C22 Feelings welling up

The movie they watched was a comedy. Dexter thought it was a good idea if they just watched something lighthearted as they got to know each other. He was having a good time watching the film but Leila was very nervous. The way he confessed himself to her upon discovering that it was her who rescued him was so heavy with emotion. Had she known this was how it was going to be, she probably would have continued to deny it. To think that him admitting his true feelings would make her feel emotions she never experienced before. As the movie continued and everyone laughed, she could not end these feelings of want and desire she now has. What was going on with her?

'I shouldn't be doing this,' she thinks to herself. 'This is too dangerous. Is this man really falling in love with me? But he thinks I'm 21 years old. If he finds out I am just a high school student, then I'm going to get in trouble. He's going to tell the principal in my school and my life will be ruined. But I feel so bad for him too. He seems like he's so lonely, a sweet prince looking for his sweet princess. But why me? Why was I that sweet princess? Is it because I rescued him? Was it when he looked at me for that one instant, something was imprinted on him that led him to believe I was the one? Maybe I shouldn't have rescued him. But if I didn't, then he would be dead and I would feel guilty. What am I going to-'

She stops herself as the lights come on. The movie was now scrolling the credits as the audience gets up from their seats. She helped Dexter up and into his crutches, without any complaint from him this time.

He gives her a warm smile as he says, "thank you."

Leila blushes. 'It's just a thank you! Why do I feel this way?' she tells herself as they walk out of the theater.

They get in another Uber as they drive to their next destination. Leila wanted to confess right here and now. In fact, she wanted to confess the minute he said those sweet words. Forget that he was a CEO, forget that she saved him from a car crash, forget that he's nearing his 30s. She just wanted to tell him who she was and go home.

"Did you enjoy the movie?" he asks her.

"Uh... yeah, I kind of did."

"I hope I'm not being rude but I noticed that you were not saying anything or laughing. I hope everything is okay."

'Now what's this?' she thinks to herself. 'He's apologizing? What is going on? Why is he acting this way? Just be upfront about things. Don't be so considerate!'

"I just wasn't in the mood for a comedy movie," she answers.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know. I thought a comedy movie would help us relax. I should have consulted you."

'Consult me?' she thought to herself, confused about this. 'Is this how adults really are? He's no different than a kid.'

"Don't feel guilty," she tells him. "I just wasn't in the mood for a comedy, that's all. I'm sure next time, I will be."

'Wait, next time? Why did I say that? Oh no, I hope he didn't notice.'

"I see," he responds.

Leila was in turmoil right now as she thinks to herself, 'This can't go on. I feel like I'm about to explode! I have to tell him who I am. This has gone on for too long. I'm panicking from him thinking I'm someone I'm not. This whole thing of being an adult, I don't think I can do it. I think it's time I come clean.'

The Uber arrives at a small restaurant. It was a nice place but nothing too fancy. It truly was a casual restaurant.

Upon the Uber leaving them, she takes a deep breath and tells him, "Dexter. I have a confession to make too." Dexter looks at her with anticipation, "I don't know how to say this, so I'm just going to say it. I'm not being entirely honest with you. You see, I lied on the dating app. My name is actually Leila and-"

She was suddenly interrupted by her phone going off. She pulls it out of her purse. It was her mother!