Completely in the Dark

My brother and I were at the school bus stop by quarter to seven on Monday, Aug. 29, 1977.

It was the first day of my senior year, and Brian’s high school debut. On all accounts it was hot, sunny and clear—a perfect summer’s day. Two days before I’d met Karen at the Paradise Ballroom, kicking up our heels to Skeeze’s band Tank, and hanging with Pete and Laurie. Now the girls were back into their routines at Delano High School and Pete was a newly graduated senior, out in the big, wide world.

Back at school, Steve was the first person I ran into. We made the rounds until homeroom, eyeing the sophomores for new faces and running into Kim and Michelle, who were apparently on the defensive. The next day I noted in the diary: “Michelle is really scared of me or something,” further stating, “I think…