#astradrivein

Titanic was one of those movies that fueled Ariel’s romantic soul. Okay, maybe it was considered a little overrated; but there was a reason people loved it so much, right? Along with Romeo + Juliet, it was one of those classic 90′s films she grew up watching with her older sisters on tape. It had a special place in her heart, and she welcomed watching it at Astra with open arms. The movie had only just begun, but Ariel was already getting close to the middle of the popcorn bucket. Setting it down, she decided to open her box of Swedish Fish, plucking one out and trying to toss it into her mouth, only to have it gently hit the person seated next to her. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry!” she whispered.

She didn’t expect so many people to come and watch Titanic, but Ariel supposed that was what made the experience even more exciting. She’d begun to set up the picnic blanket she’d brought for the film, smoothing it out and making sure that there were no bumps of gravel underneath. Brushing her hair behind her ear, she reached over and smoothed out the corners with a satisfied grin. After placing all of the food in the middle, she grabbed her pillow, giving it a little fluff before sitting on it. As she looked up, she noticed a familiar blonde making her way around mindlessly, as if she was looking for somewhere to stay. Ariel raised her hand with a soft grin, waving over to her. “Hey!” she whispered. “You can sit here with me, if you’d like.”

Was it possible to start tearing up in the middle of a movie? Ariel didn’t think so — or at least, not until now. She usually didn’t cry until the end of Titanic, but for some reason, she’d started to get much more emotional out of nothing. She felt a little silly, as she couldn’t see anyone else in the audience trying to hold their tears back. She tried to casually wipe her tears away, but within the next few seconds, her fingers were wet with them. Gosh, this was embarrassing. Sniffling softly, she tapped the shoulder of the person next to her, whispering, “Hi, excuse, me, sorry, do you have a tissue?”

Outdoor cinemas weren’t a big thing in Nantucket, so Ariel was twice as excited to finally be able to experience it. She’d chosen Titanic, something she knew she’d bawl her eyes out to shamelessly; but with her best friend by her side, it wouldn’t seem as embarrassing. But here she was, standing in front of the concession stand, tapping her lip as she glanced at the selection of snacks. Did she want a large popcorn, or the pack of Swedish Fish on the display shelf? Confused, she turned to the person next to her, asking, “Hey, what’re you gonna get?”