SHELBY MADNESS | ISIAH JESUS [EDITING]

CHAPTER 4

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The grand opening of the Garrison finally came. Harlow and her friends were strutting down the street to the party, wearing their best for the occasion. Harlow glanced over her shoulder carefully, hearing a group of loud teenage boys. She sighed loudly, and her friends followed suit. Junior Blinders. The group of girls walked a little faster, but not fast enough.

As they made for the door, someone side stepped them. The wooden door opening for them. "After you," Jasper smirked at the girls, winking at Harlow.

Harlow rolled her eyes at him, pushing her friends quickly inside. They could hear the other Junior Blinders laugh loudly. The uneasy feeling that filled her chest every time she saw Jasper, returned in full tonight. The powerful odor of sweat and liquor filled her nose as the group of friends strolled through the bar. The crowd so thick of people, Harlow thought it impossible to find her family members. She wanted to keep close eyes on each of them, a precaution of her own accord. She chuckled to herself, eyes set on a intoxicated Polly. Shelbys were smart. Although, when it came to deep emotions, alcohol was their refuge.

Harry, the bartender, set three drinks in front of the girls. "Her drink's on me, Harry." Jasper appeared, slinging an arm around Harlow. Harry pursed his lips tightly. 

"My fucking drink is on me, you ass. I'm a bloody Shelby, after all." Harlow huffed, roughly shaking off Jasper's arm. Jasper scolded angrily and turned away. The group of girls clicked their drinks together, giggling.

 After a few rounds, Harlow found herself alone. Each girl being accompanied by various suitors. Harlow sighed softly, returning the empty glass to the bar. She glanced around in search for her brothers, spotting Finn. Harlow waited for the bartender to fill her glass, and shoved her way through the crowd. As she neared, Harlow was aware that he wasn't alone. Finn sat at a table with a few other Junior Blinders, including Isiah. She decided it was better than sitting by herself. Besides she didn't trust a hovering Jasper, who sat at the end of the bar. Harlow conscious of his eyes constantly on her.

Harlow sipped at the gold liquor, beginning to feel the effects of the alcohol coursing through her veins. She stumbled over to the table, stripping over a random body's feet, Finn catching her before Harlow could hit the floor. She giggled uncontrollably at the clumsiness of the it all. Harlow stood up right, fixing her dress. "Hello, boys."

"Bloody hell, Harls. How many have you had?" Finn kept a still hold of his sisters arm, only releasing her when he was sure she was steady in the only empty chair at the table.

She sent Finn a smirk, "Oh, I don't know. I lost count at five or six." Harlow yanked for the glass Finn saved when he caught her.

Harlow felt good, great even. It had been some time since she was able to let go. Have some fun. Though in the back of her mind, it frightened Harlow that she currently had no control of herself. And with Jasper constantly on the back of her mind, that wasn't helping matters. Harlow knew he had been following her. Had seen him in the alley, when she went after Isiah earlier that same day. She didn't understand it, but something told her to stay close to family.