Work Text:
“Haught! How many times are we going to have this conversation?”
Nicole, bent over the register, lifted her hand off her chin to stare at her manager Carl. The one eyebrow visible under the side swept bangs announcing his devotion to Good Charlotte and Taking Back Sunday bent angrily downward over wide eyes. His neck flushed alarmingly close to the color of his purple Video Villa polo shirt as he thrust a crumpled index card at her.
“Part-time employees don’t make recommendations.”
Nicole sighed. She used to fight back. Nicole didn’t see the harm in posting a few “Haught Stuff” index cards at the bottom of the shelf. She spotlighted cult classics that should be real classics. Little messages in a bottle dropped into the ocean of Purgatory residents with hopes that maybe a kindred spirit would have their heart and mind expanded beyond the borders of a sleepy town. Reminders that all kinds of stories deserved to be told, not just those that were bankable at the box office.
Now, she just tuned out the rant that had become the soundtrack to her summer ever since she agreed to help out at her Uncle Randy’s video rental shop two years ago. Randy, actually a family friend, treated Nicole like his daughter. The old timer had taken a step back from the business after a heart surgery leaving Carl in charge. But there was one line Carl couldn’t cross: He couldn’t fire Nicole. Which meant that this whole charade was as pointless as the plot of The Avengers. Sure Uma Thurman looked hot (when didn’t she?) but it absolutely did not deserve pride of place in “Carl’s Collection” for three weeks after it released on DVD.
Besides, Carl’s selections were regurgitated VideoHound’s Golden Movie Retriever reviews mixed with box office hits. Lonnie’s Latest Releases weren’t much better, and he still got a shelf.
Nicole nodded dutifully at Carl, reminding herself that this job was a pit stop on her way to a degree in criminal justice, but for Carl, this was his life. She twisted the carabiner on her belt loop as she was relegated to rewind duty in the back…again.
Seriously people, how hard was it to be kind and rewind?
She’d give him two weeks before she put up her next recommendations. The redhead needed time to mull her next choices anyway.
***
Waverly pushed up on her tiptoes to peek over the aisle at the register. She exhaled in relief seeing a redhead behind the counter instead of that emo guy Carl. It was a little weird that a grown man was that into emo music, but Waverly tried not to judge people’s passions. No, she didn’t want to see him because he had worked at the register the last three Fridays when she had checked out the same movie…the movie she was checking out again tonight. VHS tucked firmly in her hand, Waverly strode to the front.
Eyes down, she pushed the movie forward and quickly recited her phone number.
“Good choice. I love The Mummy.” A warm voice drew Waverly’s eyes up.
“Oh I know. I’ve uh seen it before.” Waverly mumbled. She should have just bought a copy by now, but lately when she went to the rental store determined to try something new, she’d get overwhelmed by the choices and fall back on her latest comfort film.
The redhead’s eyebrows went up as she looked at her computer. Fudge nuggets. She must have seen Waverly’s highly selective rental history documenting her obsession in white block letters on a blue screen.
“Big fan huh? You’ve got good taste.” The redhead winked, a smile playing on her lips. “That Brendon Fraser…”
Cheeks flushing, Waverly pushed her long hair over one shoulder so the AC could hit her neck. “Umm yeah, but I really like Rachel Weisz, I mean Evelyn. She’s just so cool - smart and pretty and right in the action.” What Waverly meant was she wanted to be Evelyn. She loved history and research, and there was Evelyn turning her skills into a grand adventure. Not to mention she was so pretty. Obviously Rick would fall for her even though he thought she was a nuisance. Who wouldn’t? Yes, Evelyn was up there with Jane Porter in Tarzan - Waverly’s middle school obsession - another bold, smart, beautiful researcher who followed her passion to a life changing adventure.
The redhead, Nicole according to her name tag, tilted her head eyes bright and curious. “Have you seen Jurassic Park? You might like Laura Dern’s character.”
Was the AC even on in here? Waverly swallowed as she nodded. Even when she was running from the velociraptors, Laura Dern’s long legs in those khaki shorts and boots had left her feeling dizzy.
“Yeah, she’s” Waverly cleared her throat. “She’s cool too. I love how she and the hacker granddaughter really save the day.”
