Violet - Where Do the Noses Go? (5)

Violet - Where Do the Noses Go?

Just a kiss on your lips in the moonlight
Just a touch of the fire burning so bright
And I don't want to mess this thing up
No, I don't want to push too far

Just a shot in the dark that you just might
Be the one I've been waiting for my whole life
So baby, I'm alright with just a kiss goodnight

                                                                 -- Lady Antebellum (Just a Kiss)

After several failed attempts at a third date due to our schedules not cooperating, Daniel had suggested going to the basketball game at school. I wasn't quite ready to sit next to him at a school sporting event and become gossip fodder the next morning. He rationalized this idea by reminding me that Ainsley was cheering and Erin was playing saxophone in the pep band. Yeah, sorry, I still wasn't biting. So I counter-offered with going to the carnival that was hanging out in the parking lot of the mall two towns over from us. He agreed and said he would pick me up at seven.

I stood in front of the mirror in my bedroom, carefully applying my sparkling liquid eyeliner. I followed that with a fresh coat of mascara. I chose green eye shadow to accent my hazel eyes and a thin coat of lip gloss. I was hoping that Daniel would finally find an opportunity to kiss me, and I didn't want him to end up with ruby red lips. I pulled a pick through my long, permed brunette hair. My summer freckles were starting to fade, and I smiled thinking about having fun on the rides.

I had changed my outfit three times already, and nothing seemed to suit me this evening. I was always self-conscious about my size, but actually going out on a date seemed to magnify all of my insecurities. I could live with being a plus-size gal, but at this stage of the game, not many guys gave me a second look, let alone a first. So my first order of business was usually to camouflage everything that I could, and disappear into the background. But for the first time in a long time I wanted to be noticed, and I didn't seem to have anything in my closet that met that criteria. I finally settled on a black v-neck sweater with my favorite jeans and black clogs. Even though I lived in Kansas City now, I had still not warmed up to the idea of wearing cowboy boots.

The doorbell rang, and I headed down the hallway to the front door. I was the only one home at the moment, so I could not be cute and make Daniel wait in the living room and make small talk with my lieutenant colonel father, although that would have been fun. I opened the door, and we grinned at each other. "Come on in. I need to leave a note for my mom. Can you hold on a minute?"

"Sure." Daniel stepped into the house, but I left the door hanging open. I went into the kitchen and ripped a sheet of paper off of the memo pad on the fridge. I pulled open the drawer next to the stove and fished around for a sharp pencil. I found one that looked promising and scribbled a short message. I laid the paper in the middle of the counter.

"I almost forgot my purse. I'll be right back." I hustled down the hall and grabbed my purse off of my doorknob. "Okay, let's go." I made sure the front door was locked and we walked to the Rabbit, where Daniel opened the door for me. I climbed in and buckled my seat belt. Daniel walked around and sat in the driver's seat.

"I don't think I said this yet, but you look really nice." Daniel turned the key and started the engine. "This sounds so much better than it did last week. It's amazing what a difference a new exhaust can make."

"Are you pretty handy with fixing cars?" It definitely wasn't my area of expertise.

“Well let’s just say this car is letting me get a lot of practice.  So we’re off to the carnival, correct?”

“Yes, that sounds like fun.  I’m sorry; I’m just not ready to contribute to the gossip mill at school.  Are you?”  I raised my eyebrows and looked directly at him.

“Well it’s going to come out eventually if we’re seen in public together.”  He had a point.

“I understand what you’re saying.  I don’t mind if people see us together in public.  That’s vastly different from blatantly advertising it by going to a sporting event at school together.  Do you see the distinction?” 

“Point made.  The carnival wins.”  Daniel put the car in gear and we headed to the mall.  “Would you like to listen to the radio?” 

“Sure, that would be nice.  I will warn you, I’m not much of a country girl, though.  I know that’s what everyone listens to out here, but it’s just not my speed.” 

Daniel smiled.  “Well I’ve lived here all of my life, so I don’t mind it.  However, I’m more into the southern rock genre.  Will that suit you?”  He turned on the radio and an Eagles song wafted out of the speakers.  Now this was music I could handle! 

