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Episode 4

Walking home from school the next day, Denise reasoned out the approach to use with her family to convince them that Jon was a nice guy. And nice enough to spend time with their daughter! She and Jon had discussed it yesterday and she really felt that she could not just keep on lying to be with him. And surely, if they got to know him, they would like him. So they had formed a plan of action. She would talk to them tonight. Dad, first, since he was a softie! Denise smiled. She knew how to handle Dad!

So when Tom arrived home from work, Denise met him at the door with a fresh, hot cup of coffee. "Hi, Dad. Did you have a bad day? Are you tired? Here, sit down and put your feet up. Mom had to run to the grocery store and will pick Todd up from Cub Scouts on her way back. So you just relax a while, OK?"

"Well, what's all this about, Kitten?" Tom asked.

Denise noted the pleased look on his face, mixed with a little suspicion. "No, it wasn't a bad day at all. In fact, it was a good day! I picked up some new clients. But it was tiring and this coffee sure hits the spot!"

Tom, being an insurance salesman, (and one of the best Denise thought), had provided well for his family. While thy certainly weren't rich, they had never lacked for anything that they needed or wanted very badly. He wasn't around much, but that's life, Denise concluded.

"Tell me what has brought on all this extra attention for your old dad? What's going on with you, nowadays? We haven't had much time to talk lately, huh? I hear that cheerleader try-outs are coming up soon. Can't you get Mother to get you a new outfit, or what?" Dad laughed, reminding Denise of the preparations of the previous year for the try-outs. She remembered how anxious she had been to have everything just perfect. But, now, try-outs were the least of her worries!

Denise assured Tom that everything was all set for the try-outs. "But, I've got some other things on my mind, Dad, and I really do need to talk to you." Denise hesitated, looking her dad in the eyes, very seriously. "Actually, it's about a new guy that I'm really interested in." She was trying so hard to sound mature and Dad was quietly laughing at her.

"I'm serious, Dad! I'll be sixteen before long. And nearly all my friends are dating already. Don't you think I'm old enough to date now?"

Denise's big blue eyes were begging Tom to say yes, but he stalled, saying, "Tell me about this friend of yours, Denise. Don't I know him? What about that Freddie 'What's-his-name'? I thought you were 'going steady with him."

"Oh, Dad, that was a long time ago! He was so immature! This guy, well, you don't know him, yet. And the only thing is, he's a little older than me. But you'd really like him, I just know you would, if you met him! And he likes me, too. Would you just let me ask him over so you can meet him? Please, Dad?" By this time, Denise was sitting on the arm of Tom's chair and pouring on the charm!

"I don't see any harm in him coming over here, Kitten and we can meet the young man, if that will make you happy. But, I think you'll need to discuss anything further with your mother. I know you think you're just about grown, but it's still our responsibility to look out for you. Let's see what she has to say about it!"

Denise knew he hated disappointing his family, so he often 'passed the buck'. It was a way of life around here! Well, so far, so good! But, there was still work to do, Denise told herself.

That night, at the supper table, Denise mentioned the subject to Mom. Since Dad had already given permission to invite Jon over, Doris reluctantly agreed that it probably would be good to meet the young man, since Denise was evidently so interested in him. "But, what's this guy's name? Tell us a little about him first! How much older is he? Does he live here in town?"

"Actually, he lives next door, Mom. His name is Jonathon Rivers. But he's not at all like you think he is, Mom. You'll like him. I just know you will!"

"Well, I warned you to stay away from him. Maybe I was wrong, but you evidently didn't listen too well, either. But, go ahead and invite him over so we can meet him and we'll judge for ourselves. But, if he's anything like I heard he was, you will just have to find another boyfriend! Is that clear?" Doris expounded with conviction.

Todd interrupted the discussion, apparently deciding it was his turn for some attention and began teasing Denise about her new boyfriend!

"Shut up,Todd, or I'll shut you up!" Denise threatened irately. What a pain, she thought as she left the table, relieved to have gotten this far with her parents.

