Love Is Second Best — Chapter 25: LOST IN YOUR EYES

"Gosh, it's been a while since I last went to the cinema." Carmella can't help but to hug her arms. Adrian put off his jacket right away. He gently put it on her shoulders. Carmella thanked him as they went to the upper box.

It is really cozy and nice. The place is dimmed. When they went inside, good thing the show started right away.

"Thank you. This is really unexpected. I am happy that I am watching cartoons with you."

"I think you're the right person to watch "Pile Of Dreams" with.

He is holding her hand as he guides her to the seats because it's too dark. The only light that they can see are the led lights being placed in every stairs for the viewers to not trip on it.

"Did you know? Some of the scenes were dedicated to Shrevakhuk.He has a great contribution for that movie. Most of the remarkable lines came from his literary works that's effective to what the cartoon is telling about: The strength and unity of the family." He added as they sat down next to each other.

"Wow. At least I know what to expect now."

"Sorry to spoil you a bit."

"Not a problem." Carmella answered. They waited for two minutes more and the film started right away.

Carmella and Adrian looked at each other with a meaningful grin. Carmella hoped that he couldn't see her blushing underneath the flickering light from that dimmed place, or else she'll be busted.

When she saw that Adrian was putting his hands on his popcorn, she also did the same. After that, they both gave a piece of popcorn to each other, Adrian putting his popcorn near Carmella lips as Carmella did the same to him. They did a silent chuckle which made the people around them think they're one of those sweet and clingy couples.

Most of the people there show their public display of affection to their partners. If other people will see them but they didn't know them, they will instantly think they are lovers.

Carmella turned to his side as she whispered near his ear..."Thank you," he smiled as a response.

"If you keep on thanking me, it will not happen again so you better not be thankful all the time." He whispered back. Carmella almost lost her sanity when his scent reached her nose. He smells sexy and manly at the same time. It is obvious that the perfume he's using is very costly.

'Wow, if only Hope is here. She will definitely enjoy this cartoon for sure...' Carmella kept some of these words to herself as they were both seated next to each other.

'But...sorry Hope. I guess I also have the right to be happy all by myself.' She kept these words all by herself as she looked at Adrian on her side. She's a bit surprised when Adrian holds her hand while his eyes are fixed on the wide screen.

'Is this how it feels like having a boyfriend of your own?'

Carmella enjoyed the movie very much from start to finish. Adrian was also happy seeing her smile all throughout the duration of time that they're watching.

When the lights are on, they slowly stand up, this time they're on their way home. When they are both seated in the backseat, Adrian faces her.

"Did you like it?"

"Of course! I love Shrevakhuk's literary works. The movie gave justice to the plot and on how it was perfectly inserted to every scene."

"Wow. That was a nice comment for "Pile Of Dreams". Good job.

"I never knew you're also a fan of his. That's nice." He nodded as if he's loving what he's hearing from Carmella. As promised, as soon as the movie ended at exactly 5:30pm, he drove Carmella to their house. She thanked him for everything that happened that night. As soon as Adrian reached their house, he never forgot to message Carmella before he prepared for bed.

----

"What? He did that?" almost shouted as she giggled.

"Yep." Carmella can't help but smile.

"Oh that punk! Why is it that when it comes to me, he can't offer me a movie treat? That's unfair." She chuckled as she said her sentiments. Carmella only laughed at her friend as she put her hand on her left ear to hear Kara well.

"Well, maybe because I am Carmella and you're Kara?

"He should favor me the most because if not for me, he won't be able to meet someone like you."

"Don't worry I will tell him."

"No," She said between chuckles. "Let his conscience disturb him." She added.

"I guess he's just used to you because you're his cousin that's why he never does this to you already."

"I hate him for that. So, what's the update now? Are you both in a mutual relationship?"

"What mutual relationship? M.U my ass." I answered right away and we both giggled as I told the truth to Kara.

"I do not expect that kind of reaction."

"Well, you shouldn't. We don't have any kind of relationship that you're thinking about."

"You're crazy. Of course you are in that stage now. C'mon, it's been more than seven months that you both have been out. What should I think? That you're still friends?" Kara answered as if not believing everything I just said.

"Are we not? My goodness Kara you and your assumption theories."

"Can you blame me? I can't help it. My cousin is acting weird when it comes to you. What should I think about it?"

"Of course, you have to think that we're just friends."

Kara mimicked the last phrase Carmella told her in a joking manner.

"Carmella...what if,"

"What 'what if'?

"Well, what if you tell him your true feelings?"

"Kara, what true feelings?"

"You're in love with my cousin, aren't you?"

"My goodness! In love?" Carmella asked between chuckles. She seems to be anxious because of what her best friend is asking her.

"Carmella girl, you know what? Being stupid is different from acting stupid. What's wrong with you? Are you still not in love with my cousin after all this time?"

"You are putting me on the spot, you know."

"But, am I right or right?" Carmella can't help but let out an exasperated sigh.

"Why do you ask me questions I am not ready to answer?"

"I'm your best friend and I have the right to know something that concerns my future."

"Future?"

"Yes. We'll be relatives in law someday."

"What a silly, advanced

Carmella bit her lower lip as she smiled.

"Yes. I am in love with your cousin. Happy?" Kara shrieks and giggles on the other line. Carmella shushed her to keep quiet because she's really noisy on how she reacts.

"So, who's doing the 'assumption theory' now?" She proudly boasted.

"I hate you, really..."

"Carmella, being in love is really fine. You're not a non-living thing that you can't feel anything after all my cousin did for you. My goodness."

They stayed silent for more than two minutes, observing what the other line would say. She left speechless after Kara made her realize everything right now.

"Carmella..." They both made a sound that seemed to be surprised. Carmella could hear the voice of her mother calling her downstairs.

"Oh my gosh, the monster is there already. We'll just talk tomorrow. See you!"

"Don't call my mom like that! You're so bad!" Carmella chuckled but she only heard a disconnecting line sound.

"Mom, I am coming!"Carmella hurriedly ran downstairs as she placed her cellphone on her bedside table. Even if she's not sure about the reason why she called her, I don't feel scared anymore. This exact feeling I discovered deep within me is greater than what will happen.

Her mother is looking at her sternly as she folded her arms.

"Where have you been?"

"I've been to school, mom." Instead of answering me with words, she answered me with a forceful slap on my left cheek. Carmella held the affected area and massaged it slowly. She's closing her fist secretly as she stopped herself from crying. Her mom's hand is always heavy. Whenever she received this one, it was always painful until she got used to it.

"What did I hear from outside our house? Who's that guy?"

"H-He's only a friend, mom. Please do not think about him for something else."

"What do you mean? I just don't want them to be talking about you behind my back."

"Mom, I assure you. I have no boyfriend. He's only a friend and he always supports me whatever I do."

She nodded as she raised one of her eyebrows.

"It's good that I am hearing it from your own mouth. You have to prove it to me that you're keeping my rules."

"Y-Yes, mom." Carmella

"We're both good. Now, go back to your room and study your lessons. I will be working by now for our '10pm' schedule"

Carmella nodded as she slowly took some glance at her mom as she went upstairs to her own room. She felt bad for having neighbors who don't know what to do but to spread gossip. They only assume what they are seeing without knowing the whole thing.

What Carmella doesn't like the most is the fact that their neighbors are worse than them. They literally watch your every step and take it against you if they are bored.