One Time Only

Chapter 5

Jerica sighs as she sits in the front pew of the church, she's not expecting a lot of people to show up for Timmy's funeral. Not many people knew them, he had a few friends at school and they are here, Andi from the coffee shop, one of her closest friends is here. Her agent, of course Peter, and few others from the home Timmy was in, but that's about it.
Just as the service is about to get started Jerica is going to ask Andi to sit with her when she feels someone sit next to her, looking in that direction she sees Harry and Louis sitting there.

Harry wraps his arm around Jerica's waist. "Hope you don't mind, we didn't want you going through this alone. Andi told us about your parents." He whispers.

Jerica blinks, causing a few tears to roll down her cheeks. "No, it's fine. I didn't want to sit here alone. I was about to ask Andi to come up here with me." She whispers as she leans into Harry's side.

Harry pulls his handkerchief out of his pocket, hands it to Jerica, but not before he wipes away the tears already on her cheeks. "Just in case." He whispers.

"Thank you." Jerica whispers, laying her head on Harry's shoulder just as the priest starts his speech.

As soon as the priest starts talking Harry knew Jerica must have written most of what's being said, there is no way this man knew her brother this well. About half way through Jerica is crying and shaking so much Harry fears she might get sick. Not caring where they're at, he picks her up, places her in his lap and just holds her close, whispering in her ear.

When the priest was finally done talking, people started coming forward, telling Jerica how sorry they were for her loss. Jerica clung to Harry's neck like he was the only thing keeping her losing it again. Thinking it's all over, Jerica is about to stand up when she sees Peter walking in her direction. For some reason the look in his eyes aren't giving her the greatest feeling so she stays where she is, and tightens her hold on Harry's neck.

When Harry feels Jerica's arms tighten slightly around his neck, and she seems to snuggle closer to him, he looks up. He sees a guy walking toward them, not looking to happy. Harry wraps his arms around Jerica, pulling her closer. "I've got you." He whispers.

"Jeri, Timmy will be greatly missed. He was one of my best patients." Peter says. "I'll miss seeing you come in to visit him several times a week also. As soon as you have time, I've pack his things so you won't have to do that, all you have to do is come by and pick them up."

Jerica nods. "Thank you Peter. That was very kind of you, I might be by later today, unless Harry is planning on opening up his shop today, then we'll be there in the morning." She says.

"Harry?" Peter frown. "Timmy never said anything about you dating anyone."

Jerica looks at Peter and shrugs. "Why would Timmy tell you about who I date and don't date, Peter you were just his nurse, not his best friend. My private life is none of your business and he knew that."

Peter starts getting even more pissed. "Yeah, well he did tell me you weren't dating anyone a few month ago, so you two can't have been going out long." He snaps.

Harry's had enough. "We've been dating for a couple of months. I've been so busy trying to get my shop remodeled so I could open it I never got the chance to go with Jeri to meet Timmy, which I truly regret now. I did get the chance to talk to him on the phone though." Harry says, lying through his teeth. "That kid loved his sister as much as she loves him." He says as he kisses Jerica on the cheek.

Peter shrugs even though he's still pissed. "Anyway, Timmy's things will be ready whenever you can come get them." He snaps as he turns and walks away.

Jerica lays her head on Harry's shoulder. "Thank you for that. He's asked me out a couple of times, he just creeps me out." She says with a shudder.

"You want me and Lou to go with you when you pick Timmy's things up? Lou won't care." Harry says.

"Can you?" Jerica asks looking at Louis.

"Of course." Louis says. "That guy was an ass. We'll even take the stuff back to your place for you and help you unload it there." He adds.

"That would be great, when will you be free to do this?" Jerica asks.

"We're not doing anything now." Harry says as he stands up, setting Jerica on her feet. He then reaches for her hand. "Come on we'll drive my vehicle, I have a Range Rover. You can just tell us where to go." Jerica just nods.