Story Volume 3

Thoughts

"James" and I were close friends. James was an Italian American from an honest

working-class family. His house was a home away from home. We shared Chinese food, watch classic movies like Pulp Fiction, and the basement smelled of teen spirit. I would invite girls and he would bring the recreational items. We were a grand duo, me being a social animal at the time and him laid back. "James" was a stocky fellow usually with a buzzcut. He played football for our high school until he developed some sort of "Metatarsus Adductus" (crooked foot). It was a permanent ailment and it is safe to say he self-medicated. Over the years he had a transformation of long brown curly hair and a laissez-faire attitude modeled after the counterculture movement of the 1960's.

Parties at his house were delightful. Friends and girls from around the Long Island town would join us. One time I spent a few hours in "James" brother bedroom with a lover. It was a night of great passion. When I took her home and arrived back to the party, my older brother and his girlfriend appeared. His girlfriend was best friends with my girlfriend, so my friends had to lie for my lack of judgement.

A party night that stands out was the one where I loss consciousness. I mixed too many party favors. It was a close call. I do not have much recollection of the event, but "James" made sure I was okay. Through this experience, I matured to monitor my intake. Today, I am a light drinker.

Romance

"Amy" was a mature woman, but childish in her humor. She was what I needed at the

time. Away from home, someone who was responsible, and kind was helpful. She has dyed

blonde hair and brown eyes. We would watch Netflix, walk through the park, and attend the movies. Being with an older woman was a different experience for me. I enjoyed the time we spent together. She wanted the best for me. She always conveyed thoughts of ambition. I stayed motivated in graduate school and our time together was my release. Things became serious when she brought to my attention her cancer diagnosis. In order to illustrate my compassion, I introduced her to my family in Long Island. She would cook extravagant vegan meals. "Amy" is a great cook with a sophisticated menu. She introduced me to her niece, while they both stayed at my family home for part of the summer. My family accepted her. "Amy" and her family enjoyed the scenery of Long Island at the Port Jefferson Harbor. She would return to Rhode Island and our relationship would end, but the time was well spent.

"Alexandra" is the apple of my eye. I met her when she was about nineteen. She is athletic and energetic. "Alexandra" ran track in high school and college. She went on to win many awards and accolades. Our relationship is very physical; however, it seems she always wanted more. She expects commitment from me, while enjoying life as a free spirit. Her immaturity was evident, but she is blossoming to an attractive and independent woman. We have an on and off relationship even to this day. She has met my family and we all see her promise. One of the first moments we spent time together, she wanted to twerk on Snapchat. Today, she is studying science at Syracuse University. I appreciate her thoughts and beauty, but I am unaware on how to manage her. If it is meant to be, it will be.

Companion

"Benjamin" is my longest lasting friend. He is of Italian and Jewish descent at the height

of 6'1. We toked together, played soccer together, and spent time with girls together. He is good

people. "Benjamin" was always a better driver than me, so he would take the wheel. He currently works for the United States Postal Service. I recall one time when we were in high school, I would take him home from school. It was a snowy and icy day. I crashed my Nissan onto his neighbor's lawn. The neighbor and "Benjamin" helped me clear the car free. My parents do not know of my mistake until this day.

My friend even hooked up with my girl at the time, "Jasmine". She was an open-minded girl that was promiscuous. I appreciate the respect he had to tell me of their encounter. It was not strange for us to have a bond with a same girl. Within the past year we took a trip to an Islanders game. I am glad he is still in good spirits.

Travels

I remember one family road trip down the Atlantic coast. From New York to Florida. The

car of choice was a Ford minivan. Being small at the time, it was a house on wheels. Me, my older brother and younger sister brought pillows and covers. My parents disgruntledly played hip-hop of the 2000's for us. As they preferred classics like Marvin Gaye, Whitney Houston, and the like. I played with my revolutionary PSP, while staring at the changing geography. My brother and sister were into the music as they still enjoy it today. When they fell asleep, I was just in awe of my parents. So jubilant to be a part of the family with the safety and protection away from the outside world.

It was the typical American trip to Disney World. It was a wonder land. Seeing all my cartoons come to life was unimaginable. Disney channel and movies were very popular at the time. The tropical atmosphere and sunny days were different to me. We would spend time with my uncle, Marc who is a flight surgeon for the U.S. Air Force that lives in Florida. Also, my

grandparents spend great deal of time in Florida as well. It was a reunion. Especially, since most of my infant years was when I enjoyed my grand-parents company.

Another family vacation was to Las Vegas, Nevada. The ideal location for a pubescent young teenager. This time the trip was in the air. Flights are an important experience to see the world past by in the skies. Sin city was a hot desert during the day and cool at night. It was mystical to see the bright city at night surrounded by vast emptiness. Seeing adults in their playground was adventurous. We saw the Blue Man Group and amazing magic tricks. I was blinded by the lights and glamour.

The trip to the ocean on Royal Caribbean was a different experience. There is nothing like spending time in the sea, island hopping between countries. I was amused with the pool and basketball court on board and each tour of an island. We would see Jamaica, Grand Cayman Islands, and so forth. My brother being older would sneak into the clubs on board. One night he managed to engage with an older woman. I witnessed the event. It was nice climbing the hills of Jamaica. Smelling the fresh air. Walking through the beaches of the Grand Cayman Islands. Water clearer than I ever seen before.