Monster

It was half passed eleven and the movie was still running. I had one arm wrapped around Zack's shoulders, letting him curl into me as much as the movie seats allowed. He used me a shield, hiding his face under my arm when something scary or particularly gross happened on the screen.

The popcorn had been long forgotten, sitting on the vacant seat next to me. My drink was empty, nothing but ice melting in the bottom.

Just as a girl in the movie had her throat ripped out, Zack hid under my arm again. I was glad I'd showered properly for this date.

Nearing the end of the movie, Zack gripped my wrist, tugging it to gain my attention. I looked away from the screen, barely seeing his face. The ending scenes were set in a dark forest, casting an almost blue glow over everyone sitting in the theater.

'Can we go? Please?' He whispered, flinching as a blood curdling scream echoed from the speakers. I nodded, not really feeling the movie myself.

I took hold of his hand, standing up. People behind us whispered complaints, telling us to move. We had to rush out of the seat row, narrowly dodging a cup that was thrown at us.

Outside the theater was freezing. The air we breathed out fogged in our faces.

Zack gripped my hand tightly, his hands almost as cold as ice. He kept his sleeves down, hiding his delicate skin from the cold.

'I'm sorry. I don't so well with scary movies,' he murmured as we walked down the street.

It'd been my idea to see the movie, and also to walk. I regretted it.

'It's alright. I promise, next time, you can pick the movie,' I smiled to him, swinging our arms back and forth. He smiled shyly, dropping his gaze to the pavement. His cheeks were tinted pink, like the tip of his nose, kissed from the cold.

I was sure my face wore the same pink tinge, my nose tingling from the cold.

I checked my watch once more, almost tripping over a ditch in the ground.

'It's almost midnight,' I stated after straightening up, trying to change the subject.

Zack looked up suddenly, to the clouded sky. His hand tightening around mine, his pace quickening.

'I don't think you should walk me home. I don't want you to get in trouble,' he murmured, turning a corner that lead to his street.

'We're almost there anyway,' he pointed down the street, to the only house with it's lights still on.

I gripped his hand tighter and began to jog, smiling as he struggled to keep up with me. Zack started to laugh as we got to his veranda, his cheeks bright red. I lent down and kissed his cheek, his chilled skin making my lips tingle.

'Well, thank you for running me home,' he chuckled, his hand on the door.

'Any time. Bye, Zack. I really did have fu-' I started to say, my cheeks flaring as I blushed, but the front door opened rather roughly, Zack almost falling since he was leaning on it.

Zack's father, James, stood in the doorway, seething. He gripped Zack's arm without a word and yanked him inside, slamming the door in my face.

In a moment of shock, I banged on the door with closed fists, calling out to Zack, hoping he was alright.

I doubted he could hear me though, since his father was screaming at him.

'Do you know how dangerous it is to be out this late?! You could have hurt someone!' He was screaming. Zack's protests could be heard, but only just. There was thumping, and I wasn't sure what it was. My heart was racing, my hands shaking in fear and anger.