Nicole’s lips curled up into a real smile this time, showing off a devastating set of dimples. Cheese and rice, this girl was cool. Her lob was pulled partially back, leaving the shorter bits to frame her face. Her store polo could read as lame, but she had a leather cuff on one hand and blunt nails with chipped dark purple (almost black) nail polish. Waverly had a desperate urge to befriend Nicole and get to know her better.
Those soft pink lips moved, white teeth bouncing on the lower lip as Nicole said, “Five fifty.”
Waverly blinked.
“For the rental? It’s five dollars and fifty cents.”
A nervous giggle burst involuntarily out of Waverly. “Right! This is a rental shop, not a library.” She waved her fingers down and pulled the cash out of her wallet. She turned to go, only to turn back, blushing furiously, and grab the movie she had just paid for.
Nicole flashed those dimples again. “Enjoy the movie.”
“Thanks. You too.” Waverly called on her way out the door, wincing once her back was turned.
You too? Way to go Waverly.
***
Nicole stared after the brunette for a full ten minutes replaying every moment of their interaction. When the girl pulled her long hair over one shoulder, Nicole felt a jolt of electricity burn through her body. From her bright eyes to her wide grin, Nicole’s gaze had tracked down to the cropped Purgatory College t-shirt she was wearing. The counter had hid her legs, thank God or Nicole would never have gotten a word out. But as she walked out, Nicole caught sight of a pair of cut off jeans that should have been classified as a lethal weapon.
Nicole’s head was spinning with possibilities. She’d known she liked girls after her first sex dream (ok it was all kissing and a little over the shirt action) at 13 featured Laura Dern. After an older cousin took her to see Jurassic Park, she’d been absolutely fixated on the way Laura Dern’s orange over shirt knotted just under her breasts. Ok, she was fixated on Laura Dern, but it wasn’t until the dream that Nicole realized what might be going on with her knotted-shirt-and-khakis style obsession. By the time The Mummy came out, Nicole had kissed a few girls, and the way Rachel Weisz in glasses set her off wasn’t a surprise. From the way Waverly’s eyes lit up when answering Nicole’s questions, the other girl might feel similarly about the intrepid librarian. Unfortunately, in a town like Purgatory, Nicole couldn’t just ask, and even if she did, Waverly might not yet know.
Frustrated, Nicole jerked her gaze from the door. The blinking white cursor on her blue computer screen caught her eye. Nicole hadn’t cleared the sale. Looking up someone’s rental history wasn’t technically a crime so long as she didn’t tell anyone else what she saw (thanks Congress that was really more important to address than like poverty or child care). Her uncle had explained that it was about personal privacy, which Nicole could respect, but a quick gander couldn’t hurt.
Eyes closed, Nicole counted to three. She’d give herself exactly ten seconds to scan the profile…starting now.
Ten Mississippis later, Nicole forced her eyes shut, memorizing what she had learned. First, the account belonged to Waverly Earp. Second, Waverly really loved The Mummy. Third, she came into the Video Villa almost every Friday, and finally, Waverly was kind…that is she always rewound her movies. The system kept track so they could penalize serial offenders. Burning with questions, Nicole’s hands scrambled for an index card from under the desk. Forget Carl, Haught Stuff was back in business.
***
Waverly bounced into Video Villa the next Friday tingling with anticipation. Her older sister was visiting, and they were having a movie night! Wynonna was only in town for a night before she took off again chasing a bounty so they’d decided to divide and conquer. Wynonna was getting food. Waverly would pick the movie. The only rule: it had to be a new movie for both of them. No repeats.
The brunette breezed past the recommendation shelf. Her ex-boyfriend had been a big fan of Carl’s Collection; Waverly, not so much. Explosions were fine, but could there be some plot and character development? Everyone raved about Rain Man, but there was like one woman in the whole movie, and at the end, the characters were basically in the same place they started except Tom Cruise had that car.
Faced with the Villa’s vast collection though, Waverly balked.
With Wynonna consistently on the road, Waverly cherished sister nights. She couldn’t pick just any movie. If it was a dud, the whole night would be ruined. Then next time, Wynonna wouldn’t drive the extra two hours to be in the neighborhood to see her sister in college.
