“Worth it.” I nod firmly.
I wait for them to grab their snacks and follow them close to the front. The screen on the wall is massive. I can’t believe it’s so big. We take seats right in the middle. There's a convenient cup holder on the arm of the chair, and I realize after leaning back it reclines.
“This is awesome,” I whisper to them.
They giggle again. “Just wait; it’s about to start,” Valley tells us.
I look towards Cynthia. “Have you ever seen a movie in a theater before?”
“Nope, not ever, like—ever. This is so exciting.”
“Aw, I’m happy to be sharing this moment with you, then.” I reach over to pat her arm.
The screen makes a sound, then bursts to life right in front of me. The credits start, then the title. I sit back; happily munching my snacks.
From minute one, I’m hooked. I can’t look away. It's almost magical.
When Lydia Dietz comes on-screen, Valley hollers. “That’s her, Nyx!”
We both dissolve into giggles, and Cynthia laughs along with us, though not knowing the joke. Bless her, she’s so sweet.
I jolt in my seat whenBeetlejuiceshows up the first time.
“Oh,” I cringe back. “What the hell is that thing?” I shiver, rubbing the goosebumps on my arms.
“He’s a demon,” Valley announces.
“Like—from Hell?”
Valley reaches over, tugging my hair playfully. “Yep!”
The movie continues. I look away every time something scary happens.
“Nyx, is this your first sort-of scary movie?” Valley asks.
“Yeah, I was never allowed to watch anything like this.”
We watch the rest of the movie and I actually liked it. It was funny; I wasn’t expecting that. And since it was from the 80s, that makes it even better.
I take a moment to reflect how far I’ve come in such a short time. Although I’ve never been one to flinch away, I have so damn much trauma I should have been put off and disturbed by a scary movie. However, I instead channeled the trauma into empowerment. I lifted myself above the fear and memories so I could enjoy the film.
As the final credits roll, I stand with a groan, clutching my stomach. “Too much sugar.” I stare down at the little pooch my stomach has. “Did that make me fat?”
“Nyx, God. No, it’s just bloat. It’ll go away.” Valley lets a giggle escape.
My cheeks burn in embarrassment. “I guess I’m still kind of socially retarded...”
Cynthia spews the drink she was just taking, getting it all over the floor.
“Sorry, Cynthia,” I manage to gasp in-between laughs.
We're all cracking up when all seven of my guys, plus 3 and Bryan, find us.
“It’s about fucking time. Where were you?” Razor demands.
“Watching a movie. Bro, chill,” Valley shoots back.
“Watch it, girlie.”
