Like a Dream

School? What school? I know I woke up this morning and went through my routine. I know I had Drama. I know Trish wound me up the yawn technique. I know Rouge's advice began and ended with "Don't make too much noise" so at least she has faith in me. I know all of this happened, but I can think about is the end of the day. All I can think about is how I haven't seen Elise today. All I can think about is my heart that can't stop beating out of my chest.

We agreed to meet at the cinema at 5, that gives me time to get home, get changed, and get there. I almost run home, but I try to contain myself, I don't have time to shower so I can't afford to get sweaty. I enter my front door and head straight upstairs. To my surprise, my door is open, and I hear the subtle sounds of typing emerging.

"What're... You doing?" I ask my sister as I enter, she's sat on my bed, still hard at work.

"Fixing your mistakes. As usual. I replaced those rags you picked out, they make you look like a sailor." Rouge explains, with brutal honesty. The clothes I'd laid out on my bed are gone, replaced with a full outfit, including a black tank top, red chequered over-shirt, with dark grey skinny jeans. They look like... Rouge's date outfit. I should be offended, but, honestly, she's right, this works way better. "Trish sends her best too." She adds, nodding towards a large box behind her.

I open it to find... Underwear... Dark blue and almost see-through, with a pattern on the bra that I can't tell if it's meant to be flowers or stars. Thanks Trish, you shouldn't have... Really... "You know it's a first date, right, emphasis on first?" I ask Rouge, who still doesn't halt her typing.

"She called it a 'last line of defence,' and it's better than you being unprepared." Rouge argues. I won't lie, it's pretty sexy, if nothing else maybe it'll give me a confidence boost. "Plus, I had to cough up my measurements to make sure it'd fit you, so you'll wear it or else." She continues. Easy there. Sale made.

"Have you considered telling her to stop flirting if you're really not interested?" I ask, beginning to change behind her back. "I've seen you shut people down when you want to, it's way more harsh than that."

"Ooh, you caught me, after 18 years you've finally learned something from me." Rouge mocks. "She wants me, I like being wanted, but she's still a girl, and I'm still not into that." I suppose that makes sense, she hasn't really talked about her own love life since Gabriel. Maybe that's why she's been so keen on helping, takes her mind off the loneliness.

This lingerie feels a little uncomfortable, but I catch a look in the mirror, it's definitely doing its job. I grab the clothes from next to Rouge, trying to stay out of her line of sight. I know, I know, changing's normal, but I've got enough on my mind. "You know, I think, secretly, you're curious, and you don't want to shut Trish down in case the mood strikes you." I predict, pulling on the jeans and sliding the tank top over my head.

"How about you leave the psychology of sexual desire to those of us who've had sex?" Rouge answers defensively.

"Ouch. Message received, I'll back off. One question, did this shirt get shredded in the wash?" I ask, the front has no buttons and it barely comes down to my belly button.

"It's a front knot, you fucking idiot." She answers, looking back at me, before getting up and typing it herself. "Didn't expect you to be so useless I'd literally have to dress you." She adds, sitting back down. "As an aside, I'm going with Mum to Jasper's for the evening after dropping you off, could be a late one. Remember to turn the lights off before you go to bed." Ooh, how convenient, she's decided to hang out with a girl she hates, which just happens to leave the house empty. Subtle, Rouge. Real subtle. It's a first date. Nothing's going to happen.

*

I stand in front of the theatre as Mum's car drives away. According to her I'm just going to the movies with a friend. She gave me plenty of cash for a taxi home, as well as enough to treat the both of us. I look around the area for Elise, but her voice finds me first.

"Wow..." it echoes, as I turn around I'm almost struck blind by her radiance. She's wearing cut off denim shorts with black leggings underneath. Her white blouse tucked into her shorts and the buttons open enough to allude to her cleavage without giving me a clear view. Unfortunately. "You look..." She continues. I'm not used to anyone getting tongue tied around me, it's usually my role. "So... Fucking... Gorgeous..." She finishes. Despite the language, that might be the cutest thing I've ever seen.

"Same for you, but that's normal." I reply. Yes, I got that line from Trish. No, I don't regret it. "I was gonna bring flowers but then I realised you'd have to carry them around the cinema, and I'm not good at-"

"You're very sweet." Elise cuts me off with a smile, walking closer and taking my hand. "I have a confession. I may have avoided you today so I'd see you here first. I didn't want to spoil looking at your eyes." It's been a while since I really picked up on Elise's accent, but those words, that voice... It affects me... Well, I suppose lingerie was made to get a bit wet.

"After you." I gesture towards the cinema. We make our way in, still hand in hand.

As I promised I buy us a tub of popcorn, salted at Elise's request. She refuses to tell me what film we're seeing until we're in the screening itself. Some might go for a horror film so they have an excuse to hide in their partner's arms. Some might choose a romance to increase the tension. Elise chose a monster flick. I won't lie, I kinda prefer it. It's almost empty in here... Did she think of that?

The film starts but I barely pay attention. Within a few minutes, Elise has lent her head on my shoulder. I may be a novice, but even I know what that means. I wrap my arm around her, allowing her to lean into me further. Being so close feels... Right. I can hear her breathing, feel her every move, and I'm treated to her familiar scent.

I don't know how long we stay like that. Maybe an hour? We both pick at the popcorn that's sitting on my lap, barely lowering the level. Suddenly Elise's grip slips, and a piece drops to my thigh. I expect her to pick it up, but instead she knocks it off, leaving her hand on my thigh, slowly rubbing back and forth. Do. Not. Come. In the cinema. I have to tell myself. I naturally turn my head to look at her, to which she meets my gaze. Our kiss is different to before, it's raw, hungry, and yet sweet, caring. She tastes like everything I've ever imagined and nothing I've ever dreamed of.

A thud makes us both jump as the popcorn falls to the floor, bringing us back to our sense. Sorry cinema staff.

"Let's get out of here." Elise commands. I'm not going to argue. We sneak out of the screening and towards the exit, before emerging into the night. As if by some unseen **** we pull ourselves back together again. Back into that deep, passionate kiss, back into the same feeling making my heart beat faster, back into the pleasure making my legs shake. "Take me home." She demands.

Gladly is my first thought, but, I hesitate. "We don't have to do anything if you don't want to." I reassure her, it wasn't long ago she was adamant she was straight, i can't just take advantage of her.

"Scarlet. I am of sound mind and body. All we're doing is going to your house. If I don't want to do anything, I'll stop." She confirms, looking unblinkingly into my eyes.

How can I say no to those eyes? I pull out my phone and call the taxi.