Breath Waverly. You’re catastrophising.
Eyes opening again, Waverly found herself in a familiar aisle. Just a few boxes over, she saw the familiar cover of The Mummy. Maybe she could lie and say she’d never seen it. Wynonna would like it, and Waverly could stop herself from mouthing along with the dialogue…probably. She drifted nearer then tilted her head curiously at the little card fixed below the movie. HAUGHT STUFF: CHECK ME OUT was written in red gel pen bracketed by little flames above the red line. Neatly printed on the lines below she read:
The Mummy (1999)
Brendon Fraser and Rachel Weisz am I right?
Plus action, adventure, and witty banter oh my!
Like The Mummy?
Try Bound.
An arrow pointed to the left down the shelves. Interest piqued, Waverly followed the arrow to another neatly printed card.
Bound (1996)
Written and Directed by the Wachowskis (of The Matrix)
Two unlikely partners carry out a plan to steal money from the mob.
Can be watched seriously or have fun critiquing the steps in the plan.
(Caper, Thriller, Violence, Sexual Themes)
Like Bound?
Try Set It Off.
Another arrow pointed back the other way. Recognizing the actress from Liar Liar on the cover (Wynonna loved Jim Carey), Waverly flipped the box over to read the back. An ex con named Corky and his lover hatch a plan to steal from the lover’s boyfriend. This sounded up Wynonna’s alley, and there was something about the conversational way the little cards were written that tickled Waverly. Checking her watch, she hustled to the front; Wynonna would be by soon with the food.
To her disappointment, the redhead from last week wasn’t behind the counter. A teenager with dead eyes, no doubt wishing he was anywhere else on Friday night, rang her up without comment.
Waverly had been right. Bound was Wynonna’s kind of movie. From the get go, she was guessing plot points and critiquing the way the mobsters held their guns. Waverly had tried to keep up the banter but kept getting distracted by Corky (who was actually a woman), specifically, Corky’s arms as she worked on the plumbing and painted. When Violet pulled Corky in for a kiss (and then some), her cheeks flamed in embarrassment at the same time tingles shot through Waverly’s belly. Heart pounding, she shifted subtlety on the couch trying to catch a glimpse of her sister’s reaction. Letting out a low whistle, Wynonna just leaned forward to grab another slice of pizza.
Waverly pressed the cool back of her hands against her still burning cheeks as the credits rolled. Even the dramatic and bloody climax of the movie hadn’t driven away the tingly hot feeling running up and down her body.
“Not bad Baby Girl.” Wynonna tilted her bottle of beer in toast. “I mean there were some cliches but gotta love it when chicks stick it to the man.”
Waverly pulled her legs up in front of her as she faced her sister. “Oh good. I was worried there for a second. From the description, I thought Corky was a umm well a guy.”
Wynonna snorted. “I think that was the idea. Bit of a rope-a-dope huh? Sounds like a classic Bonnie and Clyde caper but it’s more Thelma and Louise, but like hotter.”
“And that doesn’t bother you?” Waverly twisted a lock of hair around her finger.
Wynonna’s head jerked fully around, her blue eyes studying her younger sister. Waverly willed herself to stay still under the scrutiny.
“Baby Girl, listen to me,” Wynonna leaned forward, “One day, you’re going to get out of this town and see just how big the world is. There are all kinds of people and all kinds of love. A woman loving another woman isn’t wrong. It isn’t hurting anyone.” She tilted her head, “ok so in the movie, they did get a lot of other people killed, but that’s like adjacent…what was I saying? Right, love whoever you want. Just try to pick a smart one next time. It’s embarrassing for everyone when I’m correcting someone’s grammar.” She leaned forward to kiss Waverly on the head. With a stretch, Wynonna slapped her hands on her thighs. “See you at breakfast Baby Girl. I gotta hit the hay if I’m catching my criminal by Sunday.”
***
Wynonna had left after breakfast to chase her bounty with a promise to come back through to celebrate her inevitable victory. Alone again, Waverly had lain on her couch replaying scenes from the movie as questions swirled in her mind. Needing answers, she headed to the library.
