March 29 1996 The Best Day of My Life
This is my story of what happened on that awesome day back in 96. This is a little long and if you do read it, I hope that you leave me notes.
I realize that you wouldn’t know anyone in my life I will start this like a play, I will give the name and a little something about that person.
Jonathan: that’s me Justin: that’s my twin (yes I have a twin)
Amanda, that’s my younger sister Lisa, my best friend for 15yrs
Henry, the limo driver
Alisa, Marilyn, Bobbie: mother’s friends Aunty Sheryl, mom’s best friend
*class mates*
Dawn Osgood Jennifer*can’t think of last name* Mike Word
Rob Streeter Mike Fernandez Greg Dicandia
Mike McBride Melissa Muce Melissa Morhouse
LJ. McCanus Brian Burral Joey D
Christopher Martin Lisa Pagalooka
Mr. Manoogian: assistant trial coach/history teacher MRS Cryllly: my aid
Ms. Karrassas: lawyer brought in to teach my class Mr. Febbrezio principal
Mr. Keddy vice principal Mrs. Yagjian, English teacher
(The below was all written that night when I got home. I was going to change some things, but that would be cheating the story as it wouldnt be the origenal words.)
***the morning of March 29th, 1996***
I woke up before Justin, it was about 6.30 in the morning. I went into the bathroom to take a shower. When I came out I went into my closet and got a hanger which had a Champion sweatshirt and pants on it. I turned on the television and "Sports Center" was on. I got dressed and put on a lot of deodorant. Justin woke up and went into the shower. I put on my favorite hat, the florescent orange Atlanta Hawks hat which Justin hates. I put on my royal blue New York Mets jacket. Then I went over to my desk to get out my jewelry box which had my diamond ring in it. I put it on my middle finger of my right hand. This is the first time that I am going to wear it. It was always too big but this is a special day. I went over to the television to shut it off. I picked up the money that dad gave me that was in front of the television. There was 75 dollars there. It was for the after prom dinner. I am taking Lisa to Kowloon. I went up stairs and grabbed my school bag. I didn't take lunch because I was coming home at 12.
I walked to school with Justin like I usually do. We talked about sports. I was taking a contemporary law class where we competed in a mock trials tournament against other schools. I just received a new part for the mock trial. I was the attorney for the Principal, who was played by Dawn Osgood. Some of the girls had to get ready for the prom which was that night. I volunteered to do the cross of the principal. I knew the principal's affidavit so well, I figured why not. I will get back to that later.
I got into my law class and we had to finish are rehearsal with are new parts. I went up to the teacher's desk to read the questions. I wrote down one word per a question so it would be quicker to read them and it will sound more fluent. I did pretty good, but I knew my other part better. I don't remember much about my next class, Psychology. I do remember saying to myself only about 630 more minutes. Then I was off to English class. We were reading Hamlet. I didn't pay much attention between the mock trial, the prom, and the fact that I did not like the book of hamlet. I like the story, I just don't like the old English. I don't remember anything about the history class. I do remember leaving the class early. When I was walking down the West wing through a set of doors, I had a pass in my hand. I was singing to myself, "I Walk right through the door",. That's what I did, I had a pass, I was cool.
I got home and unlocked the door because no one else was home. I went down stairs, put my bag on my bed, and put my jacket and hat on Justin's bed post. It was about 11 o'clock. I went into the bathroom, brushed my teeth, shaved my face, and then cleaned up my bedroom. I was trying to waste time. I was rushing because I wanted the night to come. I even cleaned under my bed. I put on Sports Center. Then I found some clothes to hang up. When I was done, I called up my mother's Cellular phone. I wanted to know where my suit was so I could take a shower and get dress. She was out at lunch with Aunty Sheryl. I asked my mom where my clothes were. She said that it is only one o'clock and we don't have to be there until 3.30. She told me to weight for her. I played some music. The next two hours were gray I don't remember Justin or Amanda or even my mother coming home.
I took a shower and got dressed up in my black suit. I must have eaten, but I don't remember. I had on black shoes which had a little heal on them. I had on a white dress shirt, my suit, a black belt and a lot more deodorant. I remember going in my parent’s bedroom with my mother. She was trying to decide which tie goes with my suit. After she got Justin's opinion, she handed it to me and I put it on. My mother brought me into the bathroom to fix my hair. She brushed it back and put some stuff in it. It was time to go. I picked up my law note book and my cane from the stairs. My mother, Amanda and I got into the car. I was in the back seat. I was off to the trial.
