“I’ll microwave some buttery popcorn, then we’ll start the movie. You can sit.” I wave toward the couch.
He stays planted where he is. “Need help?”
I shake my head. “I’m good. Just sit. Watch TV in the meantime, if you want.”
“I’ll help bring in the snacks and drinks.”
“Okay, check the cabinet and fridge and grab whatever you want.”
While he does that, I microwave the popcorn and watch the bag spin around in there.
Ryan and I are alone in my kitchen. Why am I even making a big deal about it when he sees me as just a friend?
And what in the world did he mean when he said he wants to know why I lovePride and Prejudiceso much? If I’m just a friend, why does he care? And I can’t forget the way he held me in his arms last night. Ugh. Why is he so darn confusing?
My thoughts are interrupted by the beep beep of the microwave. I take the popcorn out and pour it into a large bowl. Ryan’s got many different snacks and drinks in his arms. He watches me stare at them.
“Oh, is this too much? I always snack a lot when I watch a movie,” he says.
I laugh. “I also snack too much. I never met anyone who eats as much junk as I do.”
He nods. I wish he’d laugh or smile or show some sort of emotion, instead of being indifferent most of the time. I mean, the only time I’ve seen a sliver of fun on him was at the dance, but even that was only a tiny bit. One can think he isn’t capable of feeling anything, but I know he is. I just wish I’d see it.
“What?” he asks, glancing down at himself like he thinks he has a stain on his shirt.
“Nothing,” I quickly say. “Let’s go watchPride and Prejudice!” I know I said it a bit too enthusiastically, I just love it so much.
We plop down on the couch side by side. Ryan drops the stash of snacks on the table before us while I place the popcorn bowl between us. I’m so tempted to scoot closer to him and feel his body warmth, but I hold back. Friends don’t do that to friends.
We start the movie and watch quietly. The popcorn bowl sits between us, untouched. Actually, neither of us is eating from the snacks. I’m just too engrossed in the movie.
Turning my head to Ryan, I see his eyes pasted on the TV. It’s like he’s pulled in. Does he like it? Or is he only pretending to for my sake?
I hold the popcorn out to him, but he doesn’t notice it. I can’t help but stare at him as he watches. His eyes are filled with…light. That’s the only way I can describe it. It’s like something has woken up inside him.
He shifts his gaze to me. “What? Why are you staring at me?”
I tuck some hair behind my ear. “Nothing. What do you think so far?”
“Darcy is a jerk.”
I laugh. “Yeah, kind of.” I want to tell him that you need to get to know him better before you make all these conclusions about him, but I don’t want to ruin the movie for him.
Ryan watches and I watch him. I can’t even bring myself to focus on what’s on the screen because I keep my eyes locked on his.
What is it about this guy that sends my blood into frenzy? And why can’t I just be friends with him?
I internally sigh. What do I do? Keep my distance because we both want different things? No. Iwantto be his friend. I want to hang out with him and watch movies with him and spend our lunch periods in the art room. Maybe one day this crush will vanish and we’ll be good friends. I hope.
I stick my hand into the popcorn bowl and my fingers sweep across something warm and hard. Hisfingers. A shock zooms up my spine and my hand flies out of the popcorn bowl. It’s such a strong force that the bowl flips in the air and splats on the couch, spilling popcorn everywhere.
I leap to my feet. “Crap!”
Ryan pauses the movie and then we start gathering the popcorn and tossing theminto the bowl.
I reach for a cluster the same time he does, and his hand knocks into mine. Once again, electricity zaps up my spine.
I blink at Ryan and he looks at me. Did he feel it, too?
