[in progress] As hearts collide {chicklit}

Chapter two - the cinema

The rest of the day seemed to ebb away slowly, my nerves cycled like waves against my chest as I contemplated the evening at the cinema. It was the first time I'd been out with anyone besides my mum in a long time and the prospect both thrilled and terrified me. However, mum was annoyingly delighted to hear that I was spending time with Jim again.

"He's a good egg," she declared, her eyes twinkling with approval. I rolled my eyes. "It's just the cinema, so I won't be back late."
"Is it just the two of you?" Her curiosity flared.
"No, no! It's not like that!" I hurriedly replied, "he's going with some of his friends and asked me to tag along. Honestly, I'm not sure why I said yes - I'm already regretting it."
"It's about bloody time you started going out again, instead of being stuck in here. You've got to live your life, love." Mum insisted, her hand a soothing presence on my back. I nodded in agreement.
"What are you going to do?" I asked, nervous about leaving her alone.
"I'll be just fine - there's a TV series and a bottle of white with my name on it. Don't fuss over me, Em." Her strong Bolton accent wrapped around me like a warm hug and I grinned in acceptance before going to get ready.

Jeans felt too much for the balmy evening, so I slipped into a sun-kissed yellow dress that grazed my knees, but kept it relaxed with white Converse. My unruly wavy hair seemed to worsen with the humidity, so I settled for a simple ponytail, with some errant pieces framing my face. A touch of mascara and lip gloss, and I was ready. The doorbell sounded and I dashed to the stairs. "I'll get it!" I shouted, but mum was already at the door.
"Alright Jim, it's been ages love! How are you, how's mum and dad?" She asked excitedly, ushering him inside.
Jim smiled warmly. "All good thanks Tara, thanks for asking."
"It's weird seeing you at the front door," I admitted, wrinkling my nose at him. He laughed.
"It feels weird knocking! I'm so used to coming through the garden, but I didn't want to ruin another pair of jeans." I giggled and nodded in agreement.
"Good choice. Shall we?" I asked, grabbing my battered brown handbag and keys before kissing mum on the cheek.
"Let's do it - nice to see you Tara, see you soon."
"You too - have fun!"

As I closed the door behind me, the warmth of the day was starting to fade, leaving a chill in the air.
"Maybe I should grab a cardigan or something, it's gotten colder." I mused aloud, clutching my bag.
"You can wear my hoodie if you like, I'm sweltering," Jim offered, slipping it off his shoulders.
"You've always been warm blooded,"I teased, accepting the hoodie with gratitude. The faded blue fabric enveloped me and held sweet memories alongside traces of his deodorant. It was comforting.
"Walk or bus?" Jim asked, standing at the bottom of the steps. "Let's walk," I decided, pulling the hoodie closer. "We can catch the bus home later."

The short journey to town unfolded in silence. To break the ice, I thanked him for the invitation. "You didn't have to invite me tonight, but I really appreciate it." Jim nodded, his eyes kind.
"It's about time we hung out again, it really has been too long. I won't take it to heart that you rejected me for the cool crew." He joked, smirking at me. "I haven't seen much of anyone lately," I confessed softly. He studied me, concern etching his features. "How are you doing?"
"Well... it's been quite a year," I replied, my voice catching, "but I'm ok. Worried about mum."
"She looks worried about you. You've changed over the summer; I barely recognised you last week," Jim observed.
"I feel different. Like a part of me is missing." I admitted, blinking back tears. Jim's arm slid around my shoulder, "If you ever need to chat, I'm here you know."
"I know - thanks," I choked out.
"Even if you did leave me to hang out with the popular gang, I'll always be there for you." He joked again softly.
I scoffed, my voice edged with bitterness. "Trust me, it wasn't all it cracked up to be. I'm just glad I didn't lose you as well, J." Tears welled in my eyes, and Jim's arm tightened around me.
"It's gonna be okay, Em," he murmured. "I'm not sure when, but it will." His words were a lifeline, and I silently agreed, wiping away the tears. The last thing I needed was puffy red eyes when meeting the others.

We spend the rest of the journey talking about movies – a welcomed distraction from the emotional conversation that preceded it. As the cinema beckoned ahead, Jim's friends; Jamie, Eamon and Alex awaited us outside.

