by Paul Cude
In spite of his fatigue, he'd found himself buoyed by the thought of meeting Janice and going to the cinema. At first he thought he would call and cancel because of the way he felt, but the closer it got, the more he was looking forward to it, and besides, he didn't have her number, and phoning her up at the sports club didn't sit with him very well. So here he was, strolling through the cold evening drizzle, dodging the potholes in the roads and the cracked and uneven pavements, going to meet a human girl, who he didn't really know that well, to spend the evening with her. Oh he knew what Tank would have said, that he was doing just the same as Richie. Please... it was nothing like Richie's situation. All he was doing was going out for a nice evening in the company of someone new. If he hadn't been doing this, he'd just be stuck at home on his own. And after all, part of his mandate was to blend in and act like any other human. So that's just what he was doing.
Glancing down at his watch, he could just make out the time in the soft, yellow street light. He had a few minutes before he was due to meet her, but he liked to arrive early for almost anything he did and so picked up the pace a little. He hated anyone being late. It drove him mad. Tank was always exactly on time. Richie on the other hand was almost invariably late. Not by much, the odd minute here, thirty seconds there, but always late. It drove him bonkers. Secretly he thought that she knew this, and that's why she did it. The thought of asking her had never crossed his mind, but the next time she did it, maybe he would.
Stepping out into the road to avoid a group of rowdy youths, he turned the final corner. In the distance, he could just make out lots of people waiting outside the cinema, but whether it was a queue or individuals that had just exited a screening, he really couldn't be sure. As he approached, the crowd thinned and he recognised Janice, dressed in light brown boots, lovely blue jeans and a light brown leather flying jacket.
'She looks gorgeous,' he thought, suddenly realising that it was quite an inappropriate thought. After all, he was a dragon, and could get into serious trouble for thinking such things. By the time all of this had gone through his head, Janice had spotted him and let loose one of her beaming smiles in his direction, one he returned as best he could.
"Hi Peter," she remarked happily.
Before he had the chance to return the greeting, she leant up and planted a small kiss right on his cheek, smiling beautifully as she did so. In his life he'd never felt so flustered and confused. Straight away his stomach started doing loop the loops, his legs turned to jelly, and worst of all, he could feel himself start to blush.
"Hhhhhhi Janice," he managed to stutter. "Hoooow are you?"
"Wonderful thanks," replied Janice, completely oblivious to Peter's discomfort and awkwardness. Peter could almost hear the drizzle drop in the uncomfortable silence that followed. Janice was first to break it.
"Which film would you like to watch?" she asked sweetly.
Trying his best to get a grip on his misbehaving body, he took a deep breath and shot her his best smile.
"I really don't mind. It's been so long since I've been to the cinema. Why don't you choose? I'd be happy to watch just about anything."
Creases appeared on the young bar worker's forehead briefly as she thought about what he'd just said. Peter gulped, concerned that she would be offended by him not wanting to choose a film. Luckily he needn't have worried, as a familiar smile soon blossomed across her face.
'He must just be here for the lovely company,' she thought as she grabbed his hand and pulled him through the ancient wooden doors and into the reception area. Marvelling at the high ceiling, the massive wooden beams that arched overhead and the long hallway that led further into the depths of delightfully crafted old building, he knew the place itself was hundreds of years old, but despite being used as a cinema, much of the ancient building remained exactly as it had been originally. Turning his attention back to the queue of people he found himself in with Janice, he suddenly realised they were about to reach the cashier. Now he didn't know much about going out alongside, or even with humans, but his trips into town with Richie and Tank had taught him a few things and he was determined to pay for both his and Janice's tickets. As the couple in front moved away, he swiftly pulled out his wallet and whipped out a twenty pound note before Janice could even bat her long blonde eyelashes at him. Turning to her, he smiled and asked,
"Which film would you like to see?"
She duly told the cashier the name of the film, he handed over the money in exchange for the tickets, and they both headed off down the corridor towards the foyer.
