Free My First Love and Other Disasters by Francine Pascal Page A

I’m going to die every time the phone rings.
    â€œListen, honey, I’m going out for a while. After a day like today I need a little relaxation . . . moving day is always a nightmare. But you were a great help. You did a terrific job.”
    â€œThanks.”
    â€œNo, thank you .”
    I told you she was a terrific person. We really get along sensationally. “By the way,” I ask, “do you know where The Dunes is?”
    â€œSure, it’s just past Ocean Beach toward Cherry Grove. That’s where I’m going tonight.”
    â€œYou are?” I ask, a little surprised.
    â€œYes, it’s a bar and a restaurant, and sometimes they turn it into a disco. Everybody goes there. But I think the crowd is a little old for you.”
    â€œOh, no, I wasn’t planning to go, I just know someone who’s working there. He’s a waiter.”
    But Cynthia won’t let go of the subject. “Well,where do you know him from?” she asks.
    â€œFrom the city,” I answer. I really wish she’d drop it.
    â€œThe city. I see. Victoria, please sit down for a minute. There’s something I want to discuss with you.”
    I know a lecture’s coming. God knows why, but I know it in my bones. Naturally I sit right down. I hope I have a tissue in my pocket in case she makes me cry.
    â€œDon’t look so scared. There’s nothing wrong.”
    It’s worse than I thought.
    â€œI only wanted to give you a little advice. I know this is your first time on your own and problems are bound to come up, so I want you to know that you can come to me anytime about anything. Kind of look on me as your summer mother, okay?”
    â€œSure, that’d be great.” I told you she’s really very nice.
    â€œAnother thing. While you’re living with us you’re my responsibility and I take that very seriously. So remember, if I’m your summer mother that makes you my summer daughter, and I think I’d better warn you about something. There are two discos out here, The Dunes and The Monkey, and they’re both really a couple of years too old for you. Especially The Monkey. I know a lot of teenagersgo there. But it’s a pretty raunchy place, if you want the truth. Anybody who goes in there is expected to know the score—if you follow me. So be careful about that place. Be careful about where you go and who you see and everything like that, okay? And one last thing—your curfew. It’s pretty safe out here as far as crime goes, this being an island and all, so I think your curfew can be a little later. How’s one o’clock on the weekends?”
    â€œTerrific!”
    â€œOkay, that’s set. But please remember I expect you to be on time.”
    â€œOh, I will. I promise.”
    â€œAll right then, that’s it. I’m off. Watch TV if you like, or I have a new Vogue in my bedroom if you want, and if you get a chance, could you please throw in the laundry? The whites are separate and don’t put any sweaters in the dryer. Thanks a lot. You’re a doll.” And she’s off.
    It’s okay that I’m not going tonight. I look gross anyway. I have to wash my hair, and besides, I’m really exhausted. I get the laundry from upstairs. Turns out to be two big laundry bags full. I guess Cynthia’s been so busy getting packed and ready to go she didn’t have a chance to do anything else. I don’t mind doing laundry—it’s an easy job. I separate the whites and colors, and it looks like maybe four loads. I probably have time to do most of them. I’dlike to do something really terrific my first day so I start putting in the laundry and by about one A.M . I’ve finished all the laundry, washing, drying, and folding everything except the stuff that has to be ironed. I pile everything on the couch and chairs in the living room and go off to bed.
    It’s still very hot in my room,