Page 58 of Beautiful Small Things

Iris

I haven’t seen Orion since he crashed my date a few days ago. He’s texted a few times and I’ve answered, but haven’t made any plans to see him until tonight. He asked if we could meet for dinner, and I agreed. He can grovel over food and a movie.

He’s waiting outside the movie theater with my ticket when I arrive. He’s always been thoughtful that way. He does nice things for no reason, like making signs at my award ceremony and making people cheer for me. I’m sure most of them don’t even like me, but he did it to make me feel comfortable. Those are the things I’ve always appreciated about him.

“Hey, Purple Rain,” he says as he sees me approach.

“Hi, Orion,” I reply cheerfully. I realize I’m really happy to see him. We haven’t gone more than two days without seeing one another in years.

He embraces me in a hug, and suddenly the weirdness or awkwardness I was concerned about fades. I thought I’d have to confront him about acting like a lunatic, but it seems as though all is back to normal.

We have a routine when we go to the movies. We get popcorn, a large Cherry Coke, red licorice, and Junior Mints. We sit in the middle of the rows at the theater’s top and share everything. It’s one of my favorite things to do.

The movie isn’t good or particularly realistic, but it’s scary enough that I put my head on Orion’s shoulder and wind my arm through his to keep from reacting to the jump-scares.

It’s the strangest feeling, but something is different. Orion has always been my closest friend, and I feel more comfortable around him than anyone, but I’ve never been physically attracted to him. Ever since the night I went to get him at the party, I can sense something different bubbling under the surface, but we both appear content, letting it simmer for now.

“Wanna get some real food?” he asks as we exit the theater.

“That would be good. Where do you want to go?” I smile.

“Let’s walk down to The Grove,” he replies, throwing his arm over my shoulder.

“Perfect,” I smile.

The Grove is a collection of outdoor shops and restaurants about ten minutes away from the movie theater. There are always people milling around, drinking coffee, and window shopping. As we get closer, I can see some girls from school sitting at a table. They turn their heads to look at us, say hello to Orion, and offer me fake half-smiles.

We settle on this fantastic little Thai restaurant, and I sit outside while Orion orders. We’re halfway through our Pad Thai and Coconut Curry when I decide to approach the uncomfortable topic.

“So, what were you hoping to accomplish when you showed up on my date?”

He stops eating and looks at me sheepishly.

I fold my hands in my lap and wait patiently for him to answer my question.

Orion sighs and begins. “I don’t know,” he shrugs. “I wanted to see you. I needed to check on you and make sure you were OK.”

“But you acted like a jerk,” I say honestly. “You and Sebastian embarrassed me.”

“I know,” he acknowledges. “I’m really sorry about that. I swear it wasn’t my intention.”

“I believe you,” I tell him, satisfied with his sincere apology.

“Can I be honest with you?” he asks.

“Always,” I answer immediately.

“I really wanted you to give Henry a chance,” he starts, “until it actually happened. Then I felt,” he pauses while he searches for the right word, “jealous.”

“I can understand that,” I tell him.

He leans forward on the table. “You can?”

“Yes, I can. Everyone loves you. I know eventually you will get a girlfriend, and I’ll be cast aside. It’s normal, and rationally, I understand it. That doesn’t mean I like it.”

“I’m glad I’m not the only one,” he says, offering me a half smile.

“I’m happy we talked about it. Should we get going?”