Chapter 42 Dating

Wednesday, October 13, 1982

When I was working for Lisa today, Dave asked me if I was doing anything tonight. I told him no. Then he looked flustered. I stood there and waited for him to ask me out. But it was as if he couldn’t gather up the courage. Poor Dave. I was no help, and seeing him standing there so lost made it awkward, so I left.

When I got home, I went over to Mom’s place to see how Beth was doing. She asked if she could come over and spend the night. It was nice to spend the evening with her. She told me all about the new school that she is going to. It sounds like she misses her friends in Denmark a lot, and she is still getting used to speaking English.

Thursday, October 14, 1982

I got up at 5:00 a.m. to clear out the room that Mom used to live in before she got married. I’m getting it ready for Rose to move into. When Beth woke up, we went over to Mom’s place, and I did the list of chores that she had. I earned $17.50. I am glad that Mom has all these chores written down that she doesn’t want to do, so I can earn money. It just makes me wonder what she does all day since she doesn’t have a job.

At 2:30 pm I went to my second interview. They told me to call back on Monday and that they would let me know if I got the job for sure.

Friday, October 15, 1982

I spent the day cleaning the apartment, and the next-door neighbor drove some of Mom’s things that she had left behind to her house. I am so glad the neighbor offered to help, because that would have been a lot of stuff to carry over to Ed’s place.

In the afternoon, Rose came with Jeff and another friend to help her carry her boxes into my apartment. Rose seems excited about moving in. I am happy to have her, too. Jeff and I never talked much. We only smiled at each other, though I am sure we were both wondering what the other was thinking.

Valarie called to ask me to go on a double date with her, her boyfriend, and another friend of theirs named George. It sounded better than staying home with Rose and Jeff, so I went.

Saturday, October 16, 1982

A guy named Louie called to ask me out on a date. I told him I couldn’t go. I was hoping that Dave would call so that we could go out. At 5:00 p.m., Dave still had not called. Then George called to ask me out. I figured that, if Dave hadn’t called by now, he wasn’t going to. Just as I got off the phone with George, Dave called to ask me out. Oh, I hated to turn him down. Since I had already made plans for the evening, I asked him for a rain check.

When George came by and saw that Rose would be home alone, he said he had a friend he could bring along, and we could go out on a double date. Rose agreed to come with us. After we had eaten at a restaurant, we went to see a movie. The movie was one of the strangest movies I had ever seen. It was called “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” I wanted to go outside and wait until it was done. But it wasn’t safe to be outside alone, so I endured the movie. The whole time, I was wishing Dave had called earlier so that we could have gone out tonight.

Sunday, October 17, 1982

Dave came to church with me today. It was funny to see the look on Jace’s face when he saw Dave on one side of me and Rose on the other. Jeff never came to church. I guess he didn’t want to face everyone with his girlfriend there.

After church, Ed and Mom invited us to come over for dinner. I was sure grateful because Rose and I didn’t have anything to eat at our place.

When it was time for Dave to go home, he asked me if we could go on a date this Thursday. I told him I would be looking forward to it.

Monday, October 18, 1982

I called the pizza place to see about the job. They asked me if I would take a polygraph test. I told them I would, so they gave me all the information I needed to take it.

Then Mom called to say Dave was at her house, and asked if I wanted to go with them to the police station. Mom and Beth had to get fingerprinted to stay in the country. Since I am 21, it looks like I have to file separate paperwork to stay. At least for now, I can work for a while. While we were at the police station, Mom invited us to eat dinner with the Laws.

When we had eaten, and it was time to go home, I kissed Beth goodbye. Then Dave asked, “Where is my kiss?” His quick response surprised me since he is usually so shy. I smiled and said, “Oh, Poor Dave!” We both smiled at each other as we both blushed.

Then Dave drove me back to my place. I could tell that when he was about to say goodnight to me, he was trying to gather up the courage to kiss me. But then, when he was just about to kiss me, he backed off and said, “Goodnight”. I was kind of hoping that he would have enough courage. I guess I am starting to like him more than just a good friend.

