Episode 11: Let’s Go Skating…
“The next day at school I gave him his class ring back and told him not to ever come near me again. But, as you can see, he hasn’t given up the idea that we are still in love. I didn’t think I would ever care about someone again. Then I met you and I started feeling something again, and when those sparks happened Saturday night, it scared me. I was totally afraid of having feelings for you and you for me. I had to sort it out.”
“Did you? Sort it out?”
“Yes, I like you a lot, Jack. I thought about it all night and I feel safe with you. That’s what I told my mom this morning. Of course she was upset that you didn’t show up for church. I told her it was my fault for doing what I did at the drive-in restaurant, smacking Chuck with my purse. She’ll be livid when I tell her what happened Saturday night, practically in our front yard.”
“Maybe it would be best to just let that lie.”
“No, she’ll know by now that something has happened. This town is too small and Chuck too well known for this to be a secret. Besides that, he’s probably telling a different story to his gang of hoodlums.”
“Now that all that is settled, when can I see you again?”
“I’m free Friday night. There’s a skating rink in Nampa. Can you skate?”
“I’m an all-around athlete, dear girl. Where’s Nampa?”
“Nampa is just up the road to the west a ways. Okay, it’s a date. When can I expect the all-around athlete from Alabama to knock on my door?
“6:45. Do they have skates for rent?”
“Yes, and food, and live music.”
Our conversation was interrupted by food, so I turned my attention to the roast because I was still on the clock and it was ticking. Sally ate her fries, squeezed my hand, and went back to the kitchen. I went to pay the bill only there wasn’t one. Nice having a girlfriend whose daddy owns a diner.
I got paid Friday and I bought a new pair of Levi’s and a long sleeve western style shirt. Might as well join them since I was living among them, I thought. I had working boots rather than cowboy boots, but I had my old shoes from home as well. Cowboy boots were expensive, so I would have to wait another week or two to pick those out.
At 6:45 I knocked on Sally’s front door. It opened almost immediately and to my surprise the person greeting me was not Sally or her mother. It was Mr. Day, himself. He was shorter than me and somewhat rounder. Must be difficult running a restaurant and staying slim, especially when the food was as good as Ray’s.
“Good evening, Jack,” he said with a smile and a wave of his arm for me to come in. I’ve seen you at a distance and I must say you look better than the first time I saw you.”
I felt the red flush across my face. What my mom always said about first impressions crossed my mind. I hoped I could live that one down somehow.
“Good evening to you sir, I assure you that what you saw then is not the real me. I will try to prove that to you and Mrs. Day.”
“I think we’ve got a different idea about you already. I trust Sally’s instincts and so does her mother. Come on in, I’m sure Sandra would like to speak to you before you two leave for the roller rink.”
Mrs. Day, or Sandra, as he called her, was waiting in the living room just off the foyer. She was sitting in a large overstuffed chair but rose to her feet when I entered the room. She stepped towards me with her hand outstretched. I took it and we briefly shook hands.
“It’s good to see you again, Jack. Your face looks better than what I expected. I’m so sorry that happened and right outside our house. Please sit down for just a minute, Sally will be right with us. I understand you two are going to Nampa to skate.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I hear you are athletic, are you a roller skater as well?”
“Yes, ma’am. I can get around the rink on my own, anyway.”
“Jack, would you drop the ‘ma’am’ and just call me Mrs. Day?”
“It’s how I was raised, ma’am. Can’t help it. It was required in my home, sir and ma’am.”
“I’ll try to get used to it. Can you just say yes or no without the ma’am?”
“No, ma’am, I can’t. Been doing it since I could talk.”
“About the Nampa Rollerdrome, Mr. Day and I skated there when it first opened in 1948. It was one of our favorite recreation sites. We’ve been hand-in-hand around that rink a thousand times. You’ll like it. They have a live organist and she’s really good. Been playing at the Methodist church for years. She ought to be retiring soon.”
Sally appeared in the room and interrupted the session with, “Hi, Jack. You ready to go? I’ve got my skates.” She held up a pair of white boot skates, nice ones. I did a mental ‘oh no.’
“Yes, I’m ready,” I answered and got to my feet. “Good-bye, Mrs. Day. We’ll be back early.”
“Midnight, children, and have fun. Wish I was going.”
I should have invited her but I didn’t.
I opened the car door for Sally and went around to the driver’s side. Much to my surprise she had slid to the middle of the seat again. Things were certainly looking up. I asked for directions and we set off for Nampa.
There was no missing the Rollerdrome. It was a low rectangular building with a stone facade around the entrance. The doorway was red with blue doors, really bright. In front was a tall sign with a huge red roller skate on top. I’d never seen anything like it and couldn’t wait to get inside.
We went in and Sally steered me to the skate counter. Naturally, they had my size since it was a popular one. I looked around the rink as they got the skates and took my money. The ceiling had fluorescent and colored lights with spinning reflectors here and there. The floor was beautiful.
I asked the clerk about the floor. “Its solid maple on top of asphalt and sand. You’ll love it. Best floor anywhere,” he answered.
The floor was already busy with mostly young skaters. I saw a few moms and dads with younger children in tow. Several other young people were putting on skates at the same time Sally and I were but I didn’t see anyone I knew.
I was bent over tying my left skate’s laces when skates and legs suddenly appeared near my feet. I looked up, it was Madeline. Hope number one for the night was dashed.
“Hey, Jack, can I have the first skate?”
“Uh, no, Madeline. I promised it to Sally. I have to warm up first anyway, I haven’t done this in a while.”
“Okay, I’ll just tag along on the warm up in case you need some help.”
“Not necessary, Madeline, but thanks.”
“Of course not, but what are friends for? And I am certainly your friend, even if you don’t know it yet.”
Halfway around the rink we were joined by Sally. She was not smiling. I smiled, but it didn’t help much.
“Hey, Sally,” Madeline yelled, “thanks for bringing Jack. I bet he’s a good skater. I’ve got second skate called.”
“Can’t do that, Madeline, I’ve already called all the skates.”
“Not polite, Sally, you know that’s not how it works here. It’s like a dance, right. Other girls are going to want to meet him as well.”
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