I took a deep breath as I peered toward the full floor length mirror that was hung on the other side of the small changing room. The reflection that greeted me was totally alien to me. The reflection showed a girl, who appeared to be around sixteen. She had long, flowing brunette hair that reached down to her shoulders. A modest chest that was just starting to fill out. Her hips were just starting to come in. This girl also wore a strapless coral pink ball gown that reached all the way to the ground. The girl looked like she just stepped off the front cover of the popular teenage magazine “Sassy Magazine”. Her porcelain skin was a light copper color from countless hours working outside along with her sister as they tended to their small garden of row crops. And also from countless hours of outdoor play her wide collection of friends.
The longer I peered into that reflection, the more I found myself at a loss for words, strange considering that I'm a part time writer and that what I do I hammer away with words, sometimes the words flowed like a river from some hidden wellspring that was buried deep within my mind. Other times it was nothing more than a steady stream, steady as the creek that flows behind our house. And then other times it was nothing more than a bare trickle. And still, a few times it was like somebody had cut off the flow of words all together. Then I would go days, maybe even weeks, sometimes months at a time without even managing to write one signal creative line. And so, maybe it was not that unusual that I would find myself at a loss for words right now.
“Darling.” A refined southern accented voice said from behind me. “That dress looks stunning on you.” The voice added and then after a short pause, “You look just like a princess from a story book.”
I slowly closed my eyes, I often shut my eyes when I'm starting to think, and right now I just wanted to soak in those words. Those honey sweet words, slowly I opened my eyes and right off the bat I noticed that the reflection of that girl had been joined by a blonde woman in her mid thirties. The woman had sparkling blue eyes that shimmered like sapphires.. The woman wore a woolen, forest green dress. She was also my second mom, and her name was Heather Ford and she was the famed hostess of PBS's flagship program 'The Heather Ford Show'. And right now she was the one funding this little expedition into the heart of teenage culture, the Metrocenter Mall.
“Thank you mother.” I said slowly as I opened my eyes again. I was still in the midst of processing everything. It was hard to believe that the reflection in the mirror belonged to me. That beautiful girl in the mirror was me. It was just a hard pill to swallow that the reflection belonged to me. One two and a half years had passed since that fateful night that my birth mother and I were in a terrible wreck, a wreck that had killed her and left me as an orphan. And a ward of the state. I mean Kayla, my older sister could have rejected me and pawned me off into the state's ill funded foster care or into one of the many foster homes that dot the region. But instead she bit the bullet and stepped in and took me under her wing. She in short became my new mom. And Heather, her loving wife, could have also rejected me. Instead though she had embraced me as her new daughter. Though by common law I was her sister-in-law.
“A penny for your thoughts?” The blonde woman said as she walked up and placed her hand upon my shoulder.
“Just thinking mommy.” I said, taking a deep breath as I closed my eyes. I always seemed to close my eyes when I was deep in thought, that always seemed to clear away some of the clutter and help me focus on the task at hand. “Like I really love this dress. But it's so expensive. Plus once you throw in the matching shoes, the gloves and the cost of the salon.” I opened my eyes slowly. “How can we afford all of this?”
Heather laughed a little and waved her hand in a dismissing way.
“Oh Madeline darling. You worry about money too much. This is nothing, nothing at all. A Debutante ball is supposed to be fun. It's a rite of passage. It's a fun way to show your coming of age. Its the traditional southern way of showing you're of marriageable age.” She paused. “Both Kayla and I had one hosted in our honor by our families. The only difference between us was, Kayla's Debutante Ball was hosted at the Benton Country Club, where we are going to host yours and mine was held at the famous McRaven Housed. Also rumored to be one of the most haunted houses in Vicksburg.” She said with a small smile.
