When I was 11 I had my first “real” boyfriend. His name was Neal. My best friend was “going with” his best friend, so she gave Neal my number. We talked on the phone for a week or so “getting to know each other” before we actually met face to face. (Okay, so it was more like he would say something in the profound wisdom only a 13 year old male can have and I would giggle. He would try those lame lines out that could only work on an 11 year old girl. And I would giggle. Yeah, big time conversations going on there.) So, we finally met at the skating rink. (As all the cool kids hung out at the skating rink, don’t ya know.) I was head over heals in puppy love. We’re talking blushing, giggling, and while in the bathroom with my girl friends, screaming about how so very cute he was . You betcha. Big time puppy love.

One Friday night we are sitting in a booth at the snack bar. (Because that’s where all the cool kids sat when the songs got lame, of course.) That’s when I got my first real kiss. I am sitting there watching my friends skate and being oh-so-cool with my boyfriend when all of the sudden he was just right there in my face. More precisely, on my lips. I would love to tell you that it was the most romantic moment of my life. That I saw fireworks and my toes curled. I would love to tell you that. But, the truth is, it scared the beejeezus out of me. I guess I expected a sweet little kiss. No way, baby. I got the full on kiss, let me tell you. After the shock wore off, well, let’s just say I owe Neal a lot for the skills he taught me.

He broke up with me at the end of the summer. He was starting high school and he just didn’t want to be with a kid anymore. (He was only a year and a half older than I was. Puhleeez!) My heart was broken.

Last time I was at my parent’s house, I was going through my Mom’s jewely box. (Relax, I had her permission.) I found his gold ID bracelet that he gave me. (Okay, so it was pretty tarnished and would’ve turned my arm green if I tried to put it on, but it was beautiful to me then and precious to me now.) That and a little charm that I wore on my necklace that have his initials on it. The strange thing was, I vividly remember throwing those things out. Thankfully, Mom rescued them from my trashcan and saved them for me. What an incredible treasure to find! I laughed and cried all at the same time. I stole them back. I now have them in a save place with me. They are just sweet reminders of my first “love”.

I am not sure what made me think of Neal today. I even Googled him. But his name is too common and also the same as a famous person, so no luck. (And no, I am not going to give his name. Let’s just say, if you knew a Neal who dated a Jenn about 23 years ago, contact me if you know where he is! Omigod, did I really just type 23 years ago?! Goodness! LOL)

Anyway, Neal, where ever you are… I hope life has been good to you. You gave me such sweet memories and a very memorable first kiss.

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