Arriving at the movie theater. I see Mel waiting outside. She looks over at me with a huge smile

“Hey you made it! The guys are inside playing at the arcade” Mel says pointing behind her.

“Mhmm- okay. Then let’s get inside,” I say looking around

I follow Mel inside; She pays for our tickets and buys me a few snacks. We played at the arcade for what felt like an hour and headed over to watch the movie.

“Hey, do you mind if I sit next to you? Hade sleeps through movies,” Mel says arching her back to not disturb those behind us.

“If you want” I say, regretting it later.

Hour and a half into the movie, Mel would not stop taking glances at me. Which was starting to make me uncomfortable. I got up and made my way to the bathroom to escape. 

Another hour passes: I left the bathroom and called Stella since mom is at work to pick me up. While waiting I hear people coming out of the movie theater talking about the different movies they have just watched. I guess the movies are over.

“Hey, Gin! Are you okay? You never came back,” Mel spotting me sitting on the curb outside

“Yeah my stomach hurts. Ima just head home. Thanks for the invite,” I say faking my illness.

“Okay do you want me to come with you? I don’t want you to get hurt or anything,” Mel bending down in concern for me.

She just never stops!

“Ugh… no. I just need to go now. Plus, I already called my mom,” I insist, getting up from the curb.

“Gin! I’m here” Stella calls out to me from the car window.

“Well that’s my ride- Bye!” I say with an instant burst of energy running to the car. Thank god, she got here just in time.

“Oh, um bye,” Mel says standing there awkwardly.

Hopping into Stella’s car, Stella shocks her head watching me buckle up.

“Sir you owe me,” Stella says, raising her eyebrow.

“Yeah, yeah, I know. I just really needed to leave,” I say looking out the window

“Was it that bad?” Stella says driving away from the theater. 

“Yeah- Ummm... how’s Grace?” I say not making eye contact

She glances over grinning, “She’s fine. I told her I was picking you up. Soo … I’m guessing she’s waiting for us at home” Stella winks

“What about her boyfriend?” I say trying to hide the jealousness in my voice.

“Don’t worry about him. To me he’s temporary until she figures out her feels for you” Stella says laughing 

I blushed to a tomato. I can’t even feel my face! “What?! I- Who-” I say flustered

“Sweetheart, I love you the both of you guys and I mean, what do the kids say nowadays ‘I ship it!’” Stella says patting my back with one hand and steering with the other.

“Oh, my goodness!” I say bearing my face in my hands.

Stella laughs “Awe sooo cute!” 

With my face still hot and red, Stella makes a few turns and We arrive at their home.

“Are you coming in to say ‘hi’ or going home?” Stella says parking the car in their garage.

“I think I’m just going to go home. Thank you for picking me up” I say grabbing my things and unbuckling my seat belt.

“Anytime sweetheart, do not forget what we talked about. You go and fight for what you want. I’m rooting for you. Plus, you all are seniors and I do not know where she wants to go or where you want to go. I do not want you guys to miss any chances” Stella gives a gentle smile both sad and warm.

“Thanks, but it’s easier said than done” I state in heart ache. Stepping out of the car, waiting and watching Stella getting out.

“True but that’s up to you. Goodnight dear!” Stella says before heading to her door.

“Goodnight” I say turning towards home. 

Walking home I start thinking hard about Stella’s words. It is true I don’t want to miss this opportunity, but I don’t mind where we are in our relationship right now. Right?