holiday syndrome

10. the movie

"was he yours, if he wanted me so bad?"

gif: mads

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     MADS had a humourous way of slipping back into Marley's life just when things were going back to normal. Marley may not have understood her conversation with her sister the week before, but she wasn't exactly obsessing over it. If her sister wanted to be crazy, then so be it. One more thing Marley could pride herself in not being. But apparently Mads did not get the memo that he was not supposed to be a part of Marley's natural life, proving such when he showed up at her door on a Tuesday night.

     Calling her in a time of loneliness like the night they spent together at the bar was far different that taking a taxi directly to her house in the quest of 'hanging out'. Marley was beginning to feel like her and Mads were developing a friendship that she had never really asked for. But she had a feeling she would have to take responsibility for it anyways, and get past whatever uncomfortable feeling being his friend brought along.

     Maybe she just felt guilty for enjoying his company more than she did with most people. Maybe for noticing the way he was drawn to her when she didn't think she was supposed to. This was not an arrangement she was well versed in.

     "I'm sorry to show up unannounced, it's just such a dreadfully rainy day and you're the only other person I know who doesn't make many plans. Not that it's an insult to what you're comfortable with—well I suppose that I just enjoy your company."

      Her eyes narrowed slightly away from his view as she walked in front of him, leading him into the kitchen. He followed like a puppy dog and didn't seem to mind her momentary silence while she put on the kettle. She was going to need tea if she were to spend time with him, having her hands empty made her nervous. Marley relied on the handle to fiddle with, letting her thumb run up and down it. She liked to hold it so tightly in her hands that it would make them feel like they were holding fire.

      "Well I don't do much, that's for sure. You're right to assume that I'm free more often than not."

      He frowned, probably realizing that his words had been rather insensitive. Marley didn't bother mentioning that she didn't care; he had been just stating the facts.

     "I was wondering if you wanted to go see a movie, we could even grab a bite to eat after if you wanted. Like regular people do, if that's even what they do. I could show you the restaurant I work at even, if you wanted."

     A movie and dinner. Like regular people.

     Marley pursed her lips and avoided meeting his gaze, pouring hot water into two teacups. She didn't have to ask if he wanted some, it was just polite to do so. Somehow she didn't peg Mads as a tea kind of person though.

     It only took one long sip of practically scorching apple cinnamon tea to realize that she might have actually wanted to go with Mads. It had been so long since someone invited her out to do anything, other than some colleagues at work. She even missed Mads' gentle presence that she didn't find to be a quality in most people. Especially not the people in her life.

     "I'd love to."

     She lifted her eyes to finally meet his as she set a cup of tea on the table in front him. He had sat down at some point so she was looking down at him slightly, a superior feeling washing over her as his reaction displayed surprise. He obviously hadn't expected her to agree so quickly, if at all, and Marley decided it was a look that gave her somewhat of a high. The ability to surprise someone meant that she was not so predictable after all.