�Yeah maybe your right it was an awfully early day,� he shifted �And now I have to go take a shower because of the girl cooties and stuff.�
She giggled as she turned and began walking back towards the parked limo. He stood for a second watching her walk, �Man your gonna need a cold shower like never before.� He mumbled to himself, as he looked up an elderly couple caught his eye. They smiled at him the man winking as if knowing a secret that had yet to be revealed, then nodded as he turned away. John jogged a few feet enough to catch up with Tatem. Not knowing what possessed him he reached down and easily slid his hand around hers, their fingers intertwining like the threads on a weavers loom. She slowed her pace, relishing the feel of her hand wrapped in his. When they reached the limo the driver hopped out and held the door open for them. Tatem climbed into the car, with John once again gliding across the smooth as butter leather seats beside her. The door shut sealing them once again in the silent cocoon of the limo�s interior. They laughed quietly together all the way back to her house, never once did he stop rubbing his thumb in a rhythmic circle over the back of her hand. He didn�t immediately open the door when the limo stopped in front of her house; he sat instead his thumb still circling her hand.
�John, we�re here.� Tatem�s voice was barely above a whisper.
�I know,� he paused turning his head to face her, �Would it be completely whacked out if I told you I don�t want to open the door because, that makes tonight over, and I just really don�t want it to end?�
She smiled at him her eyes sparkling in the dim car, �No, because it�s not crazy, but you can walk me to the door if you want.�
He smiled at her again softly laughing, �I�d be honored.�
He shut the door easily behind her after she got out of the car, and dropped his arm over her shoulders, a crooked smile suddenly appearing on his face as they reached her door.
�So you think your parent�s are gonna be mad because I brought you home so late on a school night?�
�No, but they might flash the porch light,� she whispered in her best teenage date voice as she retrieved her key from her pocket, �You better hurry up and kiss me before my mom comes out and then calls your mom.�
�Okay, will you answer if I call you?� he asked seriously. �I mean for real, if I call will you answer?�
�Of course I�d answer, why would I not I have your cooties.�
