Time passed quickly. I went from being broken with grief over missing Josh and his shattered relationship, to laughing and smiling again. Don't get me wrong, I still missed Josh, but others- mostly Peter- made it easier. He was insanely easy to be around and was a such a good fake boyfriend; and he didn't even try. Well ok, he did try- but he made it look effortless, if that makes sense. Peter and I were together almost every day; maybe that's why the days started to blur together.
But don't worry, we still made time for our other friends. Kitty and I watched a ton of movies together, and Chris and I hung out a lot. Even Lucas and I were getting closer. I was in the middle of putting away my laundry when he called me. "Hi, Lucas." "Hey, what up, girl? How's it goin'?" "Good! Good, just putting away clothes. How are you?" "Pretty good. Just wanted to ask what you're doing tonight." "I didn't have any plans yet. Did you want to do something?" "Yeah! You wanna go see a movie?" "Sure!" I chirped. "What did you have in mind?" "Well, I really wanna see My Downstairs Tenet Stole my Axe, but we can see that weasel movie if you want." "Haha, I've already seen that one. Sure, we can go see Axe Guy movie." "Ok, great! How does eight o'clock sound?" "Perfect!" A grin rolled across my face. Then I got an idea.
"Would it be ok if I brought my… friend?" This was a lot easier to ask than I thought it would be. "Your friend? Absolutely! The more, the merrier; invite more if you want." Oh Lucas, my smile softened. He wasn't like me; he was an extrovert who just loved being around people. You think that would lead to tension in our friendship but no- not at all. It's a difference we just accept in each other. In truth, I loved being around Lucas, with his energy-full self and such good relationship wisdom. And I'm sure he and Peter will get along…. after they get to know each other. Plus, I remember Peter saying that he wanted to see that movie; I didn't really want to see it but Peter didn't ask me to go with him. Probably because of this sole fact. But I wouldn't mind going for him; him and Lucas.
I ended up inviting Chris too; she was ecstatic that I even considered seeing that movie. Peter was also surprised but more leery- not because Lucas was going to be there and he didn't know he was gay yet, but he wasn't sure if I really wanted to see the movie for myself. I said I'd go for him however, and Peter excitedly relented. He picked me up and drove us to the theatre. Lucas got there first; he flashed me a brilliant smile and walked towards me with his arms wide open. "Aerity!" "Hi Lucas," we met in a tight, friendly embrace. Peter's expression went from startled to slightly alarmed. He didn't have time to address the issue though, as Lucas let go of me and stared at Peter with wide eyes.
"Whoa! Who's your friend, Aerity?" Lucas asked, not taking his eyes off my fake boyfriend. I couldn't help but grin at Peter's stunned reaction. "This is Peter Kavinsky. Peter? You remember Lucas?" "Him?" His finger rose up to the smiling Lucas. "He's the one you wrote a letter to?" "Well, technically we were ten years old and she misspelt the word "beautiful"," he winked at me. "What about you? You're hot! Are you single?" "Uh…" Peter's mouth hung open and I realized that he could actually be speechless. Enjoying this immensely, I decided to come to his rescue, smiling and wrapping my arm around his. "We're kind of a thing."
"Really?!" Lucas sounded happier for me than anything; his eyes lighting up in delight. Seeing this, a smile bloomed across Peter's face and his hand took mine. "That's right. We just…. got together." "Wow! Good for you! So I guess you-know-who is….." "It's complicated," I quickly interrupted. I told Lucas about Josh that afternoon we hung out; his opinion was that I should do whatever I want without trying to make others happy. Look how that turned out. But he and Peter grinned at each other and shook hands. "It's nice to meet you, Lucas." "Likewise! Make sure to take care of this girl; she's something wonderful." Peter smiled over at me before we both turned to face Lucas. "Thanks, Lucas. You're wonderful too," I said kindly; Peter didn't nod in agreement, but I knew he agreed. I knew. And that's how the long-term solid friendship between Peter and Lucas began.
Chris soon joined us, we got our tickets and concession, and went into the theater. Peter sat in between Lucas and me, and I sat next to Peter and Chris; we didn't plan this, it just sorta happened this way. But we were all happy. The movie was…. interesting. It wasn't Saw- thank god- but it wasn't too campy either. It was like a cross between Halloween- the original- and…. insert any funny movie here; I can't think of one at the moment. Lucas seemed like he loved it and even Peter appeared to be enjoying himself. I, on the other hand…..
"Hey Mural? Have you my axe? I thought I left it outside in the shed." The main character entered the kitchen to question his roommate currently doing the dishes. "No, I haven't seen it. Have you asked the downstairs tenet, Lester?" "No! That's a good idea; I'll go and…" The protagonist froze at the back door, staring at something outside with scared eyes. "What is it, Chuck?" "It's…. it's Lester. He's outside and….." "What's wrong? You look frightened." "It's Lester! He's coming up to the house….. and he's got my axe in his hands!" This was followed by very loud screams and bangs.
I instinctively covered my eyes with my hands; I didn't need to see some freak named "Lester" hack apart his landlords. Peter's head turned right to me and he leaned in to whisper into my ear. "Do you want to go? We can go if you want." My head rapidly shook with my eyes still covered. Of course he wasn't convinced, looking a little concerned. "Remember the contract? You promised to tell me if something made you uncomfortable or scared." "It's…. it's ok," I managed to get out. "It's just a movie; I'll be fine." And I would; these weren't the triggers I had to worry about. Seeming to trust me but still wanting to be supportive, Peter's arm wrapped over my shoulder and he pulled me up to him. I blinked up in mild surprise and he simply grinned down at me reassuringly. "Just cuddle up if you get scared. I'll hold you…. I'll hold you as tight as you need me to."