Adelyn and Nicholas are sitting in a movie theater, she had chosen a romantic comedy, and since it was a very much anticipated movie, the theatre was packed.
It was the first time he was watching a romance film, and he tried to be enthusiastic but not even 20 minutes into the film, and he was already irritated. The plot, according to him, was unreasonable, the actors too dramatic, the dialogue too cheesy, and he felt like it was more suited for teenagers.
Instead of watching the movie, he watched Adelyn. She had a twinkle in her eye the whole time, and she sighed and laughed at all the right places when he couldn't even understand half the jokes. "Do you want some popcorn?" She asked of him when Adelyn saw him looking at her.
After a few more minutes, when Adelyn sneaked a glance, he was asleep. It could be several things that lulled him, the AC being nice and cool, the dark surroundings, or the movie bored him too much he could not resist closing his eyes.
Adelyn shook her head, she was just glad he made it today, she half-expected him to decline and make excuses, but for some reason, he was there. And it made her happy that they were having their first date. She was planning to create more romantic moments between them like whispering in his ear, touching his hand to pass the popcorn or the drinks, something she could do in the dark and he couldn't disagree to unless he wanted to get scolded.
While people were filing out of the theatre, an idea flashed through her mind, she made the victory sign with her fingers and took pictures of them using the selfie mode with the camera in her phone.
"Nicholas, wake up!" she shook him awake. A few seconds later, he slowly opened his eyes and massaged his forehead.
"What? The movie's already over?" he asked, pretending to have watched the film.
Adelyn crossly replied, "It's been two hours, and you slept through it. You're unbelievable." She wanted him to feel bad.
But he replied, "Choose a better movie next time," like he did nothing wrong.
"Next time?" her smile widened, "You want to watch a movie with me again?"
"I didn't say that," he got up to put on his coat, "It was a figure of speech. I don't understand why people pay to watch this nonsense."
"It's called experiencing life, not everything in life should make sense," she was offended.
"Fine, whatever," he sighed.
Adelyn's life looked very colorful, never letting small things bother her too much. She told him that she liked living in the present, making sure that the past does not repeat itself. Small things like the smell of a new book, a cup of tea, the fragrance of flowers, and the rain made her happy. Nicholas wished his life could be that easy.
They were driving home, and she wanted more time with him, thinking that him sleeping in the theatre did not count as time spent together.
"Nicholas, I'm hungry," she grumbled.
"Well, we're going to reach your house soon. Just eat there," he replied
Adelyn rolled her eyes, 'This guy is so dumb, why can't he understand what I'm trying to say?"
"I'm in no mood to cook, and there's nothing to eat at my house. Can we get something along the way?" she said cutely.
He was thinking about agreeing to her suggestion, but the car halted suddenly, propelling them forward. But before Adelyn could hit the front seat, Nicholas had his arm blocking her.
She squealed while grabbing onto his arm. Surprised that he would do something thoughtful as stopping her from getting hurt.
"What happened?" he growled at the driver?
"Sir, there are people outside blocking the road. It might be the same guys," the driver answered.
"Adelyn, don't come out no matter what happens," he instructed before he came out of the car. The driver was right. Nicholas recognized one of the men who tried to get him that day he met Adelyn in the woods.
She looked through the front windows to where Nicholas stood. The men looked angry, and shouts could be heard from inside the car. The whole situation put her on edge, she got scared, so when a loud explosion boomed into the night, her instinct was to be where Nicholas was.
"Adelyn, what are you doing out here?" Nicholas snapped.
"There was a bang, I feel safer next to you," she replied as she tried to run towards him.
His face lost its frown, but before she got to his side, one of the bad guys tried to pull her to their side, they wanted to use her against him. Nicholas drew his gun and shot the guy's hand, missing Adelyn by a hair.
She screamed, "Aaahhh! Whaaa…" her mouth hung open in disbelief.
The driver got Adelyn out of sight and back into the car. Nicholas' men arrived just in time to back him up, and after they subdued every single one of his enemies, they were brought to the Russo's secret location for torturing their enemies. He had been too lenient with them last time, letting them go back to whoever sent them, but now they will see his wrath.
Nicholas found Adelyn staring at nothing inside the back of his car. He could understand people get stunned the minute they find out what type of business he was in, blood and gunshots usually sent normal people into shock.
He tried to console her. "Adelyn you're safe. It's just a tiny accident. Forget everything that happened here tonight, okay?
"Nicholas, are you a gangster?" she asked, "Oh my god, you looked so cool holding that gun, like those bond movies," she made the gun gestures with her hands, "You looked more handsome than that actor who got an award last year for best actor in an action movie. Those moves you did today, I only see them in the set." She said excitedly.
He was dumbfounded, seriously he did not think Adelyn would find all of this interesting.
He flicks her forehead. "I highly doubt you have something wrong with your brain, get it scanned tomorrow."
"Ouch, that hurts!" She rubbed the spot where it ached and continued, "So one day if I get kidnapped, will you fight those goons and save me? I will be crying, Nick! Nick! Save me, then you will say, my love, I am here. Everything will be fine."
Nicholas felt like dealing with Adelyn was more difficult than dealing with his enemies, nothing could keep her down.
"Enough! Keep quiet!" he scolded her.
"Hmph! Party popper!" she murmured.
When Nicholas glared at her, she decided to keep quiet as she turned towards the window. Nicholas clamped his lips down to control his laughter.
"Lock the door and do not open it to anyone you do not know," he cautioned her to be extra careful as he dropped her off at her house.
She was lying on the sofa looking at the photos she took in the theatre when her doorbell rang. It was the delivery guy from the Chinese restaurant she always ordered. She wondered who sent the food, but then realized it must have been Nicholas, he was the only other person who knew she was hungry.
Her heart warmed up like her food. Although nothing went as planned today, the event still oddly satisfied her.
Note -
This chapter is dedicated to IceCreamLadyBug , wish you many many happy returns of the day (Hope its July 25th at your place )