“Yes, this is perfect.  Thank you.”  I settled back in my seat and listened to the music.  I wasn’t lying; I was not anywhere close to being a country music fan.  It pained me a great deal in that regard to live in Kansas City.  There were five different country music stations here, one oldies station, one classic rock station, and one pop station (which was not very good in my estimation).  So I found myself frustrated with my lack of listening options on a regular basis. 

After a couple of songs, Daniel broke the silence.  “So what is your favorite ride at the carnival?”

“The tilt-a-whirl is my favorite ride without a doubt.  I’m really a roller-coaster fan, but I know that’s out of the question.  I’m not sure I would want to ride one that wasn’t a permanent structure anyway.  I would be too paranoid that I would be on the ride when it decides to collapse.”

“Yeah, I agree.  I’m not sure I would take that gamble either.  That’s just asking for trouble.”  Daniel laughed. 

“Now I know it seems like I’m going to contradict myself, but the Ferris wheel is my least favorite ride.  It’s too slow, stops too many times, and often at heights I don’t like.  But anything that goes fast, sign me up!” 

“I’m with you on all of that.  Now to the most important question: what’s your poison for carnival food?”

“That’s easy.  Funnel cake wins every time.  I’m not into all of those weird fried things like Twinkies and Oreos, and I never did like candied apples.  Of course, I do appreciate a good basket of fresh cut fries with cheese sauce, too.  Now you’re making me hungry.”

“Sorry about that.  I’m getting hungry too.  I think the corn dog is an important staple to consider in your menu.  I’m also a guy who likes a good Philly cheese steak sandwich with peppers and onions.” 

“Okay, I will skip the corn dog.  Yuck!  But the cheese steak is a solid selection.  Oh, and I have to have cotton candy to take home with me.  I should probably bring one home for my mom, too.”  I liked talking with Daniel.  It was easy, and it seemed like we had a lot in common.  And now I really was hungry, so I was relieved when we saw the Ferris wheel off in the distance, looming over the rest of the carnival rides.

The carnival was definitely a lot of fun.  We bought the ride bracelets and rode everything at least twice, except for the Ferris wheel.  Since it was only Thursday, the carnival was not overly crowded, and we didn’t have to wait too long for any of the rides.  We chatted back and forth easily about all kinds of things, and we even ventured into the Bingo tent and played two games before giving up.  We ate cheese steaks and cheese fries and then shared a funnel cake later on in the evening.  We skipped the midway, but I made sure to get two bags of cotton candy as we were leaving.     

When we arrived back at my house, we sat in the car and chatted for a few minutes.  “I should go inside.  It is a school night after all.  I had a great time.  I hope we can go out again.”  I fished in my cavernous purse, searching in vain for my keys.   

Daniel placed his hand on mine and I looked up at him.  “You know,” he began, “I was just thinking about this quote from an old movie I saw not too long ago.  ‘When you kiss, where do the noses go?’”  He leaned in and gently placed his lips on mine.  I hardly had time to react, but I quickly closed my eyes and gave in to the moment.  It was sweet and tender, and a little bit tentative.  Once he realized that I was kissing him back, he relaxed and I stopped thinking altogether.  It only lasted for a moment, but it is one that is difficult to adequately describe in words.  It’s a feeling unlike any other and certainly one I will never forget.  Your first real romantic kiss is like that. 

When I opened my eyes, Daniel was grinning at me, and I was blushing at him.  I struggled to find something to say.  “I had a really nice time, Daniel.  Thank you.  See you tomorrow.”  I reached for the door handle.

“Wait.  Let me get that.”  Daniel hurried to get out of the car and walked around to open my door.  He offered his hand and I took it as I stepped out of the car.  He held onto my hand, stalling.  “Well, I’ll see you tomorrow.  I had a really nice time, too.  Good night, Violet.” 

“Good night, Daniel.”  I practically floated up the sidewalk to my front door.  My face was still flushed and red, so I was glad that no one saw me on my way to my room.  I turned on my stereo and flopped onto my bed.  I couldn’t wipe the smile off of my face, despite any amount of trying.  That had been a pretty good date.  I’m positive Daniel was thinking the same thing…