Hugs & Blows

Plane

Odette was sitting next to Ethan on their flight home, Ethan was flipping through a script for a role that his agent had all but secured for him. Ethan had done a few minor roles in films but his breakout role was Leon, he was trying to make his way into leading feature films. Odette was hoping that his career would really take off, she knew how passionate about his work he was and she had witnessed at least once a week how immensely talented he was.

She turned to him and smiled, “What’s the plot?”

Ethan shrugged and said “I’m not entirely sure. I think it is some Lolita-like story, We’re seniors in highschool and my next door neighbor who I’m pining for has an affair with someone or something.”

Odette shuddered and chuckled, “I think you’re misusing Lolita.”

“A guy falls in love with a girl who is too young for him?” He said.

“No! A pedofile fixates on a child.” Odette replied.

“No way! She’s like seventeen.” Ethan argued.

“Babe, Lolita was twelve and Humbert Humbert was like fifty.” Odette explained.

“Ew!” Ethan responded shocked, “Why does everyone say that it’s the greatest love story ever written?”

“Because people are stupid. You’ve never read Lolita? Odette asked.

“Nope.” He answered.

“I read it in highschool because I was obsessed with the police.”  Odette told him.

Ethan shut the script and placed his arm around her tiny shoulders, “I’m too freaked out about Lolita to read right now.” he laughed.

She smiled and kissed his temple. Everything felt perfect and that frightened Odette, she felt as though just feeling good was placing a jinx on her life. Ethan pecked Odette on her check and she momentarily forgot her fears.