Cinema 6
As the small child climbed out of the backseat of the car, she took in her surroundings. What she saw was a huge brick building. Excitement pumped through her body. She shivered, the wind was cool. Taking her mom’s had in her left and reaching up for her dad’s hand with her right, the three began walking toward their destination. A gust of wind blew several long strands of brown curls across her face. She shook them away. Her parents lifted and swung her back and forth, back and forth as they crossed the parking lot.
When they approached the building, she stopped and peered up at a giant marquee that showed what was playing at Cinemark. Lights danced around the individual rectangles that housed the posters. They already knew what they were watching, but the display amused the child and they had a little time, so they let her take it all in. Afterall, this was her first trip to the movie theatre. “Ready to get the tickets,” her dad asked her. “Yes,” said the girl eagerly.
As they walked between two round brick planters behind the marquee, the girl took in a deep breath. She could see the front of the theatre. It was made entirely of glass. People were bustling around buying tickets, snacks and drinks. They seemed frantic and in a hurry. The girl assumed they were late for their feature. They walked past two more planters. The girl was half walking half hopping-her beautiful curls bouncing rhythmically with her steps. Her parents smiled to each other over her head. They too were both a little excited. It just seemed to be in the late October air. Electricity. It was a little cloudy. Like a storm could form at any time during their early evening adventure.
They reached the doors. Letting go of the girl’s hand, the dad held the door open for wife and daughter. They stepped inside. The air was salty and warm and was heavily saturated with the scent of popcorn. Taking the girl’s hand once again, the dad led his family to the counter. They crossed the black and white check tiled floor, stepping on popcorn that people had dropped on their way to various movies. The girl stopped and squatted down. Picking up a piece of popcorn, her mother immediately knew what was about to happen. “Sweetie, no. That’s dirty. It’s been on the floor. Well get you your own popcorn in just a minute,” said her mom as she gently took the popcorn out of the child’s hand and lifted the girl onto her hip.
Once in the ticket line, her parents asked her if she was sure Aladdin was the movie she wanted to see. She smiled and giggled, as she knew they were joking with her. When it was their turn, the cashier said, “Hi welcome to Cinema 6, the best seat in town. Which movie please?” “Aladdin,” squealed the girl enthusiastically. “Two adults and one child for Aladdin. That’s thirteen dollars,” said the worker. The dad handed her the money, they waited for change, and then made their way to the snack counter. Once there, the girl wiggled out of her mother’s arms so that she could look into the glass candy case. Her parents ordered popcorn and drinks and asked her what kind of candy she decided on. “M&Ms,” she said confidently. He handed they to her. Her lips broke into a vast smile. Clutching her M&Ms with both hands, she and her parents walked single file toward the door to their movie. The door that lead to a magical place.