Denise arranged for Jon to come over after school the following afternoon. She was so excited when she finally go a chance to tell Jon. Their plan, at least Step 1, had worked! The rest was up to Jon!

To Be Continued

bellovers:
Nice one bro,keep the updates coming...

Episode 3

The Church service was rather boring to Denise, after the singing was over. Denise enjoyed the singing, especially the special songs that were sung solo or by a group. They were more modern and entertaining!

But, the preaching was making Denise sleepy and she and Nancy had to take turns pinching each other to stay awake, then they would almost start giggling, right there in Church! But they made through the service and they left the Church with Denise's folks and dropped Nancy off at her house as Denise eagerly anticipated the afternoon rendezvous with Jon.

When they arrived at home, Denise began setting the table for lunch and assisting her mom in getting the food on the table. Doris always planned ahead. She had been taught well by her mother and was intent on passing it on to her daughter.

After lunch, Todd, Denise's younger brother, reluctantly helped her with the dishes. He wanted to go to a friend's house on the next block for a game of baseball with the guys, but Mom had insisted that he help Denise with the dishes, first!

Doris and Tom retired to the bedroom to rest, Tom with the newspaper and reading glasses and Doris with her new novel. Mom loved to read, Denise reflected. Denise enjoyed reading too, except when she saw there were more exciting things to do, such as meet with Jon this afternoon!

When the dishes were finally done and Todd had gathered his baseball, cap and glove, he headed out the door. Denise scrubbed the sink and put up the dishcloth dutifully and, after glancing out the side door to Jon's back yard, hurried to her room. She quickly surveyed herself in the mirror before going out to meet Jon.

It was such a beautiful spring-like day! The sun was shining bright and warm, again, and there was hardly any wind blowing. The grass was already greening up from the recent rains and the fruit trees in the backyard were covered with blossoms, sending a sweet fragrance into the air. Denise had heard her dad say that there probably wouldn't be much fruit this year, the trees were blooming too early and would probably be killed by the late frost. But, it was a beautiful day!

Denise chose a sunny spot away from the trees, but near the chain-link fence which separated the two yards and began opening out a webbed lounge chair and reclining, tuned in her favorite radio station on the portable stereo. She adjusted the volume to avoid disturbing her resting parents, and glanced anxiously to the River's house for a sign of Jon.

She could hardly wait for that handsome hunk to come out! She couldn't believe her luck, getting all his attention like this! No longer did she regard her mother's warning about him, if she ever had, now that she knew he was a really super guy! A girl could just tell about things like that. The sooner Mom and Dad realized it, the better. She would have to work on that!

*******
Jon peeked out his bedroom window through which he could view the Whitaker's backyard as well as his own. Yes, there she was. Gosh, he had lucked out in getting to move next door to her! He hadn't wanted to move away from his friends in California, but, here he was, at his family's insistance. He had moved into a new neighborhood, in a small town, among relatives he had never known, starting a new school in the middle of his senior year, and having to make all new friends. Well, since he had no choice in the matter, he may as well make the best of it!

The worst part of it all was having to leave Carolyn behind. His mom and dad didn't like him seeing her at all and Jon suspected that probably was the reason for the drastic move.

Carolyn was a model, five years older than Jon, but so what? They got along just great. And she was so much fun and made him feel so mature, much more than just seventeen. She had told him he could pass for twenty-one and he had, several times, with the fake I.D. she had gotten for him. She took him to parties and clubs in San Diego, near where they lived and introduced him to her friends. Carolyn was always coming up with something exciting to do. So what, if he drank with the others, and got a little crazy? They had talked about getting a place together when Jon finished school. Of course, his parents would have a fit about that.

Jon had promised Carolyn that as soon as he graduated and was on his own, he'd be back. She was making good money as a model, but, of course, he'd have to get a job too. Carolyn suggested that she could probably get him a job with her company after his eighteenth birthday, which would be soon after graduation. This company was strict about your age. Well, he felt like twenty-five after hanging around with Carolyn's crowd. He'd learned an awful lot. Pretty street-smart! he thought proudly.

