Hot and sultry best described that summer in Kansas, and as we approached the July 4th Holiday it just got worse. Most of us were fifteen years old, had our "restricted" drivers licenses, and were full of mischief.....
It wasn't that we were actually looking for ways to get into trouble, it's just that it was so darn tempting at times.
That year several of the football players had enrolled in summer school under the pretense that we would have to carry a lighter load the following semester. The real reason, of course, was that our "restricted" licenses provided freedom to drive to and from school.....with an occasional side trip thrown in for good measure.Okay, lets be honest, the side trips far exceeded the letter of the law, but what the heck!
Our class, World History, was taught by the nicest man you could imagine. He had retired from teaching several years earlier, and looking back, I'm sure this was a way to supplement his retirement income. Regardless, we all liked him, and probably took full advantage of his good nature.
We were situated in a room on the ground floor of a non air-conditioned building, and most days it was stifling. Even with the tilt-in windows opened wide there was little or no air flow to help dry the perspiration dripping from our brows, and sticking the shirts to our backs......like I said, stifling hot. Our teacher, bless his soul, was old school and wore a coat and tie.....everyday.
As we neared the end of the summer session, a day dawned that was semi-cloudy with a nice breeze that felt almost cool. We convinced "Mr. Nice" to let us open the double doors near the back of the room in order to take full advantage of the welcome breeze, and soon the sounds and smells of summer wafted into the room. Perfect!
During the morning break several of us congregated just outside the open doors until we were called back into the room. The three amigos, Randy, Johnny, and I were the last to saunter back inside and take our seats.
Two M-80s, one lit cigarette, and about five minutes, give or take, can really create havoc in a classroom full of unsuspecting kids......who knew?
I sat across the room near the front, Johnny was a couple of rows back, and Randy was seated nearest to the door. As history was being taught, we were about to make some of our own. Suddenly Randy's head went down and he covered his ears. -- KABOOM -- Holy cow, was it ever loud as the sound reverberated and echoed throughout the room and down the hall. Then, heavy blue smoke, carried by the nice breeze, began to find its way inside.....uh oh.
Poor "Mr. Nice" was beside himself as he tried to control the chaos. "Everyone, outside! We need to evacuate the building, right now!" We did, and after a short discussion about who, what, where, how, and why (when had already been established).....everyone filed back to their seats.
But wait, where are the three amigos?
You know, I really don't recall the details. But then, there's a lot things from my youth that keep reminding me, what did I know?
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