In The Shadows

Chapter 12

By the end of the week everyone in the school knew Billie and Harry were engaged. Most people didn't care, they just congratulated them and went about their business, some males and females were jealous, males because after years of trying to get the richest girl in the school to date them, she finally goes out with the new, rich, city boy. The girls because out of all the guys around, Billie picks the new guy and he happens to be the best looking guy to ever step on that mountain other than her brothers. But after seeing the two of them together all week even the jealous people have to admit, Harry and Billie are perfect for each other.
Then Louis steps into the picture, he's not as tall as Harry but he is just as good looking, in a softer, kind of way, but it's seems that Louis has eyes only for Danaka, and her for him.

"So, what's the plans for the weekend? Other than moving the rest of Harry's things to Bill's?" Louis asks.

Danaka sits down at the lunch table beside Louis. "We usually go camping." She says as Harry and Billie sit across from them.

"Yeah, Lexi, Mark, Karen sometimes a few of my brothers and their wives and kids, my dad, we all go into the woods surrounding our place. There's this beautiful lagoon we love to spend time at." Billie says.

"Mom and dad are planning on joining us this time." Harry says. "Dad canceled some of his late appointments for today, he's at home right now helping mom pack the rest of my things, that way when we get there it won't take long to load things up." He adds.

"Mark and I can follow in our trucks, that way we can get everything in one trip." Vance offers.

"That's a good idea. LuLu said he'd meet us there too." Billie says. "When we leave there Momma Anne and Dad Robin are following us to our place for the weekend."

"So much has been going on this week, I haven't seen your parents yet, Harry." Louis says. "I talked to Anne the other day, damn I'm glad my mom has changed her number. She's fucking pissed."

"Of course she's pissed, Lou." Harry says as he reaches across the table to pat his best friend's hand. "We have been inseparable since we met, our parents were the best of friends also. Mom can't believe Jay did this to you."

Louis snorts. "How do you think I feel?" He says.

Danaka grabs Louis hand in hers, holding it. "Let's not talk about this." She says. "Billie when are we going shopping for your wedding dress, that day is going to be here before you know it?"

"Well, we were talking about this just last night after we went to bed." Harry says, not realizing Tamera could hear him. "We have some days off school coming up, teachers conference or something, we were thinking we could do it then. Billie's brother Jessie will be able to go since he can have his aide fill in for him." Harry smiles when he feels Billie's hand on his thigh.

"And, Dana, we'll need Tommy to go with us." Billie smiles when she feels Harry kiss the top of her head. "We can't have a wedding without Harry's new best friend, sorry Lou." Billie giggles.

"Speaking of." Danaka chuckles. "Can we swing by the elementary school and get Tommy before going to Harry's? That kid has been bugging the shit out of me, he misses you two."

Louis throws his hands up. "Who is Tommy? And why would you replace me Harold?" Louis asks crossing his arms over his chest.

Billie starts laughing, just as she's about to answer Louis' questions she sees her dad walking toward them with Tommy holding his hand, when Tommy sees Harry his childish squeal echoes through the cafeteria as he drops Alex's hand and runs toward Harry. When Harry sees this he jumps up, scoops the kids up, hugs Tommy to him.
"Hey Harry, I've missed you." Tommy says as he buries his face in Harry's neck. "Poppy Alex came got me, said I can spend the rest of the day with you guys."

Harry sits back down with Tommy in his lap. "I've missed you too buddy. Hey Tom, I want you to meet a really good friend of mine." Harry says, pointing at Louis. "I knew him before I moved here."

Tommy crawls across the table until he's right in Louis' face. "Can you be my friend too? Harry is my new best friend, but I have room for more." Tommy says making the others chuckle.

Louis swollows, he loves kids, Harry knew this. He sticks his hand out and watches as the adorable child shakes it. "I'd love to be your friend Tommy. I have plenty of room for more also." Louis says.

"Good deal." Tommy says as he sits in the middle of the table. "Harry, Poppy Alex said we can eat at Brian and Josey's place instead of the nasty ass food here." Tommy says.

"Tommy!" Danaka laughs. "How many times have I told you not to repeat the things Alex says." She says as everyone laughs.

"Dad is this your way of telling us you've broke us out of jail early, so we can go to Harry's parents place and get the rest of his stuff?" Billie asks.

"It is." Alex says. "Ive signed you all out already, Luke is waiting for you guys at The Hangout, after you feed that little rascal there, you can head over to Harry's mom's house and get his things moved home." Alex smiles as he places his hand on Harry's shoulder.

"Well I say we head out. Tommy, you riding with me and Bill, or you going with your sister and your new friend Louis so you can get to know him better?" Harry asks.

"Can I ride with you Lou? I know Harry." Tommy smiles up at Louis.

"Of course." Louis says as he swings Tommy up onto his shoulders. "You going camping with us also, Tommy?"

"Yep, I even have my own sleeping bag." Tommy could be heard saying as he and Louis walks out.