I love that when I sent this picture to Mel and Willie they both commented on the sweaters and the bangs and the glasses.
William Riggle, my first boyfriend in the 8th grade, who I will forever relate to granny panties, vast quantities of Polo cologne and finding out kissing could involve tongue (I was duly horrified). But in my family, he’s remembered a bit differently. He’s William Riggle, Super Hero, whose tale of greatness my mom loves to recount to my children.
“Your Mama’s first boyfriend, William Riggle, saved her life,” she tells them.
Our first date (the one involving the previously mentioned Polo and tongue), a jovial trip to Holiday in the Park at 6 Flags with my best friend, Melanie, and her boyfriend, Tim. Her dad, David, our ride home at the end of the evening. Melanie and Tim squished together in the front passenger seat, Willie and I in the back seat. Traveling on the back roads to Irving to deliver Tim home.
It’s one of those frustrating moments for a writer, for me. A completely unclear vision of events that I’m not sure I remember but have heard so many times, it feels like I do.
A sharp curve
Gravel on the road
The feel of the car sliding
And not catching
William pressing his body over mine right as the car
Tumbled
Over and over again
I remember the radio station changing like some ghostly hand was upon it.
Coming to with his blood, all over me, the seats above our heads.
Scared to call out and get no answer... So unbelievably relieved when everyone did respond.
People calling to us, coming out of the mobile home we had landed in front of. Prying the car door open.
Shaking like I would never stop as I crawled out and stood.
And William, who smiled, despite the fact that you could see his teeth through his closed lips (lips I kissed before and after).
“Your Mama would have gone right through that windshield,” my Mom tells my kiddos, “if not for William.”
Whether I would have or wouldn’t have is something I’m glad not to know. But whatever the case, Willie, if you’re out there, Nicholas says Thanks. :)
All of us about two years later. The bangs have gotten smaller but we still have those heinous glasses (and they aren't the same ones from 8th grade, they just look identical)
