Chapter 5
“So.. now what?” Rayla asks.
“I guess we’ll go eat something. I’m really hungry. If Ez needs us he’ll text or call one of us.” Callum replies.
“Sure.”
— — —
“What would you like?” Callum asks.
“A small burger and fries would be fine.” Rayla answers.
“Okay. Find a table for us. I’ll order the food.”
Then who’ll pay for her meal?
“You’re ordering mine too?” She asks.
“Yep.”
“Okay.”
Rayla finds a table for them and Callum returns with their food including takeout for Ezran.
When Callum hands her the food she says, “Thank you.”
“No problem.”
Taking a bite, she says, “Can I pay you later?”
“Huh? For what?”
“The money for my meal. Can I give it to you later?”
He stops eating and gives her an offended look.
“I thought we were friends. I guess not. We’re just strangers.”
What? Had she said something wrong? Why did he say that?
“Of course not! You are my friend! Why would you say that?” She says, worried.
“If you really did consider me your friend, you wouldn’t think about paying me back. Friends don’t exchange money like that for such small things. Only strangers do.” He says with a frown.
That clearly wasn’t what she was expecting. She in fact thought he was angry she wouldn’t give him the money right away. She was terribly wrong.
“I’m sorry. Of course you’re my friend.” She says, smiling.
He smiles back.
How could he stay mad at her pretty face?
Just then, Callum’s phone buzzes. He unlocks it to see a message from Ezran.
He reads it and says, “Hey, it seems Ez is going to a movie with Aanya in the mall. Her moms wanted to watch one with her and since Ez was with them, they booked a ticket for him too.”
“Oh wow, lucky Ez.” She says, chuckling.
“Yeah, he’s 14 and already has a girlfriend and her parents like him. I’m jealous.” He says jokingly.
Rayla chuckles and Callum does too.
“Well, I’m sure your girlfriend’s parents will like you too.”
He raises his eyebrows and tilts his head.
Ugh, why did she say that? That was such a weird thing to say! Right? Is that why his reaction is like that?
“Well… I suppose. That depends on how supportive my girlfriend is.” He finally replies.
Thank god, he didn’t think she was being weird.
“Yeah…” She replies, smiling. Just then, her phone rings. She answers the call.
“Runaan?”
“It’s Ethari. When are you coming back home?”
She looks at Callum and asks, “Uh, how much more time are we gonna stay here?”
“Well, I was actually going to ask you if you wanted to watch a movie too but if you have to go, that’s fine.” He answers.
“A movie? Sure! Uh, Ethari, it might take another three hours…”
“3 hours?! What are you gonna do? You just became friends with him today, give him a break.”
“No, he’s the one who asked.”
“Are you sure he's a good person to hangout with?”
What? Why did he ask that? Thank god she didn’t keep it on loud speaker.
“Of course! Stop worrying about me, I’ll be home in a few hours. Bye!” She says quickly and cuts the call.
“Are you sure you’re up for a movie? It’s fine if you have to go… I’d totally understand.”
“Nah, don’t worry. I’m totally up for the movie and I’m sure my dads will be fine.” She replies.
“Big fan of movies, huh?” He asks and takes a bite of his food.
No that’s not it. She just wants to spend more time with him.
“Um, yeah, I guess.” She answers nervously.
— — —
“Okay, I’m back. I gave Ez the takeout. Have you chosen what movie you want to watch?” Callum asks.
“Uh… How about… ‘The Nightmare 2’?”
“Horror?”
“Yeah. Are you afraid?” She asks, smirking and raising her eyebrows.
“Of course not! Let’s go.”
He buys the tickets and they enter the theatre.
— — —
“No, no, look behind you! Look behind you- AH!” All the popcorn in his hands falls down as he screams while watching the movie. “Oops…” He turns to Rayla to see her reaction but to his surprise, he finds her… fast asleep.
He smiles and rolls his eyes. “Do fans of movies always fall asleep in the theatre?” He thinks to himself and chuckles.
She looks so adorable though… He could stare at her throughout the whole movie if she’s like this. But no, he’s not a creep. But, after she wakes up, he can tease her for falling asleep.
The movie finishes but Rayla’s still fast asleep.
He hesitates at first but then gently shakes her shoulders and whispers, “Rayla… Rayla, wake up. The movie’s over.”
“Wha- who-” She opens her eyes to see Callum. She widens her eyes and says, “What are you doing here?!”
Callum couldn’t help but chuckle at her reaction.
Did she think they were at her home?
“We’re not at your house. We’re at the theatre.” He says, smiling softly.
She looks around and says, “Oh… right… sorry…”
“That’s alright. Shall we go?”
“Yeah.”
While they leave the theatre, Callum says, “So, do fans of horror movies always sleep in the theatre?”
“Uh, I was tired. I don’t usually do that.” She replies.
“I thought you said you were totally up for the movie.”
“I did but… Just forget it! I just fell asleep, not murder someone!”
“Admit it! You didn't come to the movie because you wanted to watch it, you came because… because…”
Rayla raises her eyebrow.
“Nevermind.”
“Thought so.” She says with a smirk.
Callum smiles and rolls his eyes.
“Alright then, I’m gonna pick Ez up and make my way home. Will you be okay to drive or…”
“I’ll be fine. I’m not drunk, just sleepy. I can drive.” She pauses for a few moments and softly says, “Thank you for today. This was the most fun I’ve had in ages.”
“Well… you just selected a dress which wasn’t even for you, ate something and slept. If that’s your way of having fun then you’re welcome.”
She chuckles. She had fun because she was with him. How did she feel so close to him even though they just met today? It usually takes her ages to make friends and even after making one she would never feel as comfortable as she feels with Callum.
“Well… See you later I guess. Bye Callum.”
“Bye Rayla.”