But, while he was here,(which wouldn't be long, the way he figured it!), Denise was an interesting diversion. And he could tell she was falling for him, hook, line and sinker! Well, he could enjoy the time he had to be here. He would just keep Carolyn and his plans to himself until the time came and if Denise got her feelings hurt, oh, well! He wasn't going to make any promises to her anyway. Let her think what she wanted!

Jon sauntered out the back door, smiling. "Hi! Been out here long?"

After all the verses in the chapter had been read aloud, Mr. Thompson began to teach on those things. He talked about sin, being separated from God because of the sin nature, being 'born again', the Lord's returning and not being ashamed of Him at His coming.

None of this seemed to mean anything to Denise. She wanted to believe, she told herself, but how can you believe something like that? It sounded like science-fiction to her. Denise wondered if there really was a God. Could there really be someone 'up there' who really loved her? Then why did Mom and Dad believe it?

But, deep inside, Denise wanted very much to believe there was a loving God that knew all about her, loved her anyway and could help her be good. Then her thoughts drifted back to Jon. Well, if this stuff was true and if there really was a God, she guessed He wouldn't understand about her lying to her parents. Maybe it was better if there wasn't a God, she concluded.

To Be Continued....

Episode 2

Saturday came, and Denise managed to spend the night with Nancy, who was already allowed to date. So Nancy's mother thought nothing of it when Mark and Jon came to pick up the girls.

Denise had been sort 'on edge' all week, but she didn't think her family had noticed. At least, no one acted suspicious. Everything had worked out fine, Denise thought.

Nancy and Denise promised to be at Church, and early enough for Sunday School, in exchange for 'sleep-over' privileges. Doris and Tom, Denise's dad, had always insisted on regular attendance. It was usually a drag to Denise, but it was just one of those things. Nancy's mom didn't go to Church and never insisted that Nancy go. And she was a good person! Better than some that went all the time, Denise reasoned. But, nevertheless, that was just part of it for her! At she would get to be with Jon! And he was just so sweet! And so exciting! And so handsome!

The foursome drove in Jon's car to a larger town nearby. They planned to catch a movie and eat out. It was going to be such fun! Jon asked mark to drive, to Denise's surprise and Mark had accepted without hesitation.

But, in the back seat, Jon insisted that Denise sit close to him. She wasn't sure just what she should do. What would Nancy and Mark think, it being her first date with Jon? But, Jon wouldn't take 'no' for an answer and she really wanted to be close to him anyway! He slid his arm around her shoulder and she felt so warm and dreamy. And he smelled so good! He was funny, too, Denise discovered, as he kept cracking jokes and being silly.

The movie was good, but a little embarrassing. Some of the love scenes were a little too much! Denise and Nancy excused themselves to the restroom, once, when it looked like a really crude scene might be coming. Jon and Mark laughed at them, as if they knew why they chose to leave at just that moment.

After the movie, Jon insisted they go to a nice restaurant as he was buying! So he was a big spender, too! He didn't have a job, Denise realized, but she supposed he must have a good allowance. His folks looked like they could afford it!

It had been a really fun night and Denise was 'dreamy-eyed' on the way home. She wasn't used to staying up so late at night. And sitting so close to Jon in the darkness of the car, his arm around her, Denise gave in to the warmth of the moment, as she leaned toward him and laid her head on his chest, relaxing completely as she listened to the regular, soft beat of his heart. It seemed as if she had always known him, she discovered, and loved him. As if they were meant to be together, forever!

Eventually, the car pulled up in front of Nancy's house. The porch light was on. Mark got out of the car, went around to the passenger side and assisted Nancy out. With a glance at the couple in the back seat, he began to walk with Nancy to the door of her house.

Jon leaned down, kissing Denise softly, then again, as he held her closer and whispered in her ear,"Babe, it's been fun. I love being with you. You're so sweet. I don't want to leave you."

"I know. I've had a good time, too." Denise said, sleepily. She didn't want to leave the warm circle of his arms, either. But, it was time. She looked around and saw that Nancy and Mark were already parting at the front door.

