This is the story of when I lost my virginity and there are quite a few terms in here that some people may not understand so here's a quick run-down:
B&S Ball: Bachelors and Spinsters Ball. An event where people from rural areas go to let their hair down, meet new friends and more often than not, find someone to keep them company for the night.
Swag: sleeping roll
Ute: pickup/utility
*
I was standing in the ticket line with my mates, talking about whatever popped into our heads and sipping from our cans. It was a fairly hot day and we had to constantly shoo away flies that were trying to get in our drinks. 'Far out, the flies must be as thirsty as I am,' I remarked as I slapped at a determined blowfly for the third time.
My mate Robbie appeared out of the blue and casually stepped into line beside me, waving a hand at the people behind him as they protested. "Now, Jim," he said, taking a pull from his can. "I hope you find a lady tonight. You're nineteen and still a virgin, it's no good mate." He drained the last of his can and lobbed it at a nearby bin, missing by a good metre. "You're my best mate's little brother and I feel like I'm letting him down by not getting you laid. This is your second B&S and if you don't get some tonight I won't let you go to a third." He said this seriously but I saw the twinkle of laughter in his eyes.
"Jeez, no pressure," I laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Rob. I'll find a nice young lady to warm my swag tonight."
Robbie breathed a sigh of relief. "Good to hear." He stepped out of the line. "Catch ya later, I've got to go see a man about a dog." He tipped his hat and strolled across into the pub.
The line moved along slowly and I eventually bought my ticket and made my way back to the show ground.
The day moved along lazily with frequent clouds of dust wafting over the grounds as someone took their ute out to cut circles in the dirt. Music blasted from speakers all over the grounds and the sound of loud V8's revving up was a regular occurrence.
I sat in my camping chair with a drink in my hand, listening to the good mates that I'd met that day talk about various drunken antics and watching the steady procession of people walk past our campsite.
As the night rolled in, fires were kindled and the growling of exhausts was accompanied now by bright flashes as flames were shot out of pipes to the appreciation of onlookers. As the main event drew closer I felt the beginnings of butterflies in my stomach. I knew with certainty that I would be losing my virginity tonight and the thought had me excited and anxious. Would I mess it up? Would I 'arrive too soon'? These thoughts and more chased each other around my mind until I mentally formed a door and pushed all the worries behind it and locked it. I decided I would just take it as it came and hope for the best.
I changed into my white shirt and black pants fifteen minutes before the Ball started and looped the elastic of my bow tie around my neck. I sat with my mates until we finished our drinks then followed them into the Ball area, losing sight of them almost the instant I entered. I shrugged and endeavoured to have a good time.
The food pavilion beckoned and I made my way around groups of people to get a sausage sandwich from the smiling bloke behind the bar. I wove my way over to the drinks bar and collected a beer, getting my drinks ticket marked off, and found a wall to lean on while I ate.
The unmistakable sounds of a band doing a sound check reached my ears and I downed my beer, tossing the last bit of my sausage sandwich over the wall behind me. People converged on the music pavilion and I let myself get swept along with them, ending up at the front of the crowd.
The first song started and I mentally turned off my inhibitions, refusing to allow them to get in the way of a good time. I noticed a pretty girl with short brown hair nearby shooting me glances over her shoulder and smiling when our eyes met. At first I thought it was for someone else but when I gave her a grin she looked me up and down and smiled, twitching an eyebrow. My stomach did a few back-flips and my heartbeat sped up. Remembering my earlier resolution to take things as they came I moved closer to her. As we danced I dropped a hand and brushed against her arse to gauge her reaction. When I felt her hand slide up my leg to my crotch I knew it was the right decision.
The feel of her fingers made my penis twitch and begin to grow and I drew in a sharp breath. She withdrew her hand and pressed her back against me and against my growing erection. I put my arms around her and ran my hands lightly over her stomach, stopping just below her breasts and just above her crotch.
She leaned her head back and smiled at me, lifting a hand to pull my mouth to hers. Her lips were sweet with the taste of alcohol and our tongues met in a quick, exploratory dance. We broke apart and I yelled in her ear over the band, 'What's your name?'
"Elise," she yelled back.