"Thank you," she whispered in his ear, as they weaved in and out of other people.
"You're welcome," he replied.
"Shall we have a drink and some sweeties?"
Knowing full well that if he'd been here with Tank or Richie he'd load himself up with sweets and snacks, so much so that he'd probably struggle to carry it all, something inside him, he wasn't sure what, but he felt it may have been connected to all the strange things playing up inside his body, told him that perhaps it wasn't the best idea to go mad on the food front.
"That sounds great. I'll just have some popcorn if that's okay."
"Cool," said Janice. "Something we can share."
Startled, he managed to hide his look of horror.
'Share?,' he thought. 'She's kidding... right?'
Janice went off to grab some pick and mix sweets, while Peter got some popcorn and a drink, making sure to get the biggest size available. Just as he was putting the lid on the drink, and picking up a straw that seemed like it could double as a hosepipe, he felt a sharp fiery sensation on his bum. Gobsmacked that Janice would do such a thing, he turned around indignantly, only to find... Richie!!!
"Hellllooooooo lover," she announced cheekily.
"I might have known it was you."
"Who else would it have been?" replied Richie inquisitively.
Peter shook his head nonchalantly, or so he thought, but by now, Richie could smell blood. Pointing at Peter, and leaning her head to one side, she frowned, deep in thought.
"Hang on a minute. Tank's at the sports club helping run a training course. Exactly who are you here with?"
Wishing the ground beneath his feet would open up and swallow him whole, just when he thought things couldn't get any worse, a petite arm linked through his, causing him to turn.
"I've got some sweets, Peter. Shall we go and pay for it all now?" asked Janice, not having noticed Richie yet.
"Ahhh... sure thing Janice. Before we do though, there's someone I'd like you to meet."
Janice squeezed past Peter and found herself squaring up to Richie in the crowded foyer. She did not look at all pleased.
"Uhhh... Janice, this is my friend Richie. Richie... Janice," announced Peter awkwardly. Richie carried her normal self assured grin, while Janice looked distinctly unimpressed. Bowing her head down just slightly and nodding, Richie said,
"It's a pleasure to meet you Janice."
Janice nodded.
"Likewise Richie."
The awkwardness was suddenly interrupted by an arm slinking its way around Richie's waist.
"Nearly ready sweetheart?" asked Tim, extremely smoothly.
"Oh, hi Peter," ventured Tim, finally noticing Peter and Janice.
'That's what Richie's doing here. She's with Tim,' he thought, a little slow on the uptake.
"Hi Tim," uttered Peter. "Good to see you again."
"And you," replied Tim.
"This is Janice," announced Richie, once again smiling.
Tim offered out his hand.
"Pleasure to meet you," insisted Tim.
"You too," replied Janice politely. Clearly Tim appearing on the scene had pleased Janice, who was not impressed with Peter running into Richie.
As silence once again threatened to envelop the group, Richie was the first to speak.
"Which film are you guys going to see?"
"The one in screen three," answered Janice.
&
nbsp; "Ahhh... the romantic one, that's nice," replied Richie, trying to make Peter feel as awkward as possible.
"Anyway," stated Tim, ever the diplomat. "We're in screen one and it's about to start, so we'd better get going." With that, he scooped Richie along with the one arm that was still wrapped very much around her lithe waist, heading through the crowd to the stairwell which led to their screen. Richie waved goodbye over her shoulder, all the time laughing at Tim having to drag her away.
Turning to Janice, not knowing what to say, Peter realised something strange and unsaid had gone on between the two women. Not sure what, he knew it had something to do with him.
"I'm really sorry about that," he stressed. "I had no idea they were going to be here."
"It's alright," said Janice, clutching her bag of sweets. "Let's just pay for the snacks and go watch the film."
"Sure thing."
