The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

Noelle made a face. "I'm still full from dinner, and the movie hasn't even started. Why snack now?" She set the snacks aside and then turned to Charles with a curious tilt of her head. "They're saying you're a big star. But anyway, what movie are we watching today?" Noelle was in the dark about the evening's film since she had not caught a glimpse of the ticket. Charles pulled it out and handed it to her with a grin. "Ronald's pick. He said it's the kind of movie you girls love. Was he right?"

Noelle glanced down at the movie poster and could not help but smile. It was exactly the kind of flick that would draw a crowd of giggling girls. It was no surprise that the theater was packed with them. "Well, it's not every girl's cup of tea, but it should be fun!" she chuckled. She was way past her teen drama phase, so the whole idea of watching this to relive her high school years seemed a bit of a stretch.

The film was all about high school shenanigans, and it was very loud and lively. It was supposed to be a relaxing experience, yet here they were, getting sentimental about the good old days. Noelle's eyelids grew heavy, and she almost dozed off, her popcorn threatening to spill as she slumped to the side. Quick as a flash, Charles was there, steadying her and saving the popcorn from a buttery demise.

A collective gasp rippled through the nearby seats. The movie's plot was forgotten, as all eyes were on Noelle and Charles.

Charles had been lightning-fast, scooping up Noelle just as she was about to nod off.

Now cradled in Charles's arms, Noelle was not quite asleep. She blinked groggily and murmured, "Did I miss the end?"

With a playful smile, Charles gently stroked her cheek. "Go ahead and sleep," he whispered, offering his arm as a pillow. Noelle took the hint and let her eyes fall shut once more.

The two girls next to Noelle were wide-eyed, totally smitten with the scene before them. "Wow, that guy is dreamy! And he's super sweet to his girlfriend!"

Charles caught their whispers, gave

them a wink, and put a finger to his lips, signaling them to keep it down. Then, with a grin, he offered them the untouched popcorn. "She doesn't want it. It's all yours!"

Two girls were over the moon and quickly blurted out their thanks, but when they caught Charles's hint, they zipped their lips. Charles gave a nod and a smile, gently lifting Noelle to find a comfier spot for her to lean

on.

QUMS

As the credits were about to roll, Charles scooped Noelle up and weaved through the exiting crowd.

Noelle's eyes fluttered open, and seeing Charles holding her, her cheeks flushed with a rosy tint. "Did the movie end?" she murmured. "Not quite, but we're getting there!" Charles said with a grin. "Are you up?"

She nodded. "Let me down. I can walk!"

Charles set her down. Then, he squatted in front of her and said, "Hop on, Nelly!"

Pet

Noelle blinked, thinking she had misheard, and glanced around, feeling a bit self-conscious. They had not left the theater; they were just off to the side in the aisle. With several onlookers casting curious glances their way, Noelle felt a twinge of embarrassment "I don't need..."

"C'mon, Nelly," Charles urged, locking eyes with her. "Climb on and sleep some more!"