Three Cousins

Story ID:	240
Written by:	CP Campbell
Story type:	Fiction
Location:	Douglasville Ga USA
Year:	1963
Person:	Marilyn & Donna

I'll never forget the talent show. I was jealous,
especially at first, but my pride soon overcame
the ugly green emotion. There were MY two
cousins-my very own-up on that stage just
like real actresses!
They were dancing and singing
(lipsyncing)in these cute little
short skirts and they were great!

Marilyn's hair was blonde and to her shoulders.
I think she was about eleven then and had
finally persuaded her Mom to let the
"dreaded perm" grow out.
Yes,that was probably
the best her hair ever looked,
all wavy and framing her face.

I recall thinking something along
the lines of "she's got it all." Actually,
she did, but so did all three of us;
we had it ALL then! No surprise though,
it was early in the 60's and the world
was good. Kennedy was our 'king'
and the future looked great!

Marilyn and Casey looked very fine that night
as they accepted the award for second place.
Mom and I were ecstatic when their names
were called. We almost squeezed each other's hands off!

Afterwards, we ran backstage, full of smiles,
hugs and kisses for our family members.
They had to have been surprised by my reaction,
since they hadn't asked ME to be a part of the act.
I recall that Marilyn attempted to apologize to me,
but I just hugged them both again and giggled.

In the midst of the congratulations, Casey
exclaimed, "I never won anything but
third place before!"

After Casey's exclamation, Marilyn jabbed her side and said,
"Well, I hadn't won nothin' before and
I want to be FIRST next time!" (We were
very southern, did I mention?)

We all laughed and walked out into the
beautiful late summer evening. As young
as I was, I believe that was the first time
we were "women" together ... or maybe it
was just friendship.

That was the night my pride and admiration
for my cousins overcame my jealousy.
And I was glad and proud for something
else, too. Even though
I had not been in the show,
my Mom was the only parent
who had bothered to show up!

Pope Campbell
~ (c) 2006 ~