The Summer of 1981, Part 28: I Love A Rainy Night

[Padraig]

For those of you who would like to catch up, here are links to the earlier chapters:

Part 1: The Best of Times
Part 2: Wasn't That A Party
Part 3: The Boy From New York City
Part 4: The Voice
Part 5: Feels So Right
Part 6: Sausalito Summernight
Part 7: The Waiting
Part 8: All I Have To Do Is Dream
Part 9: Urgent
Part 10: The Theme From The Greatest American Hero
Part 11: Rock And Roll Dreams Come Through
Part 12: Life of Illusion
Part 13: America
Part 14: Deep Inside My Heart
Part 15: Mister Sandman
Part 16: Hard To Say
Part 17: Bette Davis Eyes
Part 18: Limelight
Part 19: Cool Love
Part 20: Don't Let Him Go
Part 21: Physical
Part 22: Hold On Tight
Part 23: Medley
Part 24: I Love You
Part 25: The Sweetest Thing (I've Ever Known)
Part 26: Everlasting Love
Part 27: It's My Turn


Any feedback is very much appreciated - I would love to hear from those of you who have been reading. Or if you just want to reminisce about some of your favorite music or memories from 1981, please feel free to share. Thanks!!


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Tug and Ben sat in the rocking chairs on the porch of Ben’s aunt’s house, watching the rain that had continued to fall all afternoon and evening. Even though the sun had not come out at all, the temperature was still fairly warm – in the mid-60s – so both boys were dressed in light clothing. Tug had on a green polo shirt and khaki shorts that had once belonged to his brother, along with his own tennis shoes, while Ben was wearing a red t-shirt, blue athletic shorts, and a pair of old flip-flops since his sneakers were still drying from his outdoor exercise earlier in the day.

They had finished their dinner and had adjourned to the porch to relax for a while and listen to the radio, which was currently playing commercials. Tug told Ben about his trip to the city, Ben told Tug about his run, and they both discussed the recent weather.

“I don’t know how you get used to it over here,” said Ben. “I mean, we get rain in New York, but not for days on end like this.”

“You just learn to live with it, I guess,” offered Tug. I’ll tell you, though, I always loved the rain when I was fat, because it allowed me to wear a big coat and cover myself up."

"But you don't have to worry about that anymore."

"You're right, but honestly, I don't mind being outside during rainstorms – I love to hear the thunder and watch the lightning when it lights up the sky. It makes me feel good.”

“So you love a rainy night like this one?”

“Of course! It's such a beautiful sight, and I love to be out in it, feeling the rain on my face and tasting the rain on my lips. It puts a smile on my face every time.”

“I suppose they help you really appreciate the days that are sunny.” asked Ben.

Tug turned his head toward Ben and smiled. “That is certainly true. Luckily we had a bunch of those this summer.”

“We did indeed.”

The DJ on the radio interrupted their conversation by announcing another song about to be played – “The Best of Times” by Styx. Both Tug and Ben really liked the tune, so they were quiet as Dennis DeYoung sang the first few verses.

Tonight’s the night we’ll make history
Honey, you and I
Because I’ll take any risk to tie back the hands of time
And stay with you here tonight

I know you feel these are the worst of times
I do believe it’s true
When people lock their doors and hide inside
Rumor has it, it’s the end of paradise

But I know
If the world just passed us by
Baby I know
I wouldn’t have to cry, no, no

The best of times
Are when I’m alone with you
Some rain, some shine
We’ll make this a world for two

Our memories of yesterday will last a lifetime
We’ll take the best, forget the rest
And someday we’ll find
These are the best of times
These are the best of times

“Ben, I have to tell you, for me, this summer has been the best of times. I can’t imagine how different it would have been had you not showed up.”

“Thank you, Tug. I have to agree – we made memories that will last a lifetime.”

“There are so many things I won’t forget, not the least of which is the change in my appearance. But also little things, like watching ‘Hawaii Five-O’ with you every afternoon. Or huddling under the blanket with you on the Fourth of July. And squeezing ourselves into that tiny Sears dressing room to avoid seeing Jessie and Kitty.”

Ben laughed. “Don’t forget when we both jumped over the wall at the park, and Jay had that look of amazement on his face. Or the look on your face when you first saw your short, short, short haircut.”

Tug smiled, rubbed the top of his shaved head, and then joined in Ben’s laughter with his usual boisterous chuckle. “Exactly! But remember the night we were sleeping on the beach, I was saying that I wished this summer could last forever – that it would be perfect if we could tie back the hands of time?”

“Of course.”

“Well, I was thinking about it, and you know, we don’t have any pictures of us from this summer. We’ll always have our memories, but wouldn’t it be great to have some photographs as well? That way, the summer sort of would last forever.”

“That’s a great idea! Do you have a camera?” asked Ben, audibly excited about the possibility.

“My parents have a Polaroid – look, the rain’s letting up a little. Let’s go over to my house right now, OK?”

“Sounds good.”

