Changing the Stars

Chapter 8: E for Effort

When we finally made it to the theater I ordered two tickets. I went to grab my wallet, but Daniel beat me to it. I tried to protest, "Hey- I was going to- wait!" He started to walk away with our tickets while I was still stammering.

"Daniel! I am a grown woman! I can pay for my own stuff."

"You are definitely grown- but this is a date. I can't let you pay for yourself, silly." He looked me up and down when he said I was a grown woman.

 I started blushing, and finally decided that I would get him back next time. I also couldn't think straight because I realized that we were on our first date. Even while ordering popcorn, candy, and soda, I was still a little shocked. 

He grabbed my hand and we went into our theater to see a movie. We wanted to pick something we both liked, so we decided to watch a action/comedy. I wasn't really that into chick-flicks, so it wasn't a hard compromise. 

We sat down directly in the middle of the back. That was my favorite spot because most people wanted to sit in the middle rows. We set the popcorn between us, and the previews started.

We played the trivia game on the screen, and then laughed so hard that the people all the way in the front already started to hated us. 

When the movie began I got comfortable and rested my feet up on the chair in front of me. Daniel did the same, but they he gently put his arm around me and pulled me closer when I didn't protest.

During to whole movie I could only think about my life. Especially the part that Daniel was in. I didn't know when my new "bodyguard" would start following me, but I was already feeling safer. 

I snuggled up to Daniel's warmth and tried to pay attention to the movie. When the movie came to an end we stood up and tried to get out before everyone else. 

Daniel was practically dragging me down the aisle trying to rush out. He let go and said, "race you to the bottom!" Naturally, I'm a competitive person, but I just couldn't compete with his longer legs. 

He made it to the bottom, and when he turned around I went flying. I lost my footing when I was almost to the bottom, so I ran smack into him. Daniel was surprising prepared though.

He opened him arms and caught me in an embrace to make it look as though we planned this. I was so glad that I came here with Daniel because I honestly think I'm falling for him. Literally and figuratively. Once I recovered, we headed out.

I almost tried to race him again, but I realized that concrete would hurt a hell of a lot more than the carpet in the theater. We jumped in his car, and immediately started laughing.

"Dri, I can't believe you attacked me in a movie theater!"

"Hey! Don't start rumors! I tripped by accident."

"I can't believe I'm falling for a clumsy girl. Good thing I have really good coordination."

I laughed and replied, "Okay Mr. Confident. If you ever fall or trip I will hold it over you forever!"

"Deal. But I won't!"

We laughed and decided to take a break from our banter. He turned on the radio and I think my heart melted more for him. It couldn't get any better for a girl sitting next to a hot guy singing Taylor Swift. I was having so much fun that I decided to help him sing the chorus. 

After what felt like seconds we pulled up to my dorm. I saw Care heading in.

"Daniel I had a really great time tonight. That's Care going in, so I'm going to try to catch up to her since I think I forgot my key."

He chuckled and said, "I had a great time too. I'll text you later."

I gave him a quick peck on the lips and ran out to catch up with Care.

"Care! Wait up!"

"Dri? Hey! How was your date?!"

"It was amazing! He had the hottest car and even paid for me!"

When we got back to the room I gave her more details. She wanted to call it quits since she had had a long day, and I agreed. I laid down with my fuzzy purple blanket and my black comforter and tried to sleep.

Except I couldn't. I had such an amazing time that I almost forgot about the call. Almost. I turned over in my sleep and shut my eyes until morning. I don't know if I slept, but I was glad I got some rest. 

I ran into James per usual due to our synced morning class. I was in less of a prissy mood, thanks to Daniel last night. The first thing he said was not the best though.

"Hey Dri, how was your DATE last night?" He emphasized date, and I did not like where it was going.

"How do you know about it, and why do you care?"

"I have some mutual friends in his frat house, and they told me he was going on a date. I assume it was with you." - he sneered.

"Why don't you stop being a jerk and pay attention."

The professor walked in, and I was glad that he finally stopped talking. I sat with a scowl on my face for the rest of the lecture. Thanks, James, for putting me in a bad mood again.

I walked to my coffee cart, and ordered my favorite - a medium caramel iced coffee with cream and sugar. As I drank the sweet goodness, I could feel the scowl disappear from my face. Thank God for coffee. 

I only had one more class in the day, but it was over before it started. The professor of that class just assigned work and sat at his desk grading papers. I couldn't wait to go back to my room and be anti-social. That however is not how life works.

As I get closer to my door - a.k.a. FREEDOM - a girl who was a little shorter than me with dark hair and cute glasses walked up to me.

"Hey! I'm Brianna. I live between you and your boyfriend."

"Hello. Wait- boyfriend?"

"Yeah. I think his name is Jake or Joey?"

"You mean James?"

"Yeah! He seems nice-ish."

"Thanks, but he isn't my boyfriend. He's my roommates brother, so sometimes I get stuck with him."

"Anyways, it's so nice to finally meet you. I've been wanted to say hi, but you always seem busy."

"Yeah, it's my first year, so I'm just trying to get my crap in order."

"I get that. Well here's my number, and you know where I live, if you ever want to hang."

She gave me a smile and left me with the paper that contained her phone number. I felt bad that I hadn't recognized who she was. Maybe I was worrying too much about boys, and not making enough girl friends. That was going to change as soon as Care got back from classes.

(Author: Hey guys. If you hadn't noticed, I post at least once or twice a week. I just wanted to let you guys know when to expect more chapters. I love any type of feedback, so enjoy and comment/vote!)