Everyone's Shadow

Chapter Four.

It was hot and humid in the back seat of Jim's car. Paige was sitting upfront next to Jim and although there could've been a space between us Alex chose to sit right next to me barely leaving me any leg room. We were on our our to an Italian restaurant and after that we were suppose to see a movie at the movie theater next door. It was awkward in the car since Jim and Paige were talking and laughing up a storm while Alex and I were sitting quietly in the backseat. We exchanged a few questions back and forth, but nothing interesting other than “What's your favorite color?”Not to mention Jim was a horrible driver. He kept making me crash into Alex, making us even closer together. Although, that could've been on purpose given the Cheshire cat grins Paige kept throwing at the backseat.

We finally reached the restaurant and I got out slowly, hoping my dress didn't pull up. We entered the restaurant and Alex grabbed my hand and opened the door for me. Hmmmm. Maybe he is not as bad as I thought he was going to be. The hostess grabbed four menus and lead our group to our seats. I sat in my seat, and surprisingly Alex came behind me and pushed me in. Out of all the blind dates I had on before, this had to be the best one yet.

Jim and Paige didn't pay any attention to us, so we had to make small talk. Alex lead most of the conversation, talking about his basketball skills and asking Jim every few seconds to confirm it. I was on the verge of dying of boredom when the waitress came, setting our plates in front of us. I took the opportunity to shove my food into my mouth so I wouldn't have to speak. As I was finishing up my lasagna I felt something move across my foot and I realized in horror Alex was trying to play footsies with me. I felt him staring at me, and my face instantly turned red. I was debating whether or not if I should get up. Should I risk getting up and having the chance for him to check me out or do I stay and have my foot being violated?

I made my decision as his foot brushed by my knee. I stood up and said quickly, “I have to use the restroom.” I walked away and went into a stall. I spent five minutes just waiting it out until I heard the restroom door opened.

“Ezzy?”I heard Paige call out impatiently. I flushed the toilet and came out, trying to look sick.

“Sorry I thought I was about to get sick. I don't know if it's a good idea for me to go to the theaters.”

“Oh no you're not! I know you're lying face Ezzy, and you are totally making it right now,” said Paige, crossing her arms.

“Well I don't think Alex is my type so it would be easier if I can just go home and you guys can continue this date,”I replied.

Paige sighed and said, “Fine.”

I stared at her, not believing I just heard her agree. “Fine?”

“Fine,” she confirm. I smiled and was making my past her as she continued, “I guess Alex will just have to be alone and get ditched on his first actual date. I mean, it will be unfortunate since he will always remember being ditched.” She leaned into the mirror, reapplying her lip gloss. “But whatever right? It's not your problem.”

I rolled my eyes and sighed frustrated. Of course she would make me feel bad. She knew I couldn't hurt his feelings and ruin his first date. I walked out the door and sat next across from Alex again. He grinned and as Paige came back to the table she asked, “Are you guys ready to hit the movie theaters? I want to get back in time to watch Identity Thief.” The guys nodded and we walked out, leaving a ten dollar tip for our waitress.

We reached the movie theater and Alex paid for our popcorn. I made sure to order an extra large; there was no way he would want to kiss me if I had popcorn breath right?

We sat all the way in the back and as the previews started I saw Paige and Jim making out. The movie hasn't even started and already were they in action! I rolled my eyes and focus my gaze on the big screen. Well, tried to anyway. Alex put his arms around me and smiled down at me. “I'm glad you're my date for this evening. You're so far the beautifulest girl that I had gone on a date with.” I smiled and squeezed the hand that was on my shoulder. “Thanks Alex, you aren't so bad yourself.”