Sorry for the delay. Things have been a bit chaotic, and other things distracting, but here is the next installment of this crazy roller-coaster ride!
Time is a miraculous concept. In the span of one day, time can fly by, drag on forever, or seem to stand still. Time had flown by too quickly during lunch, had drug on endless as he'd waited outside for his company, and felt as it stopped when the two of them embraced.
Yet like all moments, they pass. Reluctant was he to break this perfect moment, however he knew the girl needed to be heading home. Perhaps she might be given a pass to have the day to herself? He rather hoped so.
Slowly he pulled away, giving the girl a warm smile, and stepping back a pace.
"So, shall we get going?" Jimmy Jr said softly.
"Yeah. Let's go." Tina returned the smile.
Tina grabbed up her backpack she'd dropped on the ground when the two had butted heads; literally. As she made her way down the last steps and fell into pace alongside the taller teen, the two began engaging in conversations of all sorts of topics. The one thing they didn't seem to talk about was what Jimmy Jr had been doing this entire time; something the boy was both sad and glad for. He was bursting to tell Tina about everything he learned and saw and did and was doing. He wanted to tell her all the things he achieved. Most of all, he wanted to tell her everything because he wanted her to look at him and tell him it was all worth it. He wanted her to be proud of him.
However, he knew there was little chance of that. She'd given him the distinct impression that his leaving had caused her incredible pain. To go on about everything he'd seen and done, would only drive home the fact that he'd left without thinking about her, and her feelings. That his carelessness and selfishness had caused unrest, pain, and more than likely, created a gap of trust and honesty between them.
So for now, he was more than content as Tina went on a tangent about a movie that featured horses and how her favorite series got cancelled but it'll get a wrap up movie, or how she'd learned how to ice skate really well and everything and anything that she could cram into a breath.
The only time Jimmy Jr really spoke is when he asked her questions about what she was talking about, or to make a funny pun. He wasn't sure if Tina noticed his lack of volunteering his own stories, but if she did, she wasn't saying so.
Maybe… maybe he'd tell her when they were in a more private setting. That way, he could focus on her and what he wanted to say. Also, it'd be less embarrassing if she chose to walk out on him from his own home than say a fast food joint.
Or here; now, when everything felt so right.
"Hey. . .are you free today?" Jimmy Jr turned to her during a moment of pause.
"You mean, like, free to hang out?" Tina gave him an inquisitive look.
"Yeah, like, maybe rent some random movie we haven't seen in forever and order take out."
Tina smiled, but then frowned.
"Actually, Mom is taking me to the mall for new glasses as soon as I get back home. My prescription changed a while ago, and if I don't get new glasses soon, my vision will be slightly fuzzy and it'll cause me to get headaches and dizzy spells."
"Ah. Well, that's really important so I can't be disappointed."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be. How about you come over tomorrow then? I know I only just got back, but I'm dying to see everyone again, so I thought I'd make it a party."
"That sounds nice." Tina said softly.
She smiled at the lanky teen and stopped a moment in their walk. He paused as well, looking at her curiously, before taking a step towards her. He didn't know why; couldn't place any logical reason behind it, but whatever it was: the way her smile played across her lips, or the way her head was just ever so slightly tilted, or the way her eyes seem to be brimming with a happiness he didn't think he deserved to see her have…
The overwhelming urge to kiss her smacked him in the gut like a frozen chicken.
If he was truly honest with himself, which at times he hated to be, he knew why he wanted to so badly. The two thousand times he'd dreamed of her being with him again for whatever reason his subconscious mind desired. The two thousand times they'd shared lovers kisses on some private beach by the seashore, a fancy restaurant, before a recital, on horseback, on a couch after watching some sappy romantic movie. The one thousand times they'd made love under the stars on the beach, her bedroom, his own, the stage…
The one time it wasn't her. . . when he thought it had been.
Memories he wanted to forget washed over him as guilt began to build; a burning sick feeling forming in his throat.
An outburst from someone off to his left snapped him out of these dark thoughts, and he and Tina both turned towards the sound that had been made. There, about some odd thirty feet away stood Zeke, staring at the pair like he'd seen a ghost. The small group of people he was with carried on their game without him, continuing shooting hoops and goofing about.