Jon kissed her again, then reluctantly began to climb out of the car and assisting Denise. "When can I see you again?" Jon asked anxiously. "How about if I call you in the morning? Well," he laughed softly, "I guess it's morning already, huh."

"Oh, Nancy and I will be going to Church this morning. We promised my mom. But then I'll be going back home. Maybe we can meet in the backyard after lunch," she suggested hopefully. "Mom and Dad usually rest on Sunday afternoons, and they don't worry much about what I'm doing," Denise explained.

"OK, I'll plan on seeing you in the backyard, then." Jon replied softly, as Mark returned to the car, passenger side, this time.

Denise hurried to the house as Jon drove off. Looking back, she longed after Jon. This was absolutely Heaven, she concluded.
Nancy and Denise didn't get much sleep that night. They talked and talked and talked! Denise thought she had never been so happy! Nancy and Mark had been 'going steady' for about two months and everything seemed to be going well for them. And Mark and Jon seemed to get along so well. Almost instant friends, Denise reflected.

Nancy encouraged Denise's relationship with Jon. She was busy planning all the things they could do together as a foursome. That way, it didn't get boring, Nancy explained to Denise. Mark was awfully sweet and usually a lot of fun, but, sometimes, things got a little dull, she confided.

The only dark cloud hanging over Denise was the fact that she had to hide her joy from her family and sneak around to be with Jon. There had to be another way! And, yet, she couldn't imagine her mom and dad approving her plans. Mom had already judged Jon on the basis of rumor and found him lacking! Oh, well, it would all work out somehow. Things always did.
Denise and Nancy arrived at Church just as Sunday School was starting. Roger Thompson was the youth teacher. He was a young guy, good-looking in an off-hand way, Denise thought, and seemed very knowledgeable. But, he was strange! He acted as if he really believed what he was teaching out of the Bible, as if it really happened just as it was written. Denise knew that the stories in the Bible were just illustrations of good and bad moral behavior and attitudes!

At one time, Denise had believed it literally, but she had been young. And Mom and Dad had explained to her that it was very good to be kind and loving and good, but people went to Church in order to be respected and admired. And it was good for Dad's business. In the Insurance business, her dad explained, you have to be respected, admired and trusted. Participating in Church, community affairs and school functions built trust. Denise had decided it made sense and after all, Dad's business was good and he had many friends. But, they had explained to her, you just can't take the Bible literally. Only fanatics do that. They take things way too far, Dad had said.

I guess Mr. Thompson is a fanatic, Denise thought. And it was a real shame, too.

Their lesson was I John, chapter 2 today. They took turns reading two verses each, as Mr. Thompson instructed. At Denise's turn, she read:

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life is not of the Father, but is of the world."
It doesn't even make sense, Denise thought, trying to understand what it could mean. How could you love the world, anyway? Oh well, why worry about it, she decided. It didn't really mean anything anyway. Just like some of the poetry that everybody seemed to love, but was beyond her understanding.

To Be Continued...

Episode 1

"Mom, do you know anything about who's moving in next door?" Denise called out, as she gazed out her bedroom window. "There's a moving van backed up to the front door over there!"

"Oh, are they here now? Mary was telling me last week at the beauty shop that Janet Forbes' cousin from California and his family are buying that place. Rivers, I think was the name. I didn't realize they'd be moving in so soon, though," Doris replied thoughtfully, drying her hands on a kitchen towel. "Do you see anyone over there?" she called out from the kitchen.

"Come on in here, Mom. There's a real good view from my window," Denise responded, mischieviously.

Hidden by the pink ruffled curtains, together, they peeked eagerly at the house next door, but, to their disappointment, only two men in white coveralls were visible. Denise and her mom watched as the men unloaded a refrigerator from the van, and with expertise, maneuvered it into the house.

"You know, that house has been vacant a long time now. It'll be nice to have new neighbors," Doris commented.

"I heard Dad say once that the owners of that house were 'asking a fortune' for it. But, it really is a nice house, huh." Denise mentally compared the large brick house, sprawled in ranch fashion to the newly remodeled white frame house she had grown up in.

