Behind A Smile [Wattys 2023]

5 - Confusion

        It's been a week since I came back from camp, and still no sign of Jayden. On top of that, today was the day Nat and I were supposed to hang out at the movies. Leading up to today, I was nervous. And I wanted to...impress him for some reason? The point is, things have gotten really interesting between Nat and I. I just wanted things to go well today.

A knock on my door brought me out of my thoughts, "Yeah?" I called.

Liam poked his head in. "Someone is here at the door." He said, giving me a knowing smirk. I hid my embarrassment through annoyance. "Oh shut up!" I said, throwing a tank-top at his face. Liam just laughed it off, "Whatever you say, but I know your enamorada con el." (Translation: Whatever you say, I know you're in love with him).

I just groaned in frustration. Am i? I don't know...

I got my a55 downstairs before too long.

Natal sat on the couch waiting for me. He saw me and looked up, smiling. "Finally, what took you so long?" He asked. I laughed, "Is that how you say hi?" Natal shrugged. I couldn't help but to silently take them in.

+Natal Outfit

-T-shirt under a band sweater

-beanie

-skinny rip jeans

-converse

+Kaja's (me) Outfit+

-tank-top

-flannel

-jeans

-converse

-friendship bracelets on left wrist

Nat got up and walked towards the door. "Shall we?" I smiled, "Yes." I linked arms with his outstretched one. "I'm leaving! Be in bed by 10!" I shouted, exiting. There was shuffling before I heard Liam shout, "Bye! Be home by 11!"

I rolled my eyes. "Yes mum," I mumbled.

—

"Anything in particular you wanna watch?" I asked as we looked at the play board. Nat shook his head. Eventually I made a decision and purchased tickets to a movie my friends recommended: IT.

Little did I know, I would regret it completely..

Ten minutes before the movie started we decided to hit the snack line. I insisted on paying for that too. After, we walked to the theater room that played IT and took two seats in the second row. My mind played an incident that happened earlier like tape.

Nat poked me as we stood line for snacks. I smiled and poked him back.

Nat,

Me,

Nat,

Me,

Nat,

Nat,

Nat,

Me.

Before we knew it, it turned into a full blown tickle fight RIGHT in the middle of the snack line! People stared but I didn't really care. All I could think about was Nat. When it was our turn, Nat placed the order we agreed on: a large popcorn for the both of us and two drinks of our choice.

I pulled out  my wallet to pay but he stole it. "Please, it's my....treat...," Nat said as he held up a piece of popcorn he somehow snagged. I had just laughed and shook my head, "Goofball." I gave the cashier a 20 to pay for the snacks and drinks. Soon I took the change I was given. "Angel." Nat countered. He didn't return the wallet till we were seated.

Presently I was very stiff in my seat. I nearly jumped as Penny Wise came on display. Really, Kaja? It's just a f*cking clown, I thought. I peaked over at Nat who seemed to be enjoying it. I tried to remain chill. It honestly kinda made me irritated how unscareable he was.

The second time I jumped so bad, I almost knocked my drink over. I glanced over at Nat who was now looking at me, pink sprinkling his cheeks. I noticed his arm was much closer now, our pinkies almost touching. I awkwardly looked away, looking forward.

"Eek!-"

To my immense surprise, Nat was literally hugging me. My face heated up and I didn't need to look back to know he was blushing too.

I kept my eyes on the screen while subconsciously taking Nat's hand. We just stayed like that till the end.

That same night I couldn't help but to play the events of today over and over in my head. What was that? Does he like me? Do I like him? I need to talk to him. Something doesn't feel right...or...UGH WHY ARE FEELING SO COMPLICATED!