Jimmy Jr, upon seeing Zeke, couldn't tell if it was giddy happiness or anxiety swelling up in him at that moment. He was debating between walking over and giving the other boy a fist bump, or running over and tackling him with a bear hug - which he'd no doubt then be locked into and it would turn into an over the shoulder backbreaker combo.
Either way, he knew he must have been sporting the dopiest ass grin ever, for Tina looked at him and seemed to just barely be keeping a laugh under wraps. Jimmy Jr opted to just stand there as they noticed the larger boy making his way towards them; moving at a walk but his strides long.
As Zeke reached the other teens, Jimmy Jr began to bring up his arms.
"Zeke, man, I can't believe how-"
What Jimmy Jr was about to say was instead cut off by Zeke, who'd stepped right up to the other boy and delivered a swift and sound gut punch. Tina stepped back and balked, freaking out just a bit as Jimmy Jr crumpled under the blow; his knees hitting the ground hard.
"Zeke! What the hell?!" Tina cried out.
"Hey, I told ya the first thing I'd do if I ever saw Jay Ju again was punch him in tha face. You're lucky I decided I'd punch him in the gut instead."
"But Zeke!"
"N-no… it-'s… deserved it." Jimmy Jr squeaked with what little breath he had at the moment, and held onto his stomach as he struggled for air.
"Uuaah." Tina groaned, looking distraught and not sure who she should defend exactly.
Her fears were put to slight rest when she saw the plump boy extend a hand out to the other. Jimmy Jr looked from Zeke, to the boy's offered hand and back to Zeke again.
"I got it outta my system. Trust me, ya deserve more of an ass kicking for what ya did, but you're my bro and you'll always be my bro. Can't hate on ya for havin' the guts ta chase your dreams, now, can I?
Jimmy Jr let Zeke's words sink in before giving the other a sheepish smile and taking his hand. In a second he was back on his feet and locked in a bear hug.
"Sure as hell missed ya, you crazy ass idiot."
"Me too Zeke." Jimmy Jr smiled, but couldn't really return the hug with his arms pinned to their sides.
Zeke gave a laugh and released the dancer from his grip.
"I see ya already got reacquainted with Teens."
"He surprised me in class earlier."
Jimmy Jr looked back and forth between the two. He didn't seem to feel or catch any of the former distance and annoyance they use to have. It was nice, but strange. This connection seemed close, and he wasn't sure how to react to it.
"Uhm...you two...seem close." Jimmy Jr fumbled a little in his step.
"Yep. Tina tots sorta become my wing girl, ain't that right!" Zeke boasted as he hooked an arm around Tina's shoulders and gave her a fake noogie.
Tina laughed a little, but also looked a bit flushed and nervous. Jimmy Jr stood still a moment, just watching the antics between the two.
"You're going out?"
Jimmy Jr hadn't meant to speak the words out loud, but the constant repetitious beating of the very question shouting in his mind gave way for his sudden sinking fear and revelation that…
Tina… could actually have a boyfriend.
Tina could actually have a boyfriend she really liked, maybe even loved dearly.
Tina could be in a seriously committed relationship.
There was a sudden feeling in Jimmy Jr's stomach; as if he felt like he'd throw up then.
Because once again he'd just waltzed back home and assumed things hadn't changed.
"What? Nah, nah; Teens here is my bestie. Sorta happened by accident really, but… well, after you up and off'ed, I couldn't stand seeing her all sad all the time."
"Zeeeeke! Shut up, this is so embarrassing."
"Alright, Alright, I'll shut my trap. JayJu, you look sick; what, did ya eat the meatloaf?"
Jimmy Jr gave the other boy a sheepish grin, but nodded. The sick feeling was beginning to pass, but the punch to his emotional core was still fresh and new.
He really felt like such an idiot. Did he really just believe that the emotions he held, the feelings and times together from before, and the thoughts he had of the future… had he really thought just because of those things that it'd be set in stone?
They didn't matter at all, not one bit, if she'd already given up her feelings for him.
She probably had. Who was he kidding? A year can go by really fast, but it can also be an incredibly long time when you feel alone.
God, he was so stupid.