We'd both known Jamie since Primary School, his bright auburn hair and intense blue eyes made him both colorful and striking. Jim met Eamon at football training. I didn't know him well, but Jim always spoke highly of him. A little shorter than Jim, Eamon had broad shoulders and jaw-length blonde hair that was perpetually slicked back – very David Beckham in the late 90s. And finally, the new boy Alex, who was still very much shrouded in mystery.

As we approached Jim's friends, I couldn't help but notice their contrasting vibes. Jamie and Eamon radiated warmth, their familiarity comforting. But Alex - the tall stranger - fixed me with a mischievous grin that sent my self-consciousness into overdrive.
"Emily! Good to see you, it's been ages!" Jamie said warmly as his hand landed on my shoulder. I immediately blushed. "Hey, J, Eamon," I greeted, my voice shy. Then I turned to Alex, offering a tentative smile. "Hi, I'm Emily - Em. Nice to meet you." I extended my hand, and he chuckled.
"I remember you from PE," he replied, his voice deeper and more confident than I'd expected. "I'm Alex." Our handshake was brief, but my trembling fingers betrayed my nerves, and I blushed again.
Jim, standing nearby, wore an expression I couldn't decipher. "Shall we grab the tickets?" I asked, eager to escape the spotlight. Jim snapped out of his daydream. "Yes, and the popcorn. Don't worry, I'll get my own. This girl is lethal if you touch her popcorn boys - be warned."
"Good to know," Alex quipped, and I lowered my head, following Jim into the cinema.

As we queued for our tickets, silent trailers played on screens behind the cashier desks. The film we were about to watch was based on a video game I knew nothing about. But the boys seemed excited.
As if reading my thoughts, Alex leaned in and said, "You don't strike me as a Warcraft fan, Emily." My name played on his tongue, sending a shiver down my back. I looked up and noticed a small smile playing on his lips. Annoyed by his cockiness, I decided to play him at his own game.
"Oh? How so?"
"It's for geeks! And you don't strike me as one of those."
"Are you suggesting I'm stupid?" I retorted, amused when his eyes widened. Jim chuckled, turning to Alex. "She's got you, pal. Stop while you still can."
Alex laughed heartily, raising his hands in surrender. "Touché Emily, touché."

As the credits rolled on the cinema screen, we spilled out into the cool evening air and walked to the bus stop. Jim looked lost in his thoughts as Eamon, the joker of our group, was mimicking a scene from the film, much to Jamie's amusement.
Alex, with his unruly dark hair and eyes that held secrets, leant against the bus stop shelter, the dim light casting shadows across his face. His lips curved into a half-smile as he caught my eye. I felt my heart skip a beat, and I cursed myself for such an overwhelming reaction. "So, what did you think of the film?"

I turned to face him, my pulse racing. "It was good... not what I was expecting, in a good way."
"Aha! I knew you weren't a Warcraft fan!" he said triumphantly, with a grin that irritated me.
"So, what are you into?" he asked, leaning closer. The hairs on the back of my neck stood to attention. "Stuff," I replied coyly, evading the question. But he wasn't satisfied.
"...like?" he continued.
"Oh, you know... the normal stuff." I tilted my head, daring him to press further.
"Cute," he murmured, stepping back.

The boys were waiting, watching us with raised eyebrows. Jim, ever the protective friend, shot me a concerned look. I nodded, assuring him silently that I was ok. As Alex rejoined the group, I leant against the bus stop, my heart still racing.

As the bus pulled away, Jim and I waved to the others before we continued on to our homes. Our footsteps echoed in the quiet night, our shadows cast by the street lamps above us. Jim's warm voice broke the silence. "I'm really glad you came tonight, Em."

I smiled, feeling a flutter of nerves. "Me too - thanks for inviting me."

He nodded, his eyes lingering on mine. "About Alex... He's pretty intense, isn't he? Clearly likes you."
"It doesn't matter, I'm not interested." I answered, almost a little too quickly.
Jim raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
I rolled my eyes playfully. "I'm not into anything right now. This is my first night out in ages. I'm just getting used to the world again, and I'm definitely not looking for a boyfriend." Reaching out houses, I reluctantly return his hoodie and the cold air whips around me, sending a shiver down my spine.

"Thanks," he said, slinging the hoodie over his shoulder. "We should do this again soon."

I nodded, my heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time. "I'd love that." I hugged him briefly, before opening my door and walking in. As I locked up behind me, I wondered if maybe, just maybe, I could start to feel whole again.