It was a typical Sunday. We had a hearty breakfast, went to church and now lunch. I had already pleaded with my parents to eat at the mall so I could buy a few shirts before hand. I reminded them to text me so that I could go off to a couple of stores without them weighing me down. What they didn't know was these shirts were for those Friday night outings, and to impress Harry.

After a few purchases I remembered one more store that I wanted to see. Walking on the wrong side of the mall, I looked for the nearest bridge to cross but my steps slowed down. I recognized Harry's curly hair and profile but not the light brown haired girl he was with.

Her hand was wrapped around his arm and I could tell she was making him laugh hard, he had the brightest smile I had ever seen on him. If it weren't for his hair I wouldn't have recognized him. His pants were too tight and he wore a thin white undershirt; a drastic contrast from his sharp work uniform.

I dare say he looked even cooler and spiked my interest even more, but it was too late, I was too late. Everything in me wanted to return these stupid shirts and get my money back, yet there was still Niall. . .

We ate and fled. On the drive home, dad suggested we rent some videos since I was entitled 3 free rentals. It felt a bit weird walking in with my folks, especially knowing the conversations I'd partake in. To my surprise, Rachel wasn't in. Then I saw Niall pop up from one of the aisles.

"Hey Chloe, how's your day goin'?"

"Good, just ate and now about to relax at home. How was the party last night?"

He gave me a strange look as if he couldn't remember mentioning that bit of information. I had to change to the subject or come up with a save fast.

"You just look pretty tired."

"Ugh yeah. I almost forgot I was supposed to cover Rachel's shift this mornin', until she called me. Last night was sick."

"That sounds like fun."

"Yeah, I'd have invited you but it was just the fellas."

"You don't have to lie. I know I'm the last person you'd invite anywhere."

I don't know what my plan was but I felt the need to finally hang out with a guy one on one. Not necessarily a date but a hang out, like what Harry had offered me until I blew it and he found someone else.

"I would too. You're a cool chick," Niall smiled and pretended to look busy by sorting the video cases near us as we talked. He paused and pressed his lips together before clasping his eyes as though an idea had hit him. "A few of us are going to the movies tonight, can you come?"

"I don't know, let me ask my parents since they are right here," I point to them standing at the other end of the store, the foreign film section.

Luckily it didn't take much convincing and when I finally accepted the invitation, Niall surprised me by saying he would pick me up around 6 o'clock. I know I said I wanted to hang out but the fact that he was going to pick me up, made it feel like a real date. Why wasn't I freaking out like I normally did in these situations. I mean I think Niall's cute but not as breathtaking as Harry.

---

"So what are we going to see?" I asked trying to make conversation in the car.

"I think Harry said Scream 2."

"Harry's going?"

"Uh yeah...so is Jessica, Trisha and a few others."

I hadn't anticipated to see Harry, I was stupid to miss that. At least I knew the majority of the people that would be there, unless that girl was there too. Niall would be a good distraction though, he was funny and very "happy go lucky". He looked nice in a denim jacket with mustard shirt underneath, jeans and white kicks.

My young age reflected in my clothes, I owned no skimpy or tight garments. Wearing a light teal loose skirt and similar colored floral tank top, I immediately regretted not bringing a jack. Maybe I could count on Niall for his jacket if I needed it.

Fifteen minutes later we met with the rest of the group outside the theater. I spotted Harry immediately, since he was the tallest, and his brown haired girl. The second he saw me a gentle scowl formed across his forehead and I could see that first sign of jealousy. . . or so I thought.

"Did you ride together?" I heard Harry quietly ask Niall.

Niall nodded as though it were no big deal. I know he only saw me as a coworker or a friend, but what I still wanted to know was who that other girl was. We moved in like a herd and I tried my best to avoid any eye contact with Harry, resulting in a poor greeting.

After we got the buckets of popcorn, soda and candy stashes, we almost filled an entire row in the theater. I sat between Trisha and Niall. Liam being at the very end and on the opposite sat Harry and his friends, some that I definitely didn't know. One of the guys I had seen visit the store before, he was a tad shorter but I remembered his blue eyes and loud laugh. Entertained by the trailers, I suddenly felt my phone vibrate in my small handbag.

Did I do something to offend you? -Harry

No why? -Chloe

Even though I lied, what was I going to say? I'm jealous you've been with that girl the whole day after you texted me last night when we could hang out. And after you said you hadn't dated anyone in the past two months. I couldn't write all those things.

What do you mean why? You've been ignoring me -Harry

No I'm not. I smiled hello -Chloe

If you call that a smile . . . can we talk? -Harry

We're about to watch a movie, maybe later okay -Chloe

I could see how my behavior was confusing, but having this crush on my boss was even more confusing. Sometimes I hated it, like today. And I hated that girl for no reason. She seemed nice but I ached with jealousy because she got to hold his arm, touch him and make him laugh.

So is this like your first date ever? -Harry

No, why would you think that? -Chloe

Trisha told me some things. . . and I can tell -Harry

Oh. It's really none of your business. Niall is a great guy to have as my first date -Chloe

You ditched me for the blonde guy? What, was I not your type? -Harry

What? Just stop it with the flirting! -Chloe

He had to stop. Each text was stirring my stomach to feel these things, things I didn't want to feel for him. Why was he pestering me with all these questions? Why did he care to know this personal information about me, he was here with another girl. No matter how much I tried to deny it to myself, the more evident it was. I was crushing hard.

I turned off my phone to avoid all interruptions. To avoid that one person. Midway into the movie I realized I had drank too much soda and got up to go to the restroom. I took my time and turned the phone back on to reread my texts. There was no response to the last one I sent Harry, leaving a bittersweet feeling inside.

I forcefully pulled the heavy door open and froze once I saw Harry waiting against the back wall.

"Now are you going to tell me why you're upset with me? I've done nothing."

"I-I know you haven't. I'm just being stupid, ignore me," I whispered and tried to pass him.

Harry grabbed my hand and I could have sworn it felt like I had just touched a flame. My nerves took to the fifth gear and I felt like swallowing my tongue. He gently pulled me back to lean beside him against the wall, his eyes looked confused and bothered.

"Are you freaking out because I've been texting you?"

I shook my head. I really enjoyed his texts.

"Do you want me to stop?"

I hesitate but shake my head again.

"So what is it then?"

How is he not able to see the jealousy in my pout. Not knowing what to reply, I shrugged my shoulders.

"And Niall? Do you like him?"

I shrugged again.

"You going to kiss him too?"

I scowled at the question. I hadn't kissed anyone yet but I certainly wasn't considering Niall for the job.

"I'm going to head back, we're missing the whole movie."

Before I could move anywhere, I felt Harry's hand stop me, pushing against my waist. The flame was burning through my clothes, it felt more like fire-ants now. I looked down at his hand but he had removed it to swiftly place under my cheek, all in a matter of seconds. The next thing I felt was a pair of soft lips rob me of my first kiss.

Regret, excitement and a rush hit me all at once. Even though his mouth felt wonderful, I refused to kiss him back.

Notes