Young Love in Old Chicago

by April Marcom

  * * *

  The next day Emmaline and I did go Christmas shopping after school, but first we went to Swatches. Benny closed the shop long enough for the four of us to go to the deli for sandwiches. It was nice to stand in line, leaning against Mason with his arms around me, holding me there, while Benny and Emmaline stood behind us, trying to make conversation. It reminded me how nervous I was the day I met Mason and how close we had become in less than a week.

  The note I found in my pocket that night said You’re so beautiful.

  On Tuesday, Emmaline and I went to her house after school to make chocolate chip cookies and then we took them to Swatches. Benny and Emmaline seemed to open up to each other as we sat on the picnic table behind the shop and ate cookies. It was nice, but I wished that Mason and I were alone…at least long enough to share a real kiss.

  Mason leaned over and whispered, “We should finish everything up in the morning, so hopefully I’ll be there to see you after school tomorrow,” when I hugged him before Emmaline and I left.

  I helped my mother with dinner when I got home and went upstairs to my room just before we sat down to eat. I pulled the newest note from Mason out of my pocket. Stay awake. I smiled as I put it under my pillow before I went back downstairs. Mason would be coming for me during the night.