MY ROOMMATE AND THE SCHOOL chapter 57

Doug showed up before the night curfew, as I remember it. He came in with a smile and affirm handshake. He was carrying a few clothes on hangers. I apologized about the space I had taken and offered to put some things away. It was not a problem for him. He was a local boy, took his things home for mom to wash and only brought what he needed for the week. I could have all the space I needed. I liked him immediately. We spent the evening getting acquainted.

I did not have an 8:00 class like most freshmen, but did get up for the 7:00am breakfast the first few days. After awhile, I asked myself why was I getting up so early? Neither Al nor I had the prerequisite for the 9;00 freshman class. I really didn’t want to miss breakfast, but neither did I want to get up in the middle of the night just to eat. The first day I missed breakfast I heard Doug return to get ready for class. I didn’t move. As he was leaving for class he told me there was toast on the dresser. What! He brought me food. The toast was cold, but I was grateful. It became an occasional pattern. He brought me toast when he could. Taking food from the dining room was not permitted. Was I lucky or what! I had the world’s best roommate.

As I got to know Doug I met his family and had a few meals at his place. He had terrific parents and they were very inclusive with me. Having a locally based roommate had many blessing, not the least of which was home cooked meals. He also knew his way around town. One of the first things he helped me do was get a block heater. I had no idea what he was talking about, but I trusted him. Apparently this was something inserted in the engine to keep it warm so the car would start in cold weather. Regina was certainly cold. Now I had this funky little cord sticking through my grill. I needed it.

I remember a great story Mel often told. He was in the southern United States at a service station when the attendant ask him if he knew there was a cord sticking out the front of is car. He got out, looked at the front and said, “Oh no. I’ve lost my extension cord?” When I returned to the USA, I got plenty of questions as well, but none that funny.

Doug told me a bit about school rules which seemed to me like something out of the dark ages. I was curious if priest from the dark ages had written them. None seemed appropriate for 1963. However, we were required to sign an agreement to follow the rules and I did. I wasn’t sure how successful I would be at following them, but that was another question.

I did ask someone if there were school dances and got a horrified look and reaction. It was easy to assume the answer was no. I knew I was back to the rules of my first church. I hoped I would be able to hold my sanity. As it turned out, there was no time for things other than what was at school and no one to do them with. Living under the law was easier than I thought — this time. I think I had changed

I noticed there was a certain time of day when some people seemed to walk around with snacks. I wondered if there was a corner store nearby. Not really, but there was a tuck shop. Huh (a familiar American expression!)  What is a tuck shop? Well it’s a place to buy snacks and is only open twice a day for 15 minutes each time. OK! The short hours made no sense.  No one ever told me what “Tuck Shop” meant. The best I could figure out was that it was somewhat tucked out of sight.

Now that we have Google I looked it up. “A tuck shop is a small, food-selling retailer. It is a term principally used in the UK, Grenada, South Africa, New Zealand, the Australian states of Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales, and occasionally in other parts of the former British Empire.” Now I understand even if it is 49 years later. It meant nothing to this American.

The cute blond is hidden behind the gathering customers.

The best part of Tuck Shop was this adorable blond with the twinkling eyes, big beautiful smile and a flirty way with the customers. I liked her immediately. However, I was told she was dating another guy on my floor. What a disappointment. I still liked her and we talked from time to time. I did learn that she wasn’t very sire of that relationship. My ears perked up but I held to the male code of not trying to take another guys girl.

Doug studying. Wait, maybe he's having lunch. Three bottles and a package of Dad's cookies.

Doug was an extremely talented guy who could do amazing things with electronics. I don’t dare tell all stories. I’m not sure of the statute of limitations. But we did have fun and I will get around to those. Since I was only going to be there one year an extended summer camp experience seemed appropriate.

Really now, who sleeps with a smile on their face.