Today was the best day ever. I was officially sixteen, and in the eyes of the court, free to choose my own life path. That was easy, I was leaving the Naval base in Hawaii. My mom had married a Navy Airman a couple years back, dragging me with her. At first it was Whidbey Island, than after a year, it was Hawaii. Both fun places, but not home. Home was in Ohio, where my friends and more of the family lived.
The plan was made a couple months earlier, I would leave for Ohio on my birthday. Last night I celebrated with my family, tonight I'd be back on Whidbey for the weekend, and on Monday I'd be back in Ohio. The layover was beneficial, it gave me a chance to adjust to time zone changes slowly, six hours was a long distance, and gave me a chance to spend time with my friend, John.
John had made my time in Whidbey manageable, I'd even say enjoyable. He was eighteen and an enlisted Airman. My stepdad had taken John under his guidance, showing him how to live far from home.
It was my dad who introduced us, he brought John home for dinner. He knew that a homemade meal would be a treat for him. I had come downstairs, and John couldn't stop staring. My stepdad knew that look, John was in love, and it was with me. From that night forward, John and I were the best of friends on base. Since I was underage he stayed away from anything that would've tied us as a couple.
I was excited to see him, it had been about six months since we had seen each other. John and I talked almost everyday, and I knew he was excited as well.
It was four in the morning and I was at the airport saying goodbye to my parents. I had a ten hour flight ahead of me, and from talking with John, a night out with friends. My phone rang, the birthday texts and calls had started. John was the first call, asked if I was ready, of course I was, and if I was on the plane. Spending my birthday with him was going to be amazing, he was one of the greatest friends a person could ask for.
My parents didn't have much concern about me being with him alone, which many others did. John being an adult, people, understandably, had concerns about him spending time with a young female. My parents would have the same concerns, but they knew John well enough to not worry that much. Afterall, John had kissed me at a party a couple months ago, and had so much guilt, he apologized to my parents for an hour after dropping me off.
I hung up, hugged my parents once more, reminded them I would see them in Summer, and entered the airport. I walked to my gate, boarded, and fell asleep.
***
The next thing I knew, the pilot was talking announcing we were preparing for landing. I awoke instantly.
I gathered my bags, and headed to change in the bathroom. In Hawaii, it was perfect, Washington was in the midst of winter. Snow was piled up, and temperatures stayed at twenty-one degrees. I also did my hair and makeup, making sure I looked perfect. Once I was happy with my curls, cute sweater, and boots, I exited the airport.
I quickly spotted John. He was leaning against his car waiting in the cold. He walked over and helped me with my bags. He hugged me and held the door open. After I was in, he hurried to his side, and got in himself.
As we drove away, I called my mom, letting her know I was safe in Washington, and with John.
Once off the phone, I realized John's hand was on the seat between us, and offering to be held. I grabbed his hand, giving it a little squeeze.
"Thanks for letting me stay with you for a few days at your place. It makes the trip a lot easier not changing six hours all at once."
"No problem. I'm excited that I get to see you, especially on your birthday."
"Yep. Officially sweet sixteen and never been kissed. I mean besides that..."
I was cut off.
"Yeah. Yeah. Okay, I get it. I still feel bad, I shouldn't have done it."
"I enjoyed it. Don't feel bad. If you want to feel bad, feel bad it didn't last more than a second."
He blushed, "When you turn eighteen. I promise I'll make it up to you."
I rolled my eyes, I was going to have him before than. I had three days with him, more if I got snowed in, and I was determined to have him.
"So, you said we had plans tonight?"
I empathized the 'we' referring to us more as a couple.
"Yeah, the gang is all going to that Italian place you like."
"Really?"
"Yep. Do I get a hot Italian guy for dessert?"
Again, he blushed. He knew I was referring to him, and in that moment, he knew I wasn't going to make it easy for him. Truth be told, I had been planning getting it on with him since I planned this trip months ago.
He sighed, "Not me, and you know I could get into serious trouble for sleeping with you, so don't try."
I tried to look innocent, but failed miserably I'm sure, "What? Me? You think I'd try to seduce you? Of course I know you'd get into trouble, but only if someone found out."
"See, you're even trying to reason it."
We both laughed a little. I knew he was weak, and I knew his weaknesses. I was going to break him, it was just going to take a little work.
Once in his apartment I set my bags in his room. He told me that he would just sleep on the couch since he normally did anyways. I of course wasn't going to take that for an answer.
Having a little time before we had to leave, I started to clean his bachelor pad. The beer bottles, dishes and piles of laundry, left an awful odor.
We left for the restaurant, teasing each other about the simple quirks we each had, laughing about the good memories we made along the way.
Dinner was amazing, it was a group of ten. It was a mix of sailors and other friends of ours. We had great conversations, and a sad farewell. In the military, you never knew when you would see each other again - my next visit they may all be at diffrent bases, so hugs and good byes were a must do.
On the way home, John and I started to talk once more.
"So, hot Italian guy for dessert?"
"Nope."
I knew my next plan, and knew it would work. I just wasn't wanting to use it, it was his weakness. He hated to feel bad and guilty, but I was going to use it in my favor. I also knew I needed to support myself with statistics.
"You know, most girls in Ohio lose their virginity at seventeen.