The Broken Vow: The Cheating Husband

With our choices made, we move on to a few other stores, purchasing a few more items along the way. Soon enough, we find ourselves laden with four bags each. Hunger pangs reminding us of our neglected stomachs, we decide to find a place to eat. Dorothy settles across from me, enjoying her Chinese food, while I quietly consume a sandwich, lost in my own thoughts.

"What's going on, Allison?" she asks, her voice filled with concern. I gaze at her, puzzled.

"What do you mean?" I inquire. She gives me a knowing look and rolls her eyes.

"Don't play dumb. I've been watching you mope around. Tell me what's bothering you." I let out a sigh, realizing I can't keep it hidden from her. "It's just... he's been on my mind," I admit. Dorothy looks at me, sympathy evident in her eyes.

"It's been two years, Allison. You need to move on." I shake my head, knowing it's easier said than done.

"It's not that simple, Dorothy. We were married for five years, and we dated for who knows how long. I can't just forget about him." She sighs, her voice filled with compassion.

"But it has been two years. Two long years for you to try and forget about him. You have to move on.

He's not coming back. And I'm willing to bet he's still involved with that secretary chick, the one he cheated on you with. He's moved on, so should you." I look at her, knowing deep down she's right. I did have two years to move on, yet I find myself thinking of him every day. He did betray me. He did leave me for another woman. But I can't seem to erase him from my mind.

"Come on, the movie is about to start," she urges. I nod slowly, following her lead.

We exit the mall and head to the movie theater. Upon arrival, we purchase our tickets, and it's time to acquire the essentials: popcorn, sodas, and of course, candy. Dorothy focuses on selecting her desired candies while I head towards the popcorn counter. Finally, it's my turn to order.

"Hey, what can I get for you?" the guy behind the counter asks. I put on a polite smile and meet his gaze.

"Could I have a large popcorn with butter, please?" I request. The guy nods, jotting it down.

"Anything else?" I nod affirmatively.

"And two medium-sized sodas, please." He acknowledges my order and departs to prepare it. Meanwhile, Dorothy returns with an assortment of four different candies and a hot dog.

"I'll go save us some seats," she declares, and then she scampers off. I stand there, patiently waiting for the food to be ready.

"Here you go," the attendant says, handing me the items. I nod my thanks.

"Please come again soon," he says, flashing a friendly smile. I take the food and beverages, making my way to the theater. After scanning the dimly lit room, I eventually locate Dorothy seated in the middle. I take a seat beside her, grateful that the movie hasn't started yet.

"Did you get the guy's number?" she whispers, a mischievous glint in her eyes. I glance at her, whispering back, "Whose number?" She responds with an exaggerated eye roll.

"No, I didn't get his number," she grumbles, turning her attention to the big screen. I roll my eyes, finding her reaction a bit childish. Letting out a sigh, I focus on the movie, laughing along with the rest of the audience. However, to my dismay, Dorothy manages to devour the entire popcorn within five minutes, leaving me with a disapproving glare.

"What?" she whispers innocently. I shake my head and announce, "I'm going to get more." She smiles, and I make my way to the front counter to fulfill my mission. Sighing, I approach the counter, finding the same guy engaged in conversation with a girl. Clearing my throat to get his attention, he looks at me and flashes a smile.

"Hello again. What can I do for you?" I nod in response.

"I need another large popcorn, please." He acknowledges my request and walks away to prepare it. "Is the movie good?" he asks. I nod. "Yeah, it's pretty funny." He nods in agreement. "I hardly ever get to watch the movies, even though I work here." I frown sympathetically. "That must be tough." He nods and returns with the popcorn, adding a little extra.

"Here's your popcorn, and a little something extra," he says, placing a large popcorn and a pack of gummy candies on the counter. I look at him in surprise.

"Thanks." He nods.

"Enjoy, and come back soon," he says, giving me a playful wink. Blushing slightly, I walk away, trying to compose myself. It's been a while since someone flirted with me, and at twenty-seven, it feels refreshing.

Returning to the theater, I settle back into my seat, pretending that nothing out of the ordinary happened. Dorothy looks at me, a knowing smile on her face, likely aware of the encounter. I simply shake my head and refocus on the movie, indulging in the gummy candies the guy gave me.

An hour later, the movie concludes, and Dorothy and I join the rest of the crowd in leaving the theater and entering the main lobby. Glancing towards the counter, I spot the guy once again.

"Go talk to him! Get his number," Dorothy urges. I look at her and let out a sigh.

"Fine, I'll do it," I concede, knowing she won't let me leave without either of us getting a number. Gathering my courage, I approach the counter and clear my throat.

The guy looks up at me, and I say, "It's not about more candy now that the movie is over. I just came to talk to you. My friend won't stop bothering me." He glances behind me, and I turn to see Dorothy waving enthusiastically.