Fifteen minutes before eleven, Owen finally saw Sophie walking alongside her family.
Sophie led the group, wearing a simple, fitted black dress with thin straps, elegant without being pretentious. She was smiling, though she looked a little tense.
Beside her was her mother, Margaret, whom Owen already knew well enough to recognize when her smile was only out of courtesy. She wore a white blazer with beige dress pants, her hair pulled back into a flawless bun, and carried a small matching handbag. Always impeccable.
Next to Margaret walked a middle-aged man, bald, of average height and a sturdy build, with a kind face and green eyes. He wore a light blue shirt open at the collar and a dark gray blazer, without a tie.
Peter, Owen recalled. It was the first time he had seen him in person, but he knew this was Sophie's father.
Unlike his wife, Peter seemed approachable, warm, a striking contrast.
The last of the group was a young woman in her twenties, with light brown wavy hair in a messy style, and an attitude completely opposite to her mother's. She wore an oversized T-shirt with a leather jacket on top, dark jeans, and slightly worn black boots. Several tattoos were visible: one floral design on her forearm, another near her neck that looked like a word in French, and a stylized snake along her wrist.
Emma, Sophie's older sister.
Owen had seen her in photos Sophie had shown him, and from the stories she'd told about her past.
Owen stood up and started walking toward them, Matt following behind. Sophie smiled when she saw him, with a hint of relief.
Margaret turned her head as he approached. Her gaze, though polite, was anything but friendly.
Owen wasn't exactly sure why, but she didn't seem to think highly of him. Maybe it was because of his past, if she had found out anything, or perhaps she simply didn't like that her daughter spent so much time at a boy's house.
Maybe she saw him as an unnecessary distraction from Sophie's career… or perhaps, as Owen had once suspected, she just didn't like the idea of her daughter having a boyfriend, being as religious as she was.
"I told you not to come dressed like that, Emma," Margaret muttered under her breath, just before Owen arrived, her tone restrained but clearly irritated.
"I know, Mom. I heard you complain for the entire two-hour car ride about me wearing casual clothes to this event. It's just a midnight screening, it's not like I needed to show up in designer clothes and a gown," Emma sighed, already annoyed by the constant criticism of her outfit.
"This isn't about fashion," Margaret replied through clenched teeth. "It's about respect for the place."
Owen caught up with them right at that uncomfortable moment. It was his first time meeting Sophie's father and Emma as well.
Peter noticed his presence and smiled, extending his hand before Owen could say a word.
"By the way Sophie looks at you, you must be Owen. Finally, we meet," he said warmly.
"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Thatcher. Thank you for coming," Owen replied, shaking his hand firmly.
"Of course, I wouldn't miss my little pumpkin's first theatrical screening," Peter said, giving his daughter an affectionate nudge with his elbow.
"Dad… I told you not to use that nickname anymore. At least not in public," Sophie whispered with a gesture of embarrassment.
"Why not? It's adorable. Besides, it suits you," Peter replied, amused.
Emma, who had been watching from the side with her arms crossed, stepped forward and raised an eyebrow as she looked Owen up and down. She smiled with an expression that mixed mischief and curiosity.
"So, you're Owen… Who would've thought Sophie would end up with a boyfriend like you," Emma remarked, letting her eyes linger on his face a few seconds longer than necessary.
"Like me how?" Owen asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I don't know. Back in her teenage years, the few guys she dated were all total weirdos. And now she's dating a guy who looks like the lead in a Netflix rom-com," Emma answered.
Sophie covered her face with her hand, trying to hide her embarrassment.
"Stop embarrassing me… and besides, your boyfriends were way worse than mine," Sophie shot back.
At that moment, Matt took the chance to introduce himself to Peter and Emma, since it was the first time he had met them. Then he greeted Margaret politely, though with a touch more familiarity.
Owen chatted with Peter and Emma for several minutes. Both of them were sociable, warm, easy to get along with.
In no time, Owen already felt a sense of familiarity with them that he hadn't even remotely achieved with Margaret, who remained silent throughout the conversation, occasionally checking her watch or scanning the room, making no effort to integrate into the group.
Little by little, more people started arriving.
First, Matt's parents showed up. Then his college friends began to trickle in, some with friends or partners. They greeted Matt enthusiastically but gave Owen strange looks, as if they were seeing a man who had come back from the dead, since it was public knowledge that he had been expelled from the university.
