The diner was busy with the usual crowd. Everyone was hankering for a burger on Saturday. Faye was checking her watch. 15 minutes to go. She could almost jump for joy. Counting out her tips, Glenda wiped down the counter. "What're you and that handsome fella doing tonight?"
Shoving 5 dollars' worth of tips into her pocket, Faye smiled. "Well, he scored his momma's car for the night. Were gonna go to the drive in there in Anderville. He figured we deserve a night out, after the first month of school."
"You kid's behave yourself," Glenda said with a wink.
Faye rolled her eyes and laughed. "Glenda, don't you worry. I'll manage just fine."
She headed to the bathrooms to change out of her uniform. There was no way she'd go on another date in this hideous thing. She slipped on her favorite high wasted pants and a sweater. Yawning deeply, she looked in the mirror. She looked tired after a long day. She had no doubt he'd look handsome. He had a face that didn't carry stress. At least not for long. He always walked in the room cool as can be. He was like a gust of fresh air on a hot, hot day.
She was greeted to his casual form as she walked out into the dining area. "No uniform today?" He teased gently.
"I'm afraid so! Seeing as this wasn't a surprise," she said playfully punching his shoulder.
"Meet the Jalopy!" He said motioning to the car. The car ways beat up and well loved, as her mother would say. It rumbled all down the road. "This car has charisma!" she said with a smile. He laughed and rolled his eyes. "Is that a nice way of saying it's awful?"
Shaking her head she said, "No. See, it looks seasoned. I like that it makes it's presence known." She said grinning. "It's got a lot of personality! I like personality."
Pulling up to a stop light he looked over at her. He leaned over and filled the gap between them; planting a soft kiss on her lips. "I do to," he said against her lips.
A car honked behind them, reminding them of the green light ahead.
"You always see the beauty in everything?" He asked quietly.
"Sometimes. I mean, my old therapist taught me to do that."
"You don't see her anymore?"
She shifted uncomfortably. "Well, not since the move. Mama's lookin' but not a big crop of shrinks in the area," she laughed quietly.
"What did bring you to Castlerock? We're not exactly a bustling metropolis," he said jokingly.
She was quiet for a few moments before finding the words. "My last school was a bit rough. I'd always been an anxious child. Ya know, different. Kid's were always real quick to point it out. Make a joke out of me a lot. When my folks split up, my episodes got a lot worse. Other kids, They just got vicious. One day after school, they decided a looney like me needed locking up. So they trapped me in the janitors closet for awhile." Faye fidgeted with her hands before continuing. She looked down at her lap, trying to mask her embarrassment. "When they found me, I was a mess. I-I just couldn't be at that school anymore. Mom decided to move us near some cousins. Give me a fresh start somewhere else. Dad's in traveling sales, so he plans to pop by and check on us sometimes." She looked out the window; looking at the millions of the stars. "I just want thing here to be better."
He slipped a reassuring hand on her knee. "They will be. Just gotta give people time to warm up to you. Anyone with half a brain will see how great you are, in time. I do want to apologize though. Gordie told me about Oscar."
"Oscar?" She said with confusion.
They saw lights in the distance, signaling that Andersville was close.
"You know, that guy that's been bugging you," he said glancing over.
"Damnit, Gordie," she breathed.
Chris laughed softly and patted her knee. "Don't be mad at Gordie. Be mad at me. I shouldn't have dismissed your feelings or concern. I imagine you've had a lot of people say that things are in your head. And I don't wanna be one of them." He grabbed her hand and squeezed tightly. "You're feelings matter. YOU matter. Okay?"
She moved over to his side of the vehicle. She pressed her lips softly to his jaw before laying her head on his shoulder. "When did you get so perfect?" She breathed.
He leaned his head onto hers and smirked. "When you weren't looking," he teased.
As they arrived on Mainstreet, she began digging in her bag. "Whatcha got in there? The kitchen sink?"
She shook her before pulling out a tin of cookies and wrapped up burgers from work. She grinned defiantly before stating, "I brought us snacks for the movie."
"You riffraff," he said feigning shock. "But what will we drink?"
Rooting around she produced two cokes, still cold from the drive down. He rolled his eyes before smiling gently. "This defeats the purpose of the concession stands, ya know."
"For such a bad boy, you're sure hung up on contraband food," she said with a giggle.
"Oh yeah, Chris Chambers, total thug," he said with a laugh.
She sighed and looked at him with a smirk. "Yep. They've got it all wrong. They don't know what a softy you are."
"Let's keep it that way, shall we?"
She laughed and looked out the window. Andersville looked like any other town. Shaking her head she retorted, "I suppose I can be silenced."
After a few seconds of silence she continued. "I've never bought into that, you know. Your reputation."
He handed the ticket booth person the fare before searching for a spot. "Oh yeah?" He said, trying to act casual.
"Of course," she said as they pulled into a parking spot. Ya know, Someone told me you're more than all that," she said pointing to her temple. "I just figure you're more than all that," she said motioning to the crowd of cars. "You're so much more than anyone's opinion."
"I-" Chris began before closing his mouth firmly.
Faye smiled to herself before again settling in on Chris's shoulder.
He turned his head to kiss the top of her head warmly.
"Thank you," he breathed into her hair.