Just a Movie

Just the Beginning

The End.  Chris Holding is the sexiest adventurer alive, and he's always there for you.  Plus, you can't resist that smile, and God that hair.  Then there's his partner in combat Roy Benning, who, while annoying and an absolute play boy, is the second best.  Because, let's be honest, Chris is number one.  Always.  Roy is the bravest, most cunning man you'll ever meet.  Blue eyes, wavy hair, and those muscular--

"Martha!"

I jolt, my heart nearly leaping out of my chest.  Dang it.  Was I daydreaming again?  I turn around to face the stairs behind me. 

"What?!"

"Are you watching Dust and Gold again?" 

I bite my lip, not wanting to let on what I was doing. 

"No," I reply, even though it's clear in my tone that I was. 

God, I suck at lying.  I've never been good at hiding things, ever.  I remember my brother Ken, always knowing when I wasn't telling the truth because, even though he couldn't see it, he could still hear me grinning based on my tone.  I've never been able to hold a poker face.  

"Look, this is the 100th time you've watched that darn film!  Why won't you watch something else for a change?"

"And betray Chris?  Never!"

I can just see her rolling her eyes, letting out a long groan.  Sam Spear, roommate and best friends since middle school, she's never left my side.  She's gotten more cranky and logical over the years, but she hasn't changed too much.  She's still Sam.  Brunette, hazel eyes, and a sweet smile when she decides to show it, which in itself is rare.  She's always been there for me and has always made me see the reality of it all.  I glance over at the sound of her approach and the smell of something delicious.  

"Yum!  Popcorn!"

"Hey," she says, coming up the stairs and pulling the bowl closer to her.  "This is mine.  Go make your own."

"Fine," I frown, deflating into the couch.

I hop onto the floor, reaching for the remote as the credits come to a close.  My fingers barely touch it as I stare at the blank screen, deep in thought.  Sam clears her throat. 

"What are you thinking about?" she inquires. 

"Nothing," I dismiss, exiting out of the film. 

I face her, and she arches her eyebrow, something I could never do. 

"Yes?" I say, even though I know exactly what's going on. 

Now she's raising both eyebrows, willing me to admit what's going on in my brain.  Fine, I guess I'll tell her, and I plop next to her, shoulder to shoulder. 

"What do you think happens after the movie is over?"

Her face scrunches, looking back and forth, thinking. 

"Uh, credits?" 

"No, silly.  I mean, what do they do after it's over.  We can't see it because that's all they let you see.  What do they do when the screen goes black?"

Her expression falls, and she gives me a "you're insane" look.  She shakes her head, huffing, and I fear I'm about to get lectured. 

"How many times do I have to remind you it's just a movie?  None of it is real.  Chris Holding and Roy Benning are fiction, nothing more.  They're played by Ron Fielding and Daniel Bosh--actors.  You're way too obsessed with all of this."

I nod, sitting back.  She's right, as usual.  Now I'm depressed.  As much as I love movies, I always get too crazy over them, especially the characters.  I even start to imagine what it would be like to meet them, to have real conversations and go on adventures with.  We usually get along, a few fights here and there.  Maybe I am crazy.