Shy Cherry

Judy had lived next to the Gaither twins long enough to tell them apart. That is, she’d lived on 117 Bleeker St. for her entire life, and next door to Jerry and Larry at least ¾ that long. Their relationship had gone through many stages requisite of close friendship between girls and boys. Ages 4-8 they’d been best friends, from 9-12 she’d had to treat them with disdain, and inversely, they’d needed to prank her at least twice a week, if not thrice. By the age of 13, they were back to being friends, and it’d been a constant battle between the two over courting her ever since. Judy enjoyed the game and the extra attention she received because of it. She dated each of them, though not exclusively. Usually the routine for more formal escort requiring occasions, daces and the like, was whoever got to her first got her. In this way, Judy was always assured to have a date, and other girls were always envious. A good balance, she’d always thought. She never could decide between the two brothers, who were equally charming in their own ways, and usually left it up to them to decide between them.1

Consequently, now that the trio was finally participating in the festivities of their ’57 graduating class, the fight became tooth and nail for the honor of Judy’s hand- in marriage. There was a month left of school, and the local church had been rented in her name the year before for the wedding that would take place 3 weeks after graduation. It was certain she would marry one or the other, for whom else did she love? But as to which would be her groom, it was yet undecided. Jerry was taking her to the Prom, but that didn’t mean anything- Larry had taken her the year before. She had last been on a date with Larry, but as was previously mentioned, Jerry was taking her to Prom. They were at a stalemate.2

The day of Prom, Judy spent the day with her best friend Judy Forbes primping at the hair salon a couple blocks from her house, where she knew the hairdresser, and they served you free, cheap coffee while you waited. Her nails were painted Petal Pink, her eyes were painted Shimmer Rose, and her lips were painted Shocking Salmon. Her hair was piled high with hairspray and a few well-placed bobby pins, and her dress fit like a glove. A flattering glove, said Jerry, when he picked her up that night, very flattering. Judy blushed Shy Cherry.3

Jerry drove them to the High School in the rickety old Chevy he’d finished restoring a couple weeks before, proud to christen it on this special occasion. They entered the Prom with Judy Forbes, who was going with Larry. People got a kick out of their group, which had become well-known over the years, because it was as if there were two sets of twins- Larry and Jerry, and the two Judy’s.4

Besides being good with his hands, Jerry was a good dancer. Judy was enjoying herself dancing around her senior Prom in his arms. They weren’t crowned Prom King and Queen, but right after the announcement, Judy turned to Jerry to find him down on one knee and thrusting a ring in her face. She blushed a deep Shy Cherry again, knowing what was coming. 5

“Will you marry me, Judy Bateman?” he asked.6

“Come on Jerr, you know how it is. I can’t make a decision until your brother makes his move. It’s only fair.”7

“We’d have a great life together, Judy, I promise. We’ll live in a fancy white house, and I’ll work at the bank, and you’ll wait for me to come home; you’ll make us a delicious supper each night… Can’t you picture it?” Judy merely smiled at him, and soon they returned to dancing.8

A week later, Judy was sitting in her room, thinking about Jerry’s proposal. He had a lot to offer, she thought, and would make a good husband. She wouldn’t want for anything. But would Larry have to offer? Could he offer something better? The doorbell rang, and Judy ran to answer it. When she opened the door, it revealed Larry, standing on her doorstep, and holding a bouquet. Jerry hadn’t even bought her a corsage for Prom.9

“Hi Larry! Come in, please.” They adjourned to the living room, and perched themselves on couches opposite one another.10

“Well, you probably know why I’m here.”11

“Yes, and I can only hope you’ve put more thought into it than your brother.”12

“I have.”13

“Well, then… so…” They sat in a patient silence, as Larry readied himself to speak.14

He cleared his throat. “I don’t have a lot to offer in the way of a steady life right after we graduate. I want to go to college.”15

“College? Why?”16

“I want to study medicine.” He moved over to sit next to her on the couch and look at her earnestly.17

“Oh.”18

“But I love you. Can that be enough?” He pulled a ring out of his pocket, and slid it on to her finger.19

“I… don’t know.” No one had ever told her about love having much to do with marriage. She’d always thought it was logic based; you were supposed to marry the one who made you the best offer. “I’ll need to think about this.”20

“Alright, you know where to find me.” He kissed her on the cheek, and then left.21

A few hours later, Judy Forbes picked up on the second ring. “So have you made a decision?”22

“Yes, I have.”23

“Now, are you positively sure about this? You tell me and the whole world knows. So then it’s a little late to change your mind.”24

“I know. I’m sure.”25

“Ok, so… Who is it? Who’d you choose?”26

“Larry.”