Faye fidgeted with her dress as she looked in the mirror. Her mom forced her to take some rest at home for a few days. When her mom wasn't at work, she was at home fussing over her. Most of her time was spent either reading on a blanket outside or perched in front of the TV. But tonight, her mom okayed a night out with Chris and his friends. Just an evening matinee and an evening of cards. She was more nervous about this date that the first one.

Smoothing out the wrinkles in her floral dress, she gave herself a final look. Red painted lips and winged liner. She felt like a movie star in this dress. Looking nice sometimes helped her hide the cracks.

Her mother softly knocked at the door before slipping her head in. She smiled gently and whispered, "Chris is here sweetie. You still up for going out?"

Inhaling deeply, she said, "Of course, just nervous."

Her mother placed a warm hand on her cheek and smiled, "Well you look great. Although, you're a bit young for all that make up."

"Mommmm," she chuckled.

Her mom defensively put up her hands and headed to the door. "Alright, alright. Well, have a good time. And knock em dead."

She strolled into the living room where Chris stood in a short button up and blue jeans. She enclosed him in a hug, unable to contain herself. "It's nice to see you," she whispered. "It's been pretty dull without seeing you to look forward too," he teased. As they walked out of the door, she noticed the familiar gang of boys standing outside of Gordie's car. She inhaled sharply before painting a smile on her face. Chris gently squeezed her hand before introducing her. "Hey fella's. You remember Faye?"

"Remember?" Teddy asked with a smirk. "I remember quite fondly." He wiggled his eyebrows.

"Shut up Teddy," Chris said as he playfully socked Teddy.

"This is Teddy, Vern, and Gordie," he said motioning to each of the guys.

The ride to the theatre was quiet. Faye was pressed against Chris in the small backseat. Not that Chris minded. It gave him an excuse to put an arm around her.

"Damnit," Gordie muttered.

"You wet end, you went past the theatre!" Teddy said with his crazy laugh.

"I know that! It's hard to pay attention with you cackling in my ear," Gordie said as he circled the block.

"What are we going to see anyways?" Faye asked as she looked out of the window.

"Lawrence of Arabia!" Vern pipped up.

"That alright with you?" Chris whispered in her ear?

She nodded as they pulled into the parking lot.

After wandering in and loading up with snacks, they headed into the dark theatre. The film began to roll as they settled in. Vern and Teddy quietly bickering. Gordie quietly looking at the screen, shoveling popcorn into his mouth. And Chris stealing glances at Faye. The movie was filled with masculine battle scenes and dramatic speeches. Faye laughed quietly as Chris smirked. She was a bit quirky. He liked that about her. He couldn't concentrate on the movie. He was too busy thinking about the night he almost kissed her. He thought about those soft looking lips all day at work. The way they curved when she smiled. She seemed so fragile. So pure. The last thing he was looking to do was rush her. He wanted to treat her like a lady. Not something a Chamber's boy is known for. With a brother like Eyeball running around. And his brother Franks prison charge, Chris knew he wasn't the kind of boy mothers wanted for their daughters.

Wrapped up in his thoughts, Chris didn't realize the movie theatre lights came on. "You coming? Movie's over silly," Faye chuckled. "Yeah Chambers, were you struck dumb just now? Or just born that way?" Teddy laughed to himself. Chris shoved off his seat with a grunt. "Actually Teddy, it's contagious. From hanging around you too damn long. Amongst the giggling and small talk. They made their way out of the theater and piled into the car.

Chris expected to teach Faye poker. Little did he knew, they had a hustler on their hands. Raking in a pile of chips, Faye laughed out loud. "You know were not playing for real money, right?" Gordie asked with a smile. "I know that!" Faye said brightly. "I just like having the right to be smug," she said cocking an eyebrow. "I love a lady with modesty," Teddy said with sarcasm. "It's not your fault it's easy to whip you guys," Chris said with a smile. "Hey!" Vern protested. "You lost too Chambers!" "Naw," Chris winked. "I let her win." She poked his shoulder and grinned. "You sure put up some fight for someone that's letting me win."

Chris decided to step out with Faye as the night wore on. They had a long walk home that he's been looking forward to. Something he needed to do. After bidding the gang farewell, he climbed down the ladder and hopped down. "Don't look!" Faye whispered with a laugh. "I have a dress on!"

"I won't. But how will I catch you if you fall?"

He heard her chuckle in the darkness as she climbed down. "Well, THAN you can look."

With a soft thud, she hit ground finally. Looping her arm around his, the strolled off.

"Tonight, was great, Chris. Your friends…they're great."

"They're pretty cool. I think they like you."

"You sure? I know they must've heard…"

"You know about Teddy?"

"No," she said with furrowed brows.

"Teddy's dad hasn't been the same since the war. Not knockin' the man. But, raising a kid probably wasn't something he was ready to do, considering. One day, Teddy must've did something wrong. Ya know, like kids do. He dragged Teddy over, and put his ear on the stove. He went away after that, to get help. Teddy has outburst sometimes. Little bit of an eccentric guy. Do you see any of us focus on that stuff?"

"No, but-"

"Hell no! Because Teddy is much more that all that. You're much more than all that," he said gently brushing his hand against her head. "No one's going to judge you."

She blushed and bit her lip. "Thanks Chris."

He smiled and looked up and the sky. The black sky was painted with millions of stars. The air was crips with the promise of fall not far off.

"No problem. Just being honest here." He shoved his hair out of his face and looked down at her. She leaned up and took him by surprise, as she pressed her lips against his. He cupped his hands around her face before breaking the kiss.

She smiled at the surprise on his face.

"Are you okay?" she asked shyly.

"Yeah, you… You just take me surprise sometimes," he said with a big smile.

She laughed and buried her head in his chest.