Lara Boldy Goes Where She Has Never Gone Before

Instead of the usual easy care freeness of a Saturday morning it was quick paced and full of phone calls and the organizing of young girls. Today was the morning of our big car wash fundraiser for the Young Women in our ward to help earn money for girls camp. We decided to hold it at my house as my parents were willing to let us use all the water we wanted and we had a big culdesac for plenty of cars to come and get washed.

The morning proceeded well. There were a steady stream of cars and we were kept very busy. After a couple of hard working hours a familiar car slowly drove down and got in line for the car wash. It was the car of my now official boyfriend (it's official after you kiss, right?!) As soon as I saw him I got all flustered and embarrassed. Here I was with a bunch of young girls and my new boyfriend arrives. You know they are all wanting in on the scoop!!!!

As soon as I am free I have Chris pull his car in closer. I decide I will wash his car all by myself. As I am washing and as we are talking I can tell that people are looking and wondering why I know this guy. He is not in our ward and I know his first name, so - why do I know him?- they are all wondering.

The night before I was a mix of emotions. I was completely elated from our kiss but also devastatingly depressed because he would be gone for two whole weeks. As I thought things out I planned a bold move. I decided that if Chris really was the one I wanted to be with the rest of my life that I needed to meet his family and this might be the the only chance I got before our relationship moved to yet the next level. So my plan was to invite myself up to Spokane while he was there. I had never before been so blatantly bold. I always tired to be a proper lady. I about seriously died of fright and embarrassment at the few "girl's choice" dances that I had gone to in High School (and only from peer pressure from my girlfriends had I done that).

So, while washing his car I decided that I would talk to him about me coming up to Spokane with him. When his car was finally sparkly clean I invited him in for a few minutes. I took him into the house and lead him into the front room where we sat on the couch. As my heart pounded with fright we made a little small talk. I couldn't get much else out while my mind was formulating a way to say the words just right for what I wanted to suggest. But, while this happened my parents came in and sat down (parents always seem to have perfect timing). They soon had Chris engaged in conversation and slowly my resolve weakened and I chickened out.

Chris left and I waved to him as he drove down the street. As soon as there were no more taillights to be seen I was swarmed upon by the Young Women and all the YW leaders too! They were demanding details - just like I expected - and I gave them what I could.

After the car wash was all done I confided in my dad at what I had proposed to do. And just as I was talking to him my Uncle and Grandpa came over. I was forced to give them all the same details and also forced to show a picture of him (which he had given me - I had also given him a bunch of pictures of me that he could show to his family when he arrived in Spokane). They unanimously told me to go for it. In fact my dad had suggested that I go ahead and buy a ticket to travel with him. That way when I took him to the airport (which Chris had politely asked me to do several days ago), I could walk him to the gate (remember the days before 9-11?) and then keep on walking onto the plane with him (surprise him there) or let him take his seat and then board the plane (surprise him on the plane). I wasn't quite that bold. I thought he had better at least ask his family if it was okay for me to come and visit and what days would be good since there would be two different family reunions going on while he was up there in Spokane.

At the appointed time I arrived to pick Chris up and take him to the airport. He greeted me with not only his luggage but with a beautiful tangerine colored rose and a hello kiss. My hands were sweaty and my heart palpitated nervously while we drove. One reason I was nervous is because I don't like to drive for others - I always feel really self-conscious, and the other was because of what I wanted to propose to him.

We finally arrived at the airport. I walked in with him, watched him check in and then sat with him by the departure gate. We talked and laughed as usual. I kept glancing at my watch - knowing that time was soon running out before they called the passengers to board. Finally I mustered up all my courage and took a deep breath. I looked straight into his eyes and asked, "Chris, what if I told you I would love to come up to Spokane and met your family." I was so nervous for his response that I almost cringed. But with lightening speed Chris' face went from being pleasant to animatedly surprised with happiness. I had never seen such a huge smile on his face before. But just to make sure I followed up with, "does that mean, Yes?"

"Yes!" He yelled out.

I explained how I had almost bought a ticked to go with him right then and there but thought I had better get permission from his family first. He almost laughed to death. He reassured me that his mother would like nothing better in the whole world than for him to bring a girl home with him. We decided that he would call me when he got to his parents' house and let me know when I should come.

I timed it just right. Just as we were working out the details it was time for him to board. We had a farewell kiss (and wouldn't you know it, someone from my ward was there watching!) and Chris boarded his plane.

I drove home in a trance. When I arrived home I walked in the door and then quickly used it to support me. As I stood there catching my breath and clutching my rose, I remember thinking how I couldn't believe I had actually met this young man and how well everything had gone. As I stood there still thinking, my mother walked past and asked me what I was doing. I just replied, "He's the one mom. He's the one!"