Jenna sensed Ralph’s awkwardness and smiled as she stepped back took his hand in hers and led him over to the couch and set beside him.
“Here hon let me give you one of these,” Jenna said offering Ralph her pack of cigarettes. “These will help calm you down.”
Ralph took the pack and since he was nervous, he fumbled with the box as he tried opening it and pull out a cigarette.
“Allow me hon,” Jenna said with a smile as she took the pack of cigarettes back. Jenna pulled out two cigarettes placed them side by side in her mouth and lit them both, handing one to Ralph.
Ralph took it, inhaled and then blew out the smoke. He repeated a couple of times and soon his found that he was beginning to be less nervous. He also noticed that he was getting a slight buzz
“Wow,” Ralph said as he put his hand on his face like he was trying to shake off a feeling that was strange
“What’s wrong sugar,” Jenna replied with a slight note of concern in her voice.
“Whoa I feel kinda light headed,” Ralph replied as he did his best to shake off the feeling.
“Is it kind of like having a buzz,” Jenna inquired.
“Yeah I guess you could call it that,” Ralph said
“Don’t worry hon,” Jenna said with a reassuring tone. It’s only a nicotine buzz. It’s harmless and it will soon pass. I still get them sometimes in the morning when I have my first ciggy. It usually wears off in a minute or two.”
Ralph continued to smoke the cigarette and by the time he was finished with it, he noticed the buzz beginning to fade.
“You’re right, Ralph replied. “It is starting to wear off but it sure was intense and I think I liked it.”
Jenna smiled and said “It will take some getting used to.”
Jenna also noticed Ralph wasn’t shaking as much and was calmer and said “Now isn’t that better,” to which Ralph replied “Yeah thanks I needed that.”
“Wanna another one,” Jenna said offering him the pack again and Ralph took one out and this time he lit it without being nervous.
Ralph inhaled deeply and as he savored the richness of the flavor with the cool sensation with it. He found that he liked the taste of Jenna’s cigarettes and asked her what kind they were.
“They are Virginia Slims 120’s Menthols, Jenna replied. ” It’s my primary brand and usually only brand I smoke. You like them?”
“Yeah they’re pretty good actually,” Ralph replied. “I wish I could by them myself but I am still too young.”
“I know sweetie,” Jenna said in an understanding tone. “I think that is a silly law as well as not being able to drink until you are twenty-one.”
“Hell, in my opinion if the US government is able to put a rifle in your hand, a uniform on your back, ship your butt overseas and tell you to point a gun at someone and shoot them when you are 18, then I think you should be able to drink and smoke if you want to.”
“I kinda agree,” Ralph replied. “But hey what can you do?”
“Well don’t you worry about that. I’ve got that one covered,” Jenna replied. “Here, take this pack I got plenty more.”
Jenna then changed the topic of her conversation to Ralph’s birthday.