The Reason I Can't Help But Love You.

Old memories

The kids and I walked into Scoops after passing sugar-addicted customers. Robin finishing up an order. Dustin walked up all enthusiastic to a deadbeat Robin.

MJ and I stood hands in our pockets and on our hips entertained.

"Hi!" "Hi," Robin said flatly. "I'm Dustin." "I'm Robin?" "Pleasure to meet you, uh- Is he here?" "Is who here?"

The conversation ended strictly after the back door flew upon revealing Harrington, "HENDERSON!"

Steve said excitedly causing Dustin to laugh, Steve jumped, "HENDERSON! HE'S BACK!" He looked at all of us while pointing at Dustin. "I'M BACK! YOU GOT THE JOB!" "I GOT THE JOB!" Steve said before imitating a trumpet, "HEY!" and then starting their Starwars-related handshake.

Robin then asked, "How many children are you friends with?" I stepped forward pushing Steve jokingly, "Including himself? 10 at least, and wow Henderson. I thought our handshake was special." Steve looked at me, "You have one with her too? What am I? Just your backup?"

I nodded, "Yes." While I patted him on the back. "I'm glad you came to your senses."

MJ looked at Dustin, "Actually MJ and I have had a way cooler handshake since like, what? 3rd grade?" Then proceeded to do a minute-long intricate handshake.

Steve and I looked at each other, scoffing and crossing our arms. "Pfft, yeah whatever." I said before Steve mumbled, "Not even Starwars themed."

After the excitement I tried to buy the kids ice cream, but Steve insisted it be on the house.

So we all sat down, MJ and I on one side of the booth that curved around, facing the guys.

"No, no way. Hotter than Phoebe Cates?" Steve said causing me to glare at him. He continued to insist before making eye contact with me, "it's about perspective. You down? Great." I said causing Steve to make a fine line with his mouth, before looking back at Dustin. "He does have a point though. She's not my type, but she does have- ehm nice hair."

   Harrington starts to agree before coughing in a mix of emotions.

"Are you guys done? Im serious you guys, she's brilliant. And she doesn't care my real pearls are still coming in, says kissing is better without teeth. Steve's and MJ's mouths hung open with wide eyes, "Wow yeah, no that's great man. Proud of you. That's kinda ro-romantic." He said.

"Yeah, I'm yet to try it without. I'm honestly disappointed I haven't experienced such romance of someone's gums on my tongue. But yeah, my son's growing up." I said wiping a fake tear. Dustin rolled his eyes as he continued, "Do you just get to eat as much of this as you want?" as he gestured toward his ice cream, I looked over at Mary Jane who had already slammed hers.

My brows then furrowed, "Wait. Aren't you lactose?" I asked concerned. She nodded. "Isn't that gonna be painful?" She looked up at me, not impressed or slightly worried. "It's a battle worth fighting."

I shook my head, laughing. Steve and Dustin then continued talking about how he can't eat all the ice cream, "Not really good idea for me though, you know? Gotta keep in shape for the ladies." Harrington declared.

I laugh out loud on accident, "Why is that funny?" He asks. I shrug, getting up to go grab a spoon so I could take a bite of Henderson's ice cream. Can't say no to sharing if I don't ask.

While walking away I reply, "Because at the end of the days girls will say 'hear me out' about a guy with the face of Freddie Krueger. And more importantly, WHAT LADIES?!" I said gesturing to the empty parlor causing the kids to laugh.

Robin backed me up, "Yeah how's that working out for you?" Steve looked at the two while I was away, "Ignore her." The kids laughed, "She seems cool." they agreed. "She's not, she's like Josie but less fun."
  I raised a brow, "Careful Harrington, you might have given me half a compliment!" Harrington rolled his eyes.