Free Beautiful Torment by Paige Laurens Page B

a big mistake.
    “So, um, what are we seeing?” Mine as well get this over with as quickly as possible.
    “You pick,” Nick smiles.
    I head over to the posters, and naturally choose the least romantic, or scary (since that also can lead to romance), movie I could find. Really, I picked whichever poster had something being blown up on it.
    We all pay for our own tickets, thankfully, and Nick volunteers to buy the snacks. Hannah offers to go with him, and then he hands her a $20 and tells her to go on her own. She angrily takes it before heading to the concession counter, leaving Nick and I to make uncomfortable conversation.
    My mind wanders to Mr. Harrington. I can’t help think how different it would be if he were here, how natural and easy it would be.
    Thankfully, Hannah doesn’t take long, and the three of us wait outside the theater, the previous showing ending any minute now.
    “Popcorn, my date,” Nick shoves the bag in my face.
    “This isn’t a date,” I tell him for the umpteenth time.
    “I’ll change your mind by the time this date is over,” he says confidently. I roll my eyes, trying desperately not to meet Hannah’s.
    Finally, the theater lets out, and I lean my head against the wall as a rush of people file into the lobby. Nick and Hannah start talking about some skateboarding thing, which is funny because she knows nothing about the subject, and I’m back to fantasizing about my ideal world with my chemistry teacher.
    That’s when I suddenly see him.
    I recognize his peacoat, slung over his right arm. He’s in faded jeans and sneakers, with a blue and white baseball T-shirt that hugs his chest in a mouthwatering way. Next to him, a lady with long strawberry blond hair is talking. She’s pretty enough, and I hate her already. My heart breaks, as he’s clearly on a date.
    I wish I could pretend I don’t see him, but he’s too captivating and I can’t look away. I think maybe he won’t see me, but he does. I then think he won’t say hello, but the smirk that crosses his face as soon as our eyes meet tells me otherwise.
    “Hi, Luci,” he’s surprised to see me. We’ve never seen each other outside of school before, and I think back to my daydream, where I ditch my friends and we run off together. Only now, he’s ditching his lady friend too, and him and I are headed into a dark movie theater... oh god .
    “Hi,” I croak, looking between him and the girl. They aren’t holding hands, which makes me happy. I watch as he recognizes Nick, and something briefly flashes in his eyes. Anger? Annoyance? Curiosity?
    “Well,” he breathes. “See you Monday.”
    I nod. It can’t come soon enough.

IN TOO FAR
    After seeing him at the movies with another girl I’m back to feeling pathetic. Of course he probably has a girlfriend. He’s wonderful like that. And even if he doesn’t, it’s not like we can ever go out to the movies like they did.
    Delusional.
    I don’t arrive early Monday morning, but still take the long way after first period, passing his classroom just to make sure he’s here. For all I know, after his little date weekend, maybe he took today off, because it was just that good .
    I groan out loud in disgust - at both the scenario I made up and at myself.
     
    Of course he’s here, standing outside his door, listening to my fellow forlorn non - friend chat his ear off.
    My relaxed expression doesn’t last long, for the minute I turn the corner, I stand utterly amazed, as he excuses himself and lightly jogs through the throngs of people towards me.
    “I didn’t see you this morning,” the twinkle in his eyes make it difficult to focus.
    “I was running late,” he picks up his pace as he walks back towards his classroom in line with me.
    “I’ll see you at lunch?” he confirms.
    I was determined not to meet him for lunch today. Not after seeing him on a date. What good could come from it? But, my heart flutters, betraying me.
    Of course I want to eat lunch with