Victoria lifted the slice of pizza, watching the grease drip down. With a sigh she nibbled on the slice. She glanced around, not wanting her family to know how much she secretly liked pizza. Actually, she loved pizza. She been loved jeans.
However, she hated horror movies. And Charlotte seemed to not only include more movies, but scarier and gorier movies this year. Victoria was grateful that although terrifying, "the Conjuring" wasn't very gory. And then Charlotte made her watch "the Collector," which had more than enough gore. Victoria had to force herself to keep her eyes open during the death scenes. And then Charlotte started "Evil Dead." Victoria was certain it was a remake, but bit her tongue, fearing that her daughter would pull the original out and make her watch that next.
As she shifted on the couch, Charlotte was just as terrified as her mother, but struggling to keep it hidden. Halfway through the conjuring she was ready to take it out and put a Disney movie in to clear her mind, but a deal was a deal.
Charlotte reached for the Halloween candy, suddenly aware of her father standing in the kitchen. He stared so intently at her mother, that Charlotte wondered if this really was an innocent ruse to get them together.
"Mom I'm gonna get us some popcorn." Charlotte said, hopping up.
"I can pause this," Victoria said pleading more than asking.
"No it's okay. I saw it before," Charlotte lied.
Charlotte's presence wasn't even noticed as she walked into the kitchen.
"Dad. Seriously?"
Conrad turned, looking at his daughter with a quick shrug.
"Dad just go in there. I picked really scary movies. I don't even know if she'll be able to leave the room after this."
Conrad considered it for a moment and grabbed the popcorn from Charlottes hand as he headed into the living room.
He sat down next to Victoria, and offered her some popcorn. She refused the popcorn but didn't squirm away from him like she normally would. He put his arm around her, pulling her closer to him.
"This doesn't seem like your cup of tea."
"It isn't. I only agree because of Char-" Victoria started, suddenly aware that her daughter had scurried off.
"Well, it's gotta be over soon. We'll finish it and then Charlotte can't say you didn't watch it."
Victoria raised an eyebrow but didn't fight him. She liked the idea of having him so close, and buried his chest during the scary parts of the movie.
Charlotte was about to come back in the living room, but stopped when she saw her parents cuddled up on the couch. As she crept up the stairs she tried to imagine what kind of car she'd get for Christmas.