She Will Be Loved

Chapter 4: 3 Times

I didn't want to stay at home this weekend so I decided to hang out at the pizza place where Dean is part-time working.

"Are you going to spend your whole afternoon here?" Dean asks wiping the table next to where I am sitting.

"Yeah." I nodded bored. "But just until you get off of work."

"Goodluck with that. I'm working overtime, I need money to get Hanna a present for our anniversary." He told me as he lifts the tray full of empty dishes.

"Oh, I almost forgot about it. It's soon, what are you getting her?" I ask him about biting my pizza.

"I don't know yet, but I'm thinking of getting her a bracelet." He says biting his inner cheek thinking.

"Want me to find out for you?" Giving him a cheeky grin.

"That would be really helpful. Thanks." He tried to pinch my nose but I move away.

"Eww, wash your hands first." I push him away from me. "Buy me ice cream as a charge for my service." I told him.

"You've already finished 6 slices of pizza; can you still stuff the ice cream in there?" He asks me. I roll my eyes at him. "I forgot you're always hungry."

"So, my ice cream?" Tapping my fingers impatiently.

"Alright." He says like he was forced.

"Okay." I gave him an okay sign. "Though you know that you shouldn't stress out on what to give her, rather work your ass out before the last minute. She surely would drop hints as always."

"You're right." He snaps his fingers as he recalls. "Then maybe I don't need you for anything anymore. No more ice cream."

"Hey! That's not fair." I protested grabbing him by his arm. "I gave you the idea, so you still owe me ice cream."

"I'll try to think about it." He cheekily grins and turns away.

"Jerk!" I called out to him. "I'll tell Hanna about that girl you were talking to yesterday." I raised a brow with a taunting smirk.

"I wasn't talking to any-" He furrowed his brows trying to remember the incident, but when he finally realizes that I was making it up he charge towards me. "You wouldn't. It's not even true."

"I wonder how'd she reacts." I displayed the evilest smirk I could do.

"You won't." He just chuckled about it but I can sense that he was growing anxious. I fish my phone in my pocket.

"Oh, Hanna texted." I put my phone up for him to see my screen. "I'll text something or maybe call her." I glance at Dean licking his lower lip, he's definitely scared now. I tap on Hanna's contact and sinisterly look at Dean. I was about to press call when he stops me.

"Fine! Fine!" He blurted. "I'll get your fucking ice cream." He turns around in a very annoyed manner. I knew it, he'll definitely fold.

"Thank you!" I gave him the sweetest smile I can do.

"I hate you." He muttered.

***

Dean gave me a ride home. I wave him goodbye as he left for the road again. Knocking on the door 3 times rapidly before I enter, it's like our house code.

"I'm home!" I yelled hanging my keys on the wall key hanger.

"Have you eaten?" Dad peeking his head from the kitchen.

"Not yet. What's for dinner?" I walk towards the kitchen to get some water.

"Thinking to just order takeout. What do you want? Chinese or Mexican or Pizza?" He pointed on the list of numbers beside the wall telephone.

"Chinese. I'm craving some dumplings." I answer just after pouring water on my glass. "Is Jacob coming home for dinner?"

"Can you call him and ask before I order." He said bringing the telephone back.

"Okay." I took my phone out of my pocket and long pressed 2. He's on speed dial number 2, dad's 1, 3 is for Hanna, and 4 is for Dean. It rings three times then he finally picks up. "Hey ugly! Are you coming home for dinner?" I ask him.

"Yeah, already on my way." He answers in the other line.

"Okay, just so you know we're having Chinese." I inform him.

"Add extra dumplings and don't you two dare to eat without me." He says with a demanding tone.

"Fine." I roll my eyes at his words even though he can't see me. "Bye." Then I tap the phone to end the call.

"What did he say?" Dad asks.

"He's on his way. He said to add extra dumpling and to not eat without him." I inform dad and he just nodded then proceeded to call for the order.

Dad and I are in the living room watching National Geography's Science is stupid. We both like this show because it's funny and at the same time informative.

"Why did he do that? He'll definitely fall." Just after saying it the guy really fell off the roof.

"Ouch!" Dad and I both said. Then not long after headlights beaming from the window signaling Jacob's home.

He knocks 3 times on the door and as he entered, he yelled. "I'm home!"

"We know dumbass." I said looking behind at him standing by the door.

"Funny, Ellie. Really funny." He took off his coat and loosen his tie to untangle it then place it on the edge of the staircase.

"I know. I'm thinking of dropping out of school and just perform in the streets or birthdays as a clown." I said turning to face the tv again, pulling my knees up to my chest.

"I'll be happy to hand you a cent for hard work." Jacob sitting next to me on the couch and rest his head on my shoulder.

"How's work J?" Dad asks as he leans his head on my other shoulder.

"Tiring as always. About the shop? Any cars to fix? Tomorrow's my day off. Want me to help out?" He says eyes fix on the tv.

"Riley would love to see you tomorrow." I tease my brother, I know he only wants to help out at the shop to see Riley.

"Shut up." He leans back to the couch and sighs.

"You should make a move or our new guy will." Dad added.

"Guys, how many times do I have to tell you I don't like her like that." He crosses her arms.

"What's wrong with Riley? She's hardworking, nice and above all pretty." The girl is perfect for him he just doesn't want to admit it to himself.

"I second that." Dad nodding.

"Geez, we are just friends and nothing more." He says with an annoyed expression.

"Okay, okay. No need to go wolf at us." Dad and I both chuckles, we know that he's just in denial of what he likes.

"Where's the food? I'm hungry." He changes the topic and just in time the doorbell rings.

"It's here." I announced and hurried to get the door.

***

It's Saturday, after eating the take-outs we head on our separate ways to rest. But I had many more things in mind like binge-watch the whole new season of Sabrina on Netflix.

I was in my 2 episodes when my phone rings, displaying Hanna's name on the caller ID. I tap on the green button.

"What do you want?" I ask her.

"Come with us, we're having a late-night drive." Hanna says on the other side.

"I can't. I'm already sleepy." Faking a yawn to make it more believable.

"Or you're on your laptop watching some random series." She really knows me too well. "Are you really not coming?"

"You two just enjoy. I don't want to third wheel 6 times a week." I told her.

"Alright. See you on Monday."

"Yeah, bye." The call ended and I press on the space bar to play the video again. "If Sabrina doesn't want Harvey anymore. I want to have him." I mumble staring at the screen.