Grace and I only got to see each other once during the week. She had soccer, I had rehearsals (Sancho Panza in Man of La Mancha) so I took her out on Wednesday. We spent the afternoon together, then I took her to a great chicken place for dinner before taking her home. We both had homework to do; school was close to being over, but it wasn't over yet. We fooled around a little during the afternoon, but that was all. We really just wanted to spend some time together, much as we desired each other. We heard a couple of remarks at dinner, but the owner told the offenders to knock it off, and we were mostly left in peace.
Friday I hurried home. I wanted to take my time getting ready before picking Grace up at 7 to take her to her prom and I'm a habitually prompt person. I had a snack as usual and took a long, hot shower. I did my hair just right, dad gave me some of his cologne to use sparingly and then I put on my tuxedo, which I owned, not rented. It paid to have my own tux; my family went to a number of formal affairs during the year, and then there had been Debutante Season, which I was done with, thankfully. I was fully dressed and ready to go at 6, plenty of time before I had to go to Grace's. Mom and Dad let Edina off early so she could help Grace get ready.
I went downstairs where my parents were waiting. "Oh, honey, you are just so handsome!" mom said, gushing over me as mothers are known to do. "I just wish Grace was here so we could get pictures of you two together! Next week, for your prom, she has to come here! And if she wants another gown for next week, Edina and I can still take her Monday. My seamstress will get any alterations done in plenty of time. You make sure you tell her."
Dad too pictures of me and of me and mom, and she got a few with me and dad. He took me aside before I left, slipped me $100 "just in case", and let me know I didn't have a curfew, but coming home at breakfast was not acceptable. I got the message. Stay out, have fun, but don't walk in at 6AM.
I got to Grace's about 15 minutes early. Gus greeted me much warmer than the last time I saw him, about 2 weeks before. I didn't know if he was doing it for Grace or Edina, or because he realized this wasn't some passing fancy and I really cared for his sister, and I didn't care which reason it was. "I took off from work tonight to see my baby sister all grown up" he smiled. Then he got serious. "I heard about your trouble last week. That cracker sheriff is a real piece of work."
I didn't like the word 'cracker', but I just let it go. "Yeah, he and his deputy had me scared out of my wits. Then my dad told me what could have happened with the work farm..." I just closed my eyes and shuddered.
"Yeah I know a couple of dudes got sent to that 'farm'. It's the one place where Blacks and Whites are equal. We're all n****r's there." Then he leaned closer to me. "I want to let you know I appreciate how you've been treating Grace. She's crazy about you. And everything she tells me- and she tells me a lot, just no details- says you are treating her with major respect. Keep doing that, and you and me, we're going to have no problems. Of course, you haven't met Alton yet" he said laughing.
"Why? What about Alton? Grace has barely talked about him."
"You'll find out in about a week after he comes home. He graduates from SC State in 10 days. Fifth in his class. We're all going."
"That's great news. I'm looking forward to finally meeting him."
Gus kept chuckling, confusing me. I didn't have time to think about it as that was when Edina came out with Grace right behind her. I think I froze stiff when I saw her. She was wearing a rose colored dress, just below the knees and very form fitting, including along her legs, her gorgeous legs. She had white high heeled sandals that made those legs look even longer. But the big surprise was her hair. She had gotten it done into long curls with a tint of red. Instead of the beautiful woman she normally was, she looked sophisticated, elegant. Breathtaking.
"Sis, baby, you look incredible!" Gus stated with admiration. "Just wow!"
Edina was beaming. "She's no little girl no more. I guess I got to stop calling you my baby."
"Mom, you can always call me your baby" Grace said as she hugged her mother. "I'll always be your baby."
Gus said "Hey Henry, nothing to say? You don't think my sister looks beautiful? You gone shy or something?"
I stood up, and in front of Edina and Gus, I kissed her, a long, soft kiss that Grace returned just as willingly. No tongues, just tender affection and love. Edina finally said "Enough already you two! So Henry, what do you think of my girl?"
"I think you're the most beautiful sight I've ever seen. More beautiful than the palace as Versailles. More lovely than the Mona Lisa. You're perfect. I almost forgot, this is for you" I said, handing her a wrist corsage, which I helped attach to her left arm. She gave me a small peck with a huge smile.
"Thank you. You really know how to make me feel very special."
We took some pictures, of course, then we got in my car and headed over to pick up Grace's friend Janelle and her boyfriend Jonah. Janelle was very friendly, pretty, very vivacious and Jonah was nice and friendly. We all talked lightly as I drove over to their school, where the prom was being held.
The gym was decorated nicely; the prom committee did a heck of a job. Girls all fussed over each other and the guys all were friendly but a little aloof. We sat at a table with Grace's friends and two other couples. The girls were all very friendly towards me, and I to them. But the guys were mostly just polite.
We danced to a few fast songs to start, then a slower song before dinner started. I loved dancing with Grace, our arms around each other, sharing kisses. There were a lot of very pretty girls there, but Grace was far and away the most beautiful. I don't think it was a biased opinion, but rather a statement of fact.