Do you remember your first true love? That defining moment in your life when you first made love to the woman of your dreams. It didn't matter if it worked out in the long run because this relationship was the one you used to judge subsequent love affairs. That being said, this is my tale of my romance with Rosie, my first true love, and our love affair.
My name is Derek Harada, a local Japanese-American, who was born and raised in Hawaii. In my younger days, I was always a laid-back kind of guy who placed a greater emphasis on being sociable and being there for those whom I called friends. However, when it came to girls my age, I was a clueless virgin who throughout high school desperately tried to score with the girls and failed miserably.
It wasn't that I was bad-looking or uncomfortable with the opposite sex. I was well-acquainted with a good number of my female classmates as well as girls from other high schools. I had no problems dating; however, my dates viewed me as the proverbial good male companion but never as boyfriend material and definitely not a potential lover. In return, I never "clicked" with my dates and always wondered why. What I didn't realize at the time was that what I was looking for wouldn't be found in teenage girls who were themselves exploring the world of dating, romance, and sex.
I discovered this when in my freshman Sociology 100 (Introduction to Sociology) I was randomly paired with Rosie Sato and my entire world was immediately turned topsy-turvy. It was immediately apparent that Rosie was wasn't a girl; rather, a fricking mature Japanese-American woman who was like ten years my senior. I couldn't believe my incredible luck being partnered with this good-looking woman.
Rosie was a pert five-foot-two of cuteness who bordered on being downright pretty. With light but carefully applied makeup, she wore a short bob hairdo that gave her a carefree look to match her sassy personality. Rosie's delightfully eye-catching slim figure highlighted her perky breasts, a trimmed waist, tight buns, and shapely legs. I knew right away that I was about to enjoy our pairing.
As we worked on our first assignment, I asked, "So, Rosie, what motivated you to go to college at your age?
"What motivated me to go to college? Well...Derek," Rosie confided in me, "when I get to know you much better, I'll tell you the whole story. For now, let me say that I'm not your typical college freshman co-ed. I was a flight attendant before resigning due to an extremely unpleasant relationship and hostile working environment. Going to college is a way to prevent me from dwelling on my past and for me to restart my life all over.
"Ah, Derek, if you don't mind, I'll stop here. I am beginning to feel uncomfortable thinking about my past. Sorry to be so evasive or rude," Rosie said apologetically and then after a reflective pause she looked before asking, "Derek, what do you think of me?"
Sucking up my guts, I unabashedly said, "While I don't know the specifics of your story. I hope that one day you'll trust me enough to confide in me. But let me say that whoever abused or mistreated you was a complete and utter fool, and that you are better off without such an idiot in your life.
"You may think that I am some sort of immature nerd, I find you to be simply breathtaking and with an engaging personality that one would expect from a flight attendant. You are compellingly attractive...not in a sexy way...even though you are...but as a unique person. I'm glad to meet you, Rosie Sato, and know that any guy should count himself lucky to be considered your friend and especially your man."
Rosie sat there stunned at my rather frank assessment and then broke out in a dazzling smile. Bending over to kiss me lightly on the cheek, she then said, "Wow, you are a charmer, Derek. Where have you been all my life? Whew! Calm down, Rosie Sato, or you may get swept off your feet and seduced by this young man before you."
I felt my face burn with an uncomfortable blush as my pulse pounded between my ears. "Aah, Rosie, don't make fun of me." When she asked what motivated me to go to college, I decided to be truthful even though I was totally embarrassed. "Besides not having anything better to do, I am attending college...God, this is so humiliating...to hopefully score with a co-ed or two. Yeah, I'm a complete dud...but a horny one...when it comes to scoring with the girls."
"You mean you're still a virgin?"
When all I could do was cringe, lower my eyes, and nod as to my dismal chaste state of being, Rosie sighed softly and said, "Hey, Derek, I didn't mean to embarrass you. Heck, I lost my virginity well after I graduated from high school...in a rather so-so kind of way. Don't be too hard on yourself.
"Look, you are a nice-looking guy who... whether you know it or not...has a way of making a woman feel very comfortable. Don't worry...you'll find the woman you're looking for. One day you'll turn around and find that she was always right before you. What do they call that...oh, yeah, serendipity?"
I gulped and then for some strange reason said, "Hey, it's almost lunchtime...would you like to share a pizza with me?"
"Why, Derek, are you asking me out on a date? And you say that you don't have the moves. You sure could have fooled me...ha! But that being said, my answer to your bold question is a definite 'yes.' Let's go...pepperoni and anchovies...and beer. What? You're not of drinking age? No problem...I am...and you can sip from my mug of beer."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
That intimate 'date' and the many to follow cemented Rosie's and my relationship well beyond that first semester in college. To me, her initial reservations about me seemed to fade as she got to know me better. However, given how attractive she was, I kept wondering why Rosie would choose to be chummy with a so-so guy like me?