Chapter 7

At work on Monday, George's feelings were a muddled dump of confusedness. Jessica walked in and smiled at him. His heart leapt to the roof. Then his mind would bring it down with logic and reasoning.

You like her. His mind said to him constantly.

She is my friend! Of course I don't like her you fool, go away! His other half argued back.

I've always been here to tell you what you really think.

But this isn't what I really think!

Uh, huh, yeah right.

It ISN'T!

Why did the boggart turn into her then? Were you seriously thinking that your worst fear is her dead?

I was thinking about Christmas presents!

Then why did it turn into her?

I have no idea!

Because you like her and you don't want to lose her!

All right, if you want to play cheap, why did the boggart turn into me when she took it on?

Because she likes you back.

HAH! If she likes me, then why is she Lee's girlfriend?

Because you talked her into it.

Fred did!

You helped.

I didn't like her then!

HA! Got you!

Grr…

As this was going on in his mind, Lee entered the building, smile on his face and flowers in his hands. George's heart went through the floor.

"Hey, Jess, how are you this morning?"

"A little tired, you?"

"Very much awake. You look positively aglow."

"Well thank you, Lee."

"I wanted to thank you for a wonderful date last Thursday. Sorry I couldn't get in here sooner or owl you, I have been amazingly busy with the season."

"That's all right, Lee, I've been busy too."

"I am so sorry, I would be here to invite you to come with me for Christmas dinner, but some of my family got sick so it'll have to be just me."

"All right, Lee, sorry that all happened."

"So what did you do that made you so tired?"

"I went Christmas shopping last night and wrapped gifts for a while."

"Cool. Anything for me?" he smiled mischievously.

"No, not yet. I'm working on that."

Lee mock pouted. "Well, I have your gift."

"Oh, really?"

"Aren't you going to try to weasel it out of me?"

"No, I like my gifts to be a surprise."

"Well, then, being honorable? So be it! Look, I got to get to work, how about lunch?"

"That's great! Where?" she asked as Lee began to move towards the door.

"Leaky Cauldron!" he called back.

"I'll be there! What time?"

"One o'clock!"

"Okay!"

"See you, Gred and Forge!" Lee called in passing to his friends.

They waved back at Lee as he exited the shop. George busied himself with arranging a display. Fred watched him intently, gauging his brother's reaction to all of this. Finally, he walked up to him.

"Hey, bro."

"Hey," George answered shortly.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"All right, choose not to tell me. So what did you do last night? You were back really late."

"I went shopping with Jessica. She couldn't find a gift for Lee, so we were out especially late. When we finished she was determined to teach me how to wrap gifts the muggle way. Then we—then I went home."

Fred raised his eyebrow suspiciously. "All right. Bro, you have got to get a move on, it looks like I'm winning. They've been dating for two weeks and they're going on that many dates!"

"I'm working on it. By the way, she's coming to Christmas dinner with us like mum asked."

"Great! She'll meet the whole family!"

"If mum doesn't scare her away."

"She won't. Jess is desperate for a parental figure in her life."

"How do you know?"

"Trust me."

Jessica walked up behind her friends, embracing both of them at once. Her face was glowing.

"Hey, guys, can I break for lunch at twelve forty-five?"

"Sure!" Fred said, smiling.

"No!" George exclaimed, surprised at his own daring.

Jessica looked back and forth at the two of them. "Why not, George?"

"Well, because, I need you to stock some more dung swamps! They're selling as fast as we make them!"

Jessica raised her eyebrow in the direction of her fast selling product. There were ten left. "Honestly, George, how many can sell in the space of four hours?"

"A lot! It's Christmas!"

"I'll stock them, George," said Fred, staring at his brother. "You won't deny her a date, will you?"

"You're going on another date? I thought you said…"

"I know, but I think I should give him another chance. After all, I just need to try. You even said that I need to let other people see me as me!"

"Yes, but—"

"But what, George?" she asked hotly. Then she realized what she had just said. "George, I'm sorry, I didn't mean that!"

Without a word, George stormed off into the back of the store and through the door that lead to the storeroom.

"Let him go," said Fred, noticing Jessica's troubled expression.

"What is up with him?"

"He's just being odd. I'll talk to him. Go on your date when it's time."

"Thanks."

Jessica's brow was furrowed as she walked away to help some children get a product from a high shelf. George had been acting weirdly ever since their outing. She could not call it a date because it was not, but in her heart she wished it had been.

Wait a second, I do not wish it had been a date! I'm dating Lee! She would tell herself.

Then why did you panic when you thought about dating George?

I did NOT think that!

Yeah you did. Is it so hard to hear your heart speak?

Last time my heart spoke, it was not words; it was more of a wordless scream.

Jessica's conscience took on a softer tone. I know that James's death hurt, but it has been three years.

True love never dies.

James would want you to find another man to love.

I'm dating Lee! Jessica defended.

But do you love him?

Of course not! I've only been on one date with him!

Sometimes that's all it takes.

I barely know Lee. I've always dreamt that I will have been friends with the man I marry for years, like James.

Like George?

What?

Do you love George?

What type of question is that?

A good one?

Har, har, very funny.

A young girl tapped her on the shoulder, breaking her out of her thoughts and into the present.

"I'd like to check out now."

"Right, sure." Jessica headed to the cash register and checked the girl out. Her mind's contemplation would just have to wait.