Chapter Eighty-two

Chapter Eighty-two
It was 8:30 p.m. when their movie night started. Rena had fallen asleep about thirty minutes ago, tucked into her little bed with her stuffed bunny. The house was now quiet, except for the low sounds coming from the television.

All five of them were now seated in front of the large flat-screen, the glow of the screen flickering across the darkness. Three large bowls of popcorn sat in the middle of the center table, there was a plate of fried chicken wings, juice boxes, and a tray of snacks which included chips, cookies, and fruit slices. Everything needed for a cozy movie night was available for them.

Beverly sat at one end of the long middle couch, one leg crossed over the other, and a blanket covering her lap. Aria sat at the other end of the couch, she hugged a pillow to her chest like a shield. Tobias had somehow managed to plant himself in their middle and he kept inching closer and closer to Aria each time he reached for the popcorn.

Hunter was seated on a separate couch from them, he was a picture of total calmness as always. His broad shoulders filled the space, one arm was resting lazily on the armrest, the other on Mirabella’s shoulder who was sitting on the thick rug between his legs, her back against the couch, with her head resting just above his knee. She always preferred sitting on the floor while watching movies. She always said it helps her “feel relaxed.” But tonight, she also had the advantage of Hunter’s legs serving as her personal pillows… added advantage.

They had chosen “The Conjuring”, a horror movie that had everyone debating for almost twenty minutes before they finally settled.
Or, more truthfully… before Mirabella forced them to agree.

This is because Beverly and Aria wouldn't come to an agreement on a movie, prior to the promises they both made the previous day that they would behave and not cause problems.

So, Mirabella got tired of their endless arguments and decided to pick the movie herself. She picked the scariest one she could find. She was a fan of any kind of movie and she could watch anything. Maybe this will teach Aria and Beverly a lesson for next time. She smirked when the movie's first creepy sound filled the room and Aria made a sound.

“You know, you should have considered we who are not fans of bloody movies, Mira,” Aria said, hugging her knees to her chest.

Mirabella tilted her head slightly and smiled without taking her eyes off the screen. “I did consider you. That’s why I gave you both the chance to pick something earlier… but you said you wouldn't.”

Aria frowned. “Don’t lie, Mira! I never said I wouldn’t. Beverly just…” she turned to glare at Beverly “....had a contrary choice. As always.”

“Oh, I thought I heard you both say you wouldn’t choose. Sorry,” Mirabella replied, her tone dripping with false sweetness.

Hunter chuckled softly from behind her. His woman was a quiet troublemaker, and he loved it. His hand slid gently into her hair, fingers massaging her scalp in slow, gentle circles. She sighed softly, leaning into his touch.

“The movie isn't bad, though," Beverly said from her corner. She doesn't look or sound like she meant it, because she had her eyes on the screen but she was shaking from fear.

“Uhm… yeah. I don’t think so,” Aria replied, glancing at Beverly and clearly noticing her fear. “You look like you’re about to faint, though.”

Tobias grinned and shifted closer to Aria. His arm was brushing hers, their thighs were almost touching. “Don’t worry, I’m here for you,” he said, his tone was low and it was obvious he was teasing her.

Aria looked at him and their eyes held each other for some seconds before she turned her head back to the screen without saying a word, her face turning pink from the intensity of his gaze.

Mirabella, meanwhile, was quietly enjoying both the movie and the gentle motion of Hunter’s fingers in her hair. The others complained about one thing or the other.

Every now and then, she would feel his thumb stroke the side of her neck, and she had to remind herself to focus on the movie and not let sleep take her.

A scream cut through the room.

“Jesus Christ!” Aria yelped, clutching Tobias’s arm tightly.

Beverly jumped too, her hand flying to her mouth. “Oh my God, why did it make that sound!”

Hunter laughed softly, shaking his head. “I thought someone was though.”

“Corcion her, she is making me lose face here” Aria said, glaring at Mirabella who was smiling.

Tobias, for his part, looked very satisfied with the arrangement. “It’s fine, Aria. Hold on to me as much as you need to. I’ve got you.”

Aria rolled her eyes, but she didn’t move her hand. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“Maybe a little,” Tobias admitted, flashing her a toothy grin.

“Jesus… will anyone remain by the time this movie ends?” Aria muttered. “I’d really say we change it to something else.”

Beverly, who was now holding her blanket to her chest like armor, rolled her eyes. “We’re already halfway through the movie, ma’am. Suck it up and enjoy the damn thing.”

“Yeah, just like you’re enjoying it, right?” Aria shot back.

“Exactly,” Beverly said flatly. “I’m suffering, so you will too.”

A sudden thud came from the television, making Beverly jump and toss a piece of cookie across the room.

“Oh my God, that’s it, I’m done!” she declared, getting up.

Mirabella giggled softly. “We’re almost done, Bev. Don’t chicken out now.”

Beverly groaned and sat back down, crossing her arms. “You’re evil, Mira. Evil.”

Hunter leaned forward and whispered near Mirabella’s ear. “You really enjoy teasing them, don’t you?”

She smiled, tilting her head back a little so her hair brushed against his arm. “Maybe.”

He chuckled. “You’re one dangerous woman.”

“Because I made them watch a horror movie?”

“No,” he murmured. “Because you make it impossible for me to focus on anything else.” She smiled shyly and focused on her screen.

By the time the movie reached its final terrifying scene, Mirabella was half asleep, her head resting against his thigh, her breathing slow and peaceful. He had draped a small blanket over her shoulders, brushing a few strands of hair away from her face.

When the screen finally went dark and the credits began to roll, Hunter yawned and stretched his arms wide.

“Well, that was… something,” Tobias said, shaking his head.

“Never again,” Beverly muttered, rubbing her eyes. “Next time, I’m choosing the movie.”

Aria laughed softly. “You can’t even handle a flashlight flickering, Bev.”

“Shut up, neither could you.” Beverly said, throwing a popcorn kernel at her.

Hunter leaned down and nudged Mirabella gently. “Babe, let’s go to bed.”

She stirred, blinking up at him sleepily. “Huh?”

“Time to sleep,” he said in a low voice. “The movie’s over.”

Mirabella stretched her arms lazily, her hair falling around her face. She sighed and nodded, her voice a soft murmur. “Okay.”

Hunter stood, offering her his hand. She took it, and he helped her up from the floor. The others were already gathering their things… Beverly was tossing the empty snack bowls together, Tobias turning off the TV, Aria folding the blanket.