The Walk In

A wonderful alcohol induced haze slipped over me as we stumbled out of the restaurant. "Where to now?”

“Now why would I tell you that? It’d ruin the surprise.”

I sighed and let Astrid lead me astray.

“Have you ever been to a drive-in?” she asked.

“Once or twice. Why?”

“Have you ever been to a small town drive-in?”

“Meaning?”

“You’ll see!”

Ten minutes later we were standing at the ticket booth for the drive-in. I use the term drive-in cautiously; it was more of a walk-in. Cars were parked down the street and a lawn was strewn with couples and families of all ages.

“Huh. Well this was unexpected.”

“It’s charming, isn’t it?”

“Well it’s hardly a drive-in… Will there actually be a movie or is it more of a meeting place for the locals?”

“Well, I wasn’t planning on watching a movie or meeting with anyone other than you,” Astrid winked. I’m pretty sure she was trying to flirt but the alcohol took away that ability.

“Hey there!” A few people I recognized as Renolds’ friends walked up to us, led by the lovely Sadie. I grimaced, really not wanting to associate with anyone.

“God…” Astrid grumbled, “If we don’t make eye contact, maybe they’ll ignore us.”

“Astrid! And… Florence, right?” Sadie grinned.

“Um… yeah. Florence.”

“Well aren’t you two just adorable! Is this a date?”

“Uh… well…” I stammered, waiting for Astrid to butt in.

“Not if you don’t want it to be,” Astrid winked at Sadie.

Biting my lip to keep from laughing, I noted to take away Astrid’s alcohol – she was a little too tipsy for her own good. Although, the look of confusion mixed with embarrassment on Sadie’s face made me want to see what Astrid would say if she was actually drunk.

“Just kidding! Okay, we’re going to go make out now. See ya, Bitch,” Astrid took my hand and we rushed off to a secluded corner, nestled in the crook of a picket fence.

“Um… okay. First question, what just happened?” I asked.

“I was messing with Sadie. It’s my favorite hobby.”

“You aren’t exactly friends, are you?”

“We have our ups and downs. I wouldn’t tell them my life story, but they’re nice to go out with every now and then.”

“So, I have to ask. What the hell is this? It’s nothing like any of the drive-ins I’ve seen in movies.”

“It’s our only form of entertainment after nine,” Astrid shrugged, making herself comfortable on the hard ground.