The trial was held at Lynn district court. My mother dropped Amanda and I off at the front door and she went to park the car. We found my class and went up stairs to the third floor where the trial was going to take place. I put on my ear piece to my microphone and MRS Crylly had the other part of it. My mother told me what was going on around me. A Spanish woman went up to Jennifer and Jennifer pointed over to Mike Word. Mike gave her the answer that she wanted in Spanish. There was a lot of signs that were in Spanish. My mother said to me, may be You could work here. I don't think so.
The judge was very late, the trial was suppose to start at 4 o'clock. We were first on the third floor but we were moved down to the second floor. My class was hoping that they would pick the plaintiff if they won the coin toss because most of us knew our parts on the defense better. We got the coin toss anyways. When I heard about the coin toss I was sitting down at the defense table and Mr. Manoogian told me that we won the coin toss. I knew that we were going to do good. I was a little nervous when I was sitting down on a bench with Streeter and Fernandez, I asked them if they were nervous and they said no. I said how can you guys not be nervous. They didn't give me an answer. Streeter brought me over to the defense table. Some people came over to me and said good luck. Greg Dicandia was sitting next to me and Rob Streeter was sitting next to him. We had a feeling that we were going to lose because of the judge. Judge Dever likes little kids and we were playing a middle school from Lynn, Lynn Pickering. I asked Greg where was the judge's bench? He told me that it is almost right in front of me and if I looked strait it will be fine. I also asked him to tell me when it's my turn.
The trial began and Jennifer delivered the opening statements. She did pretty good but she talked a little fast. Oh, let me tell you this, that Ms. Karrassas told us that when we were done with our parts we could leave. I don't remember the order of the witnesses but mind went last. I remember Greg was doing very good with the objections even though most of them were over turned.
When it was my turn Greg told me so. I remember it perfectly. I turned my body towards the left and swung my feet over as well
I put my forearm and palm face down on the table and pushed my body up. I said, your Honor defense would like to call Matty Arthur to the stand. As I went on asking the questions I said to myself, Is that me? I am doing so well. I got one objection and it was sustained but that was alright. I thought that I did very good. I asked one question on redirect and Dawn had to mess it up. I asked her if Ms. Shelley or Brandy followed the policy? Dawn said, no. I said no further questions your honor. I remember Greg said that I did a good job. I smiled and said I think that we won. He told me to knock on wood but Streeter said that he already did. I did not know what he meant by this but I did it anyway.
Then it was Greg's turn to give his closing arguments. He started by saying let me be the first one to welcome you good evening your honor. He went on to do a good job. When he finished the judge said, because it is 7 o'clock I will hurry it up. I looked at Greg and my jaw dropped. The prom started! The judge went on and on, telling the parents that no matter who wins we all did a good job and they should be proud of us. Then he went through the people who were left with a comment about each one of us. We didn't care, we just wanted to get out of there. The judge commented that what Greg said was a cheap shot. Greg was just being polite. If you knew Greg you would think so too. I was not upset even though we only lost by one point for two reasons. The selfish reason was I did my best I got a 9 out of ten and also because of what Ms. Karrassas said about the judge liking the younger kids. Greg was crushed and angry he had his shirt unbutton and tie off before he was out of the court room. He ran no he sprinted to his car and speeded out of the parking lot. He had to go home first to change and his temper was showing. I was a little angry with the judge too but I was not going to let that ruin the night.
I got in the back of the car. My mother told Amanda to call dad. My father had Lisa on the other line. My mother told Amanda to tell my father to tell Lisa to take the limo to my house. Lisa wanted a black limo and it did not matter to me. We got a black limo. My father knows a person who owns a limo service and that's how we got the limo cheaply. My mother also told Amanda to tell dad to tell Justin to pick up the red roses at Stop and Shop. They were already ordered.
When we got home I went into the bathroom and my mother tried to do something with my hair. It was back so I didn't think it was bad. My mother shaved my neck and then put cologne on me. She then brought me into the kitchen. The door bell rang and someone handed me the red roses.
I went down to the door and the girl that I liked for so long was standing on the other side of the door. I wasn't nervous. I could not open the door quick enough. I opened the door with my left hand and handed the red roses to her with my right hand. She had asked me to get her three red roses because she did not want a corsage. I said these are for you. SHE said thank you. I forgot the boutonniere. I told her not to worry about it. Her mother and two of her friends were in a car behind the limo.
We went up stairs to take pictures. My mother said to Lisa you must be freezing and her mother answered for her. Yes she is freezing. Her mother seemed very nervous. After we took some pictures side by side her mother positioned us and then she took my hands so that they were around her and she was leaning on my right arm. After taking the pictures Lisa introduced me to her friends.
