Chapter Twelve: WHEN THE CLOCK STRIKES MIDNIGHT They stop at the bottom of the stairs, in front of a big red door with gold broken ornaments tacked on it. Brian leans forward and pushes the door half-open. They enter the cinema and approach the seats where other people are slouching. Everyone is sitting as close to the screen as they possibly can. They all look about the same age, somewhere in their twenties like Brian and Justin. Some of them are attentively watching the movie on the large screen, some are sharing cigarettes and joints and some are making-out in their seats, careless of the almost religious atmosphere of the theater. Justin brings Brian back to reality when he pulls his hand towards him and walks along one of the middle rows. They sit and observe the shadowy chamber. There are about a hundred seats, no more. The walls are covered in big, heavy, red, theatrical curtains. But strangely, Brian and Justin notice that it’s not a movie playing but different scenes from different movies one after the other. They lean comfortably back and watch the movie as if in a trance, and soon they become captivated by each picture just like everybody else in the room. They watch unblinkingly and listen to each scene. ‘You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how. ’ *Cut to* ‘You know you don't have to act with me, Steve. You don't have to say anything, and you don't have to do anything. Not a thing. Oh, maybe just whistle. You know how to whistle, don't you…’ *Cut to* ‘You stay alive, no matter what occurs! I will find you. No matter how long it takes, no matter how far, I will find you.’ *Cut to* Awe-filled gasps are heard throughout the cinema from people in the front row. A minute before midnight strikes, Justin quietly starts and nudges Brian’s shoulder. Brian turns to him. “I gotta go, it’s almost midnight.” Justin whispers. “What are you, Cinderella?” Brian smirks. “I’m serious.” He huffs a soft laugh. “Don’t follow me.” He says furthermore. Justin tilts his head forward, places his fingers under Brian’s chin and tenderly kisses Brian. Then Justin quickly pulls away and gets up, heading out the door in a hurry. ........................................................................................ Movie lines from: - Rhett Butler (Clark Gable), Gone With the Wind (1939). - Slim (Lauren Bacall), To Have and Have Not (1944). - Hawkeye (Daniel Day-Lewis), The Last of the Mohicans (1992).