The Shallow Parts

"You know what's scary about committment?
Your life becomes real."
-Passengers (2008 Film)

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 16, 1985
Sunday

I called Rachelle but I guess her ringer was set to ‘OFF’.

I called mom
“Hi, I’ll be over for a bite, okay?”
“Okay.”

Somehow I finally got through to Rachelle (probably) because she called me at my mom’s house. She persuaded me to go over to her house at twelve-thirty today.
“I’ll make you lunch, okay?” Rachelle asked sweetly.

I stayed at mom’s house after the phone call. Mom went to the grocery store while I fell asleep to a taped episode of ‘The Young and The Restless’. When I woke up mom was just returning home. I decided to leave for Rachelle’s (as promised).

Rachelle and I had a hot dog, fruit, a peach yogurt, unsalted chips and lemonade. It was all good. She’s a sweetheart. We went to the Valley Shopping Center. She showed me a summer dress that she just loved. I’m thinking about getting it for her. She bought some film, too.

We went to Glenn’s backyard (Billy’s friend—Billy is Rachelle’s little brother) and took a dip in the swimming pool. It was a really nice backyard. We had fun.
Rachelle said, “I’m going to teach you how to swim.”
“It’s okay. I’m comfortable in the shallow parts.”

By 3PM I was driving back to Alameda because she was going to Bobby McGee’s for a family dinner.

I had previously made plans to go to Helen’s family dinner gathering at the Mayflower Restaurant in Oakland. When I arrived at mom’s house I found my brother, Tony, to be the only one there.
Tony said, “Mom, Dad and Helen went to see some model homes for sale in Alameda.”
“Oh, I was wondering. I think I’m going to take a nap.”

I suddenly received a surprise phone call. It was Michael Thoennes. I thought he was living in Oregon. He was actually in Milpitas and on his way to Sacramento tomorrow. His Grandmother bought him a car and he’ll be living at his Grandma’s house for free while he’s going to school out there.
“I may stop by tonight,” Michael said.
“Okay. It’s okay for you to spend the night,” I said.
“Okay, I might do that.”

Dale called and wanted me to meet him for a drink. He was with his step-mother. I didn’t go. I was too tired. I did attend the dinner with Helen’s family. It was mellow and nice. It was nice to see Geneva (Helen’s sister), Derrick and Nicole again. Helen’s five months along in her pregnancy already. Wow!

When I arrived home I found myself on the phone with Dale once again.
“Yeah, so Mike Thoennes called and he might come by tonight.”
“What kind of friend is he?” Dale asked.
“What do you mean?”
“Well…”
“I don’t appreciate that question…at all.”

I got off the phone from Dale and decided to call Rachelle. When I explained about Mike Thoennes calling she began to question me along the same lines as Dale. I hate that!

PHOTO: Mike Thoennes

Oh well, Mike Thoennes came over at 10:30PM. I was on the phone with Rachelle at the time of his arrival.
“I love you. Good-bye,” I said to Rachelle.
“You know that you and Rachelle are welcome to come over to Sacramento and stay with me anytime,” Michael Thoennes said.
“Oh, that’s nice of you.”
“While I was in Oregon I was seeing a girl named Amanda. It was neat because a few years back I used to make it with her sister, Ginny.”
I laughed.
Mike stayed the night.

I slept soundly until Rachelle called at 'God knows what hour of the morning'. I wonder if she had suspicions about Mike Thoennes and me. I hope she realizes that while I’m with her I could never two-time her with anyone. And while I may turn my head and look—I’d never touch. Rachelle and Candy is my ideal comfort zone for now and for good (I hope). I love her lots.

Danny Garcia called earlier this evening, too.
“I can’t come by on Tuesday after all but maybe we can meet up on Thursday.”
“Okay,” I said, but now I don’t know if I really want to meet him on Thursday.
“I just want a friend to confide in and feel comfortable with,” Danny said.
“I know,” I said, but I still have sneaking suspicions that he’d love to screw around with me. I have no desire for him whatsoever.

While Rachelle may call me in the early AM (or whenever) it makes me love her more to know she cares to call. I saw her bedroom for the first time yesterday. It’s really very nice. I like the album covers that she has up on her wall. I plan to buy COREY HART’s new album and add it to her collection. I love his song “Never Surrender”.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ8-Bbgs9zQ


On this same date Paloma was in Paris writing this postcard:
This is the image of the postcard:

Paris, 16 Juin, 1985

Dear Michael,
Just want you to know that I still think about you very much. Why aren’t you writing anymore? Is something wrong? I hope you will always tell me. I haven’t been able to write much lately like I was planning to because of something. It would be too long to tell you in a letter. What about you?
Anyway, I really hope to hear from you soon.
Love you,
Paloma

Time will mellow it, make it a moment for laughter.  But now it was not funny, now I did not laugh.
-Daphne du Maurier
"Rebecca"