"You're right," Doris replied. "But, I've got to get back to work. You know how busy Saturdays always are around here! In fact, you've got quite a bit to do yourself, by the looks of this room!" Doris hinted strongly, glancing around the room as she exited.

Easing down to sit on the side of her bed where she could continue her vigil, Denise wondered about her new neighbors. Perhaps it would be an older couple. That would be nice, she thought, if they weren't too nosey. Nosey neighbors were the pits!

"Oh, no," she thought. "What if they've got a bunch of little kids! No way could she handle that! Just having Todd, her little brother, underfoot all the time was bad enough. Denise groaned under her breath.

She began to notice that the wind appeared hardly blowing at all today, the sun was shining bright. How unusual for this 'almost West Texas' country, Denise mused. It seemed so unusually warm for a late February day. Perhaps spring would come early this year!

Then, something caught her eye. Her curiosity peaked, as she saw a new black sports car pull into the driveway next door, and she watched, amazed, as out sprang a young, delightfully masculine form! She took in the well-built torso, long muscular legs, and his olive colored skin, which was emphasized by the white tank top and walking shorts he was wearing. She could see his fine features distantly and noted his dark curly hair.

Surely this wasn't her new neighbor, she thought, as she drew a deep breath excitedly. Denise's imagination began to run wild. It sure would be cool to live next door to that!

Another car then pulled into the drive, and out climbed a man and a young-looking woman, who turned and assisted a small child out of the car. What a darling little girl, Denise thought, as the woman took the small girl's hand and the three began walking toward the moving van.

As the strangers disappeared into the house next door, Denise heard her mother calling for help in the kitchen. Time to get lunch ready, Denise guessed. With the interruption of her train of thought, she arose reluctantly to the call of duty.

"They're here, Mom. Why do you think anyone would move all the way from California to a small town like this? I can't imagine that!"

"Well, Mary said they were hoping the small town atmosphere would help settle down their teen-age son. She said something about him getting in with a pretty rough crowd out there. And, too, they have a lot of relatives in the area, I think."

"About the son, Mom, do you know if he's still in school? I got a pretty good look at him and he's a real hunk! I'm impressed! Denise smiled, mischieviously.

"Now, you better watch out, girl! He's a bit older than you, and I'd guess by the sound of it, he's been around quite a bit! I don't want you getting involved with someone like that! But, yes, I believe she did say he's in his last year of high school. Sounds to me like they waited a bit late to try to change his direction! And I don't want to have to worry about trying to change your direction, Young Lady! You just be nice to him and stay out of his way," warned Doris.

But there was something in Denise's eyes that said the warning had come too late.

The following Monday, Denise looked for her new neighbor in all her classes at school. She had only seen him darting in and out of the house and car over the weekend.

Sure enough, to her glad surprise, she was seated in her fifth period Algebra class just before the bell, when looking up,she caught his eye as he entered the room. He sat near the back of the room, across from where Denise sat, and frequently, she glanced back in his direction. She had no difficulty getting his attention. She caught him watching her several times. When their eyes met, she could feel an electric current passing between them. She could hardly keep her mind on the lesson!

As the bell rang, Denise picked up her things and started for the door, her heart beating rapidly in excitement. Determined to get to know her new neighbor as soon as possible, (well, Mom said to be nice to him, she reasoned), she managed to bump right into him at the doorway.

Boldly, she smiled, saying, "Excuse me. I didn't mean to run over you! But, I think you're my new neighbor! I live in the white house trimmed in blue just south of you. I'm Denise Whitaker."

"Well, hello, Denise. I'm Jonathan Rivers. Just call me Jon, everybody else does," he said, staring boldly at Denise. "I thought I'd seen you somewhere. Right next door, huh. Well, that'll be real handy!" He smiled with interest, as they stepped aside to let other students into the room for the next class. "Hey, since we're neighbors, can I take you home after school? Maybe we can make a few drags, get to know each other and you can introduce me to everybody. How 'bout it?"

Denise hesitated. She knew immediately Mom was not going to like this! But, it was the perfect chance! She could be his first friend! Besides, she'd love to ride in that dream-car!

