Chapter Sixteen: Now Would You Mind If I Bared My Soul?
Sarah fidgeted nervously, plucking at her peach-colored skirt as she waited outside the theater. It was a late Saturday afternoon, and various people milled about the multiplex, killing time before their movies. She and Christian had agreed on a 5:30 showing of the movie, and then heading out to dinner. She'd brought a small purse, with her wallet, chapstick, and a pack of tissues inside. Karen had tried very hard not to be smug about Sarah needing to borrow a purse, but the sly satisfaction had rolled off in waves.
She glanced left and right, watching the people go by and their reflections in the glass windows mimic their movements. Where was he? She glanced at her watch; he wasn't late yet, but she was getting antsy. She stepped up on her tiptoes and caught a familiar, tousled head weaving through the crowd. A smile came unbidden to her lips, and she felt her heart speed up with anticipation.
His muscled form popped out of the crowd and there he was, bathed in denim and cotton, a friendly grin adorning his face. His blue eyes lit up as they fell upon her, and took in her form appreciatively. She blushed, and tried to forget the fact that the only other time anyone had looked at her that way was in the peach-induced ballroom. "Hey, Sarah," he greeted, slowing as he reached her. "You look great!" he said enthusiastically.
She smiled happily. "Thanks. Right back at you." She glanced at the entrance of the theater. "Shall we?"
"Sure!"
They walked in and got in line for tickets. At the window, Christian said,"Two for The Ring, please." He pulled out his wallet and counted the bills.
"I can pay for my half," Sarah offered.
He smiled at her. "No, that's okay, I've got it." He handed over the money and took the tickets. "Now, the most important part of the movie experience: Food," he intoned solemnly.
Sarah giggled and allowed herself to be led to the snack counter.
"Do you want popcorn?" he asked her.
"Hm...no, I'm good." She leaned over the counter. "Could I get a pack of Raisinets, please?" She opened her purse and reached for her wallet.
"I've got it," Christian offered.
"Oh, no, I've got this one. You paid for the tickets." She smiled at him.
He looked a little dumbfounded. "I can pay, really, it's not a big deal." He shifted his weight, a little uncertain.
She gazed at him blankly as she handed the cashier a fiver. "It's okay, Christian, really it is." He frowned, sticking his thumbs into his belt loops insolently. Sarah couldn't figure out why he was being so stubborn, and she didn't like the set of his jaw. She smiled at him, relenting. It was their first date, after all. A little give and take wouldn't be too bad. "Tell you what, I could use a bottle of water."
He relaxed and beamed at her. "All right. Go get us some seats, and I'll be right there. Theater four, right?"
Sarah nodded. "I'll see you in a bit, then." She walked away, slightly puzzled and mildly annoyed. Was this some macho man thing, then? She entered the theater and found a couple of seats near the top section to the middle. Those would do just fine. She settled into them, wondering if perhaps Christian was just used to all the girls in his circle being complacent and happy to be taken care of. If that was the case, she needed to have a small talk with him about it. It wasn't that she didn't like being cared for, but rather that she felt it should be reciprocated, all things being equal.
She spotted him walking into the theater and glancing around, his arms filled with popcorn and soda and her requested bottle of water. He glanced in her direction and she waved. He made his way to her and sat down, placing his soda in the cup holder and handing her the water. "Thanks," she said.
"No problem," he grinned.
The movie screen glowed a bright green as a message appeared, informing that the preview was suitable for all audiences. Sarah beamed. "Now this," she said knowingly,"Is the best part of the movie."
"The previews?"
"Of course!" She smiled slyly. "Most times, the previews show all the best scenes from a movie anyway. Saves you money in the long run."
Christian shook his head with an amused smile. "You're so...strange."
Sarah shrugged. "You like the popcorn, I like the previews. We're about even."
They settled in to enjoy the movie. Sarah enjoyed the thrill of psychological fear, and was very grateful she had someone watching with her. At one point, she glanced at Christian. She swallowed nervously, gathering up her courage, and leaned over to whisper,"Would you mind if I borrowed your arm?"
He cast her a delighted look, and started to lift his arm to drape it around her shoulders. Before it was up two inches Sarah had latched onto it, curling herself against his side. She looked up and smiled. "Thank you," she whispered, and returned her attention to the movie, missing the somewhat baffled look on her boyfriend's face.
The rest of the movie passed fairly uneventfully, discounting the shrieks of terror and occasional startled jumping.
Afterwards, as they exited the theater, Sarah's step had an extra little spring in it, and she beamed.
"Well, you're certainly in a good mood," Christian commented with a bemused smile.
She flashed her teeth at him. "It's the psychological high."
"So you like scary movies?"
"Only if they're still scary once the blood and gore are subtracted." Sarah fell into step beside him and shrugged. "A hack and slash film's thrill only lasts so long as the movie. But psychological fear...That, Christian, is the way to go. Especially since you know, deep down, it's not real." Unlike love. Unlike you. Unlike him. She grinned. "So, where to?"
He lifted his hand up in a thinking pose. "Hm," he mused,"Where to?" He considered it some more, then his eyes lit up. "I know!" He grinned at Sarah. "Follow me." He held out a strong, steady hand to Sarah.
She glanced at it, blushed, and took it. It was a comforting feeling, having his strong fingers wrapped around hers. Comfort was nice. And her heart wasn't thudding with the frantic shyness and embarrassment of being with Christian anymore. There was a nice sense of steadiness flowing from his fingers to hers, and she appreciated it. Walking side-by-side in relaxed silence, the two teenagers headed off to their next destination.
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A/N: Whoohoo! Yet another chappie!! *dances* *looks at random outline* Hm...ten more to go.