Take One

Chapter 12

I was a wreck. The deal was, Archer and I would meet for dinner the following day. A proper date, as he referred to it. Even though I told myself about a million times that this exercise was only to find out the extent of Archer's abilities and his involvement in my nightmares, I still zoomed around the house all day like a cat that needed to take a dump. I was so nervous, I changed my outfit six times before settling with a printed blouse, a denim skirt and heels.

Of course, my entire family became aware of said upcoming date almost immediately. Their official stance was that they would give me space this time. After the whole mess with Peter, and then Adam, with the laughing and the crying (they were none the wiser about that whole thing being about Archer.), they were afraid to even come near me and a new relationship.

Archer arrived at my doorstep at 6:30pm. Since dad wasn't around, Kennedy took the role upon himself and made Archer wait in the family room while I finished getting ready. I loaded a black purse with my essentials and sprinted down the stairs. They were discussing Kennedy's past works when I came in.

"Ah, I didn't even make the connection. I finished The Ground is Lava recently. It was most enjoyable." Archer said. I couldn't tell if he was really a fan, or he just did his homework.

"You don't think it's too dark?" Kenny challenged.

I scoffed; leaning against the archway's frame. "Of course it was dark Kenny." Archer stood abruptly; as if he sat on a pinecone. We had repeated arguments about this. Kennedy always tried to convince me that his book about five soldiers who nearly escaped the Sahara Desert, but didn't, and then all died was somehow positive.

"On the contrary, I think it was quite a positive book." Archer shrugged as if it was an obvious evaluation of the read.

A smile crept on Kenny's lips. He was intrigued by another person; which didn't happen often. "What makes you say that?"

I silently prayed whatever Archer said next would pass whatever test Kenny was running now. Archer looked thoughtful as he considered the best way to explain. "The events surrounding the story were tragic, of course, but the mindset of the characters was undoubtedly hopeful. Given their circumstances, their optimism was more impressive. They did die, but they died hopeful. Sometimes that's as close as one can get to victory."

I pressed my lips into a thin line; watching the subtle sparks of camaraderie unfold. I didn't know how to feel about the pair of them being like-minded in that way; telling me dying in the dessert is a fairytale ending and all that.

"You know what else is victorious?" I crossed my arms over my chest. "Escaping the Sahara."

Archer stifled a laugh while Kenny charged, then pinched my nose and pulled; making me bend to follow where he led. "You're so inflexible. All you ever like are love stories."

"Not true, I liked the one about the servant and the prince."

Kenny pulled harder; I seriously considered sneezing into his fingers. "That's a love story."

"Are you kidding? He had her burned alive!"

Archer snorted again while I helplessly flailed; following Kenny's hold. "Kennedy I swear to god, I'm counting to three and donating snot into your hand."

"In front of your boyfriend?"

"Yes, then you can write about it and say it's a love story." I rolled my eyes; fighting the urge to get hung up on the word. This is all part of the plan.

Kennedy laughed; finally letting go. He slung an arm over my shoulder; addressing Archer now. "Are you sure want to go out with this gremlin?"