They Don't Know About Us

*Justice's P.O.V*
Harry and Jonah at yet another lame joke as Katie and I wore exchanged amused smiles. We had decided to grab dinner at Red Robin's before walking around the outdoor mall and then seeing a late show at the Monaco movie theater. Our boyfriends managed to hit it off pretty well exchanging the worse jokes in history of mankind all dinner while Katie and I forced as much laughter as our hearts would allow.
My cell phone vibrated in my back pockets and I stealthily pulled it out, looking down at my lap to see what notification I had.
Kates: One more joke and I'm walking out.
Me: I'm right behind you!
“I've got one,” Jonah calmed his laughing long enough to speak coherently.
“Please God,” Katie pleaded in a mumble while clasping her hands and looking up. “Let the jokes stop.” She went ignored although I seconded her prayer.
“What did blanket say when it fell off the bed?” He asked readying the punch line. Harry thought momentarily before shaking his head. “Oh sheet!” They both cracked up as my nostrils flared and my eyes rolled for the thousandth time.
“I'm done.” Katie slapped her napkin down on the table.
I stood, “Let's go see if that dress I wanted at Juicy Couture is on sale yet.” I suggested in a desperate attempt to get away. Katie eagerly stood to follow me.
Harry reached out touching my hand. I looked down at him as he looked up at me. “Where are you going?” He asked curiously.
“Away from here.” Katie grumbled.
“We're just going to look around for a bit. You can guys can find us when you're done with your date.” Before either of them had a chance to respond we walked out of the restaurant. I paused looking back.
“What?” Katie asked noticing my hesitation.
“We just stuck them with the checks,” I mused suddenly remembering.
She gave me a pointed look. “After what we just sat through, they deserve to pay.” She shrugged continuing on and I followed after her. While I was fishing through the racks of designer clothes in the Juicy Couture boutique, Harry and Jonah arrived still laughing at whatever. “You found us.”
“Jay did say something about this place.” Jonah reminded her as I held up black and nude-beige stripped party dress that would accentuate my legs.
“What about this one?” I asked Katie.
She frowned, “For a society event?”
“I can put my black blazer on over it and wear conservative heels.” I reminded her. She nodded and I checked the price tag. $250. “Oooh, never mind.” My head shook quickly as I placed the dress back on the rack and moved on.
“You aren't going to get it?” Harry questioned.
“It's not that cute.” I continued admiring all of the cute expensive clothes that I would never buy, before Katie suggested we go to the Chocolate Crocodile. Her and I left out of the store with the guys following behind us (so we thought). I was telling the attendant which white chocolate caramel apple I wanted when Harry entered the store. I looked over my shoulder at him. “Hey, do you wan-” My eyes landed on the small purple shopping bag with the black designer logo on it. “What's that?” I pointed hoping it wasn't what I thought it was.
~~*~~
*Harry's P.O.V*
“What about this?” Justice asked Katie while holding up a dress that was sure to get attention wherever she wore it.
“For a society event?” Katie asked with a frown clearly not impressed with the dress.
“I can put my black blazer on over it and wear conservative heels.” Justice offered. Katie nodded and Justice pulled out the tag to look at the price I assumed. She winced as her nose scrunched in a cute way. “Oooh, never mind.” She placed the dress back where she had gotten it from and walked away.
“You're aren't going to get it?” I asked following after her.
“It's not that cute.” She responded with a look of longing in her eyes that she was trying to fight while looking at other items in the store. I hung back when her and Katie left out of the store going back to the dress and taking it to the counter. It was obvious she liked it and she had already planned on wearing it so she should have it.
“Two-hundred and seventy-two fifty,” the polite cashier announced the final total and I handed over the black plastic card now knowing why Justice had put the dress back. She could have just asked me to buy it, but a part of me knew she wouldn't do that.
I found the dessert shop and entered as Justice pointed to some treat. She looked back at me with a smile.
“Hey, do you wan-” Her eyes fell to the bag in my hand. “What's that?” She questioned causing Katie to look over our way.
I smiled, “It's for you.” I held the bag out to her and she held it hesitantly.
“Okay, it's not Victoria Secret, so I'm pretty sure it's not kinky lingerie.” Katie mused watching her friend for a reaction.
Justice stuck her hand into the bag slowly pulling out the dress and pursing her full lips. “Harry,” she sighed. “Why did you buy this?” She asked in a low voice.
“Because you wanted it.” I answered. Wasn't that reason enough?
She shook her head, “Yeah, but you shouldn't have bought this. It's too much.” Katie bit her lip looking away and pulling Jonah with her. He was a cool lad.
I took a step forward, “You wanted it so I got it for you.”
“That's not the problem.” Justice shook her head and walked out of the shop. I followed after her.
“What's the problem then?” I asked not sure why she was upset. She was supposed to be happy. That's why I bought the dress, because she had been happy when she saw it.
“The problem is...” She looked up at my confused expression and her features softened. “Nothing Harry. It's fine.”
“Love,” I reached out for her. “Talk to me.”
