Even Through the Storm

4. A Night at the Theater

"Okay, so, are we in the mood for romance, comedy, action, or kids?" I ask Asher. We are in the ticket line at the theater trying to decide on a movie.

"Um, how about romance or action."

"I heard the boy dies, though," Dri barges in.

"Thanks for that info, Dri. So I guess romance is out now." The people in front of us leave, so now it's our turn. "Um, three tickets to Break Away please." I hand the cashier forty dollars. She gives me three tickets.

"Theater seven," she says. We leave the ticket line and go into the food one.

"Same as always?" I ask Asher.

"You know it." He kisses my cheek. We get to the front of the line.

"One large popcorn and a chocolate bar please." I give the new cashier a twenty dollar bill.

"Here's your candy. And here's the popcorn. Toppings in that room over there."

"Dri, we're going to go find some seats, okay?" I ask.

"Yeah. One large soda, and some popcorn please," she asks the cashier. We go into the theater and take our seats in the front row, making sure to save a seat for Dri behind us. I open my chocolate and eat a piece.

"Want one?" I ask Asher.

"No, I'm good. Want some popcorn?"

"Sure." He feeds me a kernel. Dri sits down behind us as the lights dim. Asher's hand slips into mine and I lay my head against his shoulder.

"Ready?" Asher says, kissing me on my forehead.

"Ready."

***

"I'm confused. Was that ending happy, or sad?" I ask once the lights go up and the ending credits start to play. Ash's arm is still around my shoulder.

"I don't know, but I do know you murdered my arm," he says.

"Good. I'm hungry. Let's go eat somewhere."

"It's eight thirty," Dri says. "And you ate that chocolate bar and all of Ash's popcorn."

"So?"

"It was a large," says Ash. "And in five minutes."

"Well then." Asher and I kiss. "Race ya'." I sprint out of the theater and into the parking lot, before slowing down and walking to Asher's car. A few minutes later Ash and Dri follow. He unlocks the doors and I get into the passenger seat.

"First stop, Dri's house. Second, we'll figure that out later." Ash drives to Dri's dad's house, then lets her out.

"Bye, Dri!" I say.

"Bye, Lo, bye, Ash." Asher waits for Dri to go inside before starting the car.

"So, your house, or mine?" He asks.

"One thousand percent mine," I answer. "Your Mom hates me."

"She doesn't hate you. She just doesn't, like, this." He motions to my clothes.

"What's wrong with my clothes?"

"Well, I love them, but my Mom thinks they're a little, how should I say this, skimpy."

"What? Skimpy? That's it. Your house. Now!" He turns into a restaurant parking lot and stops the car.

"Lo, you're overreacting. You know she comes from a religious family..."

"No! Stop! Do not tell me that I am overreacting. My dad feeds you, gives you a place to stay, everything. But your mom won't even let me into your house because of my clothes?"

"Lo..."

"No. Let me speak. It is summer. The low is ninety-five degrees, and she expects me to wear a sweater? No! This is what I want to wear, so this is what I'm gonna' wear!"

"Lola! It's no big deal. I love you. That's all that matters. So, my mom doesn't like one tiny thing about you, who cares? She's not dating you! I am. And to me, you're perfect." Asher kisses me. "Now, let's get you home."