Mileven Stories

Theatrical Loss and Love (1988)

The end of winter was a strange time. Color was returning at a fast rate and the sun seemed to get brighter with each passing day. Wild flowers could be seen creeping along the outskirts of Mirkwood. Spring was on the rise and while most days were getting warmer, nights still remained cold as ever.

Mike and El went on an outing to the theater one evening that was chillier than the rest. They had to huddle into each other while they walked in order to create resistance against the hard blowing wind.

Once the couple reached the ticket booth, El spoke through her chattering teeth, "t-two tickets to Beetlejuice, p-please."

The boy behind the counter flushed at her presence and stuttered out the total cost. Mike's frozen hands were still attempting to pry money out of his wallet when he saw his girlfriend move out of the corner of his eye.

"Enjoy your show! Have a nice night," said the eager theater employee as he handed her the tickets.

She dragged Mike away, but was stopped when he leaned his head down and whispered against her ear, "you didn't have to pay, but since you did, snacks are on me."

She shivered from the warm breath that had radiated in her ear. Before she got a chance to respond, her boyfriend took the liberty of pulling her to the concession stand.

"Popcorn, m&ms, and a water. Or did you want to change your order for the first time in three years?", his question laced with heavy sarcasm.

El jabbed his ribs with a light elbow and responded, "you know I never change my tradition and if you tease me about it again I might not hold your hand during the movie."

Mike's eyes widened in response and he shook his head, "nope. No more teasing. My hand is your's, hold it or I'll cry."

She giggled and interlocked their hands as he ordered their necessary movie treats. A few moments later the two of them headed towards the auditorium that was playing Beetlejuice. El was gently swinging their hands as they walked and Mike couldn't help but grin at his adorable girlfriend.

They were settling into their seats when the lights began to dim. Mike moved his arm to rest around her shoulder and felt as she nuzzled her chin into the crook of his neck. He was trying to focus on the film, but found that there were two current distractions he was facing.

The first was El. He couldn't stop himself from glancing at her once every minute. Plus, it didn't help that she was lazily drawing hypnotizing circles across his abdomen. The second distraction was the fact that he needed to go to the bathroom. Having been so caught up in distraction number one, he had made the fatal error of forgetting to use the restroom before the movie began.

He remained strong for nearly the first half of the movie. Yet, his bladder was losing its resilience and was about to implode.

"I'm going to go run to the bathroom. I'll be back in a few minutes," he finished his statement by leaving a firm kiss on her temple.

She sweetly looked up at him, "hurry back, babe."

That was the only thing she got to say before he darted out of the room. His limbs went flailing as he rushed through the crowd of adolescents that were taking over the main lobby. He just about kicked his way into the bathroom and was quick to find his relief.

Mike had just placed himself in front of the sink when he saw the reflection of someone standing behind him in the mirror.

He glanced back and was met with El's unusually dark irises. It only took another second for him to recognize a few other issues.

Her ivory face was covered in a thick crimson liquid. The blood seemed to cascade down her neck and trickle to her waist line. She looked to be standing at death's door as she swayed uneasily.