The cool, crisp air of fall set an atmosphere for new beginnings. I was stepping into my first year of high school, loving the extra curricular activities such as football games and dances. Let's not forget the comfort of pretty sweaters and those cool bell- bottom jeans. Many yesterdays have passed since then, but the memory of my first dance and first boyfriend are still vivid.

I had a good friend from school, Donna, who invited me to her church. I went with her and her family every Wednesday night. Little did I know that one night after church, I would meet my date to take to the upcoming Sadie Hawkins dance. Donna introduced me to the group of teenagers standing outside of the church. I can't remember the way she did it, but before before my wandering eyes, she had hooked me up with David and herself, with Randy. A Sadie Hawkins dance sure had its benefits because it was the one dance when the girls got to invite the boys and wear some rather crazy outfits.

My mother made my dress in a denim-look fabric, covered with patches and I was quite pleased. Even though it was a Sadie Hawkins dance, I felt like a queen and excited to have my first date. David was two years older than myself so he was able to drive and picked me up at my house. He impressed me with his dance moves, both fast and slow and since I've always had the ability to dance, we had a captive audience. I can't believe, looking back, that he and I were the only ones dancing at times, but in those moments, I didn't care. It was sure nice to have a participant instead of a wall flower.

David didn't go to my school, but we ended up being boyfriend and girlfriend for several months. We went to each of our school's ball games and dances. His friends said I was hot and he seemed to feel proud to be with me, as was I, him. I met his parents and grandma and he met my parents. We spent a lot of time together and when we weren't, we talked on the phone - until my parents would see the long cord of the rotary phone leading into my bedroom late at night. Busted!

The most magical moment was one snowy night in December when we climbed a mountain that led to a fire tower. We climbed the fire tower and the ambiance was breathtaking. Having the boy of my dreams holding me and the snow falling on us, under the stars, was simply perfect! It seems many of our moments together were mingled with snow. We went to the Christmas parade and I still remember the feeling of walking downtown, holding his hand. I knew, I just knew this boy, that gave me a sentimental gift of Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls for Christmas, would someday be the one I married. After all, he was the one that gave me that first kiss and embraced my hand and heart.

Teenage love is real. Breaking up was hard to do. David stopped calling and I found out he went back to his ex-girlfriend. She apparently gave him a part of herself that I hadn't and that was what he wanted more than he wanted me. I felt very rejected and hurt. I recall being in class and someone asking about David, as my throat choked up and my eyes welled up with tears. One night David showed up at my house with his friend, who was dating my sister. I talked to him a little bit, but nothing was said about our break-up, but I believe he came there to get me back. I guess I'll never know. I never saw him again, except from a distance.

I thought my first love would be my last. I thought David would be my last heartbreak. I was wrong on both counts! We live and we learn, but the experiences are still sweet in memories. Falling snow still takes me back to that December so many chapters ago.

Learn more about this author, Kathy D.
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