One by one, the other members of the Paranormal Activity team joined. Alison, with her mother and a friend; Eric, accompanied by his younger sister; Tyler, who arrived with his partner and a film buddy; Daniel, along with his wife; and finally, the editor who had worked with Owen and Matt to piece the film together.
Each brought someone along, and within minutes, the small group turned into a lively hub filled with overlapping conversations, greetings, laughter, and comments about the festival.
Then, at last, Owen's family arrived, and they did not go unnoticed.
The group of five carried a natural elegance that drew immediate stares.
Elizabeth, a blonde woman with striking green eyes, fair skin, and perfect posture, wore a light beige outfit with golden details, simple yet sophisticated. Her expression was warm, her eyes lighting up when she finally saw Owen.
Next to her was Edward. Jet-black hair, impeccably styled, gray eyes identical to his son's, and a stern face. He wore a white shirt without a tie, black pants, and formal shoes. Tall, broad-shouldered.
Behind them came James. Ash-blond hair, green eyes, a strong jawline, and a restrained demeanor. He wore a light gray suit and a spotless white shirt. Walking at his side was Emily, his wife, a refined woman with chestnut hair tied in a low bun and amber eyes, watching everything with curiosity.
And lastly, there was Sarah, the youngest of the family.
Blonde hair, pale skin, full lips, and a piercing gaze. Sarah moved with steady confidence, scanning her surroundings with wide-open eyes. She wore a fitted black blouse, high-waisted dress pants, and platform shoes that made her stand out even more. She didn't smile, but it was clear she was excited. Several people turned their heads to look at her.
"Wow," Sophie whispered when she saw the group, by Owen's expression, she immediately knew they were his family. The older man and the young woman bore very similar features to him, except for the girl's blonde hair.
"Now I understand why Owen looks so good. It's in the genetics," Emma whispered near Sophie, who nudged her with her elbow, not wanting to be embarrassed just as she was about to meet Owen's family.
"You arrived," Owen said, stepping closer to them.
"Of course," Elizabeth replied, taking his hand gently. "We wouldn't have missed it for anything."
And then, without saying another word, she hugged him.
It was a strong, deep embrace, as if she had been holding it in since the day they reconciled, or perhaps even long before. Owen took a second to react.
"Mom…" he murmured, uncomfortable, his voice barely audible. He almost said Elizabeth or ma'am, but that would have sounded far too strange.
Elizabeth slowly pulled back, just enough to look him in the eyes. She smiled softly, as if she knew exactly what was running through his mind.
"Sorry," she said quietly, lowering her gaze a little. "I know you never liked me hugging you in public. But I couldn't help it."
Owen nodded slightly, saying nothing. She hadn't meant it that way, but somehow, it sounded like something the original Owen would have said.
After Elizabeth's embrace, Owen greeted the rest of his family one by one.
Edward shook his hand with a sober gesture, though warmer than usual. James gave him a firm handshake and a nearly whispered "well done." Emily, his sister-in-law, offered a cordial, sincere smile with a slight bow of her head. They weren't very close, but her admiration was clear.
And Sarah, with no hesitation this time, hugged him tightly again, as if she couldn't hold back her excitement.
Owen stood still for a moment. It wasn't that he didn't appreciate it… it was that he still wasn't used to so much affection from a family that, deep down, didn't feel entirely like his own.
He didn't say anything at first. His arms hung slightly apart, until Sarah lifted her head, her eyes glistening. Then he slowly lowered his arms and returned the hug.
"You have to introduce me to your girlfriend," Sarah murmured, trying to sound casual.
"Of course, but first you'll have to let me go," Owen said with a faint smile.
"Hmph." Sarah released him instantly, as if nothing had happened.
"Sophie," Owen called softly.
Sophie stepped forward to the group, walking with calm confidence. Her gaze moved from face to face, and though she was a little nervous, her smile was steady, she wanted to make a good impression.
"Hi, it's a pleasure to meet you."
There was a brief pause. Everyone looked at her with curiosity, but not discomfort.
Elizabeth was the first to speak, her eyes shining brightly. "The pleasure is mine. Owen has told us about you… and I saw you in the short films you two made together. You're very talented. Truly. And I was moved to see the chemistry you share on screen."
Sophie blinked, surprised by the compliment. "Thank you, that means a lot."
The other members of Owen's family greeted her kindly. The most reserved was Sarah. There was no hostility, but there was a trace of silent jealousy.
Owen was never known for having steady, close relationships, but with this girl, he seemed both steady and close. And though she didn't want to admit it, it made her a little jealous.
Owen then took the chance to officially introduce Sophie's family, as well as Matt, his "official" best friend, as Matt himself put it with an exaggerated bow that drew some laughter.