“It was a magical night, full of wonder and magic, all the young gentlemen of Vicksburg were dressed in tuxedos and all my friends wore formal gowns.” A warm blush colored mom's face. Clearly she was remembering a magical night, one of pure bliss. But then her face started to darken. “Of course then one the McRaven's ghost had appeared and tried to ruin the night. Nearly tripped me coming down the stairs as I was making my grand appearance. Thankfully the banister was there for me to hold on too. Otherwise I might have fallen down the wooden stairs and broke my neck or at the very least shattered my leg.” She said, shivering. “Yes for all its charm, McRaven is a very haunted house.” She added as she started to rub her arms.
Now in the South all indoor malls are air conditioned, and they remain air conditioned all year long. Because no matter the season, the weather down here in Dixie remains hot and humid. You might get a few snow days a year if you're lucky and we normally get snow about once or thrice a year. Normally in either late January or in the middle of February and sometimes we get a snow storm around March at the latest. So yes, I can totally understand it being cold here in what I can only say is a changing room corridor. One that reeks of nineties décor and seems almost too quiet.
“I see.” I said, smiling softly. As I reached down and touched my neckline. “I was wondering if a string of pearls would accent this dress.” I said smiling as I started to once more admire my own reflection in the full, floor length mirror. Normally I would be pumping mom for more information about the myriad of ghosts that were claimed to haunt old McRaven, since mom was born and raised in Vicksburg, and Vicksburg like Benton was among the oldest towns in Mississippi. In fact, if you really want to dig into the lore. Benton was the first township in this region that would later become The Mississippi Delta. A diamond, almond shaped region of land that according to local lore was supposed to start in the lobby of the Peabody hotel and Memphis and ends at Catfish Row in downtown Vicksburg.
And with Vicksburg being the second oldest settlement, the first being Natchez, the queen city of Mississippi, it was quite natural that the city was supposed to be flooded with ghosts. And since I was budding paranormal write, I loved to chase ghost stories. And I've been meaning to make a stab at Vicksburg. So me being lost in my own reflection was odd, but I felt so enchanting.
“Sure... might as well throw in a tiara too.”
“That would be lovely!” I said blushing
At that moment Heather just sighed and shook her head.
“Why not, lord Kayla is going to kill me for this.” She said, cocking her eyes to the side and peered toward me. For a long moment she looked me up and down, it was like she was starting to study me.
Then at last she spoke, “You know. Looking at you now in that gown and seeing how gracefully you walk around the room in heels. It makes it hard to believe you were ever a boy to begin with.”
I nodded my head.
“It's going to be three years in January.” I said in a whimsical tone of voice. “Three years since the accident. And two since I'd last visited Lisa's Grave.” I paused. Shortly after I started calling my older sister “Mum” and Heather “Mom.” I started calling my deceased mother by her first name. The change was slow at first. But neither Kayla or Heather had ever tried to correct me, they just rolled with it.
“Time is just slipping right on by. Soon you'll be graduating from Benton High and going off to college at Holmes. Then you'll head out into this big old world. Soon you'll be getting married too and before you know it. You'll be starting a family of your own.” And at this point Heather or should I call her mum was getting a little choked up. “And before you know it. Both Kayla and I would be grandparents!”
I blinked and blinked again!
“I remember when I first met you at the Discover Benton Festival, If I recall correctly my first impression of you was nothing more than a pretty brunette little tomboy with shaggy hair, who was dressed in an old, one piece, blue bathing suit. Perched in the town's dunking booth. Blushing at all the attention you were receiving. Now you seem to revel in it.” She said smiling.
“I guess you're right. But it feels weird, you know, I'm not supposed to be the one who attends these events. Jamie is more the princess type. I guess sometimes I get a tad bit jealous of how often Jamie gets put into the spotlight. I sometimes feel forgotten about know.” I added.
Heather nodded her head and smiled as she stepped toward me.
“It happens to the best of us. I think the difference between you and Jamie is this, Jamie always wanted to be a princess. And so she jumps at every chance to get dolled up, to wear a fancy gown with all the trimmings. You on the other hand just wanted to be, well you always wanted you. Madeline, who happens to be a bit of tomboy with a bit of princess mixed in. And that is fine, because that is the Madeline we love.” Heather said with a small smile.
