I almost forgot that I invited Juanita to come to Oasis Springs with me for my meetup with Marvel, until she approaches me just before I get ready to leave. Her hair is wavy from taking down her braids, and I can tell she took some time picking out her clothes. She even has on a little makeup. Part of me wants to take back the invite because I’d really like to be alone with Marvel, but seeing her eyes all lit up with excitement makes that impossible.
Instead, I tell her that she looks nice, and her grin widens for the entire trip to the Outdoor Cinema.
Marvel is standing there waiting for me when we pull up in front. He begins to smile, but it fades, and his eyes flash with disappointment when he sees that I didn’t come alone.
So I guess this was a date.
He should have made it clear.
Tambara: This is Juanita. She enjoys movies, so I brought her along.
Marvel: Hi Juanita. I’m Marvel. Nice to meet you.
Juanita: Yeah, nice to meet you too.
Their tones are polite, but I can hear the surprise. Neither of them expected the other to be here.
Oh well. That’s my bad.
The mood has shifted a little because now Juanita is a third wheel. But Marvel sort of shrugs it away.
Marvel: I brought the blanket and some sandwiches. We’re a little early. The movie doesn’t start for 30 minutes, but we can eat first if you want to.
I follow him inside to a picnic blanket on a hill above the movie screen, completely losing track of Juanita. I kneel on the blanket, grateful that there’s no rain, but even more grateful that OS isn’t in the middle of a heat wave. In fact, the weather is almost perfect.
Tambara: This is really nice.
Marvel: Did you look over the movie list I sent? The first movie is a slasher. I hope that’s okay.
The last thing I care about right now is what movie we’ll be watching. I’m not here for that at all.
Tambara: Anything is fine with me.
Marvel unpacks the sandwiches and offers me one.
Marvel: I hope grilled cheese is okay. It’s my favorite.
Tambara: So that’s why you’re called the grilled cheese gamer?
Marvel: *chuckles* You saw that? It started as a little joke, until it grew out of control.
I take a bite of my sandwich and can tell it’s more than just a cheese sandwich. He actually took the time to season it, and the cheese is toasty with a gooey, slightly crunchy texture.
Tambara: This is really good!
Marvel: Thanks! There’s plenty for your friend too.
My friend? Oh Juanita. I’d almost forgotten about Juanita.
I look around and there she is, sitting alone on a bench several feet away. She’s obviously pretending not to be paying attention to us, but I catch her as her eyes shift from looking down at her hands to looking over at Marvel and me. She probably would have been much happier at home in the garden. A pang of guilt settles in my stomach.
Tambara: She’s not really a friend. She works for me, helping me out on the ranch.
His eyes warm to that.
Marvel: It was nice of you to invite her.
Marvel kindly beckons Juanita. She walks over, thanks him for the sandwich after he offers, and sits in an empty chair next to the blanket.
Marvel: The first movie starts in a few minutes. Do you want to stay here or take a seat closer to the screen?
I couldn’t care less about the movie or where we sit. I’m just enjoying my time here with him. But Juanita’s chewing is ruining the mood.
Tambara: It might be hard to see from here.
Marvel: True. Let’s head down. *to Juanita* You can come too.
Juanita quickly glances at me.
Juanita: No, it’s okay. I can see from here.
Marvel and I get up from the blanket and go down the stairs to take seats in the front row while she remains in her chair with her sandwich.
Marvel: So what type of movies do you usually enjoy?
Tambara: You can’t laugh if I tell you.
Marvel: I won’t.
Tambara: Promise?
Marvel: Promise.
Tambara: I like sappy romance movies.
Marvel: Why would I laugh at that? I enjoy a good romance movie from time to time.
Brownie point for him.
After the opening scene and credits, Marvel finally turns his attention to the film. I should be watching too, but I’m more interested in how serious he seems to take his movie watching. I can tell he’s a fan. His eyes are focused and his hands tense at the scarier scenes. I’m tempted to lean in to encourage him to place his arm around me or at least take my hand, but his hands remain on his lap the entire time.
I’m watching his lips closely when suddenly he startles at a jump scare. I jump too in surprise.
Marvel: *grins* That scene always gets me.
I finally turn my attention to the movie, and we spend the rest of it making fun of the actors and flinching at the scary moments together.
