Life Changes

Chapter 5

So, we left off wondering what Harrison must've been thinking when he said that comment about Jessica... and Hoppo wasn't too pleased! Let's say what happens next ;)

Harrison's POV:

Way to go Harrison. The perfect thing to say when her uncle is in the same room as you, who also happens to be your boss. When I saw Hoppo's glaring face, I knew I was in for it. Why couldn't I have said that thought in my head? Or told Jessica on the date? After we all switched places, I was down at backpackers rip with Maxi, who had witnessed the entire fiasco in the tower. "Mate, what were you thinking saying that in front of Hoppo?! You know he's going to skin you alive." I looked over at Maxi who could not stop cracking up about it. "Maxi, stop! If Hoppo wants to talk to be about it, I'll let him! But right now, I've got more important things to talk about." "I'll bet you do; she's gonna look appropriate tonight ain't she?!" Laughing way too hard, Maxi stepped out of the rhino and ran in the water to save a boy who was having trouble staying afloat. When Maxi was doing the rescue, I looked over to my left and saw Jessica laughing and talking with Whippet. Her hair was flowing in the wind, and the sun made her hair look even more beautiful. She was wearing cute shorts underneath the blue lifeguard shirt, which hugged her slim figure. She looked beautiful, and I can't wait till she's mine and I'm hers. Maxi came back from the water rescue and caught me staring at Jess. "Hey, stop looking at her! Tonight at McDonald's, you can look at her all you want! We've got people to look after." Before I could reply, my radio crackled and Bisho's voice came over, "Tower to Backpackers. Harrison, Hoppo wants to talk to you in his office." When I heard the message come over, I tensed. Bracing myself for the worst, I asked Whippet to cover me while I go to the office.

Jessica's POV:

"Anyways, I just think it'd be good for you if you got this meal at McDonald's, cause it's very fil-" Before Whippet could finish his sentence, I heard Harrison ask him if he could cover his post for a little bit. Watching Harrison walk away, I saw him heading towards Hoppo's office. I tensed up, and realized Hoppo was wanting to talk to Harrison; is it about that comment he made this morning? Truthfully, I thought it was very brave of him to say that; thinking back, I had a big smirk on my face. But now that he was heading towards the office, I really hoped Hoppo wouldn't make things too awkward. I really wanted to follow Harrison and be there when he came out, but I know he would tell me later. "Tower to central." "Come on in Tower." "Jessi, you've got a boy out there in front of you who's having trouble with the rip. I think you better go in; and don't worry about Harrison. He's a tough guy and I'm sure Hoppo won't make things too hard on him.", said Chappo over the radio. As I took my shirt off running into the water, I couldn't focus on Harrison right now; right now, I had to help the boy. When I got to him, his hand was waving out of the water, and I got to him just in time. I pulled him up unto my board, and gave him some time to catch his breath. "Alright mate, I want you to lay on your stomach facing that way." I had a wave come in so I rode the wave back to the beach. When the boy got off the board, he gave me a hug and thanked me for saving him. I walked back to the rhino were Yatesy was standing. "Good job Jessi! Oh by the way, Harrison is up in the tower. You can switch with Chappo." "Thanks Yatesy!" I ran up to the tower and bumped into Hoppo. "Woah Jessi! Careful!" Sorry Hoppo! It's just that Yatesy wants Chappo to switch with me so that's what I'm doing." Hoppo gave me a knowing look and said, "Look Jessi, before you and Harrison go out tonight, I do need to talk to you. We'll discuss it at home." When Hoppo walked away, I got this growing pit in my stomach; he's either going to tell me to end things with Harrison before our relationship even started, or he's going to have himself and the boys follow us at a distance. Walking up to Harrison, I gave him a big hug. "Hey handsome. How did things go?"

Harrison's POV:

I felt Jessica's warm arms wrap around me. I gave her a quick hug and sat back down watching the water. "Hey handsome. How did things go?" Sighing, I put the binoculars down and told her what happened. "Well, when I got to Hoppo's office, he sat me down and told me he heard my comment about you this morning. He pretty much said that he doesn't mind if we go out, but he wants us to keep it on a strictly professional manner when we are working. And, if I did ever make that comment again with the lads around hearing us, he would make sure we never worked the same shifts and limit our time together." Watching Jessica's face, I could see her remain calm, but I could see her anger appear slowly. "He has no right to say that. Sure, we need to keep it professional, but putting us on different shifts for flirting and dating each other? I'll give him a piece of my mind tonight." "Give who a piece of your mind?" We both turned around and saw Hoppo and Jethro standing there.

Jessica's POV: 

"Hoppo, could I please speak with you in private? Jethro, please cover for me for a few minutes." As we walked towards the office, my anger slowly started to rise and I was ready to let my feelings out. When Hoppo sat down, that's when it all came out. "Hoppo, with all due respect, I know you're just trying to look out for me. But I am a grownup, and I think Harrison and I can figure out our feelings for ourselves without anyone interrupting us. What gives you the right to have us work different shifts and limit our time together? You do know I could sneak out and stay with Harrison at his place through the night, you know! Let me ask you something; would you treat your daughters the same way you're treating me now?" My voice started to rise, but before I could say anything, Hoppo interrupted. "Jessica, when you came here, I made a promise to your parents that I would protect you in any way I could. I most certainly don't want to use extreme measures, but what Harrison said this morning really irked me. Try seeing this from my point of view; do you think it's easy for me to see my beautiful niece date one of my best friends-" "Hoppo! That comment Harrison made was intended for me to hear; it's something called flirting! Which I think is harmless; it happens in every relationship! Don't you and aunt Karen flirt too? That's what Harrison and I are doing right now. And if you can't accept that-" Hoppo raised his hand to shut me up. "Ok Jessica. I understand your frustration and I am sorry. It's just going to take some getting used to seeing Harrison at our place more often than usual. Besides, I'm happy for you guys! I've never seen the both of you as happy as you are right now, and I certainly don't want to be in your way. But, I do ask that you respect my rules and give me some time to adjust to the idea of you and Harrison together. We all good now?" I stood up and walked to uncle Hoppo, giving him a big hug and saying, "Yes. Yes we are."

Ok! Now that Hoppo dealt with Harrison and Jessica, now it's time for their first date at McDonald's!  What will Jessica be wearing for their first date? And how will Hoppo act when Harrison comes to the house to pick up Jessica? And will he be following them on their first date along with some of the other lifeguards? Keep reading if you want to know what happens ;)

Cheers!