Night At The Movies

The garden fell into a heavy silence as Jessica strolled. Her heels clicked against the ground with such confidence that made Amelia’s skin prickle, this was definitely not her first time here.

Everyone looked stunned and shocked—everyone except Mr. Fox. He leaned back in his chair, a smug smile curling on his lips, as if he had been waiting for this moment all along.

“Well, this is a pleasant surprise,” Mr. Fox said smoothly. “Jessica my dear, why don't you take a seat. Right there, beside Kris.”

“He definitely planned this” thought Amelia.

The servants had already placed an extra chair, almost as if it had been prepared in advance—because it was. Jessica slid into it gracefully, her perfume wafting through the air, her smile fixed directly on Kris.

“Darling, it's great to see you again,” she said softly, her voice sweet but laced with poison, “I’m back. Studying abroad was wonderful and all, but I realized something was missing… you. US. I wanted to settle our ties.”

Amelia laughed nervously, though her chest tightened. “That’s funny.” She tried to sound confident, but her voice cracked slightly.

“Kris has no business with Exs" Amelia shot at Jessica, assuming she was just another ex looking for trouble.

Jessica’s eyes gleamed with mischief as she tilted her head. “Oh. Amelia was it? Well I’m not an ex. Kris and I… we’re married.”

The words hit the table like a thunderclap. Amelia’s fork slipped from her hand, clattering against her plate. She turned to Kris, searching his face for denial, for anything—something.

“You… you’re married?” Amelia whispered, her throat tight.

“Amelia, it’s not what—” Kris began, reaching for her hand, but she pulled away, her chair screeching against the floor as she stood.

“Excuse me,” she muttered, her voice shaking. “I need some air.”

She walked quickly out of the garden before anyone could stop her. Kris pushed his chair back, ready to go after her, but Jessica’s hand shot out and clutched his wrist.

“Kris,” she said with a pleading smile, “You can stop with the act. I’m here now. You and I? We can fix this.”

Kris ripped his hand free, his jaw tightening. “Fix… this? You’re seven years too late, Jessica.” His voice dropped to a growl. “There is no we”

Without another glance at her, he stormed out of the garden, after Amelia.

*********

Outside, Amelia was already sliding into a cab. Kris sprinted toward her, shouting her name, but the car pulled away before he could reach it. He cursed under his breath, slamming his fist against the stone wall of the mansion until his knuckles stung.

“Damn it"

Amelia leaned her head against the cab window, her chest aching. Tears threatened to reveal themselves, but she blinked them back. No more crying.

Pulling out her phone, she dialed Ryan’s number.

“Hey,” she said, forcing brightness into her voice, “I… I got two tickets to a movie tonight. Any chance you’re free?”

Ryan chuckled. “Amelia… I wish I could, but you know I can’t just leave my patients here” Then his voice softened.

“Oh…well I'm sorry to have —”

Just then, a smile laugh came through the phone, " I'm just kidding Amelia. I'll come pick you up at 7pm.”

Her lips curved into the faintest smile. “Thank you, Ryan. I’ll see you then.”

********

At home, Amelia stood in front of her mirror, carefully applying lipstick. Mel sat on the bed, arms crossed, glaring at her reflection.

“Amelia, are you seriously going to let that scumbag slide? He’s married, for crying out loud! Married. And he didn’t even tell you! WTF does that?”

Amelia paused, lowering the lipstick. “I wish I knew before I signed that stupid contract. But now…” She sighed. “Now it’s too late.”

“No, it’s not!” Mel shot back. “Don’t you see? If he lied about this, what else is he lying about? You don’t owe him anything, Amelia. Nothing.”

Before Amelia could respond, Mikey poked his little head into the room. His big brown eyes sparkled with excitement. “Mom, Ryan’s here!”

Amelia’s heart softened. She brushed her hair one last time and stepped into the living room. Ryan stood there in casual clothes, just jeans, a crisp white shirt, and that killer smile he always had on his face. He held out a bouquet of flowers.

“For you, my lady” he said warmly with a cute bow. “You look beautiful, Amelia.”

Her cheeks warmed. She accepted the flowers and turned to Mikey. “I’ll be back soon, sweetheart. Be good, okay?”

Mikey nodded, though his small frown gave it away that he didn’t like seeing her leave.

Mel squinted at Ryan, crossing her arms. Her expression stern, “Have her home by eleven, doc. No excuses.”

Ryan chuckled, unbothered by her glare. He opened the door, motioning for Amelia to step out. “Shall we?”

********

At the cinema, Amelia and Ryan settled into their seats. The movie was a horror flick, and Amelia found herself clutching Ryan’s arm more times than she cared to admit. He teased her, whispering, “Relax, I won’t let the monsters get you,” and she swatted him playfully, though she didn’t let go of his arm.

By the time the credits rolled, Ryan thought of another way to keep Amelia with him, he stretched and turned to her. “You hungry?”

Her stomach growled before she could answer. She laughed. “Yeah… starving actually.”

They ended up at a small fast-food restaurant, sharing fries and burgers under the warm glow of the bulbs. For the first time in days, Amelia found herself laughing freely.

“This,” she said between bites, “was exactly what I needed. You have no idea of what I've been through today. Thank you, Ryan.”

“You don’t have to thank me Amelia,” he said softly, his eyes lingering on hers as he wiped a piece of gravy from her lips. “I like being here with you.”

Amelia blushed slightly, but tried to cover it up with a chuckle.

*******

Later that night, Ryan drove Amelia back home and parked in front of her apartment. He walked her to the door, his steps slow, reluctant. Amelia turned to him, smiling.

“Tonight was fun. Really… thank you.”

Ryan’s eyes searched hers, and he leaned closer, his intention was clear—he was going in for a kiss. Amelia froze, her heart pounding as she began to lean as well. But at the last second, she stepped back, shaking her head.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “It’s just… it’s been a while I—”

Ryan’s face softened. He nodded, understanding. “It’s okay, Amelia. No rush. I’ll wait till you're ready.” He leaned forward and kissed her cheek instead, his touch gentle. “Goodnight.” he said as he brushed a strand of hair from her face.

She smiled faintly. “Goodnight, Ryan.”

He walked away, leaving her standing at the door with mixed emotions swirling inside her.

Inside, her phone buzzed with rage. Kris’s name flashed across the screen. She stared at it, hesitated, then pressed ignore. “Not tonight.” She muttered to herself. She wasn't ready to listen to anything he had to say.

She peeked into Mikey’s room and found him fast asleep, his small chest rising and falling with each breath. She leaned down and kissed his forehead.

Half-asleep, Mikey mumbled, “I just want Mommy to be happy.”

Amelia’s heart shattered. Tears pricked her eyes as she stood there in the dark, but she quickly wiped them away. She turned off the light and quietly closed the door behind her.

“Goodnight Mikey"