I think it was the summer before 11th grade. I was riding in the backseat of a car to Pacific Union College from Lake Berryessa in the Napa Valley. I was with my former classmates from the college’s elementary school where I had spent sixth through eighth grade.
We were all feeling pretty rowdy that afternoon.
On an earlier occasion as we played on a deserted section of the lake, Debbie* had offered to take off her swimsuit if I doffed mine first.
I was too chicken.
On this day, however, I was bold. I started tickling Debbie, who was squeezed into the back with me and my mate Cary.
Debbie squealed of course as I poked at her ribs and then she protested and finally she appealed to Cary for help.
The little Hawaiian said, “Sorry, Luke”, then got me in a headlock until I calmed down.
My humiliation was complete.
PS. My last girlfriend warned that she would punch me if I ever tried to tickle her. I didn’t.