"Thanks, I'd love that! Why don't we meet at the side door after the last bell, OK?"

"Sure thing, Babe!" Jon agree, as he hurried off toward the lockers.

Reluctantly, Denise turned and hurried to her next class, English II. Throughout the class, notes kept appearing on her desk from other girls, wanting to know about the new guy in school. She was in Heaven! But, what was she gonna do about Mom?

Denise had never deliberately deceived her folks before, but Mom would never understand just how important this was! She decided to call home and ask to go to Angela's house after school to study. They did that pretty often, anyway, and it seemed to be a simple solution. She would walk home afterward, she told her mom. It was all set!

At the last bell of the day, Denise darted down the hall to the locker, grabbed the books she needed and headed for the restroom to check her makeup and hair. She simply had to look her best for Jon!

She stood in front of the mirror, excited! Her conscience kept trying to challenge her, but, she wouldn't listen, couldn't listen, not now. It was too late to change her mind. What was done was done! It would be such fun and her parents would never have to know!

She put her books on the floor and hurriedly brushed through her long, strawberry blonde curls, applied another layer of mascara to her already long, thick lashes, which brought out the sky blue color in her oval eyes. She added a small amount of blush, spreading it evenly, high on her cheeks, and freshened her lipstick. That's better, Denise decided, putting away her makeup, and straightening her pink sweater over her jeans. She sprayed on her favorite sweet-smelling cologne and went, reassured, to meet Jon.

Rounding the last corner to the side door, she saw him, surrounded by several classmates (mostly girls, of course!), all volleying for Jon's attention. Smiling confidently, she walked right up, interrupting the open flirtation as she said, sweetly, "Ready, Jon?" She noticed his beautiful, chocolate brown eyes as he held the door open for her. She had been so nervous earlier when she introduced herself, she hadn't even noticed. Oh, man, he was so handsome!

Jon led her out to his car in the student parking lot.

Denise laughed, "So you already have a fan club, huh?"

"Not hardly," Jon replied confidently. "Just the 'welcoming committee' checking out the new kid in town! I've seen it a dozen times, haven't you?"

"Well, they looked impressed!" Denise responded proudly.

Jon opened the passenger car door, seemingly unaware of all the other students in the parking area, until Nancy, Denise's best friend, called out, "Denise, are you going to the 'hangout'?" Mark and I are! Why don't you meet us there, so we can get to know your friend." She smiled, as she and Denise exchanged glances.

"How about it, Jon" Do you want to go there? That's where almost everybody goes after school."

"Sure, Doll, show me the way!" Jon replied, as he started the motor.

Mark and Namcy led out, Jon following closely behind, as Denise, so excited just to be riding in this awesome car and to be sitting here beside Jon, reveled in her good fortune.

"Hey, do you look this good all the time? And you're not tied up? I mean, going steady or anything?"

"Thanks. No, at the moment I'm free as a bird." Denise waved her arms in comical demonstration.

"I love your cologne. It just fits you, you know? You can judge a girl by the type of cologne she wears. Did you know that?"

"You've got to be kidding!" Denise said, laughing, as the car began slowing for the turn.

They pulled up at the local Snack-Shack, which was beginning to be packed out with high school kids. They went inside and sat with Nancy and Mark in a booth. Someone had just picked some songs on the jukebox and it was playing loudly.

They all ordered soft drinks and Jon was introduced to Mark and Nancy. Immediately, the guys began discussing cars.

"How did you get a car like that?" Mark asked, somewhat awe struck. "Man, what I'd give..., well, if I had it, of course," he added, almost apologetically.

"Well, I think it was a bribe, actually," Jon laughed. "Dad seemed to think it would help me feel better about moving here. And I guess it worked, not that I actually had much choice about the move. But, it's OK."

Denise noted a sadness creeping into his voice, even though he was laughing it off.

