Julia gives advice to Norrie. Not so much actual Jarbie but this idea grabbed me & it had to be written. I totally stole Norrie's comment about romance from Episode 8.
The evening was cool but pleasant. Julia had opened the windows allowing a soft breeze to waft into the room. She was in her favorite spot, tucked under Barbie's shoulder, leaning against his chest. He in turn wouldn't have it any other way. This relaxed him completely-nothing else came even close. One arm was draped across Julia's waist absently stroking her arm. Julia sighed contentedly & tilted her head up to smile at Barbie. "Love you." He quickly shifted so he was sitting upright with Julia in his lap. "Love you too, beautiful lady." Grazing her forehead with his lips, he was about to make his kiss more interesting when there was a knock on the door.
"Never fails" He groaned.
Julia smiled in sympathy but managed to press a soft kiss to his pouting mouth before calling out..."Who is it?"
"It's me...Norrie. Can I come in?"
"Come on in Norrie...we're in the living room."
Norrie walked in & immediately noticed that Julia was sitting on Barbie's lap. "Oh sorry, did I interrupt something? I can come back another time."
Julie slid to the sofa & smiled at her young friend. "Don't be silly. We were just relaxing. What's up?"
Norrie snorted muttering. "Relaxing-that's what you call it." In a normal voice she continued..."I just wondered if I could talk to you Julia? If you have a minute, that is. Otherwise I can just leave."
Julia could see that something was troubling her so she smiled warmly. "You can talk to me anytime. Right now is fine."
Norrie didn't say anything but looked pointedly at Barbie. After a few seconds, he caught on & got up off the sofa. "Ladies, I'll get out of your way. I have some files to go over upstairs so take your time." As he walked out of the room, Julia couldn't help but follow him with her eyes.
"He moves like a big cat, she thought, totally sexy & he isn't even trying."
Turning to Norrie, she saw that she was being regarded with a bit of amusement. "You know, Julia, you just looked like you could totally devour him. Can't blame you...dude's hot."
"Never mind." Julia admonished. "Let's go sit in the kitchen. I'll make some tea."
While Julia got out mugs, tea bags & began the process, Norrie sat at the table absentmindedly shredding a napkin. She was quiet, which in itself, was very unusual for her. Julia had always known her to be a chatterbox so was a bit worried at what could be wrong.
"OK! Here's your tea sweetie. Do you want anything to go with it?"
Norrie shook her head & picked up her mug to take a sip. "Thanks, Julia. This is fine."
Deciding to let Norrie begin when she was ready, Julia sipped her tea. She leaned back in her chair waiting patiently.
"Julia, when did you know that Barbie was the one?"
"I didn't expect that question." was the soft response. "I'm not sure I can answer that intelligently. In a way, I think I knew as soon as I met him. I realize I believed myself to be married then but when we looked at each other...when our eyes met for the first time...something happened. Tried my hardest to dismiss it. Tried to be flip with him. Didn't work. I admit circumstances made events move faster than normal but the outcome would be the same. Call it fate, karma...I don't know. I do know I love him with all my heart & can't imagine not having him in my life."
"Wow, Julia. Pretty intense! So you were married & all before so Barbie wasn't like your first or anything. I was wondering...you know... Joe & I we haven't..."
"Sweetie, are you saying you're a virgin?"
"Yeah, I am. Hard to believe, huh? I act all bad-ass & tough but that's all it is...an act. I really love Joe but how can I be sure that he's the one?"
"Is Joe pressuring you, Norrie?"
"What? No! He's great & not pressuring me at all. I just want to know for me. I don't want to make the wrong decision."
Julie reached across the table & took the young girl's hands giving them a reassuring squeeze. "If you're worrying about a wrong decision, then you're not ready, Norrie. You & Joe are experiencing first love & you should take it slow. First love is tough because you've never felt that way before & everything is so fresh & exciting. Take your time & get to know each other, I mean really know each other before you take the next step. You'll know when you're ready. Does that help?"
Norrie gave a little half smile & nodded. "Actually, it does. Knew it deep down but needed to hear it. Easier talking to you than my mom so thanks! You're pretty kick-ass!"
Julia laughed as they walked out of kitchen. Walking through the living room, Norrie suddenly stopped & looked around. "What's with the random flowers? It's like some kind of bizarre flower attack."
"Oh! Barbie, brings me a flower every time he comes home. Different flower each time. It can be a rose or a lily or a random wild flower. Once he brought me a bouquet of daisies. Have no idea where he found them. He surprises me."
"Dude has some romance in him."
Julia saw Barbie saunter in behind Norrie just then so she smiled and said "You have no idea!"
Barbie returned her smile & drawled..."Talkin' about me ladies?"
Norrie actually jumped in surprise "Barbie, don't sneak up like that! Damn!"
"Everything OK?" He asked as Julia leaned into him feeling his arms slip around her, naturally as breathing.
Norrie walked to the front door & as she opened it to slip outside commented..."Everything's great thanks to Julia." She turned to wave "Good night & sweet dreams you two." She skipped out, slamming the door behind her.
"What was that all about?" Barbie murmured pressing kisses to Julia's temple, moving slowly down to her lips. He really didn't care if she answered – this was keeping him occupied & happy.
"Poor Norrie is going through the throes of young love. She just needed some reassurance about her feelings. By the way I like what you're doing. Are you going to keep doing that when we go upstairs?"
"Count on it. The romance is only the beginning."