Of course, faced with the steely eyes of Mrs. Franklin, Waverly faltered. Unsure of exactly what she even wanted to ask, she hesitated to approach the severe librarian. Were there books on this sort of thing? She’d retreated to one of the library’s three computers hoping to browse the catalogue. Instead, she opened a Netscape browser before she paused again. Was she really going to Ask Jeeves her questions?
Something about consulting a slightly balding but impeccably dressed butler about what it meant that she felt something stirring inside her when seeing two women kiss rubbed her the wrong way. What would a strict British man know about such things?
Don’t judge Waverly. You don’t know his life. Maybe there’s a um Jarvis(?) In his life? They met in butler school, eyes meeting as they folded napkins…Focus Waverly.
Biting her lip, Waverly typed in www.yahoo.com. At least that had some enthusiasm. An hour later, Waverly had made some headway - she’d learned lots of new terms and labels - but wasn’t sure what that meant for her. Sighing, Waverly closed the browser and headed out. Clouds on the horizon forecasted a stormy evening: perfect for a cozy movie night.
Waverly ambled down the aisles, keeping an eye out for index cards. She spotted one on a lower shelf and crouched down to see another Haught Stuff recommendation:
But I’m a Cheerleader
Soon to be cult classic - Cheerleader and Melissa Ethridge fan struggles to find her way in high school. For those who enjoy snarky satire and self discovery.
Waverly chewed her lip. She was a cheerleader. Well, in high school, now she was focused on her history degree with hopes of being a high school teacher. Her eyes traced over the handwritten card. There was something about the way the letters bubbled on the curves that felt friendly. VHS in hand, she went to the check out.
***
Nicole’s heart jumped into her throat as Waverly walked towards her. She tugged subtly on her polo, wishing that she could be wearing anything else - well almost anything - at least the purple didn’t clash horribly with her red hair. She’d arrived at work ten minutes earlier to find Bound (rewound) in the return slot.
Had Waverly liked it?
Waverly wasn’t giving her any clues. The other girl looked straight as the day is long, not a hint of sapphic style in her attire. Living in a small college town, Nicole kept her dress mostly conventional, but there were subtle nods here and there, little signs just in case someone out there was in her club. Almost no one was. She flexed her clammy hands, patting them against her cargo shorts (hey they were in for everyone right now). She blinked hard as Waverly pushed the white box toward her, rattling off her phone number for her account. Turning it on its side to scan the label, Nicole’s heart skipped a beat.
It was her recommendation again.
Wanting to reach Waverly, Nicole had deployed guerrilla tactics putting an index card directly under The Mummy in the aisle. This had been a revelation. As a manager, Carl rarely walked the aisles to restock rentals, leaving that to the plebes like Nicole. He usually caught her when he checked the recommendation shelves at the front to see how many of his selections were taken and would spot her suggestions at the bottom (usually all checked out). He hadn’t found the aisle cards all week, but other customers had. Nicole was proud to see a group of eighth grade boys about to discover Monty Python’s The Holy Grail instead of the latest Paulie Shore disaster. She’d warned a family that Homeward Bound was amazing, but they would need tissues. This one though, this was a pretty big swing, especially right after Bound.
With a slight tremble in her fingers, Nicole keyed in the rental. “Getting something to watch for a rainy afternoon?”
Waverly flashed a brilliant smile. “Yep. Seems like it is going to be the perfect day to get cozy on the couch.”
Nicole wanted to say something like “You’re in for a treat” or “Nothing’s cozier than hot cocoa, a blanket, and a cuddle” ideally with her - something bold and brave…but instead, she smiled, took Waverly’s money, and said “Enjoy.”
Slumping against the counter, Nicole slapped a hand over her face. Smooth Haught. Real smooth. Eyes closed, she sent up a silent prayer to the universe that just maybe, in this small town, she’d find someone like her. Next time, she’d be ready.
***
Waverly dropped But I’m a Cheerleader off to find the cute redhead behind the register. After confronting (and accepting) a few things about herself alongside Megan, Nicole’s warm brown eyes and pink lips that quirked up at one corner when she spoke cut off all rational thought. Waverly’s brain just spat out words like she was taking a rorschach test: tall, dimples, choker, thumb ring, hot.
Panicked, Waverly beat a hasty retreat, ducking down behind the low shelves of the foreign film aisle to hide.