It was easy to see that Mark was envious of Jon's new sports model. Denise thought of Mark's '93 Ford Ranger and remembered how proud he was the day he got it. And though he worked after school and weekends to pay for it, he always managed to keep it clean and polished to a brilliant shine. Her heart went out to Mark, but then, she, too, was fascinated with Jon's sports car.

Jon was introduced to all the kids in the crowd, as they came near the booth. He had no trouble making friends, Denise noted. He was sure to be popular at this school!

"So what do you guys do for fun around here?" Jon asked. "I cane from California and there are a lot of neat places to go and things to do out there. Do you go out of town for fun or what?"

"Oh, there's always a lot to do around here," Mark spoke up in defense of his home town. "There's always somebody giving a party or a school sponsored project. Since it's getting close to summer, there'll be lots of banquets and the Spring Fling is coming up pretty soon, that's always a lot of fun. It's to raise money for the School Band. You're going, aren't you, Denise? Nancy and I are going." Mark smiled down at Nancy, slipping his arm around her possessively.

Denise looked at Jon. Maybe he'd ask her to go with him. She'd already been asked, but hadn't made a commitment, yet. And wouldn't if she had a chance to go with Jon.

"Sure, I'm going! It'll be fun! You'll want to go too, Jon, won't you?"

"Might as well, if you'll go with me, Denise." Jon smiled, looking into her eyes. "I'll bet we could have a good time, even if it was a drag!"

Denise's eyes lit up, as a new color of pink crept slowly into her cheeks. Her heart began to pound, but she answered casually, "Yeah, sure, I'll go with you."

Denise was conscious of the time passing and knew her mom would be getting anxious if she didn't get home pretty soon.She might even call Angela's house!

"Jon, I hate to break this up, but, I guess I need to get home. I've got a lot of homework to do and my mom will be expecting me soon.

"Sure, Denise. Me, too. See you guys tomorrow," Jon said, rising to his feet.

"I'll call you later, Denise," Nancy called out. "I need some help with that English assignment, OK?"

"OK," Denise said, smiling, as Jon slid his arm around her shoulder possessively. It was hard to believe she had just met him!

On the ride home, she reluctantly asked Jon to let her out about a block from home. He gave her a questioning look.

"Well, you see," Denise hesitated, her eyes begging him to understand,"my mom is real funny about things like this. I don't think she would understand about me being out with you - when I've just me you, you know - so I told her I'd be studying with Angela and would walk home."

Jon smiled. "Sure thing. I know how folks can be!" He pulled over to a vacant lot near the street they lived on, put his car in park, leaned over and kissed Denise sweetly, catching her off guard. But, she didn't try to resist.

"Thanks, Denise, for a great time. I really had fun with you. Do you want to do something Saturday night? Or can you work it with your mom?"

Denise, still out of breath from the excitement of the unexpected kiss, answered, "I had fun, too, Jon! I'll see what I can do about Saturday night. I'll let you know,OK?"

She got out of the car with one last look at his beautiful, dreamy eyes.

"I'll see you tomorrow, then," Jon said, as he drove away.

Man, Denise thought, he doesn't waste time! She couldn't believe all that had happened in just one afternoon.

It was only a short walk home, but it was but it was enough time for Denise to do a lot of heavy thinking. She had lied to her mother, gone to the 'hangout', (which her mother frowned upon) and she had let a stranger, (well, he was a stranger this morning), kiss her. But, it was only a brief kiss, just a 'Thank you' kiss, Denise reasoned to herself. There wasn't anything wrong with that, was there?

Well, even if he was a smooth operator, and he seemed pretty experienced with girls, she could handle it! She'd had a lot of boyfriends. Of course, she had never actually dated, just escorted to parties, banquets and such. And the parents, one or both, were always around. Also, she was only a sophomore, and until now, she never had a boyfriend older than her. Her mom would have a fit! Even if she hadn't already warned her about him!

What was she going to do now? What about Saturday night? She really wanted to be with him. He made her feel so special, so secure. Was she falling in love? She had never felt this way before, especially about someone she had just met!

With a divided heart, guilty about the deception and happy with the thought of being with Jon, she walked into the house and laid her books on the coffee table.

"Mom, I'm home," Denise called out.

