The Laughters: The Untold Origin of Joker and Harley Quinn

Chapter 10: The Glittering Gift

Holiday break was at an end, and school was back. How many months must students suffer more until they finally graduate? But you can't count Harleen among those students, she had someone who was there for her, someone who never stopped making her fall for him. It was Julius, of course.

Harleen kept on reminding the young lad that she wants him to court her, for assurance, that he is willing to commit with whatever they may have. And he did.

Though he wouldn't do it everyday, as a student, Julius had his own priorities. And Harleen, being a honor student, still needed to focus on her grades.

They knew each other's responsibilities and respected it. But when they would be together, they act as if they had nothing to worry about, and wouldn't want to be kept apart.

No one knew anything about Harleen and Julius' fiasco. And they'd like to keep it that way, so many judging eyes around the school. It's predictable.

One friday afternoon, when classes were finished, the pair ran off to their hideout, Julius' family restaurant.

It was basically their fourth date, if you count that one night. They were happy but not official, and Julius would do anything just to put a label on their relationship. But to Harleen, it didn't much matter, she believed a saying "It's not about the label, it's about what's in it." and what's in this was their relationship and Harleen was already contented with that.

They sat down at their usual table and talked about their day. Laughing, holding each other's hands. They were genuinely happy.

Julius pulled out something from his bag "Here. I bought you another gift." Harleen laughed as she saw the container "If this is another jack in the box i'm gonna scream right here and now.".

She opened the container and within it was a small box, she took off the box's cover and she fell in love.

It was a diamond gilded necklace, it was obviously expensive.

Harleen took it out of the box, falling in to it's beauty. "Aw, Julius. But this looks so pricey, how did you get one?" Julius chuckled "It was just a matter of saving income."

He stood up and walked behind Harleen, took the necklace and put it around her neck as she lifted her hair. It was perfect, the color of the diamond matched her outfit, maybe it was coincidence, but it made her feel beautiful.

Julius smiled, as he saw a future with Harleen, a very smart and talented woman. He considered himself lucky with what he has, even though they are just dating. He knew Harleen would be his. Even if it would take years, he knew she would be his to love.

Harleen was still in love with the fact that someone bought something so expensive for her. With her financial status, some things like that are very rare for her to have, but she also became sad and suddenly put on a frown.

Julius saw her become depressed "Harls, you okay?" Harleen looked at Julius, suddenly being awake from her thoughts. "Uh, yeah. How much did this cost?" Julius answered "Why does it matter? I bought it for you."

Harleen pulled back her question "Nothing, I was just curious. Sorry." Julius laughed "No biggie, you like it?" Harleen started to smile as she replied "Like it? I love it!"

Harleen then jumped out and hugged Julius, hiding a sad mood behind his back. She was thinking how she can't return all the favors Julius did for her, all the things he bought and done for her. And what did she give? Nothing. Yet.

She was anxious, she didn't know what to pay Julius with for all his efforts. She knew he was courting her but she wasn't expecting it to be this materialistic.