Blooming Iris | ✓

-Blooming Iris Chapter 24-

(Not Edited)

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Mrs. Anderson's POV~

"Mrs. Anderson, the report you asked for is here."

Setting down my cup of tea, my face remained neutral. "Finally." Snatching the paper away from my assistant, my eyes scanned over the printed black ink. My eyes widened a bit, as the paper slipped from my grip, falling towards the floor freely. No, this can't be. Iris is her?

"Mrs. Anderson, what should we do?" 

My eyes met his. "Bring in plan 'M'."

He nodded, placing his right hand over his heart, bowing. "Understood."

Let's just see if you're worthy enough for my son; Iris Lane.

Iris' POV~

It's been a month since Richard's birthday party, and so far nothing has gotten any better. Both Shane and Richard avoided each other likes plagues and whenever they would bump into each other, they both would stop and glare at each other. But I was even worse, I avoided both of them as well. I couldn't face them. Not when I didn't even know my own feelings. But today, today was the day that Richard's mother is coming back home, which means Shane will be leaving as well.

But for some reason, I didn't want Shane to leave. I'm not sure if that means I like him, or not.

"Iris!" A sound, pounded against the door. "Come out here right now. We need to talk." 

What does he want now? Can't he see, I don't want to talk; not before I figure out my feelings. 

"I know you can hear me."

One second.

Two seconds.

Three seconds.

"Iris!" His voice got louder, as the pounding grew.

Why does Shane have to do this now? What does he want from me?

"Please, just hear me out." His voice sounded desperate, almost begging.

I waited, knowing he wasn't done talking.

"As you know, my father is coming home today, that means I'm leaving at five o'clock. So please Iris, please spend the day with me. Go out with me on a date."

A date? Why?

"I know you're probably wondering why. The answer is simple. If I can make you like me by the end of the day, then be mine."

Be his? B-but Richard...

“Just give me a chance,” he implored. “It’s going to be at the theaters.”

My ears perked up. Did he say ‘theaters’? I haven’t been to the movies in forever!

“Okay.”

“What?” he asked.

“Okay,” I said a little bit louder.

There was a pause. “Okay?” His voice sounded cheerily.

I giggled, getting up. My feet touched the soft pink rug, as I moved across the room.

Twisting the knob open, I saw Shane standing there with a big smile on his face; his cute dimples showing.

“So the movies?”

He nodded. “I know how much you used to love going to the movies every weekend with your family. Bet you haven’t gone in awhile right?”

“Yeah…” I voiced. “Not since the passing.”

“Well, not anymore!” he said, grabbing my hand. "We’re going to see the ‘Hunger Games’. Ever heard of that?”

“No, is that about food?” If it is, I’m going to need a big bag of popcorn.

He chuckled out loud, throwing his head back in laughter. “No, Iris. It’s not about food. You’ll see when we get there.”

“Alright.”

Just as we were about to turn the corner, Richard appeared out of his room. His eyes moved from Shane to me, and then down at our entwined fingers.

“Where are you going?”

“None of your business,” Shane shot out, before I could even speak.

Richard continued to stare at our hands. “Oh…” His voice lacked emotions. “Have fun.” Before I could even say anything, he was gone and back into his room.

“Forget about him, let’s go.”

Heading down the steps, all I could this about was Richard and his lack of words. It didn’t sound right; he didn’t sound right.

***

When we arrived at the movie theaters, Shane paid for my large popcorn, and a medium-sized soda. He only got a bottle of water for himself.

Making our way passed the couple in front of us; we rounded the corner, stopping at the little stand.

“Tickets please,” a middle-age women said.

“Certainly.” Shane turns to me. “Can you grab the tickets? They’re in my jacket’s pocket.”

I did what he said, and give it to the nice lady.

“Thanks.” She smiled. “Enjoy the movie.”

I only gave her a smile in return.

Passing her, we went to theater number five. When we step through the door, the darkness hit me. It took me a few seconds before my eyes adjusted to the dark. When I did, I followed Shane to the back.

Pushing down the red cushion seats, I sat down, facing the huge screen. Only commercials were playing right now.

“Here’s your soda and popcorn.”

“Thanks,” I said gratefully taking it. I placed the soda in the small cup holders they had in the armrest, as I placed the popcorn on my lap.

“When does the movie start?”

He checked his watch. “In about—” 

He didn't have time to finish his sentence when a loud voice filled the air.

“Please turn off any cell phones, the—” 

“Looks like now,” he whispered quietly to me before he faced the movie screen.

I did the same, laying back. 

***

"Oh my God! That movie was amazing! I cried!" I gushed, excited.

The corner of his lips curved up. "I know. I saw."

"Yes, but Rue was so young! She didn't deserve to get shot with that arrow like that."

"Yes, I know."

"But I'm so happy that both Peeta and Katniss both won at the end!" I cried. 

"I'm really glad you enjoyed the movie." He laughed, turning the door handle. "Maybe we could—"

He stopped suddenly, his eyes widening in surprise. Confused, I looked ahead to see the shock of a lifetime; a redhead kissing Richard. 

***

Okay, I know this chapter is really late, and everything, but it wasn't my fault. Well... sort of. No matter what I did, the chapter wasn't turning out the way I wanted it to. For a long time I had major writer's block on this story over and over again, but I didn't give up!! Your comments made me want to continue writing xD So, I really hope you enjoyed this chapter! :) 

PS: I don't own the movie 'Hunger Games' or the characters; Peeta, Katniss, and Rue, but everything else belongs to me.