Something Special, Something Sacred

A story about sophomore year in the 80s, driver’s ed, love and Hollywood.

Chapter 1

Harrison. Was. In. My. Class.

Right there, at the front of the classroom. With his strong shoulders, and sparkling eyes. I walked towards the windows in the far corner. Harrison’s long legs were stretched out revealing dark brown loafers with tan trim.

Was he stretching on purpose? Arched back and extended arms. Harrison smelled like scented soap. Just as I sat down, a folded note hit my desk. My heart pounded as I unfolded the lined paper.

“How ya doin?” I could hear Harrison’s mischievous voice as I read. Great! I said to myself. “This class is boring,” the note continued. His handwriting looked childish. I was disappointed by a curt ending.

“Harrison, you should be excited to sit next to me,” I wrote with flourishes and loops. I am, I stopped myself from writing. “Life is never boring around you,” I continued. Should I tell him that I had thought a lot about him? I didn’t want to overwhelm him. I signed it, like a real letter.

Harrison immediately unfolded the note and read. And then he turned around dramatically. I caught my breath. Why was he so serious? Then he smiled. With dimples. I immediately felt relieved. He was the same guy that I knew…