We went outside and got into the limo. Lisa was sitting on my left. My father and her mother took pictures through the back window. Then we sat on the other side on the limo. This might sound silly, I feel safe next to Lisa. Normally when you're with a girl you're supposed to be nervous but I felt the exact opposite, I felt relax with her. I am never nervous with her alone but if someone else is with us I get nervous. We said goodbye to our parents and we were off to the prom.
She told me and then showed me about the lights that were above the door. She asked me if I can see her. I told her no, I can't see anything. I told her about the mock trial and the rest of my day. She told me about her day. There were people over her house. Her mother had about 20 people over and some that she didn't even know. This made me feel bad. She had about 7 or 8 friends of her own over her house also. She commented about her red roses. I told her that my favorite color is red and the reason is because of my father's red engine six fire engine and my favorite food is strawberries. I said mmmmm, I am going to get a virgin strawberry daiquiri. She said that sounds good, I will get one also. I showed her my diamond ring and she asked me where I got it from? I told her that I got it two years ago for Chanukah from my parents. I told her that I like jewelry. She said that she likes ear rings but she does not like necklaces, rings and especially bracelet or watches. I told her that I don't like anything on my wrist either. This is good to know just in case I wanted to buy her something. She still was apologizing for forgetting the boutonniere. I told her that we were all rushing. Don't worry about it. She said let's see how many pictures my mother left me. She said only eight more left and I started with twenty four. I told her that I don't know who we are going to sit with. She said to me, don't worry about that, we will find somewhere to sit. She told me about the order of the night. First will be the dinner then the pictures after that will be the dancing. Did you go to a prom before? No, my friends have and I saw it on Beverley Hills 90210. I don't remember who brought it up about getting there at about 7.30 but she said that we are not going to eat so it doesn't matter.
We got there and Henry are driver opened her door. She got out and then I did. She thanked him and she took my arm like we were married. You know, our arms were interlocking at the elbows. There was a rug, I guess it was red which was leading to the front door. There was two double doors. The first one was automatic and Lisa was walking me into the second one but it wasn't automatic and I had to pushed both doors opened. We walked around the lobby a little while looking for the hall, then she said let's ask someone. We went up to the information desk and Lisa asked a lady. Where is the Saugus prom? The woman looked it up and then gave us direction and told us the name of the hall. Lisa walked me right into a plant. She apologizes while giggling. I told her not to worry about it, I do it all the time.
We found the hall and there were teachers outside of the hall. One of them told me that there was a basketball game on in the bar. I asked him who was playing? He told me Orlando and Charlotte. I forgot that I did not want to think about sports for that whole night and if you know me this would be an impossible task for me to handle. A person that I did not know said that pictures are after they serve dinner.
I opened the door to the hall, Lisa said oh my god. Now I was worried that we would not find anyone to sit with. A woman came over to us and asked us if we are sitting with anyone? As you can tell by now Lisa did most of the talking. I was thinking about how loud the music was, it was blasting. She brought us to a table and asked if there was anyone sitting here and then asked if we could sit with them? There was a couple and then four other girls, Of course, they knew me. I could not hear them talk, so I did not know who I was sitting with. Lisa asked me if I wanted something to drink and I said yes. Not that it was a gentleman thing to do but when she asked me if she wanted her to get them herself I said, sure if you don't mind. She said, no, I don't mind, I will be right back. Lisa knew someone that we were sitting with. Lisa is very sociable and talked to everyone. She told me that she knew her from a pool that she goes to in the summer. When she came back with the cokes, she put my drink in my hand. I was thirsty so I took a very big sip. She said you must be thirsty? A waiter came over and asked if we were going to eat? Lisa said that we were not eating. I asked her any ways. What are they serving? She told me chicken. Later on she asked me if I wanted dessert? I asked her what is it? It is a chocolate mousse. I didn't have supper yet. You can have it anyway Jonathan. I told her that it would not be right. I remember her asking me if I could see her? I said no, then she asked me if I could see anything? I picked up my glasses and looked up and said to her, I can just see the lights.
I heard the song End of the Road by Boiz II Men. I know that they were one of Lisa's favorite group. I asked her how many people were dancing? She said four couples and one of them are two guys dancing, they are fooling around. She did not want to dance yet. I said I am sure that they will play another song by Boyz II Men. She agreed with me. I also heard Better Man by Pearl Jam. She wanted to know when they were going to take pictures. We went to find out, but we could take are pictures now.
