Ch. 2

It was their first day watching feature length films in class. Up until this point they'd studied short films by the Lumiere brothers and George Melies. Neil had really enjoyed "Le Voyage Dans La Lune" - it had reminded him of a video game. Today they'd be watching "Broken Blossoms" which he figured he'd enjoy, considering he got such a kick out of Melies. Who knew old silent movies could be so cool?

Wrong, he was soooo wrong. Within the first fifteen minutes Neil could tell this movie would be cringe-worthy, and the line, "Why are you so good to me, chinky?" only confirmed that. Next to him, Stacey looked as if she'd cry.

At the climax of the film, when the Chinese man kills the girl's asshole father for beating her to death and then kills himself, Neil felt as if he were watching Schindler's List. He heard sniffling and turned to see Stacey wiping away tears.

The film ended and their professor flipped the light switch. Neil could better see Stacey's face in the light. Her eyes were red and glossy from crying.

"I didn't realize movies got you so worked up." he said as they gathered their things to leave.

"I guess I'm just a sap." Stacey replied. "I get it from my mom, she cries like Niagara Falls whenever we watch Titanic. Scott's the same way..."

"Scott cries over movies?" Neil asked incredulously. Stacey nodded.

"You know when Wilson gets lost at sea in Castaway?"

"Yeah..."

"Total waterworks."

Neil had to laugh at that. Stacey couldn't help laughing herself. Neil suddenly realized that they'd walked all the way to the parking lot. "Hey, you want a ride?" he offered.

"Sure."

Neil grabbed the door for Stacey and got in on his own side. This had become routine for them in their two weeks of class together. Sometimes they'd grab a bite to eat on the way home. Neil turned to ask her if she was down for some McDonald's and was taken aback by the look on her face.

"Stacey - what's up?" She was frowning in concentration and looked rather nervous.

"Well...I was just wondering if you'd like to go out to eat..."

"Yeah, sure, we always do."

"No, I meant like...on a date."

What? Why would Stacey Pilgrim be asking him out on a date? First of all, guys did that - not girls. And second of all, she was, like, sixteen! Actually...Neil realized that since she was in his film class she had to be at least eighteen. But still - this was Scott's sister! Yeah, he thought she was cute, even hot at times, and there was that time he had a sex dream about her (that had been kinda weird) but she was totally off limits! Guys don't date their friend's sisters, it's too awkward. Then again...if Scott didn't know it wouldn't have to be awkward at all. So...why not?

He looked back at her. She was looking at her knees and blushing. Damn, she was cute. And she was sensitive which was even cuter. What the hell?

"Totally! That would be fun."

Stacey's face lit up instantly. "Great! How does tomorrow at seven sound?"

"Perfect. I'll pick you up."

"Should we eat at El Cazador?"

"Sure, I love that place."

Stacey was smiling and Neil found himself smiling as well. A date with Stacey Pilgrim. He couldn't wait to tell the guys! Oh...right...Scott couldn't know.

"Um, Stacey? Could we keep this between us? I don't want Scott to know..."

"Sure. He'd probably punch you in the throat anyway. He's never been fond of my boyfriends."

Boyfriend. Did this make him Stacey's boyfriend? He didn't really know much in the dating department. Before he could dwell on it too long they'd reached Stacey's house.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Neil!"

"Right. See ya then."

Boyfriend