Chapter 12 – The Little Things

Eric and Charlotte spent the rest of the morning roaming around the mall. They bought a bunch of random things that caught their eyes, including matching mugs for his room. They stopped in for a quick lunch at a fast-food joint, and then headed to the movie theatre.

“Which one do you want to see?” Charlotte asked as they stood in front of the movie posters. She hadn't seen any movie in a theatre for years, and wasn't picky about genre, so it made it harder to choose.

“I’m fine with anything,” Eric looked at each poster for a moment before moving to the next one. “You choose; I'll watch almost any movie here.”

“You wouldn’t mind a rom-com?”

“Not at all; you’d be surprised how many I’ve seen over the years. On TV, at least; I don’t go to the theatre much... or at all.” Too expensive.

“Me either. I don’t even watch many on TV either; it’s hard to find much time for it.” She stopped in front of one of the posters. “What about this one?”

“An action movie for a date?”

Charlotte shrugged. “Why not? I like action movies, too.”

“Sure, we can do that. I’ll grab the tickets.”

Charlotte stopped him. “No, no, this is all on my today; I invited you out.”

“Technically, you gave me this card, so it’s still on you either way; I’ll just wait in line.” As much as he hated to admit it, he didn’t even have any money of his own to spend on the tickets.

“Let’s both,” she tugged him over, not wanting to separate from him.

They got up to the ticket booth and Charlotte ordered two tickets to a horror movie in hopes he would enjoy it. When they asked for payment, she nudged him with her elbow.

“Me?” He tilted his head, and she nodded. Is this supposed to make it feel like I’m paying for it? He pulled out the credit card she gave him and paid for the tickets. “Want anything to eat?”

“Hmmm… It’s a horror movie, so I don’t want to accidentally spill something.”

“Okay, let’s go.” With their arms linked, they entered the movie theatre and sat down in a two-seater. I’ve never even noticed there were seats like this in the theatre. I guess it's nice to be able to stay close... especially for a horror movie!

They sat comfortably as the movie played.

Once the movie got gory, Eric glanced over at her to see her cringing.

Bam.

“Oh!” Charlotte jumped and clung to Eric’s arm, shaking.

Cute. She chose a horror movie, but it doesn’t seem like she’s used to them.

Eric wrapped his arm around her, pulling her in close. At another gory scene, she scrunched her eyes closed, and he pressed her head to his chest. He pulled her into a tight hug as he watched the movie.

I wonder why she wanted to see this.

The movie ended, and they left the theatre. Charlotte let out a big sigh and shuddered.

“That was scary, but you didn’t seem fazed at all. I'm glad you were there for me,” she linked arms with him again.

“Yeah, I’ve always been okay with this stuff for some reason.”

“Maybe it means you’re brave?”

“I… I don't know; I never thought about it.” He definitely never saw himself that way. “So, what are we going to do next?”

Charlotte glanced at her watch. “We have a bit of time before our dinner reservations.”

“You made a reservation?”

“Yes, there’s a place I wanted to take you to, and it’s by reservation only.”

“Oh, I see.” Why do I have a feeling it’s a super expensive place that I’d never be able to walk through the doors without her?

“Something wrong?” Charlotte asked.

“No…”

“As long as you’re okay with it, how about we walk around outside and get some fresh air before heading to the restaurant? There’s a park nearby.”

“Sure.”

They headed outside, past the parking lot, and wandered through the lush green park.

“Ah,” Charlotte tripped, her heel hooked on a hole in the grass.

“Careful.” Eric reached his arm around, catching her before she could fall. That was close.

“Thanks,” she laughed. “I guess heels aren’t good for walking in the grass.”

“Maybe we should stick to the path. Hold on tight.” She scrunched in close, clinging onto his arm as they moved to the paved path through the park. “It’s nice to relax and take in fresh air like this.”

“I actually can’t remember the last time I walked through a park. So many normal things I never get to do...”

They passed by a huge flowerbed. Eric stopped and knelt down. ”Probably not supposed to do this,” he plucked a yellow daisy and turned to her. “May I?” He gestured towards her hair, and she nodded. He placed the flower in her hair at her ear.

When was the last time I could have a peaceful date like this? Gosh, she’s so beautiful… Eric went into a daze, staring at her.

“Does it suit me?”

“What?” Eric snapped out of thought.

“You’re staring at me….” Charlotte lightly touched the flower.

“Sorry, I’m just in awe,” he looked away, blushing. I wonder how long I can stay with this amazing woman. How long until reality catches up with me?

“How’s your wound? I hope I’m not pushing you too much.”

Eric touched his ribs. “I’m okay; healing up nicely. I've learned what movements to avoid, so it barely hurts.”

“That’s good; I was worried you’d be in pain for a long time.”

“You were worried about me? And not just…”

“Because I caused it? No. I like you, Eric, so I’m worried about you.”

“You like me?” Eric’s voice cracked.

Charlotte nodded, gazing up at him with a sparkle in her eyes.

“Ah-ha... I… Um… like you, too.” I know this won’t last, so I’ll have to make the most of it!

“Let’s head to the restaurant.”

“Sure, okay.”