The conversation between the groups flowed more naturally than Owen had expected.
Elizabeth spoke animatedly with Peter, both connecting over their shared love for art and independent cinema.
James, inexplicably, was engaged in a deep conversation with Margaret, discussing cultural legislation and some fiscal matter that Owen didn't even try to understand.
The curious part was that, in barely five minutes, Margaret seemed to get along much better with his brother than with him.
Emma and Sarah, meanwhile, were laughing together.
They had clicked instantly. Maybe because they shared a latent rebellious streak, or because Emma simply knew how to break through anyone's shell.
Sophie, from the side, watched them with a faint frown, not out of distrust, but from a certain unease.
She wanted to be the one to get along with Owen's younger sister, but she couldn't step in without seeming forced, so she limited herself to a discreet smile.
Owen and Matt stepped a few paces into the hallway, from where the theater for their screening was already visible.
"People are starting to come in," Matt said, peeking with contained excitement. "I swear, if all 250 seats sell out, I'll cry right here."
"Don't cry. If you cry now, what are you going to do when the audience applauds?" Owen replied.
At that moment, he saw Cristian.
The A24 executive had just entered the lobby. Tall, dressed in smart casual, he walked with a relaxed stride, accompanied by a middle-aged woman with curly hair. She must have been his colleague from A24. Both wore festival badges around their necks, and they stopped right in front of the Paranormal Activity poster.
Owen gave Matt a nod that instantly silenced his rambling. "Go," Matt whispered nervously, while Owen started walking toward Cristian.
Several in the group noticed. Conversations quieted a little. All eyes followed him.
"Are those…"
Before Sarah could finish her question, Sophie answered, "Yes, the A24 executives."
Now the entire group was paying attention.
From Margaret to James, who furrowed his brow slightly as if weighing an imminent legal deal.
Owen approached with steady steps. Cristian greeted him with a broad smile and a firm handshake.
"I told you I'd come," Cristian said in a friendly tone.
"And you did," Owen replied with a sincere smile, also glancing at the woman beside him.
"This is Martha Roth, Director of the acquisitions and distribution team," Cristian added. "I wanted her to see the film with me."
Martha nodded. Her gaze was serious, but not cold.
'Director…?' Owen thought, surprised, though he didn't let it show on his face.
She was dressed simply yet stylishly, and her body language made it clear she wasn't there out of obligation but genuine interest.
They exchanged polite greetings and spoke for a few minutes.
Then Owen returned to the group, and before he could say a word, everyone crowded around him.
"What happened?" Matt asked.
"Who is that woman? Because we already know Cristian is part of the creative team, but he's not the one making distribution decisions, right?" said Sophie.
"Does she have enough authority to decide whether they buy the film?" asked Daniel, the supporting actor who played the psychic.
Owen raised a hand, as if calling for theatrical silence.
"Martha Roth," Owen said, with a pause that held the group's breath. "Director of Acquisitions and Distribution."
The group fell silent. Everyone understood what that meant.
A Director of Acquisitions at a company like A24 was the one who decided which films deserved to become part of the A24 catalog. She decided what titles to buy, what projects were worth turning into commercial releases.
But Martha wasn't just that.
She was also in charge of distribution. At a company like A24, without the massive machinery of the big studios, it was common for high-ranking executives to combine key roles.
In her case, it meant she not only had the power to acquire a film but also to chart its path to the audience: setting release dates, choosing how many theaters, what kind of campaign and what strategic vision would define each launch.
And just then, a voice from the festival staff called out from the hallway:
"You're the Paranormal Activity team, right?"
Owen turned toward the voice. A staff member, badge hanging around his neck, approached with a professional smile.
"Yes, that's us," Owen nodded.
"Great. You all have priority entry, directors, cast, and your guests. We'll seat you before opening to the general audience," the staffer said.
There were 25 minutes left before the screening.
Owen nodded and motioned to the group. The chatter quieted instantly, and they began following the staffer.
Matt, walking beside Owen, turned and glanced down the hallway.
"Look at that," he murmured softly with a smile.
The line to get in already snaked across the entire lobby. More than fifty people, and still growing. Young people, couples, critics with notepads, horror fans, curious night owls from the festival. People clutching tickets, some wearing T-shirts of cult films, many already with popcorn and sodas in hand.
And the line kept growing.
Matt swallowed hard, caught between excitement and nerves.
"Told you," Owen said with a faint smile as he stepped through the doors into the theater.
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