The Kiss

I won’t lie, it was exhilarating the first time

I put my arm around the shoulder and neck

of Judy Whye at the Ozark Theater on that

Friday night.

We were each new at this, both being in our

thirteenth year. I won’t lie, I was nervous as

a cat on a limbless tree, dry mouthed and

sweating profusely.

I won’t lie, I tingled all over when I moved in

to kiss her on the lips. My eyes were open and

her lips were cold, but I was only thirteen and

how was I to know?

When the movie ended and the house lights

came on, I turned to look behind me and there

stood my Aunt Molly in the next isle, looking me

in the eye with a stern grimace on her face.

I won’t lie, Judy Whye’s lips may have been a bit

chilly, But my Aunt Molly’s glare was enough to

freeze me humiliatingly solid. Damn, I was only

thirteen, how was I to know?

Chris Hanch  7-4-15