Prompt: Dating someone you discover is not human
They always liked home dates for whatever reason, and I always obliged but I wanted something different for our 6th month anniversary. I decided to surprise them this time with tickets to a movie. It was your typical horror flick, they love horror movies. I smile to myself waiting for them at my front porch. Soon enough I see the same sweet smile, mysterious eyes and sleek hair approaching me. I always felt this lingering feeling around them that they were hiding something, but it all gets rushed over with a wave of happiness and love. If they are hiding something, then I'll wait until they're ready to tell me. As for now, we have a movie date.
"darlin'!" they yelled estaticially, their dress swaying as they ran towards me.
We hugged the moment we met and I couldn't stop myself from smiling. I grabbed their hand and motioned them to come in.
"What should we watch today darlin'?" they asked me.
"Actually I already picked one for us," I said through a smile.
"Well don't keep me hangin'! What'd you pick?" they said through a giggle
I took out the tickets I kept in my pocket and handed one to them.
"Why don't we watch a movie in theaters for once?" i suggested
Their bright smile started to fade a little. They looked worried in a way. Mine started to drop as well, wondering if I said something wrong.
"Well if you don't want to that's okay, i just wanted a little change" I quickly said.
They paused for a second, putting on a smile again yet this time not as genuine.
"Not at all darlin' was just surprised is all," they paused again, "I'd love to go!"
I still wasn't convinced. We haven't been dating for long but I can tell when somethings off.
"We really dont have t-"
"No really, I'd love to go darlin!" they said cutting me off.
I smiled slightly, they were doing this for me. I decided to let it slide since I could tell they were trying.
"Thanks Sophie," I sighed.
..
We were a block away from the theatre and Sophie still looked off. Usually they're bouncing off the walls but they were staring down at the floor, scratching at their arms.
"Can I ask you something sophie?" i say,eyes furrowed
I seemed to have startled them as their head snapped up.
"Oh, of course darlin'" they smiled timidly
"Do you have agoraphobia or something else that I don't know about?" I asked with a straight face.
"Not at all darlin'. It's just been awhile i've been around so many people" they answered, looking back down.
I sighed, not wanting to pry anymore as it was visibly making them uncomfortable. I gripped their hand once more to reassure them and they flashed the same faded smile. I just smiled back and prayed that some food would cheer them up. We finally reached the theatre and the moment we stepped inside we were hit by the fresh popcorn smell. I looked to my side and Sophie's face was already brightening up. They love popcorn, especially the smell. I walked to the cashier and asked for one large popcorn and 2 sodas. I look behind me and whispered to my date,
"Would you like anything else?" I asked
Before sophie could answer the cashier cut them off
"What was that?" they asked
"Oh, nothing" I say.
I look back at Sophie and they shake their head and smile. As I finished our order I walked up to the ticket person and gave my two tickets. The employee looked at me perplexed.
"Is something wrong?" I asked
I looked for Sophie while the employee stared at the tickets but they were behind me, as if they were hiding.
"Are you perhaps waiting for someone to come?" the employee finally asked.
"No?" I say, confused, "I'm here with my date" I say.
I turned around to show off Sophie but they grabbed my arm.
"Just go" they said sternly, looking down.
"What?" was the only word that could come out of my mouth.
"I said, are you perhaps waiting for someone to come?" repeated the employee
"I know, I heard you, they're right here" I said starting to get annoyed
"Who's right here?" he asked again.
"One second" I sighed.
I try to hand over the food to Sophie but they backed up, seemingly afraid.
"Wait, darlin'.." they said , almost pleading.
"I'm sorry Sophie but can you please take this" I demanded this time.
They grabbed the food reluctantly. I looked back at the employee and he was pale, mouth agape. Before I could say anything I heard murmurs across the theatre. I examined the room and they were all looking as if they saw something that they shouldn't have been seeing. All eyes were on Sophie, as they were gripping the food in their hands like it was a matter of life or death. Eyes watering and face red. I once again opened my mouth to say something, but no words came out as the realization hit me. They weren't staring at sophie. They were staring past Sophie. Gazing at the view of popcorn and fountain drinks that were seemingly floating in mid air.
