Justin had known Harper his entire life. She was his little sister's weird friend. Now as Justin looked across the sub station he didn't see weird when he looked at Harper. He saw beautiful, creative, fun Harper. He had spent years spurning her advances and now that he has finally come to his senses Harper had moved on to someone who could appreciate her.
Harper saw Justin looking at her and she remembered a time in her life when that would have made her swoon. Now it makes her wonder what he's thinking. She was worried about him. He had been quiet and distant lately. If she really thought about it he had only been distant with her. Since she had been dating Chad, Justin had spent less time with her. She missed him because he was the only person she knew who shared her love of silent movies. Chad didn't like them and Alex would fall asleep during the films. A tribute to Charlie Chaplin was running all next week and because of the way Justin was acting she would probably be seeing it alone.
"Alex, have you noticed that Justin's been acting strange lately?"
"Huh? I tuned out when you said Justin."
"Alex, I'm serious. Is he OK?"
"Harper, he's fine. He's still the nerdy pain in the butt he's always been."
"I've never thought he was a nerd or a pain."
"That's because you were in love with him. Thank God that's over!"
"I wasn't in love with him. I admit I did have a crush on him but it wasn't love. I love Chad, what I used to feel for Justin wasn't love."
"If you say so. Speaking of Chad, don't you have a date with him?"
"Yeah, I'll see you later.
Justin saw Harper sitting on a bench in front of the sub station. He remembered she had a date so he was going to pass her but he noticed that she had been crying.
"Harper, are you OK?"
"Oh, hi Justin. I'm fine."
"Then why are you crying?"
"I'm not."
"Harper, I'm your friend. You can tell me."
"It's nothing, really."
"If it made you cry it's not nothing."
"Chad canceled our date, again."
"What do you mean again?"
"He's canceled our last five dates."
"Why?"
"Different reasons. Sometimes I feel like he isn't as into this relationship as I am."
"I'm sure that's not true. I've seen how he looks at you. He's really lucky to have you. I hope he doesn't forget that."
"Thanks Justin. That's so sweet. I wanted to ask you about the Charlie Chaplin tribute coming up."
"What about it?"
"Do you want to go with me?"
"Yeah, but what about Chad?"
"He hates silent movies. You are still the only person I know who shares my love of them."
"Same here. Let's go inside."
Justin held out his hand to help Harper up from the bench and when their hands touch a jolt like pure electricity shot through each of them. Harper looked at Justin and realized he felt it as well. Justin looked at Harper with a surprised look and followed her into the sub station.