"Why do we have to go to school every day?"
"So we learn stuff."
"But why every single day? Don't they know we get tired?"
"Adults don't care. They just keep going."
"Well, I'm tired of it."
ｃｈｒｉｓ
The autumn air is crisp, carrying the scent of fallen leaves and a hint of rain, but my nose is too stuffy to fully appreciate it. I shiver, snuggling further into my baby blue sweater.
The marquee of the old theatre glows.
PLAYING TONIGHT
SHADOWS OF THE UNSEEN
"You're going to love it," Whitney assures me, her eyes bright beneath the soft halo of streetlights. Her hair cascades over her shoulders in gentle waves. She's in a pretty almond-coloured sweater beneath a flowy copper sundress. Jed's right—she's a golden F chord.
"Can we regroup?" I ask, my voice coming out nasally. I sniff discreetly, hoping neither of them notice. "You know how I feel about jump scares."
Cam loops her arm through mine, her curls bouncing as she skips along. "Come on, it'll be fun! Besides, we'll protect you from all the big, bad monsters." She grins, the gap between her front teeth making her smile all the more infectious.
Actually, I'm infectious. I think I'm sick.
"Stop frowning!" Cam donned her usual comfy attire—a baggy sweatshirt, loose jeans, and sneakers. "Chris!"
I feel another sneeze coming and turn away, muffling it into my elbow.
"What the fuck?!" Cam jumps back, making a cross with her fingers. "Stay away, demon! I shall not be sick!"
Whitney eyes me with concern. She always worries about the big c-word coming back.
"I'm fine." I wipe my nose with a tissue I hastily pull from my pocket.
Cam brings that cross back up to my face, hissing, "Demon."
"Enough." Whitney ushers us inside where the buttery aroma of popcorn beckons us.
The warmth of the theatre envelops us like a cozy blanket. I seriously wish I was back in my room with said cozy blanket.
The lobby is a charming mix of vintage decor and modern touches—the walls adorned with movie posters, the floors a checkerboard of black and white tiles that echo.
"Popcorn?" Whitney suggests, nodding towards the concession stand.
Cam's already making a beeline for the counter. "And candy!"
We trail after her, my gaze drifting over the assortment of treats displayed like jewels behind the glass.
My mind's a bit darker than usual. It's Fox, but it's not his fault. It's empathy, and it's draining. I'm so worried for him, but he's been putting a bit of distance between us after the roof.
The professor... I know how hard Fox tried, and how the man likely never had a chance. I've seen it enough times to know Code Blue rarely runs that long with success.
I'm sad for it.
Cam is practically vibrating with energy as she orders. "I'll have a large popcorn with extra butter, peanut butter cups, peanut M&M's, and... ooh, is that peanut brittle? Yes. Yes I want it. Yes, in addition."
YOU ARE READING
Beside
Romance''Tell me how it feels,'' he whispers. "Good," I gasp, my entire body trembling. Deeper. Harder. Perfect -- like we've been doing this for years. His hand finds my jaw, fingers firm as he tilts my head up, making me look at him. And that's it. Wav...