Having paid, the two of them headed into the screen, grabbing two seats in the middle right at the back. Peter marvelled at how quiet it was. The relatively tiny screen was almost deserted, with most cinema goers clearly choosing one of the blockbusters in the other, bigger screens. It had to be said, he much preferred it this way. As the previews played, the two of them munched their snacks, occasionally sharing a slurp of the huge fizzy drink with the hosepipe for a straw. Once the film started, Janice snuggled up against Peter. It was a good job it was dark, otherwise she might have noticed the look of fright on his surprised face. Not ten minutes later, that look had been replaced by one of contentment. Curled up together, the two of them laughed at the same parts of the film, sighed at the same parts, but he drew the line at joining Janice in crying at the ending. It was sad, even he had to admit that, but he pushed all his emotions to one side, only then realising that he'd been doing that for most of the night. Janice had a good weep at the tear jerking part, but you couldn't tell that she had by the time the lights flickered into life at the end of the film.
Leaving together, with Janice clutching Peter's hand and Peter, surprisingly, not minding, they reached the foyer as all of the films finished at once. Swarms of people swept out from doorways on all sides, heading for the long ancient hallway that led back outside. Hoping against hope that he wouldn't bump into Richie again, he wasn't sure he could cope with that, especially as he'd had such a wonderful time with Janice, but he needn't have worried. Janice had a similar thought, and in one swift move dragged Peter into the flow of people, heading quickly for the exit. Once outside, she dragged him off round to the left of the building, in the opposite direction to the throng of cinema goers. Most were either turning right or queuing for the last of the late night buses right outside the cinema's main entrance.
In the quiet recess of a deserted shop doorway, the two turned to face each other, as they sheltered from the drizzle.
"Thanks for a lovely evening," whispered Janice, the condensation from her breath brushing Peter's face.
"You're welcome," he replied. "I've had a great time."
The two of them just stood there smiling at each other. His legs once again turned to jelly, his arms went weak, and his tongue felt as though it had tripled in size. He didn't know what to do or say next. Luckily for him, he didn't have to do or say anything. Gazing up into his eyes, the diminutive Janice stroked his cheek gently, and then kissed him passionately on the lips. Peter's whole body exploded. Inside his head, the biggest firework display imaginable played out. Bright colours, explosive noises, everything. The kiss seemed to last forever, Peter lost in its wake. Eventually Janice pulled away, at least, that's what he guessed as he'd had his eyes closed the whole time and still hadn't opened them. With the fireworks still going off in his head, he forced his eyes open. Janice stared up at him, with the same smile he was pretty sure he was wearing.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
"Oh yes," he sighed contentedly.
Janice wrapped her arms around him, as he did the same to her. With her silky blonde hair nuzzled against his chest, he didn't have a care in the world. Everything just seemed to melt away into nothingness. She gazed up at him after about a minute or so.
"I really should be getting home. I've got an early shift at the sports club tomorrow, sorry."
"That's okay. I understand. Can I walk you back?"
"It's totally the opposite direction for you."
"That's okay," he whispered. "It's just I'd worry about you getting home safely otherwise. Just let me walk you back... please?"
Janice smiled.
"You're very sweet. Okay."
The two of them headed towards Janice's house which was in exactly the opposite direction to Peter's, although about the same distance out from the centre, about ten minutes' walk.
Walking her up to her front door, he thanked her once again for a good time, kissed her goodnight, and promised to see her the following day at the sports club. Then he set off into the, by now, pouring rain, heading home. Within seconds he'd taken the decision not to walk back through the city centre, the most direct route home, because he knew that it would almost certainly be full of drunken idiots by now. Instead, he thought he'd go through the suburbs, knowing that it would probably double the time it would take him, from twenty minutes to about forty; he didn't really mind, in fact he was sure the walk would help him clear his head. He had an awful lot to think about.
Five minutes after leaving Janice, he found himself walking briskly down a quiet suburban street, contemplating the evening's events. He was so lost in thought he failed to notice the car that had slowed right down and was pacing him as he walked, that is until the driver wound down the window.
"Oi... Shorty! Want a lift?"