I nodded my head.
“The Madeline I know is smart, funny, is an avid collector of ghost stories, is athletic, can work from sunup to sun down on the hottest of days, is a wonderful cook, who can fry, bake, boil or slow shimmer any dish you can imagine. But sometimes, she lets her own doubts take hold of her and that holds her back.” Heather said.
“Okay.” I said looking at myself again in the floor length mirror.
“Anyway, let's buy you this dress and get the heck out of here.” Heather said. “These changing rooms just give me the flipping chills. I swear sometimes I think they're haunted.” She said as if on cue at that very moment the door to the changing room swung open and stayed opened for a few moments before closing with an ear splitting bang.
I turned around and peered at Heather who just peered back at me, we both just rolled our shoulders and shrugged it off. A few moments later, we were out of the changing room. And the sales lady was ringing up the gown with a faux pearl necklace and tiara. Heather just shrugged her shoulders and muttered about getting murdered for spending so much money as the total appeared on the computer screen. But she just heaved a deep sigh and reached into her purse and pulled out her plastic Visa credit card. A few moments later, we were walking out into the main part of the mall.
“Anywhere else we need to go?” Asked Heather as she and I walked through the main concourse of the mall. “Because if we're done shopping we really need to start heading back home.” She said as she checked the time by looking down at her wrist watch. “Though I suppose we do have enough time to stop somewhere and get something to heat before we make tracks back home Benton.”
“How about Hibachi?” I suggested with a small smile.
“Hibachi sounds lovely.” Heather said. “I could sure go for a grilled lobster tail, and some steak right about now.” She paused. “And don't forget about some fried rice too, you can't forget about the fried rice.”
“Make mine a double!” I said smiling.
“Oh to be young again and not have to worry about gaining weight. When I was your age I could pig out on an 'All You Can Eat' buffet and not worry about gaining one ounce of weight. But alas those days are behind me now, now I have to watch what I eat or else I might lose my figure. You'll understand one of these days.” Heather said as she wrapped one arm around me and pulled me along.
And that how another wonderful day in my life comes to an end.
The Benton Country Club was a handsome brick building that had been built on top of a hill. The Country club was the playground for the bourgeoisie of the town. A nine hole golf course surrounded the building and attached to the building was a deep, oval-shaped swimming pool and beside the swimming pool was a tennis court. To become a member, one had to vote in. It was also clannish, with just one vote against you being enough to black ball you from ever joining the club again.
The Benton Country Club was also ground zero for any and all major social events that took place in Benton. I'll give you an example: each summer they would host the annual Cotillion Ball for all marriageable ladies of the bourgeoisie class. To be invited one had to be at least sixteen and be attending or have attended either one of the two private academies in Benton. Benton Academy if you were a protestant or St. Clare's Academy if you were a Catholic. You also had to have a well established woman of high social standing be willing to stand in and present you.
That was all too formal for me. On the other hand a Debutante Ball was normally a private celebration put on by one family to celebrate their daughter reaching the age of sixteen. Normally just one’s family and a few close friends of the girl would be invited to attend the ball. Of course, I had to invite Jamie Sarah Potter, my best friend forever. And her sister Lily Elizabeth Potter who had helped me in learning all the proper social cue's for this event.
And of course Jamie and I had to invite our boyfriends too. And of course our little sister Cerridwen and her boyfriend James Bell who was often called Daisy by us. And last but not least Robin and her little sister and Lana and her little sister. All in all everybody who I'd come to know, love and cherish like family had been invited to attend. I kind of wish I could have invited my cousin's Susan and Linda, but they were attending their own ball that night at McRaven, Vicksburg's famous haunted house. And also rumored to be one of the most haunted houses in Mississippi.
Now, as I stood there in the powder room that’s what they call the women's restroom at the country club, admiring myself once more in the mirror. I was wearing a strapless coral pink dress that was adorned with a pearl necklace and a jeweled tiara. My shoulder length hair had been put into a regal bun. And my nails polished and painted a matching pink color. As I stood there looking into the mirror. I truly felt like a princess that had stepped right off the pages of a fairy tale. The only thing missing was for my prince charming to come rushing in and to sweep me off my feet and into his waiting arms.
