The cinema. That's where I chose to go for our first date. Isn't it classically where couples snuggle up to each other? Especially if the film's scary. I didn't want us to go to a restaurant because I was worried it would be too awkward. I mean, what if we had nothing to say to each other and the only sound that could be heard from our table is chewing? That's always been one of my worst nightmares. It's why I didn't let Felicity set me up on blind dates. That and my magic is worse when I'm nervous.
I chose the cinema; Cal gets to choose the movie. He pays for tickets and I pay for snacks. That was our agreement. At least it was until he refused to let me pay for anything. I pretended to fight with him for a minute, but I was never really mad with Cal. He's such a nice guy, it's impossible with him. That and I have a feeling he's been sending some of his sparks my way.
"You didn't have to choose a chick-flick. I would've been perfectly happy watching any film," I told him.
"Yeah right. You were practically begging me to pick it."
"I didn't say anything."
"You were sending off magic signals."
"I wasn't! I wanted you to pick the scary movie so that you could comfort me when I pretended to be scared."
"Pretended to be? You would've covered your eyes regardless." He smiled.
"Pffft. I happen to enjoy watching horror movies."
"That's because you're living in one."
"Are you sure it isn't a…romance?" I asked, bating my eyelashes and snuggling up to him. He backed away, grimacing in false disgust.
"Definitely. What did your dad want earlier?"
"He wanted me to practice my powers."
"Did you tell him you have been with me?"
"Have we? I thought we were just kissing."
"That too." Cal went a little red.
"What is this film called anyway?"
"The house at the end of the street."
"That doesn't sound like Sex and the City 2."
"No. It doesn't. I switched our tickets. I just wanted to see if you're scared of horror films."
"Well, I'm not."
"Care to place a bet?"
"What do I get?"
"One cinema trip to see Sex and The City 2."
"And if I lose?"
"One romantic meal for two in the most beautiful part of the grounds."
"You're on."
As we shook hands, he changed my outfit so that I was wearing a skirt. It wasn't too short- Cal's not like that. "You rat!" I shrieked at him anyway.
xXx
I lost the bet. What can I say? A romantic dinner with Cal was too much to refuse. That and the fact that the movie was genuinely a little scary. Cal laughed at me all the way through, you know, in that was that he does. All the way through the film I was cuddling up to him, my head on his shoulder, my arm holding his very nice bicep and my other arm occasionally taking popcorn form his lap.
A little part of me feels guilty inside. Not only is the world in grave danger with me being the only one who can save it, but I feel as if I've forgotten about Archer. You remember don't you? That guy I used to hang out with, I might have even fallen in love with him? I still can't believe I almost gave up my v-card in a cellar with him. Imagine if we had done it. Those conversations with my dad about it would've been a lot more awkward.
Now I think I'm in love with Cal. It might seem soon, but, we've been friends for ages. I can't even believe that I never really noticed him before. When I met him, I would never have guessed that we were betrothed. And he knew what I really was. He knew what happened to my grandfather and he still said yes. It's also the way he looks at me. I don't know how to describe it – it just feels nice.
Jenna walked into my room as soon as I got back from the cinema. Having spent the day with Vicky, she was desperate to hear about my date with Cal. I was kidding. She wanted to go on and on about the day she'd spent with Vicky. Honestly, I'm glad she's got a girlfriend and she's finally found happiness. After all, having to spend your entire life at Hex Hall because you don't look old enough for anything else must be tough.
"And then she took me out for a burger where… Soph? Earth to Sophie? Were you listening to any of that? At all?"
I shook my head to take myself out of the trance I'd been in. "Errr… "Errr… Yeah. I think. You went window shopping?"
Jenna looked put out. "That was yesterday. You seem to fading out a lot lately. Are you alright?"
"I'm probably just a bit tired," I said, conveniently yawning to demonstrate.
"I know, but it's more than that. You barely seem able to concentrate on anything for more than five minutes."
"I don't know," I said, yawning again to illustrate my point.
"You would tell me if you're not feeling alright, won't you?" She pushed.
"Jenna, knock it off! I'm fine, alright?!" I yelled at her. I didn't mean to yell at her. I just wanted her to leave me alone. I felt as if I had so much on my plate at the moment, so much to think about and I wasn't in the mood to hear, in great detail, what she does with her girlfriend every day. Jenna left quietly and closed the door behind her. I felt really guilty, but that's nothing new. Not lately anyway. In the past few weeks, I'd forgotten Archer, I'd neglected the situation with the world, I'd lied to my dad about the situation, I'd put off telling Cal what really happened between me and Archer, and on top of it all, I'd alienated my best friend. Things weren't looking too good for me.
I got up off my bed, got a pen and paper and sat at the desk. I made a list.
Things I need to do. Soon.
Tell Cal about Archer. Though this is probably the thing I want to do the least.
Apologise to Jenna. And I guess that means listening to her too.
Be a good daughter. I don't actually know what that means, but I'll try.
See what the hell Archer wants. Cal needs to know too. It's risky and I know he doesn't trust him.
Sort out that thing with Elodie. This one I actually don't know how to do. But it's not really at the top of my list right now.
Save the world. We'll see about that one.
A/N: Hey. Sorry it's been a while. I just didn't know how to finish this chapter. The next one should be coming soon though. I hope.