Tuesday, October 19, 1982

Dave’s Mom, Lisa, has a 73-year-old friend named Judy, who has asked me to come clean for her. I took the bus to West Covina to meet Judy for the first time. In my life, I have cleaned for a lot of different people, but this lady beats all! She has got to be the meanest old lady I have ever worked for! I am there to help her, and there is no reason for her to treat me the way she did. I wanted to be strong and tell her to stop her abuse, but I was afraid.

I knew Dave was coming at 12:30 pm to take me to the police station so I could take the polygraph test. I kept looking at my watch, but that didn’t make the time go by any faster. Finally, at 1:00 pm Dave showed up. I had looked forward to seeing him so much after spending the morning with this mean old lady. He sure was a welcome sight!

Dave drove me to the police station and was kind enough to wait outside while I took the test. I failed one of the questions. They told me it was the one where they asked me if I gambled. The man giving me the test asked me what I was thinking when they asked me this question. I told him I thought about Las Vegas when I went through there and saw people mindlessly putting one coin after another into the machines. The man smiled, then he said, ” Let’s do the test one more time, and when I ask if you gamble, don’t think about other people, just think about yourself. This time I passed the test.

When Dave drove me back to Judy’s house, he said, “I can’t believe they are making you take this test, especially since it’s just a restaurant!” Yeah, this may not be the most challenging job in the world, but it looks like they still want honest employers. I wish I could get a better job! But at least it will help me to pay my rent.

Just as Dave was about to drop me off at Judy’s place again, he told me he had a date tonight. He said he was going miniature golfing. Great! Just what I wanted to know. Could this day possibly get any worse? As I got out of the car, Dave said, “I’ll see you Thursday. I will pick you up at around 7:00 pm.” I said, “Okay.”

By now it was almost 2:00 p.m. The rest of the time with Judy was just as bad as it had been this morning, and knowing Dave had a date tonight made me feel even worse! I had to take the bus back at 4:00 p.m. Even though it was just two more hours before I could go home, it seemed like all eternity!

When it was time for me to leave, Judy paid me. Then she said she needed to go through my purse because she was afraid I had stolen something from her while I was there. I let her go through my purse. All I had in there was my knitting and my wallet. I like to knit on the bus so time passes faster and I don’t feel like I am wasting it.

Judy told me to come back tomorrow morning and sleep there overnight so I could work all day Thursday again. But I was not allowed to bring my knitting because it looked like I was trying to steal from her. I didn’t say anything. I didn’t even respond to her saying I had to come back tomorrow. All I could think about was getting out of her house!

When I got home, I called the restaurant to let them know that I had passed the test. The boss already knew and asked me to come in right away so that he could tell me more about my new job. When I got there, he gave me some papers to fill out and told me to start next Tuesday.

I called Judy to tell her I couldn’t come in tomorrow because I was starting a new job. I didn’t tell her that I wasn’t starting until next week, but I didn’t know how else to get out of it. She said, “Oh, that is too bad! I enjoyed having you here.” I felt like saying, “You’ve got to be kidding me!” But instead, I thanked her for letting me work for her today.

I was glad to be home again. I got out my knitting and worked a little more on it. Then Rose and Jeff came home. When Rose went into the kitchen, Jeff threw a pillow at me and said in a low voice so Rose wouldn’t hear, “You surprised me!” (meaning I had Rose come to live with me). I didn’t know how to respond, so I just smiled.

Rose came back into the living room. I finished sewing the sweater together that I have been working on. I laid it on the floor to look at it. It turned out beautiful!

Then Rose said, “I bet Dave will be happy about it.” I answered, “I don’t think that he will get it.” Rose looked puzzled, and she asked, “Why not?” I answered, “He is out on a date tonight with someone else.” Then Jeff said, “Oh, is it heartbreak time?” His remark made me mad, so I looked Jeff straight in the eyes and said, “No man can ever break my heart. Maybe disappoint me deeply, but never break it!”

Just then, Rose left the room again. Then I said to Jeff, “It was my own fault, I only liked him as a friend in the beginning. I guess I should have been nicer to him.” Then Jeff said in a low voice, “I can’t think of anyone nicer than you.” Then Rose came back into the room again.

