April 13, 1968
by Janine Stephenson
Ron found out that Arlo Guthrie was going to appear in concert near the college. He got four tickets and invited Craig, Becca and I to go. We ended up sitting real close to where Arlo was playing. He sang “Alice’s Restaurant” for over half an hour! And then, some other folk musicians sang. I never heard of Ramblin Jack Elliot, but he certainly excited the crowd. And he was really good too.
Becca and Craig held hands during the concert. Ron sat real close to me, but I think it’s because it was crowded. He offered me a cigarette, so I took it. He lit it for me and I inhaled the smoke into my mouth. And then I exhaled. Becca later told me that although it was fine to do it that way, I really ought to breathe in the smoke completely. Otherwise, I’ll look like amateur.
On the way home, Ron and I sat in the front seat while Becca and Craig made out in the back. It was strange because I kept forgetting they were back there until they made moaning sounds. Towards the latter part of the ride home, they kept doing it. Ron yelled at them not to screw up his upholstery. It was a rental after all and the campaign didn’t have the money to pay for the damage. I wasn’t sure if something like that would really damage upholstery because you can spill a lot of things in the car and it will just roll right off the seat.
When we finally did get to the convent, Ron walked me to the door. And while that was very nice, I felt awkward about it because I didn’t think men were allowed at the convent. I told him that I hoped our outing wouldn’t make any of the nuns upset. He said that we didn’t misbehave and besides, he wasn’t allowed to date any campaign staffers or volunteers. Then he smiled, winked at me and kissed me on the lips.
So I’m not certain if he was kidding or if he was just being a friend. Not that any male friend of mine has ever kissed me on the lips because I think that definitely goes beyond being a friend. At least that’s what I’d tell any other girl. But now I’m older and wiser, and so it’s all very confusing.
