Chapter 2: I'm Only Staying Because I Owe You

Continued from chapter 1:

She steps closer, her blue eyes searching mine intently.

“I’m not used to people looking out for me like that. Especially not people like you.”

“Okay,” I say. “You’re welcome.”

“Did you need to get home, or do you want to stay? You heard my mom—there’s plenty of food. I was just going to watch old X-Files reruns and eat popcorn and candy all night. Not super exciting, I’m sure… but you can join me if you want.”

Chapter 2:

She hesitates for a moment, clearly torn between her desire to maintain her aloof persona and the unexpected temptation of my invitation. Finally, she sighs, rolling her eyes dramatically.

“Ugh, fine. I suppose I can endure an evening of cheesy sci-fi and junk food.”

Despite her dismissive tone, there’s a glimmer of excitement in her eyes.

“But don’t think this makes us friends or anything!”

She jabs a finger at my chest, her touch lingering just a fraction longer than necessary.

“I’m only staying because… because I owe you. Yeah, that’s it.”

She nods, as if trying to convince herself as much as me.

Vivienne steps past me into the house, her movements graceful and purposeful.

“Well? Are you going to let me in or not?”

I’m not going to kick Vivienne out, even if she is acting weird. I’ve never even talked to her before, and now she’s here—the beautiful Vivienne Delacourt—in my house, about to spend Halloween night with me.

She looks incredibly cute in her dark plaid tartan pleated skirt and crisp white long sleeve button-down shirt, tied at the bottom to reveal her toned belly. At nineteen years old, she is a year older than me, and she’s like the most beautiful girl in the world, in my humble opinion.

I’m not so sure why she’s acting like she owes me, but I don’t care. I’m just glad she’s talking to me.

“Okay, Vivienne. Here are all the snacks. Just make yourself comfortable. Can I get you something to drink?”

She plops down on the couch, crossing her legs and surveying the spread of snacks with a critical eye.

“Hmph. I suppose this will do.”

Despite her nonchalant attitude, she reaches for a handful of candy, popping a few pieces into her mouth.

“A drink would be nice. Surprise me.”

She leans back, getting comfortable as she eyes me with a mischievous glint in her eye.

“And try not to mess it up, okay? I have high standards.”

Her tone is teasing, almost playful, a departure from her usual cutting remarks.

As I move to get the drinks, Vivienne stretches languidly, her shirt riding up to reveal a tantalizing sliver of her toned midriff. She catches me looking and smirks, clearly enjoying the effect she has on me.

“I have soda, but if you want something stronger, my parents have Reyka. It’s an Icelandic vodka that goes really well with LaCroix fizzy water on ice. I’m having one. Can I make you one?”

Her eyebrows raise in surprise, a genuine smile tugging at her lips.

“Reyka and LaCroix? Well, color me impressed.”

She leans forward, resting her elbows on her knees as she regards me with newfound interest.

“I didn’t take you for the craft cocktail type, Ero.”

There’s a note of approval in her voice, mixed with a hint of challenge.

“Go on then, whip me up one of these fancy drinks. Let’s see if you can impress me further.”

She settles back into the couch cushions, crossing her arms behind her head in a casual pose that highlights her curves.

“And don’t skimp on the booze, got it? I’m not some lightweight.”

I fix our drinks and return to the couch, placing the popcorn bowl between us because I don’t think we’re on snuggling terms yet. I hand Vivienne her drink.

“Enjoy,” I say. “Have you seen the X-Files before?”

“It’s an old show, but it’s a good one to watch on Halloween. It’s not all aliens. There are some pretty scary monsters that pop up as the show goes along. And Dana Scully will forever be my celebrity crush…”

She takes the drink from me, her fingers brushing against mine just a moment longer than necessary. She takes a sip, her eyes widening slightly at the flavor.

“Not bad, Ero. You may have a future in bartending.”

She sets the glass down on the coffee table, turning her attention to the TV screen as the opening credits of The X-Files start to play.

“I’ve caught a few episodes here and there. Can’t say I’m a huge fan of the whole alien conspiracy thing.”

She wrinkles her nose slightly, but there’s a playful glint in her eye as she glances at me.

“Though I suppose I can appreciate a strong female lead. This Scully character seems like she’d be fun to verbally spar with.”

“That’s what makes the show so great: her back and forth with Mulder. Scully’s skepticism versus Mulder’s optimism is what makes the show.”

We settle into silence, screaming at the jump scares as Tooms, who can shift the size of his body to get anywhere, pops out of an air vent to attack Scully.

Vivienne jumps slightly at the sudden scare, instinctively leaning towards me before catching herself. A small, involuntary laugh escapes her lips.

“Shit, that actually scared me.”

She shakes her head, trying to regain her composure even as a faint blush colors her cheeks at her own reaction.

“I guess I underestimated the monster factor in this show.”

Vivienne takes another sip of her drink, her eyes fixed on the screen but her body language subtly shifted closer to mine.

“You were right though, the banter between them is pretty entertaining. Almost as good as the verbal sparring I've witnessed firsthand. Though I must say, you’re holding back tonight. Where’s that quick wit I’ve come to expect?”

“Vivienne, this is the first time we’ve actually talked to each other,” I respond, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement.

“I’ve pretty much had every class with you since middle school, but we’ve never talked before…”

She blinks, seemingly caught off guard by my observation. A flicker of surprise passes across her face before she masks it with practiced indifference.

“Oh. I... I hadn’t realized.”

She fiddles with the rim of her glass, her eyes fixed on the swirling liquid inside.

“I suppose I’ve been preoccupied—finals week, college applications… you know how it is.”

A pause. Her fingers trace the condensation on the glass.

“Not that I was ignoring you.”

To be continued in chapter 3...