in praise of the vulnerable mak, pt. III

NINE TEN.

The discussion over dinner revolved around the global economic slump and its effects on Nikki and the boyfriend's businesses, orphanages and child adoption, Aniston-Pitt-Jolie triangle (so current!), boyfriends and/or girlfriends, and future plans/promises to hang out more often. After paying the bill, the boyfriend offered to take Gracie home.

"We have plans," Mak said. "Unless you want to go home now, G?"

"No. Aren’t we..." She said. However, Mak cut her off even before she could finish.

"Good. So it's settled." He interjected. So you can go shave your back now. Bye annoying man.

After the usual courtesies, Mak and Gracie went to the movie ticket line deliberating whether to watch Bedtime Stories or The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Sandler won over Pitt since the latter's movie is a two-hour romance flick and neither of them is feeling any of it. However, the movie won't be starting until 9:30 PM so the two decided to take a stroll on the lower floors.

That was when things started to slow down and become more serious. The two started to open up problems and issues that they have been facing these past few weeks. Well, it was Mak who mostly did the talking while Gracie shared her thought whenever she deemed it necessary. It was therapeutic. Gracie's two cents always knock some sense back to his otherwise clouded mind.

"Try this," she said as she handed him a toy from Debenham's. It was a love meter – a couple can put their index fingers on the two metal buttons and it will provide a reading about their current state, or whatever. Mak didn't bother reading the directions and placed one finger from each hand and tested it. The light went around the choices, slowed down and finally stopped at one. Unsurprisingly.

"See. It works!" His friend exclaimed laughing. He tried it again just to prove her wrong but it ended up on the same spot.

"Let's see what it says for us,” she suggested but for some weird reason it didn't light up. And after two failed attempts, she said, "You broke it."

"No, it's because you and I – never gonna happen!" He said as he pulled her out of the store laughing. They rushed back to the top floor, bought popcorn and ran to the theatre. She knows that he absolutely hates missing the previews. It's the best part of movie watching.

"Up." Mak whispered as the two walked towards their respective seats.

"Up what?" She asked.

"Up. The movie's called Up," he said as they sat down and faced the big screen showing the trailer of Pixar's next film.

"You didn't tell me we're playing!"

"Of course, we are. Now focus. Race To Witch Mountain!" He said grinning.

"Argh."

TO BE CONTINUED.