“Wow.” A voice from the doorway called out. The voice belonged to a blonde haired girl, who had sparkling blue eyes and a petite frame. “When you clean up. You really clean up. I don't think I've ever seen you wearing a gown before. Heck the only time I see you wearing a dress is either when you're at work or going to church.” The blonde girl said as she smiled at me.
“It feels nice. I might start wearing one more often.” I said looking at myself once more in the mirror. “So enjoying the party?” I asked the blonde girl I knew who was none of that Jamie Sarah Potter. Who seemed like her older sister Lily Potter bound to become the leading socialite of Benton. She had all the right credentials. For one she was a Potter, and everybody knew the Potter's were one of Benton's wealthiest families, two she attended the Benton Academy, the cradle of protestant bourgeoisie of Benton, three she was a cheerleader, and last but not least the younger sister of Lily Potter.
“It's nice. Were waiting on the guest of honor though.” She said moving into the room. “The party can't truly began until the guest of honor arrives.” She said as she peered toward me, she then reached down and my gloved hand into her hand.
“And who would be that guest of honor?” I said blushing a little.
“Don't play coy with me, Madeline Brewer.” Jamie said as she peered into my eyes. “You know what that guest of honor is.” Jamie said, smiling a little as she peered toward me, her baby blue eyes seemed to twinkle in the dim light of the room.
I blushed as she peered toward Jamie.
“Also, because I'm your best friend I need to remind you that you still need to sign up to play Dotty!” She said as she peered into my eyes. “Because you promised to play Dotty if I'd volunteered and they're looking for somebody to play Dotty this month.”
“You're never going to let me forget that, are you?” I said, peering toward Jamie.
“Nope, because what are friends for?” Jamie said smiling she then reached down and wrapped her gloved fingers around mine and without saying another word she lifted me up and pulled me to my feet. This totally took me by surprise.
“Jamie, why are you pulling me by the wrist like a naughty child?” I asked as I was pulled toward the door that connected the powder room with the main room of the club.
“Because, this is your party, and I'm not going to let my best friend hide herself away and pout the night away. Everybody out there is waiting for you girl, they want to see their best friend, their big sister, the girl who's going to kick this one horse town to the side one day and set the world on fire!”
I felt my face flush with color and soon I found myself being pulled into the main area of the club. The minute Jamie pulled me through the door, was the moment I felt my breath being taken away. You could almost feel the shift in the room. All motion stopped and all eyes became fixed on me. It was truly a sight to see, Matthew my boyfriend was dressed in the nines, he wore a formal tuxedo and so was Jamie's boyfriend Ben.
Cerridwen my little sister wore a sparkling purple gown that seemed to sparkle like the night sky. Her shoulder length jet black hair was pulled back in a tight bun. I could tell she was unsure of herself, I've only seen Cerridwen wear skirts before, and sometimes she'll wear a dress if she was going to church with her dad or attending some social event around town. Standing beside her was her boyfriend Daisy, who was my cousin. Daisy had bright pink eyes that almost seemed red and long, blonde hair and round, oval shape face. Sometimes I think nature did him a disservice by having him be born a boy instead of a girl. But he made a very pretty boy. Like Cerridwen he seemed unsure of himself in his form fitting tuxedo. I think he would have felt more comfortable in a formal gown, poor fellow.
Behind Cerridwen and Daisy I saw Lana and her little sister Katherine, both wearing formal gowns, and standing a little to the side I noticed Lily and her best friend Robin standing together. And at that very moment I felt my heart about to burst. I felt surrounded by a loving family of people who I knew would support me no matter what life could toss at me.
“Ladies and gentleman!” A woman with blonde hair said. “I give you Ms. Madeline Diana Brewer.” She called out. “Who tonight is taking her place among the belle's of Benton.” The blonde woman called out in a refined voice.