"Earth to Jay Ju! You're startin ta worry me man. You're zoning out!"
"Hua, oh, uhm… Sorry, I was... thinking."
"Well stop thinking and start talking man! I wanna hear about it all! Every little detail!" Zeke moved from Tina over to Jimmy Jr and swung an around around the taller boy just as he'd done to Tina before. Jimmy Jr was pulled slightly down and received his own noogie; though this one was real and this one kinda hurt.
"Ah-Ow! Zeke! Gaa!"
"Ah nah, you're gonna deal with this. I wanna know what all ya did was worth ya skipping town and me and Teens. I also wanna know about your friends ya talked about in your letter and who that one girl was hangin' all over ya. Mightly fine, I might add."
"Letter?" Tina said quietly, curiously.
"Ya, the postcard I got from JayJu a couple months ago. Came with pictures. I didn't say nothing cause I reckoned he wrote ya the same letter."
"No."
There was a pause. Zeke looked over at Tina with surprised then back to Jimmy Jr.
"Wait, ya didn't get a postcard? Sure ya didn't just miss it in a buncha junk mail?"
Jimmy Jr paled as Zeke spoke, and his eyes widened in a slight panic and fear. He turned to Tina, not sure how she would respond to Zeke's reveal. His fear started to subside as Tina stood there, looking at him expectantly, as if she was waiting for him to explain. However as he opened his mouth to form some sort of sentence, Tina looked away.
"Sorry, I've gotta get home. Mom's expecting me. Bye Zeke."
"Ah, later girl. Have fun at the mall!" Zeke said.
"Tina! Wait! Tomorrow, please-"
"I'm not feeling well, so I probably won't make it. Sorry." Tina had paused just long enough to reply to the other boy before she began her way home, alone.
Jimmy Jr felt the flare of nausea wash over him again. Zeke smack the other boy's chest.
"Boy, you are a mighty wreck of a mess, ya know? I dunno what ya did to screw this up again, but ya better fix it, and fix yourself!"
Jimmy Jr only nodded. Zeke's hard stare dropped away and he rolled his eyes with a huff.
"Come on, shoot some hoops with me. We need some guy time!"
"Sorry Zeke, I. . . you know I'm not into Basketball, and.. my heart's not in it right now."
"Suit yourself, but ya ain't going anywhere until ya spill all I wanna know."
"Can it wait until tomorrow? I wanted to have a party-"
"Well, shoot, hella! Sure, why not. Shoulda said so sooner. Should I bring snacks? Booze? Porn?"
"Whatever you want. I may just call it off."
"Bro, ya ain't gonna call nothin' off. Ya just got back! We need some excitement around here! Plus, I'm sure Teens will be just fine tomorrow and we can convince her to come over. So unknot your panties."
"I think I need to take a walk. I… I came back thinking nothing would have changed, you know? Nothing ever does around here. But, I … I guess I assumed certain things and… I just need to be alone right now."
"Alright, man. Just don't beat yourself up too much; that's my job!"
Zeke gave the boy a hard pat on the shoulder and moved off towards the other kids on the court. Jimmy Jr let go of a sigh and stared off down the direction of the street Tina had retreated. He'd have to go past the restaurants to get home the quickest way; or he could take the long way around and avoid both.
Either way, putting one foot in front of the other, Jimmy Jr started towards home.
"Idiot."
~ o ~ o ~
"No."
"Dad, come on, you've gotta stop this living in the past stuff! You gotta be bold, engaging! Stir up a little anarchy!"
"No, I will not, and neither will you, young lady."
"Keep telling yourself that, pop."
Bob gave his youngest daughter a look as he turned away from his chalk board; the newest idea for a burger having inspired his change in today's special. He didn't usually change his special in the middle of the day, but there were exceptions.
Linda came in from the back, holding a tray with a meal for the one customer they had sitting at the back. Well, the one ordinary customer they had. Teddy, who was more of a family regular, or like a removed uncle, sat at his usual stool at the bar.
"Louise, honey, stop antagonizing your father. Here you go, sir, enjoy it!" She turned right around once she'd placed the plate on the table.
"He takes special pride in his specials."
"Thanks, Lin."
