Tethered (Book Two of The Invisible String Series)

Movies and Star-Gazing

I pop open the container full of popcorn, tossing a small handful into my mouth as I watch the movie's title sequence flash across the screen. I jump a little when Lizzie's hand comes down to slap against my thigh, having not expected it, but I smile nonetheless as it's apparent that the brunette has realized what movie we're watching. "We're watching The First Wives Club?!"

Nodding, I watch as Lizzie's face lights up, her smile so bright and wide that it causes her nose to scrunch as she stares up at the screen, the sight causing my heart to thump around in my chest. "I remember you mentioning it was one of your favorites back when we first met. I know things have been kind of crazy lately, between the attack and us moving into the house and everything else. And you've been really great about everything. I don't think I've told you how grateful I am for all that you've done for me recently, so I wanted to make sure I did something nice for you."

When her green eyes turn back to look at me once again, long gone is the smile and excitement, replaced by an all too familiar look that the older woman gives me often. It's soft, and full of love and warms me from the inside out. "Y/N, baby, you don't have to thank me for doing any of that. I do it because I love you, you're my person. I'd walk through hell and back for you."

Reaching out, I let my fingers trail across her cheek before tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, letting myself get lost in the depths of her green irises. It's like drowning in a sea of green hues and warmth and love. "I know. I still wanted to say thank you, though."

Lizzie pulls me out of my love-induced haze by squeezing my thigh, mischief dancing in her eyes. "You know, this would be a fantastic proposal moment."

Snorting, I let myself relax into the pool of blankets and pillows. "Nice try, but it's not happening tonight, babe."

I'm not at all surprised when Lizzie resettles herself in the spot between my legs as she lightly laughs, her back pressed against my front. "Can't say I didn't try."

With that, the two of us settle into our comfortable positions in silence, our eyes glued to the movie screen in front of us, not moving for the entirety of the film unless it was to grab more of the snacks I'd packed for us. I personally had never seen this film before, but I find myself laughing at the characters on the screen as they exact revenge on their husbands. For a movie that came out the year I was born, I surprisingly enjoyed it and can see why it's on Lizzie's list as one of her favorites.

When the movie's end credits start to roll across the screen, I make no move to dislodge myself from my comfortable position, instead choosing to watch Lizzie as she removes herself from my hold and begins to clean everything up. "It's considered rude to stare."

"I can't help it. My girlfriend is hot."

The brunette rolls her eyes, but looks at me confusingly as I continue to stay lounging in my spot. "The movie's over, what are you doing?"

"Who said the end of the movie signaled the end of our date?"

Almost as if on cue, the drive-in's screen goes black and the lights fade out, plunging us into an almost complete darkness. It's only thanks to the moonlight that I can still see Lizzie's semi-confused face and I smile before pointing up, watching as the brunette does and as the awe settles on her features. Unlike LA, where the city's lights prevent us from seeing the stars at night, here the night sky is crystal clear and the stars are painted across the blackness.

"Wow, this is...this is beautiful. I've never seen stars like this before."

Reaching out, I gently tug Lizzie back into me, tucking the fuzzy blanket back around us upon feeling how cool her skin was to the touch. "Once a week during the summer months they used to close down the drive-in earlier than usual and would let people come in and star-gaze. It's kind of the best place in town to bring people on dates, because the drive in is settled on the top of a hill, so the stars are easier to see."

The brunette in my arms chuckles, tilting her head to the side to catch my gaze. "Did you bring your high school dates here?"

"All the time. I'd woo them by telling this story about the star lore, and afterwards I would sneak them into the house and down to my room and somehow manage to sneak them back out the next morning before my mother ever knew they were there."

Lizzie hums, cuddling into me further. "I think I need to hear this story."

"The story was that Orion was a mighty and proud hunter who was stung by a scorpion. Orion died of the scorpion's sting and was placed among the stars by the gods. Although the scorpion was destroyed by the gods in vengeance for killing Orion, it was also placed among the stars. In order to prevent Orion and the scorpion from quarreling and fighting with each other in the sky, the gods placed Orion and the scorpion at opposite ends of the sky, and in opposite seasons, so that both of them can never be seen in the sky at the same time. Although I'd tell it with much more grandeur and it never failed to make the ladies swoon."

Lizzie and I laugh as I describe my teenage antics, once again thinking about how my teenage self would react if she could see us now as silence washes over us once more. I've seen the stars enough to know their beauty, and instead let my eyes wander over my girlfriend's features, watching her gaze upwards instead. It never fails to amaze me just how beautiful Lizzie is, and how much said beauty grows every time I look at her. And this time is no different. Bathed in the light of the moon, with the starlight reflecting in her eyes- it's enough to steal the breath from my lungs.

"You're staring again."

I don't respond right away, not until Lizzie pulls her attention away from the stars above us and meets my gaze. "I hope you know that you're the last girl I ever want to bring here."

The brunette smiles softly, closing the last bit of space between us to press our lips together, the both of us melting into the kiss. "I love you, Y/N."

Pulling back, I remove just enough space between us to softly whisper "I love you, too" before Lizzie pulls me back in, resuming our kiss. It's slow and soft, and holds the promise of many more nights like this to come. And I find myself hoping and praying to whatever higher being out there that it's a promise that never breaks.

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*insert drum roll here* And after my month-long hiatus, which I apologize greatly for, I give you this very short chapter!

I kinda lost all desire to write this past month, and I have no idea why. But I found it while writing another story, which I plan on revealing on here soon. I think I started to burn myself out on this series, trying to put so much effort into getting it done and staying consistent with a writing schedule and trying to balance life, school, and work on top of that. So I took a break, and I didn't want to announce it because I didn't want anyone to freak out and think I was giving up on this story. I'm not. Ever. I'm seeing this thing through. But I am back and ready to do this, with renewed vigor and a fresh take, so I'm hoping to resume updates when I can!

Let me know what you all thought of this chapter, as short as it is. I planned for more, but again, I kinda lost my vibe and honestly I re-wrote this one like seven times before I just went with it. Things are gonna pick up next chapter.

Thank you all for being so patient with me and for continuing to support this series. It means a lot to me. Remember to stay safe, eat some food, drink that water and take time for yourselves. Love you all! -C❤️