'Yes' I wanted to call out. 'Madeline Diana Brewer' is the name I'd given myself two and a half years ago in the reading room of UMC. And at that very moment I had a sudden flashback. I was standing there once more, in a thin hospital gown, shivering in the coldness of the room. I remember I was holding a children's book in my trembling hands. When all of a sudden a nurse, a strange nurse that seemed to have an earthly glow surrounding her appeared and told me all the other nurses on the floor were searching for me. Then she called me by a name that made my blood boil like water in a kettle that's been placed over an open flame.
She called me 'Mark'. The name that my birth mother had given me, the name that had haunted me. Don't get me wrong 'Mark' is a fine name, it's a Biblical name. But I was not a 'Mark' and at that moment I knew I had a choice to make. I knew I could accept the name 'Mark' and take the scolding that was coming for sneaking out of my hospital room. And once I'd been chastised for sneaking out of my room in the middle of the night I could return, with my head bent down and crestfallen. Knowing that deep within my heart I had passed up on the chance to strike out and take hold of my life.
Or I could correct this nurse and tell her a different name. A name of my own choosing. A name that meant something, a name that I could be proud of. A name that I could live with. And without thinking, without knowing why, the name 'Madeline' just popped into my head. And so I decided to roll with it. I told that phantom nurse that my name was not 'Mark' but 'Madeline' and she accepted it.
And others accepted it, and from then on it seemed that God had placed people in my life who also accepted it and had deemed it their mission to help become 'Madeline'. And so that struggle, that struggle to become 'Madeline' had led me here, two and a half years of fighting the system. Getting my name legally changed from 'Mark Allen Brewer' to 'Madeline Diana Brewer' to getting a new Social Security Card with that name, to getting a Bank Account with that name, to getting first and Mississippi Learners permit with that name then a Drivers License had lead me here.
Yes, it was now all coming full circle. From now till the day I died, the whole world would know me as 'Madeline Diana Brewer'.
“Good evening everybody.” I said, trying to smile a little.
Then mom walked up beside me and in a gentle tone of voice she whispered into my ear. 'It is tradition to give a little welcome speech before the party starts. Just try to keep it short and sweet sweetie.” She said as she placed her laced fingernails on my shoulder and walked off with a wink.
And indeed the crowd seemed to be waiting for me to say something. Some form of address. Now I've never been much for public speaking. I dread having to read the lessons aloud each week during Mass. But still I steeled myself and cleared my throat.
“Friends and family, thank you for joining me tonight. Without you, none of this would have been possible.” I said blushing. “First I would like to thank two of the most wonderful women in my life. That is my older sister Kayla Brewer and her soon to lovely wife Heather Ford.” I said as I peered toward the two, how I had the good sense and grace to blush as the attention was shifted on them for a brief moment.
“I would also like to thank my best friend Jamie Sarah Potter, for her friendship, support and just being the best friend a girl would ask for. And Cerridwen Whitethorn for giving me a reason to strive to the best woman I can be. Little sisters are a pain in the butt it's true. But they give big sisters a reason to strive to the best they can.” I saw Cerridwen and Jamie blush as the attention was shifted onto them.
“And my boyfriend Matthew who has never left my side since I've moved to Benton.” I paused. And decided now was a good time to take the plunge. “As many of you know, I was not born 'Madeline' I was born a shy, brooding boy named 'Mark'. One day my birth mother discovered me wearing her new Sunday frock. She flew off the handle and loaded me in the car, still wearing the frock.. I knew where she was taking me, she was taking me to her cousin's place in the country.”
At that moment I knew I had their full attention.
“Mom was driving like a bat out of hell that evening. Snow was falling and the roads were icing up. Mom hit a patch of black ice, and the car spun out of control. It slid down a ditch bank and into a roadside ditch that was filled with trees and water. Mom was killed within seconds, her neck snapped and her head smashed like a watermelon against the windshield. I lived though I was pretty banged up.” I paused.