A while back, I asked Jeff if, if I were ever to make a sweater for him, what colors he would want it in. It was as if Jeff wondered if the sweater I had been making was for him. Then Jeff asked, “Did you ever ask Dave what color sweater he would like?” I answered, “No.” I could tell that Jeff now knew for sure this sweater was meant for him.

Then Rose asked, “This sweater was meant for Dave, wasn’t it? I didn’t know how to respond because I couldn’t say, “No, Rose, it was meant for Jeff.” I paused for a few seconds, and then I said, “It doesn’t matter who it was meant for. Ed will probably end up getting it.” Jeff looked at the sweater, and then he said, “Too bad he was such a fool, he really blew it!” I responded, “Yeah, he did.”

It was strange how Jeff and I could communicate without Rose knowing, yet we still got the point across. I sure hope Rose never finds out that Jeff and I dated, because I didn’t want to hurt her.

Wednesday, October 20, 1982

I went over to Mom’s place and cleaned for her today. She paid me $20.00. When I got back home, Dave called. He told me that he couldn’t go out on our date tomorrow. I was disappointed, but I didn’t let it show. Then he asked if he could take me out tonight since he couldn’t take me out tomorrow. After I got off the phone with him, I hurried and got ready for our date tonight.

When Dave came, he gave me a few choices of what we could do tonight. We decided to go see a movie. While we were at the movies, I could tell he kept trying to put his arm around me. But he didn’t have the courage. Then he finally asked if it was okay for him to put his arm around me. I told him, “Yes.” Then he swallowed hard and said, “You know that was hard for me to ask.” Then he said, “Okay, here we go.” As Dave put his arm around me, it was almost as if I could hear a drum roll in the background. Then I looked at him and asked, “That wasn’t so bad, was it?” Dave smiled at me and said, “No, on the contrary

As we were watching the movie, it kept getting worse and worse. Dave and I agreed to leave the theater. I was glad that Dave agreed to walk out. I am finally with someone who feels the same way, and I don’t have to feel like I am the righteous one.

We held hands as we walked to his car. When we got to my place, Rose and Jeff were sitting in the living room watching TV. Dave and I went into the kitchen and made popcorn. We gave some to Rose and Jeff, and the four of us watched TV together.

When it got late, Jeff left, and Rose finally went to bed. Then Dave and I talked about our relationship. He told me he would be dating other girls. At least he is honest about it. I just don’t understand, then why hold my hand and go through all that trouble just to put his arm around me? I wondered if this is the way you date in America. I guess I still have a lot to learn.

Then, Dave asked me if he could kiss me. I just don’t get it! Either you are boyfriend and girlfriend, or you are just friends! I told him that if he were only going out with me, I would let him kiss me. But since he is going out with other girls, too, we should just keep being friends. Dave said, “I would never want to hurt you, and I understand.” Then he asked me, “Do you still want to go out on dates once in a while?” I told him I would, since I enjoyed our friendship

By now it was late, and Dave was too tired to drive home. I told him he was welcome to stay and sleep on the couch for the night. Before I went to bed, I kissed Dave on the cheek and told him goodnight

Thursday, October 21, 1982

When Dave woke up, he hurried home so his mom wouldn’t worry about him. After he had left, I went over to Mom’s place and offered to do the dishes in exchange for breakfast. While I was eating, Mom told me all about an argument that she and Ed had gotten into. I hope they can work it out and stay married.

Friday, October 22, 1982

George called to invite me out tonight. I didn’t want to go, but I figured Dave was probably out on a date with someone else, and I didn’t have anything better to do, so I went out with George.

George told me he had a test to study for, but he would much rather be out with me. I kind of felt bad for him, because I sure didn’t feel the same way about him. I was glad when the date was over, and I was back home. I was tired and ready for bed.

Saturday, October 23, 1982

Valarie called and asked if I wanted to double-date with her tonight. The date she had arranged for me was good old George. When the evening was over, I invited everyone to my place for something to drink because I was afraid that if George walked me to the door, he would try to kiss me. He is a nice guy, but just not my type.

Sunday, October 24, 1982

After church, Beth and I went to a baptism. Jace was there. When it was over, he offered to drive Beth and me home. When Jace had dropped Beth off, we went to my place. I invited Jace to come in and visit for a little bit. It was nice to be with him again. It was just like old times.

