“Nix. Nay. No." Jerome was serious. "There's no way you're going out with that boy."
"But, Dad, you haven't even met him." Alicia was getting frustrated.
"He rides a motorcycle."
"What does that have to do with anything?"
Frowning, he put down his magazine, looked at his daughter and contemplated, how did she get old enough to be talking about boys and motorcycles? "It's not safe."
"It's fun."
Had he become a grumpy old man? He took his volume down a notch. "Honey, you're doing great at school. But as smart as you are, you might find it hard to believe that most of what you're going to learn in life comes after school."
"I'm seventeen! And you rode a motorcycle when you met mom."
As his mind raced to recognize any experience that might guide this moment he wondered why his wife hadn't warned him, just as she walked into the living room on her way upstairs with folded clothes.
"Becky, what do you think about this motorcycle boy Alicia wants to go out with?"
She chuckled, "He couldn't be any worse than you."
"Now don't forget, I always rode safely with you."
"Honey, I wasn't talking about your riding ability." Becky laughed. "Back then you were so cavalier and optimistic. But wouldn't listen to anyone old enough to know better."
Alicia was accustomed to her parents joking and sensed things were leaning in her favor.
Becky spoke to Alicia, "Our wedding almost included our departure on his bike. It took a few adults to advise him that motorcycle wheels and other parts don't make the best of friends with wedding dresses."
Jerome, more at ease, also reminisced with Alicia, "The idea was that your mom would change before we left."
"Dad, mom, I've heard this all before, but I'm not talking about getting married!"
Becky put down the clothes, sat on the sofa arm next to Jerome and playfully ran her hand through his hair. "What do you say, old guy?"
After a moment of silence and reflection, Jerome started chuckling. "Alright, have fun sweetheart. Just remember, your mother looked stunning even with a bit of helmet hair."
by George Alger
Visit the archive to see the latest or GeorgeAlger.com to see even more.
Enter your email below to join the readers of Liminal Stories.