“Anyway, I was airlifted to UMC and spent three weeks in their ICU unit. For the first few days I was on the ventilator while the doctors and nurses tried to patch me up. There were doubts I would ever walk again and just a bit of confusion. I don't remember much. But I remember hating myself because I thought I was to blame for the wreck. Anyway after being released from the ICU unit, I happened to run across a nurse named Amanda Fairchild who helped me take the first step in 'Becoming Madeline' as I call it. That is where you guys come in. Each one of you helped me mature and grow as a person to become the best 'Madeline possible. So thank you for that.”
There was not a dry eye in the house.
“So! Y'all this is as much your party as it is mine! Now let's get this party started! Come on Y'all mom says we have until midnight to night to go as buck wild as we please. So let's raise the roof and give this town something to talk about for generations to come!”
And so we started to party.
After I gave my little speech the party started in earnest. And let me tell you something, the scene unfolding before me looked like it had been lifted straight from the pages of The Great Gatsby. All the young men dressed smartly in their rented tuxedos danced upon the polished wooden floor of the country club with the belle's of Benton in their formal, sparkling gowns.
The first one to take to the dance floor was Cerridwen, being bold she reached down and dragged Daisy onto the floor. Jamie followed with Ben a few moments later Lily and Robin were dancing the night away. Poor Daisy was traded from Cerridwen to Katherine back to Cerridwen. Maybe Daisy was the lucky guy though, I mean he had two cute girls trading off each dance with him.
Up next Heather and Kayla holding hands strolled onto the floor. It brought a small smile to my face, watching my two mom's dance so gracefully across the polished floor. I was so enchanted by the unfolding scene that I scarcely noticed Matthew sneaking up behind me. That is until he tapped me upon the shoulder.
I nearly jumped out of my high heel shoes when I felt the tapping upon my shoulder. My heart also seemed to leap from my chest into my throat. I really don't know why, but a few moments later, I found myself spinning around and there in front of me stood Matthew. And for the second time that night I felt my breath being taken away.
Matthew had gone all the way, a tailored tuxedo that flattered his masculine form and highlighted his lean arms and legs. His longish hair, he had had started growing it out last spring, so it had been growing through the summer and autumn had been slicked back with pomade and tied into a ponytail that had a black ribbon tied around it. I don't know why but that ponytail and with the ribbon made him seem more dashing to me.
I mean it gave him a very regal appearance. And that made me shiver, it excited me. It made me feel things. I felt a passion that I've only felt twice in my young life. Then he smiled at me, and I could see his row of pearly white teeth and his boyish face that made all the blood rush to my face. And then he spoke.
“May I please have this dance.” He offered his glove hand to me. Glove hand, it was then I'd noticed he was wearing white gloves like any true southern gentleman should be wearing. And just like that, this party for me went from being a knock off of The Great Gatsby to a full on production of Gone with the Wind. It was Southern teenage decadence at its finest. Something that are friends up North tried to mimic but failed.
“Oh with pleasure, Mr. Matthew.” I said placing my gloved hand in my hand. Now, I don't have a fable Southern Accent. I have as some say an Mississippian Accent. That is to say I take my time and sound out each word. Its gentle, refined accent often conjures up images of mint juleps, magnolia trees in full bloom, fine antebellum homes, and divine services at the local Episcopal church.
“Oh Ms. Madeline, you look so fine this evening.” Called out Jamie as she was spun around by her boyfriend as I was guided out onto the floor.
“Oh Ms. Jamie it is a pleasure to see you. I hope you are enjoying yourself.” I called out as Matthew took me into his arms and started to spin me around. My slender arms went around his shoulders, his strong hands went around my waist.
And then we danced. And time seemed to slow down and then stop all together. The sound of our laughter echoed off the bare brick walls of the country club. A few of my friends started to wander toward the punch bowl, no doubt they had worked up quite a thirst being spun around or spinning their dates around. It took only a few shallow swallows before one of the boys, who in a loud tone of voice proclaimed.
