Cold Hearted

Chapter 6

"Do you want some  more popcorn?" Kyle held the bag out towards me. I grabbed a handful of buttered goodness and shoved it into my mouth. It left my throat dry and tasting like salt so I took a sip of coke.

'No! Try not! Do, or do not, there is no try.'

I spent 4 hours in April's hands before Kyle picked me up. At least 2 1/2 hours of that was picking an outfit. "You're wearing that?" April sneered, eyeing my ripped jeans and Raptors hockey sweatshirt.

"Well not anymore..."

"Luckily I know you so well I picked up a little something for you on my way here." She pulled a short black skirt, floral crop top, and matching lace G-string and pushup bra out of a striped Victoria Secret bag.

"What's this?"

"An outfit."

"For a hooker."

"No! Trust me. You'll look hot."

"I'm not planning on getting laid tonight."

"You never know! Plans change. You can't be hooked on Rylan your whole life."

"I'm not-" Then I realized she was right. He's leaving. Kyle will be here. Everything is changing. Plans change.

"You okay?" His voice brought me back.

"Yeah I'm fine." I responded with a weak smile. "I think I just had too much popcorn." Before he could answer I was already out of the theater. I just needed some air. I walked into the bathroom and stood in front of the sink. When I looked in the mirror I saw myself, or at least someone who looks a lot like me. My hair was brushed and curled, my face looked like a magazine and my boobs looked two sizes bigger then they really are. Nothing about this was normal. When I walked out, Kyle was waiting.

"What's wrong? Are you sick? I can take you home-"

"No I'm good." I interrupted. He gave me a look that suggested he did not believe me. "I promise. Let's go back in." I tried reentering the theater but he blocked me with his arm.

"Why don't we go for a walk?" he suggested.

"What about the movie?"

"We'll catch it when it comes out on Netflix."

We left through the big entrance doors and were instantly swallowed by the darkness. I had to quint to see my own hand. Once my eyes adjust, I follow Kyle around the building. Lining the back is a set of trees and a path laced with fairy lights leading to the Canal. We walk along the shoreline on the sand and watch the boats pass by. The lights from the bridge shedding just enough to see general shapes within 10 feet from us. The moon shone on the lake, creating an image like a pathway across the water. I closed my eyes and inhaled It all. The trees, the mist, his cologne. I never noticed how good it smelled. How good he smelled. It reminded me of the inside of a Hollister store. When I reopened my eyes he was standing in front of me. His warm breath blowing against my skin. His eyes scattering between all the features of my face. Mouth nose, left eye, right eye, repeat. Suddenly they froze, staring at my mouth. I licked my lips and curled the bottom one between my teeth. Slowly he started getting closer. I moved my face closer as well but moved too swiftly and knocked our noses together.

"Oh my god I'm so sorry! I can't believe I just did that!"

"It's okay..." He whispered with a hint of rasp in his voice. "Go slow..." He grabbed my chin and tilted my head up. His hands were firm but soft. I couldn't see anything but felt his lips wrap around mine. Warm and comforting. He pulled away but part of me wanted more. I saw him smile, still only inches from my face. It felt bizarre. Like this was right, which is why it was so wrong. I could feel the girl inside of me bubble up in my stomach. I wanted to scream and cry and smile all at the same time. He started walking backwards. No! Come back!  He turned and continued walking away. Only when he got arms length away did I feel a pull at my shoulder and noticed my fingers interlocked with his.