"Sure, sometimes they may not be as creative, or as original…"
"Okay-"
"And maybe sometimes it wouldn't hurt for them to be a little jazzed up-"
"You can stop now."
"But they are your father's ideas and we love and support his ideas. Just like we love and support your ideas, sweetie."
"Theater, Museum, Aquarium-" Louise began to list places off; taping her fingers together as she did so.
"Some of them. Not all of them. Not every problem you have can be solved by burning things down."
"Worked for Hitler."
"Who was a very bad man!"
"Ugh, okay, fine, but one day, you'll be begging me to write specials for you!" Louise propped up an elbow on the bar.
"Well, depends on if, oh I don't know… You decide you wanna run the restaurant." Bob grinned, giving his daughter a knowing look.
"Pssh, as if. Father I do think you're becoming delusional. Is it time for the old folks home?"
Bob just gave a chuckle, knowing he'd gotten one up on Louise. It wasn't often he could do so, but there were times. He wasn't sure if Louise ever seriously considered taking over his restaurant. He'd hope at least one of his children would do so, but the prospective of it being Tina or Gene seemed minimal, as their passions lye in completely different directions. There was no way he'd saddle them with the burden of a business they didn't want. He wasn't about to deny their passions.
However Louise had always has a sense for business and making money. Had done so countless times. He never really asked her details about the times she'd reveal a wad of cash out of no where, with the exception that he'd ask her if it had anything to do with drugs or sex. She'd always give him a no, and he could tell she was genuinely honest about it.
Thus he left her to her own devices.
"Alright, you two, enough antics. Louise, if you need to change or get ready, go do it now cause as soon as Tina gets home we're going to the mall."
Linda finished her sentence just in time to see her eldest daughter walk briskly past the entrance to their restaurant and heard her enter the house instead; and by the sound her footfalls moving quickly up the steps, Linda could tell something had upset the teen.
"Might need a reign check on that one, Mom."
"Is something wrong with Tina?" Bob asked concernedly.
"I dunno, I'm gonna go see what's wrong. Louise, don't go running off anywhere."
Linda undid her apron and tossed it onto a nearby stool before walking out of the restaurant and into the actual residency of their building. She didn't know what was going on, but she knew something must be upsetting the girl. Tina never went upstairs before greeting the rest of the family. Also the fact that Louise had shown up alone had been another indicator to Linda that something must have happened. At least she knew Gene was doing alright; and he'd made some new friends this year! Good for him.
Reaching the top of the steps, the Belcher mother made her way to her daughter's room. She noticed the door was slightly ajar, as if Tina had been in a rush and not bothered to check and see if the door was completely closed or not.
Linda knocked on the door a few times regardless, and softly called out.
"Tina, sweetie, is everything alright? You didn't come into the restaurant."
As Linda peeked into the older girl's room, she noticed the girl's backpack sitting on the floor in a heap, and her shoes tossed off randomly. There was no doubt anymore about Tina being upset; this kind of disorganization wasn't Tina at all. Further inspection of the room revealed a large mass on the bed being covered over by a layer of blankets.
"I'm not feeling well. I think I'm sick." Came a quiet reply to Linda's question.
"Ah, sweetie, do I need to get you a pan; some medicine? Did you have the meatloaf today?"
"Yes... but that's not it."
"Aw, hunny, do you have a fever? Want me to get you some soup?"
Linda sat down on the bed, rubbing where she assumed Tina's shoulder was hidden beneath her covers.
"No, thank you, Mom. I just… I feel like I'm going to throw up, unless I keep still, and I've got a headache and I just feel like I've had an Icepick stabbed into my chest."
"Ah, that's uhm, pretty graphic. Don't worry, sweetie, if you need to stay home and get some rest that's fine. I'll make you some soup anyway for when you do get hungry. We can always go to the mall another time."
"No, wait; please go to the mall without me. You know my prescription, and I know you set aside time to go do this today specifically. Also, these old glasses are killing my eyes and head."
Linda nodded, though Tina wouldn't have seen her do so.
"You're sure you want me to go without you?"
"I'm sure."
"Okay, baby. Louise and I will go and pick you out some new glasses. I'll let your father know you're not feeling well, alright?"
"Alright."
