Played.

14: "Best Movie Ever!"

"Maddie, wake up!"

I felt someone shaking me.

"You've got your date with Marcus today!"

I slowly opened my eyes to see Bailey sitting on her knees, next to me on the bed, with a ridiculous grin on her face.

"I knew that would wake you up." She laughed, poking me.

"What time is it?" I asked, sitting up in the silky purple covers, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

"Nine O'Clock." She was already up, walking around the room.

Last night, Marcus had text me, we were to meet outside the movie theatre at 10:30 am, even though the movie would begin at 11:10 am, we needed extra time because it was always busy. The theatre was close, only ten minutes from Bailey's house, which gave me more than enough time.

"I've picked out some clothes for you." I felt material hit me. "Thank you, Bailey, you're such a great friend." She sang to herself. "Oh, Maddie, you shouldn't." She put a hand to her chest and shook her head.

I slid out of the comfy bed, picking up the clothes from where they had landed, and examined them; a short cropped, white tank top, a pale blue skater skirt and flat white ballet pumps. Cute.

"Get in the shower, I'll make breakfast." Bailey ordered, walking out of the room.

"You're the best!" I shouted, running into the bathroom.

                                                                ****

"You all set?" Bailey straightened out my skirt from behind me.

"I think so."

We both stood in the hallway, staring into a full-sized mirror that was attached to the wall.

"Girl, you look so pretty." She wrapped her arms around my shoulders.

"Thank you." I smiled, my eyes still fixed on the mirror.

"You better get going. It's ten fifteen already."

She released me, allowing me to pick up my bag and walk toward the door.

"Oh, say bye to your parents for me." I remembered.

"Okay. Text me everything when you get home." She hollered to me as I left.

                                                                ****

I checked the time: ten twenty-eight. I was early, albeit by two minutes. As I came to a stop outside the movie theatre, I scanned my surroundings, in the hope of seeing Marcus. After a full 360, I established that he wasn't here yet, giving me a bit of extra time to get ready.

"Maddie!"

I spoke too soon, for there, across the road, was Marcus, walking toward me.

"Hey, Marcus." We pulled each other into a quick embrace.

"You look," His eyes slowly travelled up and down me. "Beautiful."

I felt my cheeks burn, a tingling feeling building in my stomach. I couldn't control it, it felt weird, special.

"Thank you." I looked down, trying to hide my glowing cheeks.

"Come on, let's go and see the movie." He ushered me inside.

                                                                ****

"Best movie ever!"

We walked out of the screening, both on a high, smiling and laughing. I felt like my high was not just because of how great the movie was, but because of the fact that throughout the whole thing, Marcus and I sat close together, at some point, his arm managing to find its way around my shoulder.

I don't know why it made me so happy, it just did. Though I thought I would be, I wasn't uncomfortable with it. Surprisingly, I felt the complete opposite, I was comfortable, leaning closer to him and resting my head on his shoulder.

I felt really close with him in that moment, not just because I was literally close, but personally too. It could have been the constant time spent together lately, or the way we got on so well, I don't know, but whatever it was, I liked it.