The Masks of Our Heart

“The clock on the wall must be broken,” I thought to myself; “the hands are not moving.” My obvious excitement was beginning to show. “How can I get through school, when all I can think about is the party at Roxanne’s house?”
My parents would never permit me to go to a party that was not chaperoned; that is why I had to lie and pretend I was going out with my older cousin Carol. I know it was wrong, but I was never allowed to have any fun.
Finally the lunch bell sounded. “The morning is passed, only the afternoon remains,” I sighed with relief. I counted the hours: “one o’clock, two o’clock, and three o’clock. In just a few hours, I will be dancing with Tony,” I mused. “And, and what. I had no clue what to expect, but I was sure it would be exciting.”
I tried to relax in nice warm bubble bath, courtesy of my mother. I would wear some old jeans and a sweatshirt over to my cousin’s house. While my parents were watching a movie on TV, I made a hasty exit. Carol helped me with my make-up and loaned me one of her seductive dresses; it was red with sequins.
I thanked Carol for all her help and support and headed toward Pine Street, where Roxanne lived. Driving at night is different; I was confused and got lost. Thank goodness I saw Tammy’s car and followed her.
As I walked up the stairs to the house, I heard music and laughter booming from within. My heart was racing as I turned the handle on the front door. I looked around the room; I thought the whole school was there. As I walked in, someone shoved a glass in my hand. It tasted awful, at first; the more I drank, the more I enjoyed this strange brew.
“Guess who,” he asked covering my eyes. I recognized his varsity ring and knew it was Tony. “Hi Tony,” I said in a low tone of voice. “You are so sexy,” he gasped. He escorted me onto the dance floor and held me gently in his arms. We talked about his family. He explained that he was the oldest sibling and described his three younger sisters. His parents instilled in him Bible principles. He was always protective of his sisters and he felt the same about me.
I was enamored by his kind and gentle nature. He was endowed with extraordinary qualities that I had not perceived before tonight. I was as if a mask had been lifted and we were meeting for the first time. He remarked the same thing about me. He thought I was afraid to laugh and had no sense of humor. It looks as if we both wear masks, not letting others see, the secret person of our heart.
That was an evening I’ll never forget. Tony and I removed our masks that night; what happened is history.