That Fake Love: English version

Chapter thirteen

-  With pleasure Miss Rose!

He took me by the hand and brought me inside. I was quite surprised by the sudden gesture but I couldn't help thinking that his hand was... really soft. That thought made me blush but fortunately for me it didn't last long. He let go of my hand and turned to me.

-  What kind of movie do you like?

-  Kind of everything...

-  Even horror movies?

-  Yes

He had a mischievous smile.

- Ok. So you're okay with «Dracula»?

-  "Dracula"? The original movie?

-  Yep.

-  Okay! I'll get the seats and you get the food and drinks?

- Alright, what do you want?

-  Would you mind getting me some popcorn and a Sprite ?

- Sure, I'd do anything for you.

I laughed but as soon as he left I started to blush. I bought the seats and joined him. Then we entered in the room and sat side by side of course. He leaned over, smiled at me and looked into my eyes. He seemed to be waiting for something.

- What's the matter? You want a kiss ?

I was just teasing him, I didn't mean to really do. But he looked at me with a big smile and put one of his hands behind my neck.

- If you're offering it to me so nicely ...

He lean closer and for a moment I thought he was really going to kiss me. But he just gave me a little peck on the cheek. My heart was racing so badly in my chest and I was as red as his sweatshirt. He went away and, seeing my face, laughed. I hit him lightly on the shoulder and tried to hide my face.

-  Stop laughing, it's not funny!

-  Why? You should see your face right now...

He kept laughing. It really started to annoy me and I ended up answering in a cold tone.

-  It's easy for you. You have nothing to lose because you love me. But it's really unpleasant when the person in front of you doesn't like you.

I realized that my words were really hurting, but it was already too late. I turned to him and looked in his eyes. He had stopped laughing, he looked really hurt by what I just said. His eyes were wet. After a few seconds he turned to the projection screen and whispered.

- It's okay, I get it.

I felt really bad toward him now and sincerely regretted what I said. I took his hand.

-  No... wait... that's not what I meant...

He pulled away his hand softly, reluctantly and whispered.

-  That's exactly what you meant...

-  Plea-

The film started and interrupted me. I had tears in my eyes. I didn't want him to be sad, my heart was hurting to see him like that. I tried to take his hand in mine but he stopped me and mumbled:

- Stop making me hope...

I took a deep breath and leaned over to whisper:

-  Listen to me for five seconds please... I didn't mean that I don't love you, I'm just  not sure if what I feel towards you the love of a girlfriend or if it's just that I appreciate you as my close friend... That's also why I asked you for time...

He sighed and finally said:

- Why do I want to believe you...

- Then believe me, because it's the truth.

He stared at me and I smiled slightly at him, whispering.

-  I don't want to hurt you, it hurts me as well...

He smiled at me and took my hand...

-  Okay... MY Miss Rose...

I wanted to laugh but I held back.

-  My?

-  Yes... because I'm the only one who's allowed to call you Miss Rose...

- Okay, I'm your Miss Rose.

After that we didn't talk during the whole movie, we just held hands and I was pretty happy that it was dark... It kept him from seeing me blush every time he moved his hand to squeeze mine harder.  He used to put it on the back of fear due to some scenes in the film but I knew full well that it was only an excuse. I even wondered if it was not due to another fear... The fear of losing me, of losing all those precious moments that we were sharing together... At the end of the film we left the room and we were heading for the exit. He stared at me for a while before finally saying:

-  Um... Do you mind doing something else before we go home?

- Like what?

-  I... I don't know... I just wanted to spend a little more time with you...

- Let's walk a little bit and see where it takes us, okay?

He smiled at me and nodded. I was really happy to see him smile again when he looked at me, and I was even more glad that he didn't blame me for what I had said. I could had done anything if it meant he would continue to smile and be happy. We went out of the cinema and, unfortunately for us, my mother was standing there waiting for us. She waved her hand at us with a big smile.

- Oh look, there's your mother!

He waved his hand at her, the discomfort  that I felt a few seconds ago vanished little by little when I saw that my mother's presence did not disturb him; on the contrary, he seemed happy to see her heading towards us. It seemed like he had an idea in mind and my mother had just brought him on a silver platter the way to make it happen ...

-  So, Jim, did you take good care of my daughter?

- Of course, ma'am!

He smiled at her and put his arm over my shoulder.

-  Everything went well then? You two had a good time?

-  Everything went perfectly and I think we had a good time together, right Rose?

- Uh, yeah yeah.

-  But tell me, boy, how did you plan to bring my daughter back?

-  I must admit that since your daughter is quite stubborn, I had given up the idea...

I wanted to shout "You world wide biggest liar!" but I held back and contented to raise my eyes.

-  Rose, it could have been dangerous to go home alone! Thank goodness that I came... And the next time you go out, you will be absolutely taken back home. Is it clear?

-  Yes mom...

I sighed and looked away. I just wanted to get out of this situation. Of course, my mother thought it was not enough and decided to add a dose.

- Jim, how about coming home for dinner?