After the movie is over, Marvel turns to me.
Marvel: Can I get you some popcorn or anything?
Tambara: Yeah, sure. I’d like some popcorn.
We get up and walk around behind the movie screen, where there are tables, vending machines, and a couple of small appliances for making popcorn and candy.
I grab a bowl of popcorn. More people have shown up now that the sun’s going down, and when we try to return to our seats, we see that they’ve been taken. Marvel leads me back to the picnic blanket instead.
He sits and turns his attention to Juanita, who is in the exact same place we left her. Seeing her there makes me want to rewind time and avoid inviting her. I’m sure she feels the same way.
Marvel: *waves* Hey Juanita. Is everything okay? Did you enjoy the movie?
Again she’s ruining the vibe, but it’s nice of Marvel to check in on her.
Juanita: Yeah, I’d never seen that one before. They got me a few times. I nearly jumped out of my seat.
Marvel: That movie gets me no matter how many times I watch it.
I listen, admiring the ease at which Marvel talks to Juanita as if he’s known her a while. They discuss a few scenes from the movie until he excuses himself to go to the restroom.
Juanita mercifully excuses herself as well.
Juanita: I think I’ll leave the two of you alone and find a spot over on the other side.
Watcher bless her for taking the hint. I use the few minutes that I’m alone to finish up the rest of my popcorn.
Marvel returns just as the next movie begins, but he doesn’t seem very interested in watching it. Instead he leans closer. I prepare for a kiss, ready to close my eyes and pucker my lips. But then I realize he’s only leaning in so I can hear him. His breath is warm on my cheek and smells like a spicy mint. I guess he ate one while he was returning from the restroom.
Marvel: Do you want to know the best part of watching movies outdoors?
I smile because I definitely want to know.
Tambara: Yeah, sure.
He scoots in closer and points up to the sky.
Marvel: On a clear night like tonight, you can see all the stars. If we’re lucky, we’ll see a few shooting stars. Like that one over there.
He moves his finger and I try to follow where he’s pointing. I spot it just before it disappears and quickly close my eyes to make a wish. He moves his other hand on the blanket to adjust his seating position, and it accidentally brushes mine. The connection is instant and electric.
His hand lingers as he wraps his pinky around mine. His touch is innocent, like a moment two school children would share, but it’s more intimate than almost anything I’ve experienced. It opens the door to asking the questions that have plagued my thoughts.
Tambara: Was this supposed to be a date? I thought it might be. But you never said. And I wasn’t even sure if you’d noticed me.
I look down at my outfit, thinking about how much thought Desi and I put into it.
Tambara: … or even what I’m wearing.
Marvel’s eyes fill with apologies, clearly reflecting the moonlight.
Marvel: I’ve noticed you from day one. In Brindleton Bay, you were wearing a green cropped top and jeans cut off mid‑calf. The second time I saw you — at the café, you wore a white long‑sleeved shirt and a jean skirt, and yesterday a white tube top with blue and white striped shorts. But this outfit…
His eyes trail from my shirt to my throat, and finally to my eyes.
Marvel: … It’s my favorite so far.
His attention to detail takes my breath away. I didn’t even remember all of that. We linger there for a moment before becoming suddenly aware of how late it is. He slowly gets up from the blanket, then reaches out to help me as well. Then he finally answers the question that I thought he might have forgotten about.
Marvel: And yes, I wanted this to be a date, but next time I’ll make it more clear.
I swallow at his earnestness.
He steps closer and takes my hands into his.
Marvel: And maybe when we get together again, it can be in Chestnut Ridge. I’ve never been there, and I’d like to see it.
Tambara: Yeah, okay. Do you dance? Maybe we can go dancing.
Marvel: It’s like one of my favorite things to do. So, it’s a date?
Tambara: Yeah, but only if you’re wearing cowboy boots.
Marvel laughs and nods.
Marvel: I guess I’ll be going shopping. Until next time…
And with that, we say goodnight. No kiss, no hug… just the anticipation of seeing one another again soon. I float over to find Juanita sleeping on a bench. I’m sure it’s been a long night for her, and I regret what I put her through. If I could, I’d let her rest, but it’s time to go.
(Generation 5 Chapter Summaries)