Linda got up from her daughter's bed. As she made her way towards the door, she turned towards the young girl's bed and spoke up.
"Did you see Jimmy Jr at school today? He came back into town yesterday and came over; asked us to promise not to tell you guys since he was going to see you today. So did he show up?"
"Yeah…"
"Aaand?"
Tina didn't respond right away and Linda picked up on this. She was about to comment when Tina spoke up before she did.
"We talked; caught up. Jimmy Jr's having a party tomorrow at his new place, but I dunno if I'll be feeling better by then."
Linda closed her mouth and gave a long outward sigh of breath. She wasn't sure what it was exactly, but something must have gone on between Tina and Jimmy Jr. Linda frowned at this, and hoped that whatever it was would resolve itself in time. Letting it go for now, Linda turned back towards the door.
"Alright, hun, I'll let you rest up. I'll go make that soup just in case before Louise and I go to the mall. Get some rest."
Linda departed quietly, closing the door behind her as she did. Tina burrowed herself a little further under her mound of blankets, a groan and sigh escaping her lips.
She hadn't been lying about feeling like she was about to throw up, though it wasn't due to any stomach bug or flu or cold. No, this was linked to the stabbing pain she felt in her chest. Yet the cause was not an icepick, but the sting of realization.
Things had changed. Time had passed.
He had moved on.
Tina had fooled herself into thinking she had moved passed this; had found the means to move on and let it stay buried in the past. However, she'd been lying to herself this whole time. This stabbing pain; this loss of the hope she'd built back up over the day…
She'd just assumed… didn't think that if Jimmy Jr ever came back…
Tina closed her eyes tight and fought against the tears welling up behind her eyelids. She clenched her jaw shut, preventing the wracking sobs that wanted to force themselves up her throat.
Zeke's words echoed in her mind, and Jimmy Jr's shocked and embarrassed expression was burned into her memory. It was enough to convince her all she needed to know. It was the only evidence she needed to know it must have been true.
Jimmy Jr had a girlfriend.
Jimmy Pesto Jr had a girlfriend.
Jimmy. Pesto. Junior.
Had a girlfriend.
And it was not her.
~o~o~
Sometimes Fate was a miraculous thing. Sometimes Fate could be easily confused with coincidence.
Other times Fate… was a horribly fickle bitch.
This felt like one of those times.
Wandering aimlessly while your heart felt like it was being crushed in a vice and your stomach was eating you from the inside tended to leave a person in a fuzzy state of mind. This was probably the reason as to why he suddenly found himself not where he'd planned to go, but where he'd wound up instead. At some point, his brain had finally registered that he was no longer walking on a sidewalk, but upon asphalt. Thinking he'd idly wandered into the middle of the road, his head snapped up and he halted quickly.
While he was relieved to know he was not in the middle of the road, Jimmy Jr couldn't help the slightly anxious feeling he had upon seeing he was now in the middle of the downtown mall's parking lot. His unconscious mind had somehow pulled him to the very location Tina said she'd be going to after her swift retreat earlier.
The teen worried his lip. He picked up a foot and scratched the back of his other leg with it. He toyed with the wires to his headphones. He was fidgeting and he knew it, yet couldn't help it. Would seeking Tina out now to explain any misgivings she may have really be the best thing to do? Was that why he was here instead of standing on the steps of his apartment?
Would she even give him the time of day? One minute she'd been so close and cheerful. The next, she'd become curt and closed off; and acted as if he'd had the plague and wanted nothing more than to get away from him.
Was she that upset that he hadn't sent her any letters? Or was it something else? Was she upset about what Zeke had said?
Jimmy Jr palmed his face, exhaling heavily into his palm before dragging his hand up and running it through his hair. After a moment of glaring down at the pavement under his shoes, the ginger teen huffed and walked towards the mall with determination.
He needed to make sure Tina didn't have the wrong idea. He needed to know if she still wanted anything to do with him. He needed to hear her say he was an idiot but things were still okay between them.
He needed a damn miracle.
~ o ~
There could be over a hundred people passing by and around the teen all talking and going on about their day, and yet even this was not enough to drown out the voice that could pierce through a riot crowd.
"Aw, look at these! So fancy! I look like a young Tina Fey, he ha!"
