Fire Escape

Generally, it’s my mouth that gets me into trouble — other times it’s my thoughtless actions.

It was our final foray to San Francisco as a track team my senior year of high school. And even though we were on a strict curfew, I sneaked out of my hotel room, using the fire escape to visit my ex-girlfriend, Debbie’s room.

She was bunking with her best friend at the time, Donnel Stull. I tapped on the window and she let me in so I could talk with Debbie.

Doni was certain Debbie and I were going to “mess around,” so she headed up the fire escape to my room. Though I suggested it, Debbie and I remained fully clothed.

We ended up talked a lot longer than intended — though I can’t recall what was so important at the time.

By the time I got back to my room, Doni was asleep. Unfortunately for her reputation, also in the bed next to her was a my male room-mate, and he too was fast asleep.

The incident haunted Doni for years as it labeled her as a ‘bad girl.’ In reality though, I was the one who was bad, by placing her in that unflattering position.

Worst of it is — I didn’t know this had happened to her and I’m so sorry for that.