Happily Ever After, a History; Part 2: First Joint Viewing of Cars

By the next Tuesday, Allison was certifiably in like with Corey, but she dreaded that he didn't feel the same way. That morning, she staked her claim in N109 (top bunk, right room) and went to go work at Freschetta in the Cougareat. This was only her second day at work and she was worried because nobody had ever trained her and she was expected to close the store by herself.

As Allison served overpriced, personal pizzas to delightful freshman attending New Student Orientation and helped them figure out the Wonderful World of Dining Plus, her thoughts kept drifting to Corey. She wondered if their date had meant anything to him or if he ever wanted to see her again. She was so nervous that she had a horrible pit in her stomach. This happens quite often to her. At one point, she glanced into the back hallway. Her heart skipped a beat. There, in all his glory, stood Corey (rhyming totally unintentional). He looked at her and grinned. The pit in her stomach was suddenly replaced by butterflies. She smiled back, and when he was done looking at the schedules, he came over. They talked until it was time for Freschetta to close. This was the part of the day that Allison had been dreading. She had no idea how to close and she also needed to figure out how to complete the arduous task of stocking the fridge. She expected Corey to leave, but her prince was kind enough to offer to stay and help. So, with Corey's unsolicited yet much appreciated help, the store was quickly closed. Much to Corey's delight there were leftover pizzas. Allison was extraordinarily brave and said, "Well, if you want to wait for me to change, we could eat lunch together." Besotted as he was, he quickly agreed.

The pair ate lunch together and the more they talked, the more Allison was impressed with Corey. He seemed intelligent, caring, and funny. What more could she ask for? After they'd finished eating, Allison reluctantly said, "I really ought to head home and start moving in. Cathryn will wonder where I am." Corey said, "Well, we can walk home together." For a minute, Allison had forgotten they lived in the same complex.

So, they started walking. Corey started going in a different direction than Allison thought was right, but she figured he knew his way around better than she did (not hard to do). Eventually though, Allison knew she was wrong. And right there and then, they had their first disagreement.

Allison said, "Isn't this the wrong way?"

"No"

"Actually, it really is. Look over there. I can see the roof of Campus Plaza."

"Oh... You live in Campus Plaza?"

"Yeah..."

"I thought you lived Park Plaza (two blocks from Campus Plaza). That's where I live."

"Oh. Nope. That's funny."

"Well, I thought it was weird when I went to visit 109 and it was a guy's apartment..."

So, with a very embarrassed Corey in tow, Allison led the way to Campus Plaza. Even though she'd already lost her key, the door was unlocked, so the pair was able to get in. Much to Allison's surprise, Cathryn wasn't there even though she'd said she was getting there hours ago. Cathryn was never late! So, instead of getting any work done, Allison and Corey talked and talked for hours. A few hours her mom and brother came by to bring her some things. So, lucky Corey got to meet Allie's family right at the start. Corey even convinced Nate to give him a candy bar.

That day led into another movie together that night. Then the couple was tragically split up for a week while they both went on family vacations. The texted each other constantly and drove both of their families crazy. Allie lost her appetite, was unable to sleep, and couldn't stop singing and smiling, much to the amusement of her super romantic roommate Katie.

When the couple was reunited, they went on several dates and saw each other often at work. On September 9th, our protagonists had plans to spend the entire day together. They were going to run errands for Corey, go grocery shopping for Allie (her first time!), watch a NASCAR race together (another first for Allie, imagine that), and go see the movie Cars in the dollar theater (a movie they'd both seen and enjoyed).

The day went well. Allie had fun buying food, she learned that NASCAR races really are 300 laps long, she watched Kevin Harvick win and consequently had Corey squeeze her hand so tightly in his excitement that it hurt for a while afterwards, and they saw a great movie.

After the movie, the couple stood on N109's doorstep. As they talked and smiled Allie said, "You're very lucky you know. I wouldn't watch a whole race with just anyone." Corey said, "I am lucky". Then he kissed her. Allison was so in shock that she quickly returned the kiss, hugged him, and said goodnight. She walked, dazed, into her apartment. Caitlin took one look at her, yelled, "Oh my gosh, he kissed you!" Then chaos ensued.