"Hey, mom, check me out! I can play a piano and not even see the keys!"
The teen stopped his pacing, and turned towards the store to his left. The mall had three stores dedicated to glasses and eye care, and he'd already passed by the other two. Curiosity won over nervousness and he found himself going over and into the store. It wasn't too big, and was rather empty save for the three workers and four customs; two of which he recognized.
Upon seeing the Belcher mother and her youngest, Jimmy Jr inhaled sharply, and his eyes darted back over the store once again. He let his breath go when he realized Tina was no where to be seen. He frowned.
'Why isn't she here? Was she… did she lie to me about coming here today?'
Tina wasn't the type of person to lie offhandedly like that. She'd get worked up and sometimes sick if she had to tell one, and eventually it wore on her psyche enough that she would break down and come clean and apologize to the person she told the lie to. He'd seen her do so a number of times before…
Then again, maybe she wasn't like that anymore. Maybe she did lie. Maybe she changed so much and since this was the first time seeing her again in a year, his mental image of her was being superimposed over the real her.
Or she just might be in the bathroom.
Jimmy Jr tilted his head, wanting to believe the latter was the truth, and turned in his spot. He intended to head towards the food court where the bathrooms were located, but he was halted by a voice.
"Oh, Jimmy Jr! Hi sweetie! How was school today?"
Linda walked over to the teen, giving the boy a quick glance over as she did so. She'd caught sight of him out of the corner of her eye while swapping out a pair of glasses.
"Ah, Hi Mrs. Blecher. Ah, school was. . . educational." He spoke as if he didn't really believe what he was saying, but gave the woman a smile.
"Hey, Mom, how about these? They're crazy!" Louise waltzed over and handed her mother a pair of funky looking glasses.
"Oh wow! Look at all the colors!" Linda took them and tried them on.
"Hey, Jimbo! Get lost on your way to the Dance Pad?" Louise chuckled and picked up another pair of glasses, inspecting them.
"Ah, not… not exactly." Jimmy Jr frowned, and rubbed his arm.
He was getting fidgety again and he hated it. There were times he hated being put on the spot, and those times were usually when he wasn't on the dance floor. He felt like he was about to be backed into a corner, but he needed to push past that feeling and stand his ground.
"I don't see Tina. Is she in the bathroom or something?" Jimmy Jr tried to ask in a nonchalant way.
"No, sweetie, Tina's at home. She said she wasn't feeling well when she got home and went right up to bed."
"Oh." The teen's expression shifted from nervousness to concerned worry.
Linda took note of this, but decided not to push it. She was sure things between them would resolve and be back to how she remembered them as being. At least she hoped so. She remembered how close the two had been and was always waiting for the day Tina would come home and tell her and Bob the two were finally a couple. Yet it never happened. A few times Linda had urged Tina into looking for a boyfriend, but her daughter had simply stated she was happy with how her life was at that moment. The older woman figured that was Tina's way of saying she was waiting for the eldest Pesto son to make his move. Eventually Linda had backed off, and saw Tina really was happy with how things were, and decided to just let nature take its course.
Though that course had become a long, hard, and heartbreaking road for a while. While Linda's instinct to protect her teeny tiny Tina was a force to be reckoned with, she realized Tina needed to have the room to live her own life and make her own choices. She also knew that Jimmy Jr was a good kid and meant well. He wasn't like his father, and for that the Belcher mother was thankful. She was actually proud to see Jimmy Jr take hold of his life and try to make something out of himself and his dream.
She just wished he'd been a little more patient, and at least told them what he'd planned to do.
"I'm sure she'll be fine by tomorrow, hun. You want to stop by when we're done here and see her?" Linda offered.
"Thank you, but I should probably get back to the reste- my apartment. I've gotta clean up a bit… Gonna have a party tomorrow, invite friends…"
"Aw, that's a great idea! Have a big party, have some fun!" Linda put down the pair of glasses she was wearing in favor of a pair Louise handed her.
"I think these are the winner, Mom." The youngest girl snickered.
"Ya think? They're certainly bold!"
Jimmy Jr turned his gaze towards the glasses Linda held up and cringed.
