George, a half-elf, half-siren college student, isn’t supposed to fall for a human. At least, that’s what all his friends say. But when Cameron -- quiet, bookish, and carrying his own secrets -- asks him to the movies, George can’t resist.
What begins as a simple outing turns into something deeper when Cameron has a panic attack during the film. Drawn together by shared pain, a marigold wallet, and a connection that feels almost magical, the two find comfort in each other’s honesty. But can George risk his heart on a human who carries scars of his own? And can Cameron open up enough to believe he deserves someone standing by his side?
I went to the movies with my friend, Joy. We went to see Black Widow. That was a good film. Emotionally deep and yet funny. Everything in the movies is so funny -- no one can read each other’s mind (to make it more interesting) so they all gotta act like they’re walking on eggshells trying to figure out the other’s motives. I have some human acquaintances. They are so crazy good at reading my mind! Argh! I hate it. But ... I kinda like it too. This human guy I know from my college is really funny and cool and he doesn’t show off that he can read minds.
He asked me to go to the movies with him, too.
He’s human -- hanging out with me! I’m half elf and half siren. It’s so odd to everyone since humans usually don’t go out with other magical beings unless it’s a large group.
All my friends think it’s scandalous.
“George, you can’t just go out with that human by yourself!” my ogre friend Terrence said. He flicks his finger on my shoulder. “They’ll think you’re funny.”
“Ah, I am funny. Don’t ya think?” I said sarcastically.
Carlos, part fairy and gnome, sneered and chuckled, “Nah. Just an odd duck!”
“Oh, and you guys are a shining example of witticism and brilliance!” I scoffed.
“You got a thing for him!” Francis, my elf friend sneaked in, and my face went warm.
“No! I don’t. He’s cool. Just gonna see a film,” I said.
“Surrrrre!” Carlos taunted. “Be sure to yawn and stretch really good! Then you can pull him close!”
I crinkled my nose. “Carlos, ya want to just come instead? Sounds like you want some loving!”
Everyone laughed. Carlos cringed visibly.
“Hell no!” Carlos yelled. We all laughed more.
“I heard he can read minds instantly!” Francis said.
I shrugged. “Oh well. I don’t care.”
Francis smiles at me knowingly, “Yes, you do, bro.”
Carlos nodded. “It’s okay, we know you like him! It’s so obvious!”
I tried to not let that comment about reading minds bother me. But it did. My friends knew me too damn well -- and my mind was so distracted, I didn’t even respond to Carlos’ last remark.
Why did I like this guy so much? I went out of my way to talk to him. I’d gone out of my way to get to know his name. Then, he asked me to go to the movies. What was compelling and driving my feelings -- to see him -- what thwarted my usually frivolous, immature attitude about relationships? Was it his strangely shy demeanor? Was it his lack of arrogance, or his way of always reading books instead of going out to college parties?
Or his light curly dirty blonde hair ...
So, we met at the theater; it was Saturday afternoon.
“Hey, George!” Cameron said, waving. He wore a black hat and a button-up collared shirt, and black pants. He is always dressed so neatly.
I’m dressed as I always have been, in my Gothic splendor, hair too long, and a bit of a hippie to boot. I wore an old System of a Down shirt, black Tripp pants, and a nose ring.
“Hey!” I said back. “You got your ticket?”
He nodded. “I got you yours!” He handed it to me as he walked toward me.
I bit my lip hard. I wasn’t expecting him to get my ticket. “Uh, shit, man. Lemme pay you back.” I stumbled to get out my wallet.
It fell.
I felt my whole face become hot. My wallet was ... a little strange for a guy.
And of course ... Cameron picked it up.
