Baby Alex

chapter 31

The waiter returned with the receipt and Jenna's card, placing them neatly on the table with a professional smile. She signed with a flourish and handed the card back to Jenna. "Thank you for choosing us for your evening,"

They all stood, and the warmth of the restaurant was replaced by the cool autumn air outside. Jenna slipped her arm through Alex's,  He felt comfort he hadn't felt in a long time. They walked to the theater, the lights from the marquee casting a kaleidoscope of colors on the sidewalk.

The excitement for the movie was palpable as they approached the theater. "I can't wait for this," Mark said, rubbing his hands together. "It's supposed to be the scariest one yet!"

Emily playfully swatted at him. "You always say that, and you end up jumping at every little sound," she teased.

The group laughed, and Alex felt a genuine smile tug at his lips. For a brief moment, the weight of his diapered secret was forgotten in the excitement of the night ahead. The theater loomed before them, the neon lights of the marquee flickering with the promise of escape into the world of film.

Inside, the scent of buttery popcorn and the murmur of the crowd washed over them like a warm wave. They bought their tickets at the box office, the cashier barely looking up from her screen as she handed them over. Jenna's grip on Alex's arm was comforting, grounding him in the face of his earlier mortification.

They made their way to the concession stand, the bright lights reflecting off the gleaming counters and the colorful displays of candy and drinks. Mark and Emily debated over nachos or popcorn while Jenna ordered a large soda and a bag of peanut M&M's for herself and Alex. He watched her, feeling gratitude for her kindness.

The cashier took their money, her eyes never straying from the screen of the register. The coldness of her indifference was almost a comfort in this moment of vulnerability. They claimed their snacks and headed for the theater, the sound of their footsteps echoing through the hallway.

The door to the theater swung open, revealing a sea of red, plush seats stretching into darkness. The trailers were already playing, the sound of explosions and laughter filling the cavernous space. Jenna led him down the aisle, her hand a warm presence in the cool darkness. They found their seats near the back.

The movie began, the opening credits flashing across the screen. Alex felt the tension of the day begin to melt away as he sank into the chair. He reached for the soda, the fizz a sweet relief on his dry throat.

Jenna leaned into him, her shoulder pressing gently against his, her eyes focused on the screen. He could feel the warmth radiating from her, a stark contrast to the chilly theater. The film's plot unfolded, a horror story that was both terrifying and thrilling.

The tension grew as the music swelled and the jump scares began. Jenna gripped the armrest, her knuckles white with the effort of keeping herself from hiding behind her hands.

Suddenly, a particularly gruesome scene played out on the screen, making the audience collectively gasp. Jenna's eyes snapped shut, her heart hammering in her chest. She leaned into Alex, her body trembling slightly with each new horror.

Alex felt the warmth of Jenna's body and put his arms around her, pulling her closer. Her head rested on his shoulder, and he could feel the rapid beat of her heart against his chest.

It was strange, this feeling of protectiveness, of being needed. It was a stark contrast to the control Rachel held over him. With Rachel, he was the one trembling and begging for mercy, the one who felt small and helpless. But with Jenna, it was different. He was the strong one, the one offering comfort in the face of fear.

The movie's score grew louder, the tension on the screen palpable. Jenna's breaths grew shallower, her grip on the armrest tightening. Alex felt his own heart race in response, his arms tightening around her, pulling her closer into the safety of his embrace. He whispered reassurances into her ear, his voice a gentle rumble that seemed to steady her breaths.

Her eyes remained squeezed shut as the horror unfolded before them, the images dancing in the darkness behind her lids. Alex couldn't help but watch her, the way her eyelashes fluttered with each jump scare, the way her body tensed with fear. It was an oddly intimate moment, one that felt more genuine than the forced humiliation he'd suffered at Rachel's hands.