48 -MY SON, THE BRIDESMAID

Once they were in the movie theater, Robin began to relax. The men were extremely solicitous and attentive to their dates. Robin could see how a person could get used to such attention. He even got used to letting Steve hold his hand.

After the movie they went to a late night bistro for some coffee and a snack. Both Steve and Andrew were bright and interesting guys. They didn't just talk about themselves, but were interested in hearing about the girls' interests.

Robin let Trish do most of the talking. I mean...how much history could Robin share with these boys? About his 18 years as a boy?? About how strange it is getting used to shaving your legs, or deciding on which nail polish to use?

It was getting late and Trish suggested that she and her 'sister' should use the ladies room before they go home. Robin followed her, even though he didn't have any critical need to use the washroom. He was a little nervous being alone with the two guys himself. Once inside, Trish began to check her makeup and hair.

"They are really nice guys aren't they?" she said as she touched up her mascara. Robin had begun to redo some of his makeup as well. He figured it was just a normal routine that girls followed. But he wasn't sure why... they would be home soon. His sister shed a little light to the real reason...

"Robin," she said, checking to be sure that they were alone in the washroom. "You know that when they get us home, they deserve a little thanks for all the attention and money they spent on us tonight."

"Don't worry, I'll thank Steve. I do have manners, you know," he replied somewhat indignantly.

"I don't think you quite understand what I mean... they'll want and deserve a nice goodnight kiss."

"What!? Give me a break sis!" the surprised boy exclaimed, realizing then what the real purpose of his freshly reapplied lipstick was. "I can't kiss a boy!"

"Sure you can. Just close your eyes and relax. Imagine that you're kissing another girl. It will be over in a moment and all will be well. If you don't give him at least a small kiss, they'll think you're real stuck up." With that, Trish

TV FICTION CLASSICS -49

turned and left the ladies room. Robin stood staring in the mirror for another few seconds... taking in the madeup and coiffed girl that looked back at him. Was he taking this beyond all sensibility? With that concern blazing in his mind, he returned to his date.

Robin thought the drive home took only a few seconds ..it seemed to be coming all too fast! The car stopped in front of their house and Andrew, who was driving, turned off the headlights.

"Well, I guess this will be goodbye until the next break," he said, looking into Trish's eyes, who sat with him in the front seat.

"We had a wonderful time, thanks." she replied, and as Robin watched, his sister slid over towards Andrew who drew her gently with his arm. Their lips met and they kissed deeply. He knew the time had come, he looked over at Steve who had his arm around Robin's shoulder. He felt himself moving closer to Steve, felt his heartbeat pick his eyes closing, then his lips touching Steve's.

up, He did as Trish had suggested, pretended that he was kissing a girl. But he had never kissed a girl before... he had been a social late-bloomer. The kiss seemed to last a very long time. With his eyes closed he pictured himself kissing a beautiful poster girl. His arms went around her neck and the kiss got more ardent. It continued, until he heard Trish clearing her throat.

Robin opened his eyes and saw that the 'girl' he was kissing was Steve! Andrew and Trish had finished their goodnight kiss and were smiling at the two in the backseat who were locked together in an embrace that seemed like eternity.

"We'd better go, 'Missie'."

"Uh, yeah... thanks again, Steve," the flustered Robin mumbled as he opened the door.

"I'll stay in touch, don't worry," an obviously captivated Steve whispered back.

The two sisters waved goodbye from their front steps as the car pulled away. Finally, Trish spoke. "I said a goodnight kiss... not an all night kiss. Good thing you weren't alone. Steve may have decided that the light was