Monday, October 25, 1982

I never thought I would be glad that Mom does not like to do chores. But now that she is paying me to do them for her, it has come in handy because I need the money.

October 26, 1982

I was almost late for my new job. My bike had a flat tire, so I had to run all the way to work. I made it just in time! There is a lot to do at the restaurant, but that just makes the time go faster. I think I am going to like working there.

I had planned to go to Relief Society tonight, but then Jeff called and said Rose had told him I had a flat tire. He offered to come over to help me fix it. Together we drove to a bike store, so I could buy parts for my bike. When we got back, he fixed my bike. While we were together, Jeff said to me, “You know, you are all right.” I guess he must have thought the only reason I had asked Rose to live with me was to cause trouble for him. I think he is surprised that it was not my intent

When he was done fixing my bike, we watched TV until Rose came home from work. Once Rose got home, I cleaned up the apartment, and then I went to bed.

Thursday, October 28, 1982

Dave took me to a Haunted house for our date tonight. I have never been to one before, and I am pretty sure I will never ever go to one again, for as long as I live!

When we got to my place, Jeff and Rose were in the living room watching TV. Dave and I went into my room to talk. We talked about the time he was a missionary in Denmark.

Then, when it was time for him to go home, I walked him to the car. Since we were still talking, Dave asked me to come into his car because it was a cold night. We sat and talked for a while. Then we kissed. Dave was surprised that I let him kiss me.

I guess deep inside, I was hoping that he would change his mind about dating other girls. When I got to the apartment, Jeff and Rose were still up. They both wanted to know if Dave and I were starting to get serious about each other. I just smiled. I was tired, so I told Rose and Jeff goodnight and went to bed.

Thursday, November 4, 1982

Jeff called while Rose was at work. He asked me if I was alone. I told him yes. Then he asked me if I had noticed he no longer sat by Rose at church. And then he told me that he only comes over because he hopes I will be there.

Then Jeff asked, “What would happen between you and me if I were to break up with Rose?” I responded, “Well, I think Rose will be sad, and I will miss you coming around.” Then I smiled because I knew what he meant. Then Jeff wanted to know if he still had a chance with me if he dropped Rose.

I didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but I told him that it was over between us and we could never be more than friends.

Then Rose came home from work. I didn’t want her to think that I was talking to Jeff behind her back, so I handed her the phone and told her it was for her. They didn’t talk for very long. After Rose got off the phone, we visited for a little bit before I went to bed.

Friday, November 5, 1982

Later, I went to work at the pizza place. It’s not safe to ride my bike after dark, so one of my co-workers offered to give me a ride home. As we were about to leave, George came. He said that my mom had called him to ask him to give me a ride. It made me mad that she would do that to me, but I never let it show because I didn’t want to hurt George’s feelings.

When we got to my place, George didn’t seem to want to go home. I kind of knew that was going to happen. I had looked forward to just going home and relaxing by myself. But now that was impossible.

George asked me if I wanted to go visit Valarie, so we did. When we got back to my place, Jeff and Rose were there. I said goodnight to George, went into my room, and shut the door.

Before I went to bed, I started making a Christmas calendar for Dave. It’s an Advent calendar, so he can open one present every day. It’s from the first of December until the 24^th. I hope he likes it.

Saturday, November 6, 1982

I worked on the calendar until late last night. I was hoping I could sleep in this morning. But that was not to be. Mom called me up at 7:30 am to make sure I was up. I don’t know why she has the need to do that! After I got off the phone with her, I couldn’t fall back asleep because I was so irritated by her call.

Sunday, November 7, 1982

After church today, Rose invited the two missionaries to dinner. She has also invited Jeff and asked that I invite Dave to come too. When Dave got here, he gave me six pink roses. After dinner and the missionaries had left, Jeff turned on the TV. While we were watching TV, Dave sat close to me with his arm around me. When it was time for him to go home, he gave me a kiss before he left

When Rose and I were alone, Rose asked, “Wouldn’t it be fun with a double wedding?” I told her it would be interesting to see what the future will bring.