We had to stand in a line. She had her pocket book on her right shoulder. They took it away from her. They positions us so that in the pictures I would be on the right. My left hand was holding her left arm and my right hand behind my back because they did not want it in the pictures. I think her right hand was on the flower too. They took two pictures and then we went back into the hall. Some of the kids from the law class like Mike McBride came up to me to talk about the trial. He wanted to know who won because he left after he finished his part. Some teachers came over to chat with me. One of them was Mrs. Yagjian and the vice principal Mr. Keddy. Mr. Munson wanted to make a bet about the college basketball game. I did not want anything to do with him so I said sure. I took U. Mass. I told Lisa that it was a college basketball game. When Mr. Ketty came over he said, Did you tell her? Not knowing what he is talking about I said, tell her about what? About the hand cuffs, he said. I started to laugh and told him to get away. That conversation went on for a little wile
When he left I apologized and said that he is only joking around. Lisa told me that she knew. I am glad that Lisa has a good sense of humor, she may have yelled at me.
Before we went to the prom I told Lisa that I don't know how to dance. She said, that's ok. She is a very good dancer. She led me on to the dance floor. I promised myself that I would not get off the floor no matter how much my legs were hurting. She fast danced with me two different ways. One way was our fingers were interlocking and we moved our arms in a circle like motions. As our right arm goes forward, our right leg goes with it. The same with the other and leg arm. The other way was holding hands and as are arms move the legs would go with it forwards and back or side to side. She liked when I twirled her around. There was so many people there. Everyone was bumping into each other and the way that Lisa was dancing with me, we kept on bumping into people. One song that I remember was by L. L. Cool J. doing it and doing it and doing it well. When the song Y. M. C. A. came on Lisa was trying to get me to throw my arms in the air like a Y. but the only problem was the sleeve of the suit did not let me. After the song I wanted to take my coat off so I could get more motions with my arms. I was worried that my coat would rip and I was hot anyways. She was still ice cold. When we were walking off the floor I held her elbows and rubbed her ice cold arms. She brought me over to are table and I took my coat off. Then I told her let's go back now. She led me back on to the dance floor.
The person who took the pictures for the year book, took a picture of us slow dancing. Later on Lisa asked Mr. Febbrizio if he could take a picture of us on the dance floor with Lisa's camera? He did and Lisa thanked him.
Lisa was wearing a black dress with silver sparkles. Her dress had no back or no shoulder straps and a split down each leg. She had black high heels that made her about a half inch smaller than me. She wore ear rings which sparkles.
We did get off the floor eventually in fact, we took a walk around the hotel lobby. Lisa told me that it was a perfect night and I said to her that I don't want the night to end. It was hot in the hall. I don't think she was hot but she knew that I was. When we came back to the hall, we went right back on the dance floor.
It was a song that she likes. The next song she stopped, it is Bastard Case by Green Day. Some of the time we didn't dance on the floor but right next to it. There was one song that Mr. Keddy came over turned me and started dancing with me. Lisa did not know what to do. When I realized that it was him, I let go and took a step in Lisa's direction. She got me and continued dancing with me.
When we slow danced I took control. I don't remember what song it was but it was a slow song. Our feet were side by side and are legs were almost touching. I had my hands on her back. The right hand was higher and the left hand was rubbing her back. I took my diamond ring off before it came off because it was a little too big and before the night was over I took the other ring off, my J ring.
It was about 10.30. We had to get off of the dance floor so the D J could announce the king and queen of the prom and all of the court's magistrates. The D J told everyone to take their seats. He told the guys to put on their coats and the ladies to put their shoes on. I stood up, put my jacket on and sat back down. Some of the magistrates were Melissa Muce, Melissa Morhouse, LJ. McCanus, Brian Burral and Joey D. The king was Christopher Martin and the queen was Lisa Pagalooka. They called a couple at a time. One of the Melissa's had her shoes off and everyone had to wait for her. After they danced we went back on to the dance floor.
For the last three songs which were all slow song my heart was crying because I could not see her. I remember the third to last song very well. Her head was resting on my left shoulder, I had my arms around her waist and her arms were around my shoulders, our feet were side by side and I was gently moving her side to side. Let me tell you that we could only take one step forward and one step back because everyone wanted to dance on the dance floor. The second to last song was the same except that her head was not on my shoulder any more it was right in front of my face. Her face must have been very close to my face because I could feel her soft bangs on my forehead.
Then the beginning of the end. The last song is the senior's class song, by The Beatles. The name of the song is My Life. It was a slow song. I did not pay much attention to the song because I wanted to remember everything about the last song.
It was my first and only Junior, Senior Prom as a junior.
