Crossed Spells

Chapter 24: Growing Closer (Part 1)

Aria stood in front of the Ravenswood cinema, the setting sun bathing the art deco facade in an almost supernatural orange glow. She felt her heart beating a little faster than usual, a mix of anticipation and nervousness creating butterflies in her stomach. It was just a simple trip to the movies, nothing she hadn't done dozens of times before. But tonight was different. Tonight, she was going with Lucas, and for some time now, she had been feeling more and more towards him.

Of course, Marcus and Ivy would be there too. It was actually Ivy who had insisted they all go see the latest romantic film in vogue, a light comedy that didn't really match Aria's usual tastes. Normally, she would have probably found an excuse to avoid this kind of film. But the idea of spending time with Lucas, even surrounded by their friends, even watching a movie she would never have chosen herself, made her strangely eager.

She glanced at her phone, checking the time for the umpteenth time. Lucas should arrive any minute now. Marcus and Ivy were already there, animatedly discussing near the cinema entrance. What surprised Aria the most was Marcus's enthusiasm for this outing. He seemed particularly impatient, which was strange for someone who usually mocked this kind of film.

"Do you think there's something going on between them?" whispered Glimmer from her jacket pocket.

Aria jumped slightly, glancing furtively around to make sure no one had heard. "Shh," she breathed. "You know you're not supposed to talk in public."

She could almost feel Glimmer pouting in her pocket. "Oh, come on," the little light being insisted. "No one can hear me except you. And you have to admit they're both acting weird."

Aria had to admit that Glimmer wasn't wrong. There was something different about the way Marcus and Ivy had been interacting lately. Glances that lingered a bit too long, complicit smiles exchanged when they thought no one was looking. But before she could ponder it further, she spotted Lucas turning the corner of the street.

Her heart leaped in her chest at the sight of him. He was wearing a black leather jacket, his hair slightly tousled by the evening wind. When their eyes met, his face lit up with a smile that melted away some of Aria's anxiety.

"Hey," he said as he reached her. "Sorry for being late. My dad wanted to talk to me before I left."

Aria felt a twinge of worry at the mention of Lucas's father. Since the revelations about the Order of Guardians and the prophecy that seemed to weigh on their shoulders, relationships with their parents had become... complicated, to say the least.

"Is everything okay?" she asked softly.

Lucas shrugged, a gesture meant to be casual but betraying a certain tension. "Same as usual. He's worried, I guess. But let's not talk about that now, okay? Tonight, we're just normal teenagers going to see a stupid movie with their friends."

Aria smiled, grateful for his attempt at lightness. "Normal teenagers, huh? I'm not sure I remember what that feels like."

"Me neither," Lucas admitted with a small laugh. "But we can always try to pretend, right?"

They joined Marcus and Ivy, exchanging cheerful greetings. Aria couldn't help but notice the way Ivy stood a little closer to Marcus than usual, or how the latter's eyes seemed to constantly return to her.

They entered the cinema, the familiar smell of popcorn and candy immediately enveloping them. As they queued to buy their tickets, Aria felt Lucas's hand brush against hers. It was just a fleeting contact, probably accidental, but it was enough to send a shiver along her arm.

"We should buy some popcorn," Ivy suggested once they had their tickets in hand. "It's not a real movie without popcorn."

They headed to the concession stand, Aria trying not to stare too much at Lucas as he placed their order. The dim light of the cinema accentuated the shadows on his face, highlighting the line of his jaw in a way that fascinated her.