Sexual Awakening

Sixteen years old, almost seventeen, the school term ending, long summer holidays ahead. Our boys' school involved in some joint activities with other schools, finishing early evening. Just unlocking my car, my mother’s actually, and a soft clear voice ringing out, excuse me.

Turning round, a girl from the girls' school delegation, pretty, cat’s eyes, I’d been sneaking glances at her all afternoon, she’d caught me once. Excuse me. Oh, hi. You’re not going past Richmond are you, only, I’ll have to take the bus otherwise. Sure, jump in, let’s go.

During the ride, agreeing I’ll give her a lift the next day to help at a theatre matinee, then we’ll go to a party. Hardly able to sleep that night, by dawn, fully in love.

Theatre duties over, the party perfect under soft summer skies and bright stars. Dancing closely with the girl. Walking to a balcony. She pulling my mouth to hers. A long soft sweet kiss, and my life never to be the same again.

Meeting up lunchtime the next day at her house. Knocking on the door. She answering, clad only in a bikini. Hi, come in. Her towel on the grass outside. The house empty and echoing. A short casual kiss. Adjustment of her bikini top, an adult intimacy. Looking at me, pushing her body against mine, another kiss, this time unending, her hand stroking my chest under my shirt.

A sudden rattle at the front door. Quick adjustments to our garb. Her mother walking in, forgot a book. Introductions. Her mother leaving. But the moment gone.

The next few days, nothing. Phone unanswered. Heartbreak and a summer of anguish for me. Years later, thinking, her brothers, older, back from university with their friends, what hope for me?

Dreams about the girl occasionally revisiting ever since, sharp and poignant, as this morning. What oh what would have happened if her mother hadn’t come back for the book?

But thank you oh thank you, lovely cat-eyed girl, for the episode, the fierce and timely sexual awakening.