Peter ducked down and looked through the window. It was Tank. With a big grin on his face, he grabbed the door handle and leapt in.
"Hello mate, fancy seeing you here."
Tank shook his head as Peter fastened his seatbelt, and then slammed his foot sharply onto the accelerator pedal.
"What are you doing out and about at this time of night?" asked Peter cheerfully, glad to see his friend.
"Just finished a coaching course at the sports club and it ran a little later than expected."
"Ahhh," sighed Peter, remembering that Richie had told him that. "Still, this is a bit out of the way for you... isn't it?"
Tank looked across at Peter disapprovingly.
"It's not like I've been cruising the streets all night. I know how you think. I knew you wouldn't walk back through the town centre, alright."
"So you were spying on me?" Peter fumed.
"Not spying, just... concerned. That's all."
Peter was less than impressed. Not for the first time this evening, an awkward silence developed, broken only by the sound of the occasional gear change. Tank pulled up outside Peter's house after only a few minutes, preventing Peter from getting any wetter, saving him over half an hour's walk.
"Thanks," said Peter, grumpily.
"You're welcome," replied Tank, switching off the car's engine.
Both friends just smiled at each other.
"Well," asked Tank. "How was it?"
Peter held his head in his hands, something that deep inside, delighted his friend. However, he'd yet to hear the full story.
"I'm really sorry, and I'm sure this is probably the last thing you want to hear, but it was... fantastic, amazing, just... brilliant."
Tank banged his head on the steering wheel in frustration.
"Do you have any idea what you're doing? You and Richie are going to get into soooooo much trouble... really."
Peter leant back in the passenger seat and let out a big sigh.
"It was like nothing I've ever experienced in my life," he told his friend. "Imagine the first time you took flight. It's the most magical thing in the world, isn't it? Warm air caressing every scale, the wind rushing around your legs, over your wings, along the tip of your tail, nothing binding you to the ground, total and utter freedom. Imagine that, only... more powerful, more i
ntense. I can't believe I'm saying any of this."
Tank playfully punched Peter in the shoulder.
"Don't worry, I'll come and visit you both regularly when the King's Guard lock you and Richie up in the dungeons beneath the council building."
Peter smiled, glad his friend could joke about such a serious situation.
"Promise?"
"I'll even bring along some of those delicious charcoal fajitas that you love so much."
"Great," replied Peter, his thoughts turning to food.
"And let you smell them through the bars in the cell door before I wolf them down," declared Tank, starting to laugh. Peter joined in.
"You have a knack for bringing me back to reality with a sharp bump."
"Somebody's got to. Seriously though, Pete, be careful. Those rules were made for a reason. Also, it's one thing Richie doing it - she seems to have an inexhaustible supply of luck when it comes to anything that could go wrong. You, on the other hand, perhaps not so much."
"Thanks bud," said Peter patting his friend firmly on the shoulder, "for the lift and the chat. I look forward to those fajitas. See you tomorrow at the sports club."
Getting out, he slammed the door shut. Both friends waved to each other as Tank disappeared off into the cold, drizzly night.
Peter went to bed contented, his dreams a confusing mix of ancient dragons making complex decisions and a blonde haired goddess professing her love for him.
7 A Few Kangaroos Loose in the Top Paddock
Forehead burning like the raging sun itself, sweat trickled down his neck, onto his chest, dribbling down his side, soaking his clothes. Aware of all of these little things, he couldn't seem to focus on the much bigger picture, no matter how hard he tried. Suspecting he was still on the plane, if it even was a plane, it may have already landed, but he thought he would have felt it touchdown and to his knowledge, he hadn't. White hot pain in his back sizzled through him regularly now, forcing him to cry out and squeal like a pig trying to avoid the bacon slicer, before unconsciousness washed over him. On occasions, the same two faces would swim into view, whispering kind words of encouragement, words that, no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't seem to hear over the ringing in his ears. From all this he knew that he was in a bad shape.
