You're His Favorite Joke

Chapter 9: Don't hold back

Dr. Harleen Quinzel

I woke up in a knot of bed sheets. I stirred and stretched and felt my wet pillow. I must have been crying while I was asleep--again.

I lifted my sheets, and found my two pugs gathered around my feet. They both slowly woke up, and gave me sloppy kisses. As I cleaned my now wet cheek I thought of how badly I wanted to stay in bed. Today was my only day off, and I wanted to spend it in bed sleeping.

But that was unlikely, because Freud and Jung barked demanding food. I stumbled out of my bed,and went into my bathroom.
After brushing my teeth, and a quick shower. I began to brush my blonde hair. Releasing it of knots, it felt smooth under my touch. I began to dress myself in joggers, and a oversized shirt.

Today was one of those days.

I fed Freud and Jung; they both battled for each pebble. As I watched my loveable babies, my stomach growled. I placed my hand over my stomach to ease the discomfort. I decided to make a quick serving of cereal.

I pulled out from my kitchen cabinet a bowl and my favorite cereal: Coco Puffs. I turned to my fridge and pulled it open. To my disappointment there was no milk.

"Just my luck," I completely forgot to go get groceries and today all the stores around me were closed. I gathered my bowl and cereal box. I opened my cabinet door and began putting the bowl away.

But I couldn't put it down. I closed the cabinet door, bowl still in hand.

"No, I couldn't do that. It'll be too weird," I thought out loud as I looked at a confused Jung.

"People do it all the time; I don't see how it could be weird," I said loudly trying to convince myself. I re-opened the cabinet but looked at Freud. His black eyes screamed for me to just do it.

"Fine!" I slammed my cabinet door. "I'll ask...Slade... If he has any milk," I fought myself to say those words. I looked to Freud and Jung, who already left the kitchen and were playing in the living room.

"Thanks for the help guys," I jokingly said to them.

I started to walk out of apartment, but I caught my reflection in the mirror aside my door. I had my hair brushed, but it was frizzy. I didn't have any make up on, so my small blemishes were noticeable. I also realized my bummy clothes. Oh no, this will not work.

I rushed to my room added some concealer and eyeliner. I calmed my hair into a tight ponytail with my bangs swept to the side, and put on dark blue skinny jeans with a dark grey shirt. I rechecked myself in the mirror, and now I looked decent.

"Much better. Now I can go."

I walked out of my apartment and began walking to Slade's apartment. Slade's apartment was one floor above mines. I skipped up the stairs with my bowl in my hands.

As I approached the apartment door, I fixed my self and took a deep breath. Was I actually nervous?

"Hi, Slade," I talked to the door practicing what I was going to say,
"Um...Got milk?"

I am such an idiot.

I took another breath, and knocked on the door.

"Who is it?!" Slade's voice roared through the door. I wanted to run away, but I stood my ground.

"It's me, Harleen...I'm sorry, I must've caught you at a bad," I strutted, but was interrupted.

"Harleen?" Slade's voice lighten up as he opened the door. I heard him let go of something heavy , but I didn't pay much attention to it.