Get it together Waverly. She’s a person, not a unicorn. A very pretty person. Just be normal.
Standing with a smile and nervous giggle, she’d inadvertently grabbed Das Boot and was too embarrassed to pick anything else. At least, Nicole had given her an impressed nod of approval as she’d rang her out.
The trials of German u-boats aside, Waverly had been firmly committed to Haught Stuff recommendations for her Friday night movie. Her poor rewinder was starting to whine a bit each time she put a VHS in. It spat the finished product out like a marathoner gasping for air.
Waverly didn’t care.
Finding a new Haught Stuff movie was like finding a little piece of herself. The first two recommendations had been big pieces slotting into place - ones she didn’t even know about that took time to settle. The Bird Cage filled her heart with acceptance and joy while Drop Dead Gorgeous had her choking out surprised laughter at the dark comedy. It was probably silly to feel a connection to a mystery movie critic, but the movies had her wondering about the person behind Haught Stuff. Who were they in real life? Did they really like these movies or was this just part of the job?
Today was actually Wednesday, but she’d just finished an exam in her summer course and deserved a treat. Despite her careful searching, she couldn’t find any little cards in the entire store. Confused, Waverly returned to the front, eyes skimming along the recommendation shelves.
“Can I help you?” A man’s voice interrupted her browsing.
Waverly turned to see the emo manager leaning one arm against the wall right by the Carl’s Classics sign, his chest puffing out so she could read the name tag pinned to the black denim vest he wore over his purple polo - Carl, Manager.
“Oh, actually yes.” Waverly began. “I’m looking for a recommendation.”
Carl flicked his head, his emo bangs flopping to the side. “I handle all of our recommendations.”
Waverly blinked. “You. You do. You, Carl.”
He nodded and waved a hand at “Carl’s Collection.” Carl??? Waverly took a breath and reminded herself that emo was short for emotional. Carl could contain untold depths.
Lifting her chin, Waverly smiled. “Are there any Haught Stuff recommendations this week? I have really been enjoying them, but I didn’t see any index cards in the aisles.”
Carl’s face contorted into an unexpected snarl. “In the aisles? That little…undermining my authority…” Carl muttered before yelling, “Haught!”
To Waverly’s surprise, Nicole popped out of the back with a stack of VHS boxes in her hands. “Yeah boss?”
“How many times do I have to tell you to keep your crap recommendations to yourself? We have a standard to maintain here, and I don’t care what you say, you are not offering an ‘audacious perspective that Purgatory needs.’” Carl finished sarcastically flashing air quotes with his fingerless gloves.
But Nicole wasn’t looking at Carl, she was looking at Waverly who was smiling warmly back as the pieces slotted into place.
“Uh sure Carl. You got it.”
Carl scoffed and stalked off, muttering under his breath “I need a smoke.”
Waverly smirked and crossed her arms, “You’re Haught Stuff?”
Nicole blushed but lifted her chin. “Some people think so.”
Some people were right. Waverly’s eyes tracked down Nicole’s body, catching a few items she’d read about thanks to Yahoo. Buoyed, Waverly chose to be brave. “You’ve got good taste. I enjoyed the recommendations.”
The redhead tilted her head to the side, shifting the boxes in her hands to the counter. “All of them?”
Biting her lips, Waverly nodded. “All of them.”
The way Nicole’s eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning confirmed everything Waverly was hoping for. She stepped closer. “You know, I was hoping to get a recommendation for tonight. Any suggestions?”
Nicole looked up to the side pretending to think. “Hmm, I’d have to say Bend It Like Beckham.”
“Isn’t that in theaters?” Waverly asked, brow furrowing.
Warm chocolate darkened into smoked mahogany as Nicole smiled, reaching a hand out to Waverly. “It is, but you see, when I see something I like, I don’t want to wait. Come with me tonight?”
Waverly grinned, looking up into Nicole’s eyes. “I’d love to.”
Her eyes fluttered closed as Nicole leaned in to kiss her right there in the Video Villa.
“Mom,” a small girl whisper-shouted. “I didn’t know two girls could kiss. Can I do that?”
“Love is love Baby Girl. Now come on, let’s pick out a movie.”