Chapter 19: Weekend Date
The weekend arrived as scheduled.
This week had been pretty fulfilling for Edward. His daytime campus life was uneventful, but after dark, his "extracurricular activities" became rich and varied.
His "study sessions" with Jennifer progressed rapidly; they held late-night meetings almost every evening to explore human anatomy and mechanical principles. The meeting locations were usually in a bumpy "car" or on the creaky bed of a hotel room.
"Your driving skills are... getting better and better." Afterward, Jennifer lazily lay on Edward's chest, her slender fingers tracing circles on his abs, her voice a satisfied rasp, "You always find the most exciting routes, and... plenty of horsepower."
Edward chuckled, wrapping his arm around her smooth shoulders, and replied with mock seriousness, "Practice makes perfect. After all, safe driving and the pleasure of reaching the destination—neither can be lacking."
Besides "driving" with Jennifer, Edward didn't forget about Carrie at home.
When he got back, he always spent time practicing telekinesis with Carrie. In the living room, Carrie was intently staring at a pile of blocks on the coffee table, tiny beads of sweat forming on her delicate nose.
"Remember what I told you, Carrie—first visualize what you want in your mind, then extend your consciousness like a tentacle, gently 'picking' it up, rather than using brute force to 'push' it," Edward sat nearby, patiently guiding her.
A square block floated unsteadily, paused in mid-air for a moment, then landed precisely on another block. This was followed by the second, then the third... A small block tower was steadily constructed under Carrie's mental control.
"I did it! Edward!" Carrie excitedly turned her head, her eyes sparkling like they were filled with stars.
"Awesome!" Edward didn't hesitate to give a thumbs-up, "See? You've got serious talent. Control is more important than raw strength—you've already got the hang of it."
Carrie's cheeks flushed at the praise, and she smiled sweeter than honey. Watching her innocent smile, Edward also felt a warmth in his chest.
Saturday morning, the weather was perfect.
Edward arrived at the movie theater entrance as agreed. He was a few minutes early, wanting to see how this brand new "Maria" would show up.
Exactly ten o'clock, not a minute more, not a minute less.
Alan's figure appeared at the street corner. Today, she wore a burgundy spaghetti strap dress, casually paired with a black leather jacket, and her Doc Martens boots made her look both cool and edgy. Her slightly wavy long hair was draped over her shoulders, and she had light makeup on that perfectly highlighted her features, especially her eyes, which were bright and fierce.
She was like a thorny black rose, exceptionally eye-catching in the crowd.
"You're very punctual." Alan walked up to him, sizing him up, her gaze as if appraising an item.
"Didn't want to keep you waiting, so I showed up five minutes early." Edward shrugged casually, his hands in his pockets, "Looks like I'm not special enough—couldn't get you to arrive early for our date too."
Alan's lips curved into a smirk, noncommittal. "What movie are we watching?"
"I thought you'd have everything planned out," Edward raised an eyebrow.
"A date takes two people. I'm only responsible for asking you out—the rest depends on your performance." Alan's answer was smooth, turning it back on him.
Edward looked at the movie posters and pointed to a newly released horror film, "How about this one? 'Cabin in the Woods,' the reviews are pretty solid."
He'd expected her to react like a typical girl, showing fear or hesitation, which would give him a chance to play protector.
Unexpectedly, Alan merely glanced at the green-faced, fanged monster on the poster and said dismissively, "Childish. But if you want to watch it, fine."
Her tone was like an adult humoring a hyperactive kid who wanted to watch cartoons.
Edward rubbed his nose, thinking to himself: Right, the current Maria is Alan—why would she be scared of horror movies? She herself is literally a supernatural entity!
The theater was dimly lit, and on the giant screen, terrifying sound effects combined with jump-scare visuals drew screams from the audience around them. Especially a couple next to them—the girl had already buried herself in her boyfriend's arms, terrified.
Edward turned his head to glance at Alan beside him; not only did she show no fear, but she was watching with great interest, holding popcorn and popping kernel after kernel into her mouth, her crisp munching sounds particularly jarring against the horror soundtrack.
When a blood-soaked ghost suddenly crawled out from under the bed on screen, accompanied by ear-piercing screams as she lunged toward the camera, the entire theater erupted.
Edward also unconsciously tensed up.
He felt his arm being touched, and turning his head, he saw Alan leaning in, her warm breath brushing his earlobe.
"You scared?" Her voice was soft, with a hint of teasing.
"Just a tactical retreat," Edward retorted stubbornly.
Alan chuckled, leaning even closer, her lips almost touching his ear, and she whispered in an almost inaudible voice, "If you're scared of this level of stuff, then you're not much fun."
Her breath brushed against Edward's earlobe like a feather, bringing a tingling sensation.
This wasn't a hint anymore—it was outright provocation. Edward could even smell the faint fragrance in her hair, mixed with the sweet stickiness of popcorn, forming a strangely intoxicating combination.
Alarm bells rang in his mind, but his body's reaction was honest.
Should I still pretend I don't know they've switched?
Edward subtly straightened up, creating some distance, turned to look at her, and asked in a low voice, "Maria wouldn't act like this."
A hint of mischief flashed in Alan's eyes. She didn't answer directly but countered, "Do you prefer the old her, or the current me?"
This question was like a stone dropped into the calm lake of Edward's heart, creating ripples.
The old Maria was timid, insecure, like a frightened deer, evoking sympathy and a protective instinct.
But this "Maria" in front of him was confident, bold, radiating a dangerous charm, like a burning flame that made you want to get close, even if it meant getting burned.
"I'm just curious what made you change so much," Edward dodged her question.
"People always change, don't they?" Alan took a sip of her Coke, her gaze returning to the screen, as if the previous conversation had never happened.
The movie ended, and the two walked out of the theater. The bright sunlight made Edward squint slightly.
"Where to next?" Edward asked.
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