Our feet were side by side, her arms were around my shoulders, my arms were around her body and my hands were on her silky smooth back. My right hand was higher than the left hand. She was holding me very tight, I could feel her chest against mine. Her cheek was against my cheek and I could feel her hair on my forehead. I turned my face very slowly moving her face. I than did something that I wanted to do for a long time. I kissed Lisa softly on the cheek. I wanted to treasure that moment for ever. I turned my face back and almost went into tears because I was so happy. I was thinking back to all of the good times that we spent together. She was at my Bar Mitzvah and she is my only friend that was there that I still have today. All of the Hebrew school days. And youth group field trips. The baseball game in 1990 against the Kansas City Royals and also back seven years ago when we were on a hay ride at Brooksby Farm. I was holding her hand and joking around with her. I remember that she was wearing a heavy purple coat and a white turtle neck and this is that same girl all grown up who is in my arms. I turned my face back and she followed my lead. We kept on dancing and when the song was over she gave me a hug that I will never forget. She squeezed me very tight. Lisa held me for a good ten seconds and then told me that it is all over. When we were leaving she told me that it was a perfect night.
I said goodbye to some teachers and Mr. Ketty. I told Lisa that I did not want the night to end.
I opened the first door and the second is automatic. We waited a little wile about three minutes. It must have felt like three hours to Lisa with the dress she was wearing. After walking up to a few limos, we spotted our limo, and it was three cars behind. We walked over and Lisa wanted me to go in first, so I did. She followed behind me. We did not talk much but when we got to Kowloon, Henry got Lisa's jacket from the trunk.
I opened both double doors of the restaurant for Lisa. We asked for a table for two and then Lisa said nonsmoking. We sat down and Lisa opened the menu and started reading dishes off to me. I suggested a Pupu Platter. She read what was on it and she agreed. When the waiter came over Lisa said, "Two virgin strawberry daiquiris and a Pupu Platter." We talked some then our drinks came. I sipped it and mmmm, it was good. It had a flower with a cherry and pineapple. Lisa asked me if I wanted some tea? I said yes. Lisa poured it for me. She doesn't want tea.
The food came. I told her that she can have all of the shrimps, I hate them. I told her that I like the double bones chicken wing but she gave me some of the drum bones too. She gave me half of an egg role, a rib and two wantons. She did not know what wantons were. When we were done Lisa went into the lady's room. I got out a mint. When she came back She looked at the bill and told me that it was 24 dollars and something cent. I took out a twenty dollar bill and a ten dollar bill and then handed it to her. I asked her if it was thirty dollars. She said yes it is. She told me that she got three more compliments about her dress on the way to the bathroom. Now she is up to twelve on the night. The waiter came and wrapped up the leftovers and he brought us fortune cookies. Lisa gave me one. She read hers and then I handed her my fortune to reed. Lisa told me that I could take the leftovers home. She took the bag in her left hand and I took her right arm. On the way out she bumped me into some one accidentally. She apologized to the man. When we walked away she giggled and she could not help herself. I opened both double doors for her. When we were waiting outside she saw a neighbor of hers and introduced me to him.
We spotted the limo and Henry saw us and drove over. I got in first and then Lisa got in. Henry asked us where we wanted to go. He told us that it was quarter of twelve. I was thinking, "I wish it wasn't so cold out we could have gone to the beach and walked along the shore." It was about 35 degrees out. Henry asked us if we wanted to just drive around? We agreed to this because we didn't know what else to do. Neither one of us wanted the night to end. We talked about the night and how much we enjoyed it. I was thinking, "How am I going to say goodbye? Am I going to walk up to her door with her? Am I just going to stay in the limo and say good bye." Before I knew it, we were at her house. She said, thank you, I had a blast. She put her arms around me and I put my arms around her. She kissed me on my left cheek and then I kissed her back. She said goodbye. I said "I will call you Sunday." Somewhere in saying goodbye Lisa said don't forget the Chinese food. When Henry pulled out I put my feet on the opposite seat. Henry said, "That's a nice lady you have there." I told him that I have known her for nine years. I was in second grade when I first met her. The conversation continued for a few more minutes.
When we got back to my house, I thanked Henry. My mother was there thanking Henry, when she was getting out of her car. My mother was coming back from being out with Alisa, Marilyn, and Bobbie. They went out for Chinese food also. My mother took me. I told her that it was the best day in my life. We went up stairs so I could tell her all about the night. She got me a cup of orange juice. She told me that she was tired. I told her about most of the night and then she went to sleep. I finished my orange juice and then I went down stairs. Everyone else was sleeping. I got changed and I kept on going through the night in my head.
P. S.
I don't want that night to end
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