The boys stood up from their chairs, and Ben grabbed the small radio so they could listen on the way. They walked along the road trying to avoid the larger puddles, which was difficult to do after all the rain. When they arrived at the Yates property, they took the shortcut through the grove, which they immediately regretted due to the very soft ground and the steep incline.

“I guess we should have stuck to the main path,” said Tug, glancing down to see how muddy his shoes had gotten.

“At least you have shoes with some traction. Try navigating this hill in flip-flops!” said Ben.

The boys climbed slowly, but steadily, until the reached the front door of the house, where they removed their footwear so as to not track mud onto the carpeting. Ben waited in the living room while Tug found the camera, which took him less than a minute to locate.

Soon they were snapping shot after shot of one another – the first few photos were customary poses of one of them sitting in a chair, but they decided to mix it up a bit after that. Tug was the first to take off his shirt and flex, but Ben soon followed and did the same. They smiled as they hit pose after pose, capturing each one for posterity with the Yates family camera.

After they ran out of film, Ben stared at his shirtless friend as if were seeing him for the very first time – he looked at Tug's growing muscles, the extended v-shape that his torso was forming, and his rugged good looks – and offered up an unexpected compliment. “Tug, you know, looking at you now, it’s really obvious that you have great potential as a bodybuilder.”

Tug was flabbergasted. “ME? Are you serious? Like what, Mr. America or something?”

“I am serious, Tug. You have a big frame, great genetics, awesome symmetry, and the ability to pack on muscle fast. Certainly faster than I ever did. I bet in a few years you’ll be winning competitions.”

“Ben, you are crazy! There is no way I could ever do that!”

“Tug, think about it. At the beginning of the summer you were really out of shape and completely frightened to go shirtless. In less than three months, however, your strength has exploded, you’ve got a great body, and you take off your shirt all the time. Even tonight, it was your idea to take it off and flex for the camera – that never even occurred to me.”

Tug listened, but didn’t know how to respond.

Before the silence could grow awkward, Ben walked up to Tug, grabbed his left arm, and flexed it for him. “Trust me, buddy, you’re going to be up on that stage someday, winning bodybuilding trophies. People are going to applaud your massive shoulders, bulging biceps, and tight little waist.”

Tug hit a full flex for Ben, bringing his bicep to its maximum size – it wasn’t as big as Ben’s, but it had developed quite a bit in the last few months. “Well, only if you’re my trainer. I owe everything to you – so if I’m gonna make it as a big time bodybuilder, you’re just going to have to take some time off from your pro baseball career to keep me motivated.”

Ben let go of Tug's arm and smiled. “You know, I’ve been thinking about that – in fact, while I was out running today, it was all I thought about, and when I got back and was waiting for you to return, I thought about it even more. In addition to all the other great things that happened this summer, I think I found a possible career that I might even enjoy more than baseball. Teaching people to work out.”

“You mean like a PE teacher?” asked Tug.

“No, more like a fitness instructor who works in a gym – like my old trainer, Dom. I’ve never felt more fulfilled than watching you gain confidence as your physique improved. Not even hitting a game-winning Grand Slam homerun ever felt so wonderful to me.”

“Well, I’m glad you've found your calling., but you probably won’t earn nearly as much as a trainer than if you were a professional baseball player.”

Ben took a step back and started doing jumping jacks. “Well, who knows, maybe I’ll become the next Jack LaLanne and have my own show on TV? Then I’ll make a fortune.”

Both boys laughed, but inwardly Tug was still pondering Ben's comment about becoming a bodybuilder. He continued to think about it as they straightened up the living room furniture, put their shirts back on, and he put the camera back in it storage place.

He returned to the living room and found Ben sitting on the couch, smiling, and looking though the Polaroid pictures. “You want to play some cards this evening. It’ll be a few more hours until my parents get back.”

Ben looked up at Tug, and then set down the pictures. He stood up and said, in a serious tone, “Tug, I actually wanted to spend some time talking.”

“About what?” asked Tug.

Ben looked into the eyes of his friend, nervously trying to put the words together. “Let’s go for a little walk, OK? I think the fresh air will help me collect my thoughts.”

Tug didn’t quite know what was coming, so he motioned toward the front door. “Lead the way.”

[Padraig]

Today's song, from Mr. Eddie Rabbitt (pardon the weird fan video ? it's the best one I could find). And I have to tell you that when I moved to Western Washington back in 1986, it was sunny on the first day, and then rained off and on (but was always cloudy) for the next three weeks. I thought I was going to go insane.

But after 23 years, I'm finally used to it.

I Love A Rainy Night

[memorex414]

Hmmm...I know good things come to those who wait, but alas pateince isn't one of my virtues. Applause though on getting another chapter out so soon...you weren't kidding <hee>. Again...great lead in to THE Conversation...wonder how it'll be perceived.

[Padraig]

I completely appreciate everyone's patience while reading ? I know that the pace is slow, but there will be a payoff for those who stick with it. :-)

There may be one more chapter tonight, if I get my butt in high gear.