first date

Charlene stood in the shower, her voice echoing softly off the tiled walls as she sang a cheerful tune. The warm water cascaded over her, washing away the remnants of the day and invigorating her spirit. Today was special—her first date—and anticipation bubbled within her.

"How long are you gonna be in there?" ReNew's voice called out, muffled through the door.

"Just a little longer, washing my hair," Charlene replied, lathering shampoo into her curls. "Hold your horses!"

"I have something for you. Hurry up, Char!"

"Okay, out in a minute!" she promised, rinsing the suds away.

As she reached for her towel, ReNew's voice came again, hesitant. "Would you mind if I didn't go with you? You know, two's company, three's a crowd."

Charlene paused, considering. "It's up to you," she said thoughtfully. "I understand if you don't want to go."

"Great, see you later. Bye!" ReNew's footsteps faded quickly.

"Wait, where are you going?" Charlene called, peeking out with soap still in her eyes. But ReNew was gone.

"That was strange," she murmured, finishing her shower. Wrapping herself in a towel, she stepped into her bedroom and gasped.

Laid out on her bed were several outfits: an oversized shirt, a cozy sweatshirt, a hoodie, a tee shirt, cargo pants, flared and wide-legged jeans, a baggy jacket, and leggings. A note rested atop them: Hope you like one of these. Have fun. Love, ReNew.

Touched by the gesture, Charlene selected the tee shirt, wide-legged jeans, and baggy jacket, pairing them with black shoe boots. She grabbed her little handbag that doubled as a book bag and headed out.

As she stepped outside, she nearly tripped over a pair of feet.

"Hey!" she exclaimed, catching herself.

Issa sprang up from the floor of the cave, rubbing his eyes. "Sorry! I must've dozed off waiting for you."

He extended a bouquet of flowers in her favorite hue—fuchsia pink, vibrant and full of life.

"How did you know this is my favorite color?" she asked, inhaling their sweet fragrance.

"A little birdie told me," he replied with a grin.

"A little birdie named ReNew," she smiled back.

"Let's put them in some water, then we'll head out."

"Go out where?"

"You'll see," he said mysteriously.

They walked to the kitchen, where Issa found a vase and filled it halfway with water. Placing the flowers in the center of the table, he stepped back. "Perfect."

"Shall we go now?" he asked, gesturing toward the doorway.

"Yes, but where?" she asked again.

"You'll see," he repeated, leading her down a corridor.

As they walked, Charlene noticed bright lights illuminating the path, reminiscent of a movie theater. "Who installed lights in here? These weren't here earlier," she thought.

They arrived at a movie theater lobby, complete with a ticket booth. A shiny silver bell sat on the countertop. Issa tapped it.

"Welcome, fates. How can I help you today?" ReNew appeared, dressed as box office staff, stifling a giggle.

"Two movie tickets, please," Issa requested.

ReNew pressed a button, and the cash register drawer popped out with a ding. "Oh my!" she exclaimed. "That will be twenty dollars."

Issa handed over a wad of cash. "Is this enough?"

"Yes, thank you. Here's your ticket. Enjoy the movie."

Charlene peered over Issa's shoulder, astonished to see a full movie theater within the cavern, complete with a concession stand and arcade.

"You went all out. Wow, this is amazing. Thank you!"

"You're welcome," Issa beamed.

"Would you like some popcorn? I heard it's your favorite."

"Oh yes, please!"

They approached the concession stand, where Baxtsy, Betsy, and Tabitha were dressed as staff.

"So cute!" Tabitha said, clutching her heart.

"Mom, stay in character, please," Issa admonished.

"Oh yeah, how can I help you?" she smiled.

"A jumbo popcorn, red vines, and pretzel bites with cheese, please," Charlene ordered.

While they waited, the twins got into the candy, creating a mess.

"Girls, you'll make yourselves sick! Stop eating all that candy!" Issa scolded.

"Mom, get the twins, please!"

"Okay, Issa."

"Girls, stop it now," Tabitha said, corralling them.

The twins giggled, "Enjoy the movie!"

They handed their tickets to the usher, who turned out to be Uncle Idris. "Enjoy your movie," he said, attempting to sneak some popcorn.

Charlene playfully snatched it back. "I'll get my own," he said, walking off.

Issa opened the theater door. "After you."

Inside, the theater was dimly lit, with plush seats and a large screen. They settled into the middle row.

As the music started in surround sound, Issa, startled, grabbed Charlene's hand.

A beam of light shone in Issa's face. "Dad!" Charlene exclaimed.

Seth, dressed as an usher, quickly turned it off. "Just doing my job," he said sheepishly.

"When did your dad get here?"

"I had no idea."

"This would be perfect if everybody were here."

"This is awesome."

Charlene looked over her shoulder, hearing crunching noises. Everyone was in the back row, enjoying the movie.

"We're not alone. Look, they're here."

"I hope you enjoy the movie," Issa said softly.

"I know I will."

Issa held her hand as they watched the movie, the warmth of the moment enveloping them.

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