Sydney turned to Jordan, who was perched nonchalantly on the car's hood, as she retrieved the soda he had thoughtfully ordered for her.
She had fibbed to Pene about going on a date, never imagining that Jordan would take her on such an unconventional outing.
They both lounged on the car's bonnet, parked at a bustling movie theater, eagerly anticipating one of the nation's most acclaimed films to grace the billboard.
Jordan had orchestrated this casual get-together, yet Sydney remained uncertain about the type of movie experience that awaited her.
The ambiance was serene beneath the expansive night sky, with a gentle breeze softly whispering through the tranquil environment.
Their car was nestled among others; some couples cocooned themselves inside, while others, like them, embraced the open air.
Sydney gracefully swirled the straw in her cup while sipping, but her stomach betrayed her hunger with a quiet growl.
She glanced at Jordan, hoping he hadn't noticed her discomfort. Catching her gaze, Jordan locked eyes with her, prompting Sydney to offer a hesitant smile before returning her focus to her drink.
She couldn't bring herself to reveal her dilemma.
She clutched the cup tightly, biting the straw slightly, caught in an internal conflict.
"What's making you smile?" Sydney queried, trying to distract herself by shifting her attention to him.
Jordan touched his flushed cheeks, nodding slightly.
"This is the first time a dream of mine has come to life," Jordan admitted with sincerity.
Sydney responded with a playful smirk.
"Really?" Sydney asked with curiosity sparkling in her eyes. He nodded once more, a small smile playing on his lips.
"So, what makes this so special?"
"I have the chance to relax in one of the most iconic car parks, watch a film I directed, and do it all with someone I've always admired. How could it not be special?"
Sydney couldn't help but chuckle, covering her mouth as she tried to stifle her laughter mid-sip.
"Wow, I never thought I'd have a fan quite like you," she admitted, taking another sip with a playful glint in her eye.
"Well, you might say that," he replied, his voice tinged with humor. "I've had plenty to consider about tonight, hoping I might impress you just a little."
A comfortable silence settled between them, filled with anticipation as they awaited the start of the film.
Jordan contemplated turning this quiet moment into a meaningful exchange; after all, it was a chance to discover more about her beyond her brilliant persona.
Just as he was about to speak, Sydney broke the silence. "What movie are we going to watch?"
"Well, it's—" Jordan began, but his words were cut short as the lights dimmed and the screen flickered to life, showcasing the movie trailer. Sydney's eyes darted to the screen, though she struggled to keep her focus.
Suddenly, her stomach churned, and she hastily placed her cup on the car's bonnet before doubling over and vomiting.
"Are you alright?" Jordan asked with genuine concern, rushing to her side as she gestured for water amidst her distress.
He quickly splashed water on her face after removing it from the car, his worry evident.
"What happened, Sydney?" His eyes were full of worry as Sydney, after rinsing her face, finally looked up.
Before she could answer, her eyes caught the trailer once more, prompting her to hurriedly climb off the bonnet and retreat into the car without another word.
Jordan was utterly bewildered, struggling to grasp what had just unfolded.
Was it somehow related to him?
"Jordan, can we please just go home?" she asked anxiously, still seated in the car, too frightened to glance back at the trailer.
Despite sensing Sydney's urgent desire to leave, he yearned for some clarity.
He approached the window, gently resting his hands on its frame.
"If that's what you want, that's fine, but I'm sorry, Sydney. We're hemmed in by other vehicles; leaving right now would be quite challenging."
Sydney's expression turned somber, the light in her eyes dimmed, yet as she looked at the screen once more, an unexpected feeling stirred within her.
The content of the film had unsettled her.
"Maybe we could go for a walk?" she suddenly suggested, catching Jordan off guard.
She had seemed perfectly content about seeing the movie just moments earlier, but the trailer had changed everything—
He hoped Sydney would confide in him about what was bothering her.
Though filled with questions, he agreed, realizing the evening was still calm and full of potential for them to enjoy together.
"Alright, let's do that," he sighed.
They quietly strolled along the car paths, and as they did, Sydney noticed couples intertwining their fingers, some leaning in for a kiss before the film started.
She diverted her gaze, only to see another couple gazing deeply into each other's eyes.
More frustrated than frightened, she abruptly veered away, leaving Jordan bewildered.
Sydney felt she had complicated matters and thought it best to leave before she embarrassed herself further.
Jordan, however, was stunned by her sudden change in direction.
"SYDNEY!" Jordan called out, racing after her and catching her wrist, halting her flight.
"Sydney, is there something important I should be aware of?" he inquired with a calm demeanor.
She pivoted, brushing away the rebellious strands of hair that danced across her face.
Crossing her arms, she gave a slight shrug, nervously biting her lower lip as she let out a deep sigh.
"I am truly sorry; I'm sure I ruined the whole evening. You put effort into this, and what did I do? Made a fool out of myself in front of everyone."
"No, you didn't ruin anything. Honestly, I never felt embarrassed by you; I just want to understand what really happened," he reassured, noting the anxiety in her eyes and the tightness in her throat.
"I had an allergic reaction," she confessed softly.
Jordan's expression shifted, trying to grasp the weight of her words.
"A reaction? Like, to romantic scenes?"
"Yes, exactly that. I could have told you, but it's a secret only a few know about." She exhaled deeply, pausing to run her fingers through her hair.
"I understand you wanted me to watch your film, but my condition intervened in the worst way."
"Honestly, I'm just relieved you're okay. Truth be told, I was worried I'd embarrass myself because I knew you'd have to critique parts of it. Then I'd have to sit through feedback and rethink my choices. I'm just thankful it wasn't released in theaters; that would have been awkward."
They both burst into laughter, a shared relief easing the tension.
"So, with just the two of us on this deserted path and hours left until the film concludes, how about we take a stroll around the neighborhood and chat? At least that won't trigger any reactions, right?"
Sydney beamed with a radiant smile, her joy unmistakable.
"Absolutely, I'd love to hear everything you have to share," she murmured softly, her voice a gentle melody. In an unexpected, yet delightful gesture, she slipped her arm around his, drawing them closer together.
"You know—" Jordan's eyes sparkled with intrigue as he watched Sydney chatter animatedly while they strolled side by side.
Despite her illness, a fervent hope blossomed within him; he longed to be her confidant and somehow lift her spirits.