“Lord.” He said. It was Daisy who in a moment had forgotten himself so 'Lord' sounded more like 'Lawd' an hallmark of any true southern gentleman. “Somebody used the good whiskey when they spiked this punch.” He said his eyes rolling back in his head as he finished off his drink. Once he had finished his drink he smashed the paper cup and tossed it into a nearby trash can.
Now I feel like I have to explain something. The bourgeoisie class of Benton, and Dixie at large. Have always shunned the temperance movement. Those of the bourgeoisie class always either belonged to the Episcopal Church, The Roman Catholic Church or Presbyterian Church. By and large, if you like it or not. Those three churches never really brought the hammer down the partaking of spirits. It was from those three church's the founding fathers of Benton had belonged too and so as one generation passed on and another took its place so too had they remained lashed to those creeds. The wave of settlers that had followed them had belonged to either the Southern Baptist Church or the Methodist Church. Whom along with the word also proclaimed temperance.
None of my friends hailed from any family that trumped temperance values. Moderation was the key to us. We did not look down on Sabbath Breaking and taking the once in a blue moon drink as a vice that needed to be stamped out. But a show of freedom of choice. After all, the old Blue Law's had gone the way of the Coco Bird.
And so to Daisy's little outburst we paid no mind. Instead we all laughed to ourselves as Daisy helped himself again. Cerridwen soon followed suit and Heather just tossed a glaring look toward Kayla who hid her giggling smirk behind her raised hand.
And so the party really got started. More dancing, more laughing. Photos were taken, some romantic, some silly. The old grandfather clock on the wall kept the time as faithfully as it could. Marking the passing of each hour. Then it happened. The clock struck twelve. Has it really been six hours since the party had started? Had six hours really passed? As I stood toward the back of the room, I could see everybody was losing steam. Daisy had found himself a chair and had passed smooth out, Cerridwen who had also found herself a chair was laying down across it, with her head resting on his lap.
Jamie and Ben had retired to one of the private rooms. Everybody knew what they were doing, but nobody bothered to go find them. Lily and Robin were slumped down in two chairs, backs beside each, both seemed to be fast asleep. Kayla and Heather followed Ben and Jamie lead and had also reached a private room.
And Lana and Katherine were sitting in a corner chatting about the events of the night.
“This was one heck of a party.” Matthew said as he looked around the room. “I think everybody enjoyed themselves.” He said smiling as he looked me dead in the eyes. “I know I did.” He added.
“It was fun.” My mind was still swirling from the four cups of spiked punch I'd drank over the six hours. Or was it seven. Or was ten. I lost count after the third one.
“What's going to become of us Madeline?” Matthew said as he pulled up a chair. “You know graduation is not that far away. Next year will be our Junior year. Sometimes I wonder what will come of us. I plan on taking some shop classes next year. I'm not really good at the normal classes. And I have a few uncles who work with Mississippi Chemical down in Yazoo City. They're always hiring. I figured two years vocational training at the local vocational school year and year or two further training down at Goodman. And I'll be set for life.” He said looking over at me and then looking into space.
“I..” I blushed. “I was thinking about getting a four year degree or something. Besides that I don't really have any plans. I know I don't want to spend the rest of my life being a waitress at a maid cafe. And farm work is hard work. Long hours in the field and so much to balance.” I leaned over and placed my head on his strong shoulder.
“I want to become a writer, but most writers end up in debt up to their eyeballs. I thought about being a nurse like Dawn, but the stories she tells me when I'm around her often have me second guessing myself. So, I don't know. Maybe I'll figure it out in the next two years.”
“I sometimes wonder too..” Matthew said. “If we'll stay together or if we'll drift apart once we finish school.” He seemed scared.
“I don't know. Jamie I know wants to marry Ben as soon as she can. Those two might end up getting married a year or two out of school. She is just that kind of girl, she needs to have a husband by her side. Me, I don't know.” I paused. “I guess we just need to live our lives one day at a time. Taking the good times and the bad times together. And pushing toward the end together. I mean we might break up, we might get married someday. But right now, I just want to enjoy being young.”
And that is how the evening ended.
The End.