Rolling his eyes, he shook his head, “I regret it now.” He muttered.
She wagged a finger, “No, too late. It’s been said.” Turning to face forward, it was clear to see that she was caught up in her own thoughts, but the smile never faded, “Wow…I’ve never had one of those.” She said to herself.
Finding a good parking space, they both exited the car and approached the ticket booth. Gazing over the selection, Cherish pointed one out, “There’s a scary movie. Oh, and look, they’re doing a vintage movie madness.” She stated. Rubbing her lips together, she placed her hands in her front pockets, “Do you see anything you like?” She asked.
Simon’s blue gazed bounced all over, “Hm well, there’s a new Miles Jackson movie that just came out. Let’s see if there’s still tickets.” He answered.
Cherish tilted her head to the side while looking to the poster. Miles Jackson was a good looking blonde, holding a gun up to his temple with a distraught, dark expression on his face. They got in line and one after the other, girls placed an order for the same movie. She looked to him and kept her laughter at bay though her raised eyebrows told exactly how she felt; tickled. This man was a fanboy just like the little girls a decade older than her daughter.
Finally, they were through and in line for snacks. Simon bought a medium bag of popcorn for them to share while Cherish got herself a candy box. With a large soda in each arm, they entered theater three and found exactly what Cherish feared. It was packed. All the good seats were taken except for a few.
Simon approached a couple on the end halfway up when someone placed their arm out, “My friends are sitting here!” they exclaimed.
Annoyed, he gave them a narrowed look before he tried to see Cherish’s expression. She looked away every time he’d glance back. She could see the agitation growing in his body with how he carried himself but Cherish couldn’t help it; he was hilarious.
Alas, the only seats left were in the top, back corner. A bout of apprehension flooded his center. He’d been in the corner a few times while growing up and hoped that Cherish wouldn’t get the wrong idea. Giving her a nervous smile, he sat down and got comfortable.
Sitting down beside him, she paused and opened the box of chocolate covered raisins, “What’s wrong?” She asked without understanding the significant meaning.
Simon brushed it off, “Nothing, nothing at all.” If she didn’t see anything wrong then he wasn’t going to make it awkward.
Sucking the chocolate off, her hand swept over the sea of patrons beneath them, “Look at this, drink it in, because someone, somewhere is going to make this movie miserable for us all.” She whispered.
Looking over the crowd of girls and older women, Simon tried to defend his choice. Crossing his arms, he purposefully pouted, “Never. Nothing can bring down a Miles Jackson movie. You’ll see. He’ll grace the screen with his overly pretty face, and all will be forgiven.” Breaking character, he chuckled and lowered his arms, “Never mind. I’m a bit too old to be considered an avid fan.” He said.
Cherish bit her bottom lip with a grin, “Are you sure? You were pretty convincing there.” She replied. The lights lowered, and the room quickly buzzed with giddy exclamations around them. Staring at the screen, she settled down in the seat, “Get ready.” She whispered.
The first warning about cellular devices and pirating movies flickered over the screen before the new movie trailers followed. After twenty minutes, the entire theater quieted down, and the movie began. By the time it got started, Cherish had sucked the all the chocolate off one raisin and barely noticed. Even though they were at an angle, that didn’t take away from the experience.
When Miles Jackson appeared on the screen, many of the girls gasped and clapped. Soon, their little foolish antics calmed down and they were able to enjoy the movie in silence. The writing was well done, the lines delivered were thought provoking, and the acting was incredible; drawing them in. At one point there was a scene with children at risk. Now that he was a father, Simon felt more anxious and tenser than he used to be, but it was Cherish who grabbed his hand in fear; her eyes glued ahead.
Two hours later the movie concluded and immediately everyone started talking to each other, asking questions, and gushing in their fandom. Simon rolled up the half-eaten popcorn bag, “So wait, did he get his daughter back or did she die? That’s what it meant, right? I think because it was her ribbon from the beginning.” He said.
Cherish had both her hands to her forehead and her mouth was agape. Shaking her head, she looked to him with bewilderment, “I’m still trying to figure out how he didn’t lose his mind when the bad guy sewed the skin on his neck. I would sing like a canary if someone tortured me!” she exclaimed. She then jumped a bit and held her hand out like claws, “And the way he fought against that one kidnapper. Holy crap!”
The sun hung low in the sky which signaled to them that their day out had been long and successful; just what the parents wanted. Even though there was anticipation to get back, Simon had a different plan. Turning in a different direction other than home, he was silent and listened to Cherish.
Riding along, she still chattered about the movie and the food. She spoke about how she would try to fry fish one night. Just when she was about to ask how much longer, she realized they were further from the house than expected. Her eyebrows tucked together, and she
