AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“See, I don’t understand howyoudon’t understand rom-coms.” She tentatively reaches for the cake before pulling it into her lap. I grab a spoon for her and hand it over. “Is it because there aren’t any ghosts or sharp weapons?”
“You may not like horror movies, Lil, but I hate to break it to you—half this movie has been dark humor.”
“And to me, it’s perfect.”You’re perfect.“Sorry it’s not some dude wearing a hockey mask while slaughtering his camp counselors. At least people fall in love in my movies.” Lily takes a big bite out of her chocolate cake.
“Never realized you were such a sappy romantic.”
Lily nudges me, playfulness sparking back up in her eyes. “Shhh, no talking during the movie.”
“Well, just so you know, I’ll always give you the last brownie, unlike in the movie.” She smiles in response. It’s a smile filled with fudge-stained teeth but my favorite one nonetheless. As she lifts another heap of cake to her lips, I intercept it and eat the entire sliver instead. “So long as you let me get a bite.”
Sometime during the montage sequence in the film, Lily puts on one of her snail masks, convincing me to do the same.
I wonder if, by the end of the summer, Lily will grow to accept the idea of usinstead of running away from it—no matter how messy and unpredictable it could be.
It could be just us on a chilly day in December, making pancakes and watching movies onourcouch in front ofourtelevision before catching a flight the next day to ski in the Swiss Alps. Lily could write her books, and I could work on something remotely revolutionary.
A life shared with a person I can call home.
The desire is surreal, and I ache for the opportunity to have it.
I understand the film in its entirety. There’s something safe and comforting knowing after all the shit, the trials and tribulations, a happy ending awaits two people who care about each other as much as we do.
I peek over at Lily, who grins as she tosses popcorn into her mouth. Most attempts fail. Kernels litter the fort of cushions around us. We’ll have to work on her aim after the Villa Printers fiasco concludes.
The movie ends.
“Ahh, it gets better every single time.” She smiles, and I turn toward her, but the tilt of my head forces a strange tingling along my jaw.
Are sheet masks supposed to burn?
“Nico.” Lily rears back, her eyes wide with confusion. “What’s wrong with your face?”
“Interesting way to compliment someone.”
“You’re puffed up like a balloon. It must be the skincare. Are you allergic to something?”
I rip off the damp cloth on my face. The fresh air soothes my flesh. I pluck the metal spoon out of the last slice of cake, lick away the chocolate, and stare at my reflection.
My eyes are swollen, and my lips are the size of boiled hot dogs. I run my fingers over the inflamed flesh, and it’s scorching hot.
“Oh, that’s not good.” I run to the bathroom with Lily at my heels. I don’t recognize the reflection in the mirror. My face has multiplied in size. Hysterical laughter rolls out of me. “I understand the purpose of Jason’s hockey mask now.”
“Not funny. You look like a microwaved marshmallow.” Lily shucks off her own face mask, looking as beautiful as always.
“Do you really think it was the mask?” I rinse a nearby towel in some water and try to wipe off the remnants of snail mucus still clinging to my flesh.
“We did have a lot of snacks. Maybe you ate something weird. Are you feeling okay? Is your throat closing up?”
“I think I’ll feel a lot better after a quick kiss.” I pucker my lips and turn to her, presenting her with my numb face.
“Be serious.” Lily whacks me in the chest. “I’m getting an antihistamine.”
When she leaves the room, I dig around for the discarded skincare packets, then skim the ingredients.
“Take this.” Lily hands over a small pill, and I swallow it.
“Found the culprit.” I hold the package up to her eyes. “Lavender.”
