckles of light were being caught and reflected by tiny crystals that were fastened by an invisible string in her hair.

Was this really Lilly? Was this the same rocker girl I have known since 6th grade? 

She was stunning.

Her family and my dad took some quick pictures of us before heading out.

During the ride in my dad's SUV, I really couldn't help but to stare at how beautiful she looked. It's not everyday that you see your friends dressed elegantly and formal.

She punched me on the arm playfully. "Stop! You're going to make me blush." 

"Oww". I rubbed my arm. Her punch really did sting more than I had anticipated. "Sorry. I'm not used to seeing you all dolled up."

"I'm not even used to it." She giggled as her cheeks blushed a soft pink. 

My little brother kept looking back at us from the front seat and making faces at us. I was trying my best not to bicker with him. Instead I was giving him a serious look to knock it off. It wasn't as effective as when my older sister did it. 

"Such a brat." I muttered under my breath.

Lilly shot him an even more menacing look that made him quickly yelp and turn around. 

My jaw dropped in disbelief. 

I looked over at Lilly who was now just sitting innocently like she did nothing at all. 

"You scare me sometimes, you know that?"I said coldly.

"What?" She shrugged and stared at my dumbfounded face. "I am the oldest of 4." 

There must be some kind of mystical power older sisters possess. Even I have faced these powerful stares that strike instant fear among the bravest. 

We had arrived at an antique looking brick building with a hand painted sign that said "Capettos Ristorante". The aromatic smells of garlic, basil and fresh baked bread filled the air as we stepped closer to the restaurant.

I took in a deep breath and exhaled. "I'm telling you, Lilly, this place is awesome. The Spaghetti bolognese has these massive meatballs that do not disappoint."

"How many?" The hostess greeted us.

"Table for 4." My dad spoke out.

My head turned sharply at my dad. I thought Lilly and I were going to have our own table while they sat somewhere else. 

Wait!

They're sitting with us?

WHAT!!!