She gave a heavy sigh, “I don't need to you to buy me expensive things. It's bad enough that everyone thinks that's all I want from you and I don't need you thinking that too.” She admitted in a voice laced with frustration.
“I-” I shook my head. “Who cares why others think? I know you're not that type of person.” Justice was quiet with her arms folded across her chest and her lips set in a frown. I pulled her into my hold. “I care about you and I just want you to be happy.” I spoke in a soft voice.
She leaned into my chest. “A three hundred dollar dress doesn't make me happy. Although it is a nice gesture.” A smile tugged at her lips as she stretched upward to plant a kiss on my cheek. I smiled taking her hand in mine as Katie and Jonah emerged from the sweets shop.
“Jay, I got your apple.” Katie announced handing a small white bag over. Justice gave a thankful smile.
“Move time!” Jonah cheered.
“Yeah!” I joined in as we walked towards the large luxurious movie theater located at the end of the shopping center. We decided on the new Thor movie and got our tickets. When the movie ended we said our goodbyes and headed to the parking lot. The drive back to Florence was quiet, but Justice had fallen asleep. When we arrived at her flat, I gently lifted her out of the car carrying her inside. I had one more full day before I had to go back home. I wished she could come with me, but she had work and classes. Placing a kiss on her forehead, I got up to change out of my clothes, before laying on the bed and pulling the covers over the both of us. Justice snuggled closer to me and I smiled holding her in my sleep.
~~*~~
*Justice's P.O.V*
I stepped into the hallway as the door to my right opened and Shardai stepped out of her bedroom. We stopped awkwardly looking at each other. We hadn't spoken since our argument. We were pretty much avoiding each other.
“Um,” I searched for something to say at Katie appeared. She took in the tension and gave me a hard look. I knew she was mentally willing me to speak up and apologize, but I wasn't. As bad as my words may have been, I didn't regret them. Everything I said was the truth and she needed to hear it.
“Jay-” Katie started to speak.
“I'm moving out.” Shardai announced cutting of the faux ginger from speaking.
“What!?” We asked with the same wide eyed expression.
“I'm moving out.” She repeated. “I'm going back to Tuscaloosa.” She further explained.
“Why?” I asked shaking my head. “If this is about our argument, then you really need to let it go. We've argued before.”
Katie rolled her eyes, “You are not helping.” Her words went ignored. “Why are you going back to Tuscaloosa Shardai?” She questioned. She was a lot more patient than I was.
Shardai gave a loud sigh. “My dad and is sick and my mom needs help taking care of him.” She informed us. We were quiet as we nodded our heads in understanding. Shardai had elderly parents. She always worried about the time they had left and that worry only increased when they sat her down to discuss their funeral arrangements.
“I'm sorry,” I spoke softly. “If you need anything just let us know. We'll help you move, come visit you, and whatever else.”
“Well...” She looked around before giving her infamous smile. “If you really want to help then you can go in that kitchen and make me something to eat.” The three of us laughed. “But for real,” Shardai stopped looking directly at me. “I'm hungry.”
“I would but I'm going to my dad's.” I informed her.
“You're always at your dad's. You should just live with him.” The dark skinned girl groaned following me into the kitchen.
“He's meeting Harry.” Katie added in a teasing tone.
Shardai's eyes widened. “Your dad is meeting your boo?” I nodded. “Shit just got real. They'll be married in September.” I groaned pulling out the ingredients for my infamous turkey Swiss sandwich. “Is that for me?” Shardai asked excitedly.
I gave a guilty smile, “Actually...” I opened the loaf of bread to buy some time. “It's for Harry, but I will make you one if you want.” I offered.
Katie laughed loudly. “Do you see the irony in this?”
“Shut-up,” I grumbled. “He begged for like ten minutes before I even considered making one.” That wasn't enough to stop the teasing. My roommates went back and forth as I did my 'best work'. Once both sandwiches were made to perfection, I handed a plate over to Shardai before walking back to my room with the other.
Harry was now dressed sitting on the foot of my bed looking down at his cell phone. As I entered the room he looked back at me with a cheeky smile. “Is this sandwich gourmet? It took forever.” He teased as he took the plate out of my hand.
My eyes lowered, “You sure are talking bold for a guy who begged for a sandwich.” I responded while moving towards my cell phone which was sitting on the dresser. Harry shrugged his shoulders while chewing a large bite. “While you're eating, I'm going to finish my hair, and then we can go.”
“You're calmer today than you were yesterday.” Harry commented.
“I know.” I plugged up my purple flat irons and stood in front of my mirror.
He watched me warily. “Should I be scared?” I laughed while brushing through my hair. It had been piled on the top of my head for most of the day. “I'm not sure what to think here.”
“Calm down. You're going to freak yourself out. My dad is a teddy bear.” I laughed again while straightening my hair. Harry seemed to mentally debate my words while I worked on my hair. When he had finally gotten over his wariness, my damn best friend ruined it by opening her mouth as we walked out of the door.
“Good luck Harry. Remember, only one of Justice's brothers is a trained killer.” I glared at her as the green orbs that I had become so familiar with enlarged. This was going to be an interesting day.

Notes