To Be Continued....

hefelove:
following

Countrygirl:
Yea yea, just saw this & i want to comment before i read.


How are you bro?

Prologue....

Fifteen-year-old Denise Learns About Love...in More Ways Than One!

What happens in some teenagers' minds when they find someone they are very attracted to, with immense possibility...and their parents say "No way"?

Is it the exception to feel that the parents couldn't possibly understand the importance of this situation, and begin to take the situation into their own hands?

Is it fate, or the hand of an all-seeing, all-loving Being that intervenes in those situations, bringing into one's life, in spite of everything, A Love From Above?

"A Love From Above" - A Story Written by Joy Curry Brandstetter

I do hope you find this relationship story interesting and worthwhile.

Your comments will be duly appreciated, we love to hear from you .


Cc: Lalasticlala, Ishilove, Semid4lyfe, Obinoscopy, Maiconyoung, Jacy67, Snowangel, Joepretty, Oyay, Dandypearl, heemah,iykekelvins, joanee20, Missmossy, virtuedagirl, ashatoda, missviva, iykekelvins, luciangelymail, Heemah, DandyPearl, Bellovers, Sageez, Afz9095, Ysadiq, VMtuppence, Calmdove, Domido, Maggielovely, Rukkydelta, Damyem, Mutdam, Olaxtra, Daslad, M003, Ernie98, Kingphillip, Youngseraph, Emerald18, Jhybho, Fiyah, Chinwezdasilva, Jsharp, Adajiboyy, Ideatoprince18, Deesquare01, Nidaxj, Snowangel, Gbens2000, Spdazzy, Mattkent, Dimssy, Hefelove, Iyoha240, gbens2000, vaxt, TONYE001, Mczigx, saxwizard, SimpleBea, bukaty, Maiconyoung, Euniz, dadido, oluangelkay,

lilyheaven:
your story made my day. devil proposal! he propose everyday. God help me to always say No

CuteChiluv:
Lovely story, lesson learnt , remainingto practice no to devils proposals,

christisreal:
wow!!I am really thrilled.what got me most was d active involvement of the ministry of the Holy Spirit.Good work op.looking forward to better tales ahead.You have a great gift

luciangelymail:
Awww, I just saw the mention, such an intriguing story, may God grant us the grace to always say no to the devil's proposal. thanks Ola!

emeraldlife:
Some people can write o! I enjoyed the short fiction. Thanks for sharing.

deebarbie:
Its been like a year since i commented on any post on nairaland. But this short educative story forced my hand to type.. Just exactly what i needed...thank you...you might not know it but u just saved a soul..

Edd1e:
Wow, my first time reading a story on nairaland.
The story is quite interesting.

Why must every story have a happy ending?

Clonus:
Is this a true life story? You can write abeg. I wish to be like u when I grow up.

Dannykool:
I recieve Grace to reject d devils proposal. Amen

Lolaabokoku:
Op oya update more story na.. captivating story I must confess!!

richG:
My soul has been blessed by this. May God bless you... Op

JOSSYTEM:
you are such a prolific writer

hefelove:
Nice job op I soo love this ur story. The mother did well when she told Zoe that they should watch that movie War Room. Make I no lie u mehn I still can't believe I cried at some point when I was watching that movie. You u won't believe a pastor entered that room and he was like Someone has been praying in this closet cos this place is hot! Mehn that movie is great!

Another Christian movie I love most is Am In Love With A Church Girl. I soo much love this movie fam! Jarule omo igboro turn pastor!

angeloadrian:
Wow!,.lesson well learnt......be patient and never rush into things outta competition

kaakaa1:
Thanks so much for this! It's lovely!!!

jsharp:
Present o..jez saw d mention..this is a great piece,bro..more ink to your pen..but i got on your blog n cudnt find d rest of d episodes..maybe i will jez wait till i get dem here..nice work,bro

CuteChiluv:
,,, hahahahaha not my fault oo ,i just discovered it, but happy i did, better late than never,,,

Rex1:
menhh! I can't even start altering my thought right nw because am speechless