Memories of a Life That Never Happened

Chapter 37 - Plus One

In the twilight, Mica watched preppy girls climb uphill over the grass. Some struggled to keep their high heels from sinking into the ground. Amused, she noticed most of them arrived panting at the summit, as if they had just clambered Mount Everest.  

When Mica reached the top, however, it was her turn to be short of air. A silver screen wider than her own house overlooked the sea. Her eyes swept over rows of generous wooden deckchairs laid on the grassy hill. Mica braced against a short bamboo railing that framed the open-air theater. Every few feet, burning torches intersected it. She scanned the area.  

The air smelled of popcorn, burgers and the spicy scent of mulled wine that used to fill the streets only in June. To the left of the big screen, by the edge of the woods, five red and white striped canvas stalls provided for food and beverage.  

"You made it." 

His voice alone got her smiling. Mica did an about face and saw that Theo too had a smile on his face. His hair was damp and his perfume was fresh and inviting. 

"Hi," she said at last.  

Her hands left the fence to lay on his shoulders. Mica greeted Theo with friendly cheek-to-cheek kisses and noticed he was alone.  

"This place looks amazing! Where's Alan?" Excitement rushed from up to her cheeks as Mica wondered if the night would belong just to the two of them. 

"He went to pick up some friends with my brother and Leo. They'll be here soon."  

"Oh," she said and overdid a grin to hide her disappointment. "Ok." 

"Should we go in to ensure we get good seats?" Theo offered a hand and Mica took it, feeling warm and light like the summer breeze. In a bold move, he interlaced his fingers with hers. 

This was Mica's first date and it was already much better than she had expected. Her escort was no ordinary boy and this was no ordinary movie session either. She speculated if Theo could tell how nervous she was. Was it noticeable how unused she was to this dating thing? He was a city boy. She figured dating was surely habitual to him. Surely, he must had done this routine dozens of times. 

A few steps ahead, rather than a ticket office, there was a woman perched on a high stool. Her makeup was very theatrical, but more eccentric to Mica than the clothes she was wearing. It was a burgundy suit with velvety shorts and matching tailcoat, which, in Mica's opinion, had no place in Buriti. 

Yellow teeth peeked under deep red lips. "Tickets, please?"  

Theo handed a piece of paper to her and the woman rubbed it between her fingers.  

"You gave me one entrance, sir. Do you have another one?" 

"She's my plus one," Theo replied.  

"Sorry, sir," the woman said, though her tone was unapologetic. These are individual tickets. I'm afraid I can't let you in unless you have another one." She shook the ticket in the air for visual emphasis.  

Embarrassment started crawling up Mica's spine. She looked at Theo. If there was concern hidden in his smile, it was well disguised. With the patience of an angler, he reached inside his back pocket and pulled out his wallet.  

Theo showed his id to the woman. "Will this one do?" 

Next thing Mica knew, apologies were showering over them. The woman's white-gloved hand swept the air, urging them through.  

"Oh my God! I'm deeply sorry, sir. I-I didn't realize. Is there any chance you could forgive me for this little incident?"  

"What incident?" Theo blinked at her with a side smile. 

"Thank you, sir. Go ahead. You can choose whichever seat you like. Enjoy your movie."  

"Thanks. After you." He gestured Mica to enter. 

Chest out, Theo followed Mica into the restricted area and then walked over to a stall nearby. 

His fingers drummed the counter. "Two blankets and pillows, please." 

A young man, who was sweating profusely under the same ludicrous velvety ensemble, nodded in response. He turned to the pile of boxes behind him, from where he collected blankets and pillows, and brought them over to the counter.  

"You can throw the plastic wrappings there." He pointed a big woven basket beside the stall.  

"Great." Theo ripped the first cover. "Thanks." 

"Theo!" someone shouted from the entrance.  

Both Mica and Theo looked to see who had called. They found Bianca standing outside the bamboo fence.  

Disconcerted, Mica recognized the boy beside her. 

"Hey Mica!" Abel called out.  

Apparently, plus one was about to turn into plus three.