#49 One Night At The Movies Long Ago - A story of paranoia, strange strangers and bad glares.

I was in.

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At the time, which wasn’t long ago, I was planning on seeing a film with a certificate that was older then me, If only by a couple of months. Now, all my friends had boasted about seeing the dreaded 18 certificate films with ease or without worry. But for me that was different. Being a somewhat paranoid freak I felt that everyone was watching me. The CCTV, the people selling tickets, even the other movie goers.

*

On the drive there I thought of plan upon plan of ‘what if’. What if they look at my boyish charm and rat me out? Do I run? Or keep my dignity as I stroll out without a care (even if I HAD to see this film)? Outside there was the usual Arthouse cinema goes with their beer cups which I just walked past. At my local Arthouse (and where I was sneaking in) there is two places to pay. I only knew one. So I waited behind a crowd for my shot at a prize (the prize being able to see the film). I had booked the tickets online with the plan that once I’m their I can just wipe out a card (my dad’s) and pay for the ticket. But half way to the ticket stall was when the person behind said that tickets could be bought at the confectionary stand. For some reason I followed the two or three people who where in front of me over to the stand.

*

For some unknown reason I felt comfortable. I felt that the plan was going well and it would be in and enjoying the film with in the hour. Then the door to the only screen opened and about a hundred people flooded out all happy after watching the film I planned on seeing. I ignored them so that I wouldn’t hear something I’d regret eavesdropping on. Now when I looked back the lady behind the counter I saw she was looking at me. No not looking, staring at me. As if she knew. Every so after she would look at me trying to suss me out or break my spirit. So I just stood up straight and didn’t let it bother my out side complexion. But on the inside I was stressing. Now it was my turn and to my amazement, she didn’t ask for ID or anything. She just took my (dad’s) card and did everything fine.

*

And that was it. You would think that was the end but it wasn’t. After the screen opened I walked in and sat in my usual place which is in the middle of the room, not to close to the screen but not to far enough and sat down and began to happily read the little free book of up coming films. Then I noticed over my should and man sneaking up to me. I looked over the seat at him when he began to talk to me. Apparently the seat I was sitting on was the best in the cinema because it’s where all the speakers are pointed at. What could I say to this? I thanked the man for telling me and kept my head down. But once the film started I was safe. I was happy. The panic was over. I was in.

*

Oliver J. Hunt