Mismatched

Chapter 3

I am now at Times Square. This is where my first date with Jace was held. I still remember it as clear as day. I could feel my heart beating rapidly against my chest as I waited for Jace to appear. Gosh, I feel like a high school kid all over again.

Looking around, my mind drifted back to six years ago when we were so happy. We were so in love. I thought we were. Thinking back, I feel damn stupid how I used to fawn over him. I feel damn stupid thinking I would actually last long with him.

Stupid girl.

I glanced at my phone. It's one minute to six. I doubt he's coming. Or maybe he has forgotten where we had our first date. When another minute passed and my phone stated that it was already six, I sighed. You suck, Jace Leighton. You suck.

As I moved to leave, I heard that familiar voice calling for me, "Belle."

I turned around and saw that it was indeed Jace. My breath hitched a little. "On the dot. I'm impressed," I replied. I genuinely was. I thought he wouldn't show up... like he did five years ago. "You actually remember where our first date was. Interesting," I said bitterly.

"Of course, I would remember," he replied with a seemingly sad smile.

"You don't get to give me that look," I deadpanned.

"I know," he muttered, keeping his gaze.

We had a staring contest, which lasted thirty seconds before I looked away. What the hell am I doing? Why am I playing his games? Stop it, Belinda. He's going to hurt you. "Okay, good to know. What do you want to do?" I asked.

He shrugged. "I don't know. Perhaps we can watch a movie before having dinner," he suggested with his ever so charming smile. My heart skipped a beat. That was exactly what we did on our first date. Where is he trying to get at?

"Um, sure," I muttered, pushing a strand of my hair behind my ear. Well, this is awkward. Who would have thought we would meet again after five years?

"Okay, let's do that. Um, we can watch 'Sparks Fly: Reunion'. I mean, on our first date, we watched part one and, five years later, they've finally got part two. Why don't we give it a shot? 'Sparks Fly' was nice, right?" he suggested.

I nodded in agreement. "Yeah... it was. Okay, then," I muttered. How the hell did he remember such a small detail like that?

"Okay, let's go to AMC Empire 25. Don't worry, I'm paying," he replied with a bright smile. With that, he grabbed my hand and walked.

I shook his hand away. "Sorry but we're not exactly dating anymore."

He looked dismayed. Nodding, he replied, "Yeah, I understand... Um, let's go then." He gestured in the direction of the movie theatre and let me pass. It was only after I walked past him that he followed behind me.

Our journey to the movie theatre was awkward. Scratch that. This entire meetup was awkward. Why did I agree to come in the first place? I tried my best not to turn back and see what he was doing. Is he staring at me? Is he even still behind me?

The movie theatre appeared in front of me as I walked further ahead. I can't believe I'm going for a movie date with Jace Leighton again after five years. I can't believe I'm actually watching a movie with the guy who dumped me five years ago!

I cleared all the thoughts about him off my head. Why are you thinking about him? He's not even thinking about you! You're just here for a free movie and dinner, Belinda. Nothing more. Nothing will come out of this.

"Two tickets for 'Sparks Fly: Reunion', please," Jace said, breaking my train of thoughts.

"Coming right up," the lady at the ticket booth replied. She gave us the tickets which Jace paid for. "Enjoy the show!" I heard her chirp as we left. Maybe I would if I weren't watching it with Jace Leighton.