"Ee, I don't think Tina would care for those." Jimmy Jr squinted at them.
They truly were horribly tacky looking.
"No, no, they have personality!" Louise grinned back.
"The personality of the dead." Jimmy Jr grimaced.
"Great! Tina loves Zombies!"
"Yeah, she love them, not looking like them!"
"Mom, mom, get those! Trust me, they'll be perfect!"
"Look, I'm getting only one pair, and I'm picking these." Linda put down the frames Louise was routing for, and picked up the multi colored one instead.
"Yes!" Louise shouted.
"No!" Jimmy Jr shouted.
"I've made up my mind." Linda turned and began towards the register.
"Wait… what about these?!" Jimmy Jr took a pair from the display near him and held up the pair.
Linda halted in her pace and turned to look more closely at the specs. She took them from the boy and inspected them, looking them over.
"Ah, they are kinda nice." The woman inspected the thin blue rimmed ovular glasses with interest.
"I think they'd look really great on Tina." Jimmy Jr spoke earnestly with warmth in his words. Yet when Linda gave the boy a look, he fumbled and looked away quickly, sputtering out his next sentence.
"I remembered a few times walking by this place with her and she'd point to a pair similar to this. She said they looked sophisticated… but she wasn't sure if they were really meant for her."
"Aww." Linda looked them over again, and gave the boy a knowing smile, before walking back towards the counter.
"Man, Jay Ju, why'd you have to go ruin the fun!?" Louise crossed her arms, and stuck out her tongue.
Jimmy Jr grinned and returned the gesture.
"Seriously though, could you make sure Tina comes to my party tomorrow. You're invited by the way. Your brother too."
"Hmm. I dunno, Jimbo. Tina seems pretty upset for some reason." Louise leaned against a wall, examining her nails.
"Look, we had a.. a misunderstanding. I need to talk to her about it; I need to explain some things."
"That sounds pretty serious. Like the kind of thing you'd wanna talk to someone in private over; not at a party." Louise looked at the boy with scrutiny.
"Well, I… was gonna ask her to, to stay after the party was over and everyone else...was gone."
"I see. Well… I'll see what I can do. I'll give you this one break." Louise folded her arms and gave the boy a smirk.
"Thanks Louise; so much." Jimmy Jr began to leave the store until he stopped suddenly, and pivoted on his heel.
"Just in case she asks, or your mom tries to mention it… could you just tell Tina you picked out her glassed?"
"Why?" The youngest Belcher quipped.
"I. . . I just think for right now it's best that way. I don't want Tina to think I'm trying to buy her affections or something; which is not what I'm doing! She really has wanted a pair of glasses like those for a long time."
Louise starred at the boy for a moment, waiting until he began to fidget in place.
"Why do high-school teens always create drama to suffocate themselves in?" She shook her head.
"It's a curse that comes with the territory. Don't worry; you'll get your turn." Jimmy Jr grinned in reply.
"HA! As if! That drama shit isn't for this girl! You just watch me, Jay Ju. When I'm seventeen, I'm going to own this town!" Louise stood proud and tall; as tall as she could for all of her four foot three height.
Jimmy Jr laughed lightly and gave the girl a genuine smile. He really did like Louise. She was fiercely loyal to her family, even though torture was the only way she'd admit to it. The girl was a spit-fire hellion, sure, but she was also a sweetheart. He'd be proud to have a little sister like her.
"So. . .?"
"Yeah, yeah, I've got your ass covered; as usual. I'll say it was my idea, and Gene and I'll be over with the Princess tomorrow for the party. You better have some awesome catering."
"Thanks Louise. I owe you."
"Sure as hell do. Now scram!" The girl gave him a shoo-ing motion with her hands.
Jimmy Jr gave another small laugh and gave the girl a nod as he left the store. He couldn't get the wide giddy smile off his face; as if it was plastered on. So pumped by this fortunate turn of events, the teen danced himself all the way back to his apartment. This was the miracle he'd been wishing be granted to him!
Tomorrow couldn't come soon enough.
~ x ~
Once again, we are stopping too short for my liking. However now I know exactly how this will start and the exact moment for chapter four to end. Then things (for me) will be back on track! Until then, hope you enjoy this newest installment! :D
