Page 136 of The Counterfeit Lover

"No way," she laughed. "My experience is limited to getting the last sip from a glass left on the table before the staff takes it away. I've never had enough to get drunk, but if I did, I don't think my family would take it lightly," she laughed.

Another tidbit revealed. But then again, there could be a myriad of reasons why she wouldn't be allowed alcohol.

"Well, don't. I'll say from personal experience that it absolutely sucks the next morning."

"Note taken, Blue," she said in an amused tone. "But seriously, don't mind those people. They're just mean."

"Thank you," he eventually said. "For listening, and for having my back."

"Of course. I'll have your back every time if you let me. It can get pretty lonely here if you're not online."

"Don't tell me you waited every day for me to appear?" he genuinely laughed; the subject of his adventure dropped just as his spirits started to rise.

For all their previous enmity, curiouscat was easy to talk to—comfortable. He wasn't used to that. Just like he wasn't used to having someone to share his thoughts with. It was…disconcerting. But pleasant.

"Noteveryday," she grumbled. "I don't have that kind of time. I'm busy, you know?"

"Are you now? I thought you wasted your time playing video games."

"Hey," she exclaimed, feigning annoyance. "I'll have you know I have averybusy weekly schedule. You should consider yourself lucky that I make time for you."

"If you say so…"

"I'll even watch American Pie with you. See, I'm contributing to your education in pop culture. So, buckle up, Blue. You won't be the same person once I'm through with you," she laughed, still munching on Cheetos as she pulled up a shared screen to load the movie.

"Why do I have a feeling you're right?" he mumbled, amused, as the credits rolled on the screen.

A few hours later he forgot all about his worries. Curiouscat had been right in that respect. He did feel like a new person. And it wasn't because now he had a new appreciation for American Pie. It was because he felt lighter than he had in a long time.

That movie was the first that started an almost daily routine where they would watch a movie while comment on it and have fun.

It was the best way to still keep the anonymity in place while also revealing parts of themselves they'd never shared with no one else. Because at the end of it, what did it matter if they knew the particularities of their living situations, their names, or how the other looked? They knew each other's ideals and deepest thoughts, and that was enough. At least until they switched from comedy to thriller and noir, their discussions going deeper and deeper into human morality and the implications of life-altering decisions. They shared so much of their core selves, that the person behind the screen didn't matter anymore.

Out of loneliness, a routine was born. Along with snacks and drinks of choice. Curiouscat always went for Diet Coke and Cheetos, while Raf opted for a less spicy version, choosing Pirate's Booty but sticking with Diet Coke, too.

They went through at least three or four movies a week, usually saving an hour or two afterwards for an in-depth discussion.

Suddenly, Raf wasn't so alone.

Though his guilt was always there, in the back of his mind, he finally had someone to ground him—bring him back to earth when his demons were too loud.

It didn't take long for Curiouscat to become his best friend. And though he had no idea, it was the same for her, too.

She had her difficulties, but she always made time for Blue, her faithful friend.

* * *

TWO YEARS LATER

"That might be my favorite one," Raf mentioned as he leaned back in his seat as the ending credits rolled on.

"Really?" Curiouscat asked.

"Why? Are you surprised I liked it?" he chuckled.

"No. It's just that it's my favorite, too," she mentioned, her voice going down an octave. She'd already watchedThe Mummybefore, and she'd suggested it playfully since Raf had been talking about some of his courses in college involving ancient history.

They alternated in choosing the entertainment, and since it had been her turn, she'd gone ahead and rented the movie for them to watch.

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