Living the Future

Chapter 41 - A boyfriend gift.

I stared at this pink plush bear. It started back at me. I picked it up.

“This is it.” I said turning and handing it to Liam.

“This is the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen.” Liam said as the bear stared at him.

“It’s her favorite color…” I said and he looked at me. “Her party theme is also pink, the color.” I said and he looked at the bear.

“Ugh, you’re right this is it.” He walked off to the front of the store.

“What are you going to get her?” Izzy asked me.

“Nothing?” I said and Izzy looked personally offended.

“Josh, be real! A boyfriend wouldn’t get his girlfriend nothing on her birthday!” She said with such seriousness that I wasn’t sure if it was Izzy I was talking to.

“Yeah? Well if that was the case, it would be a shame when we have to break up because we didn’t bond. Then she has this gift that just stares at her all the time.” I said looking around at all the plush stuffed animals.

“And if you do have a mate bond?” Izzy asked.

“Then wouldn’t one of us felt it by now?” I asked and Izzy shook her head.

“Get her something Josh, give it to her the day before if you’re worried.” Izzy said.

“Fine, I’ll get her something.” I sighed and walked around.

“There it is Josh! The perfect gift!” Izzy ran over to a small tiered display of lockets.

“No.” I turned to walk away.

“Josh, this one has a daisy engraved into it!” Izzy said and I slowly looked back.

“It’s jewelry.” I said and Izzy picked it up.

“That’s why it’s perfect! It’s a boyfriend gift.” She said walking over and putting it in my hand.

“I’m not her boyfriend.” I said looking at it.

“Josh, even you can’t honestly think that’s true.” Izzy said as I stared at this piece of mental. It was too sentimental, it was too much.

“Oh yeah Josh! One up me!” I heard behind me. I turned and saw Liam holding a bag with little pink ears out the top.

“How about I get it and we switch?” I said and Liam laughed.

“I’m not giving my sister a gift like that. That’s perfect for you to give her. I was just giving you sh*t.” He said and Izzy nodded. I shook my head and stared at it.

“Fine.” I said and walked to the front getting it.

“Wow this is going to be the best birthday ever for her.” Izzy said.

“What did you get her?” Liam asked.

“Uh she gets to bask in the glory of my presence.” Izzy said and Liam laughed.

“That’s the worst gift I’ve ever heard of.” Liam said.

“Really I got her a pink scarf a few weeks ago. It was at this shop in Portland. It just screamed her name.” Izzy said.

“She’s going to love it.” Liam smiled and it was the first time I had not seen him look so tough. “Thanks for helping me out today, both of you.” Liam said and we got into the car. We rode home and I couldn’t help but feel sad my gift seem so personal. As soon as we pulled up I saw Sarah and another attendant come out to the car.

“Josh you’re requested in Barion’s office right away.” I nodded and followed her inside. We walked straight to dad’s old office and once the doors opened, I saw Alpha Lewis standing there talking to Barion.

“Josh.” My brother said as I entered. “How was shopping in town?” Barion asked.

“It was fine.” I said not really looking at Alpha Lewis.

“Barion told me you were shopping for your girlfriend. Good for you son.” Alpha Lewis said.

“She’s not my girlfriend, she’s a friend.” I said and Barion shook his head.

“What did you get her?” He asked and I sighed.

“A necklace, what did you want me for?” I asked as Barion laughed.

“That’s a boyfriend gift.” Barion chuckled.

“Agreed.” Alpha Lewis chimed in.

“Barion.” I said and he nodded to Lewis.

“Josh I came to apologize. I’ve treated you quite poorly. I’m sorry I didn’t believe you when you explained what had happened that day. The day of the … incident.” He said and I nodded.

“Well, thank you I guess. I’m going to go pack now.” I said going to walk out.

“Wait Josh.” Barion said and I turned back.

“I’m having Finn take the week off. He shouldn’t be bothering you and your training. Barion has agreed to still accompany you.” Alpha Lewis said. “I apologize for the things he’s said.” Alpha Lewis looked uneasy as he spoke. I knew he meant what Finn had said about mom and Liddie. I slowly nodded. “Finn knows Barion’s father was my best friend. One thing was certain, he loved your mother. He would’ve did worse then break his leg if he had ever heard him say… what he said. So I apologize again.” Alpha Lewis grabbed our shoulders. I slowly nodded and looked at the door.

“Tomorrow Josh, we start at a regular time. No three in the morning business. Be up at eight.” Barion said happily.

“Ok.” I said as I walked out of the office. Awkward situations were not my strong suit. I walked up stairs and got into my room. I sat on the bed and took out the gift. I stared at it and thought about what a stupid gift this was. As much as I liked Daisy, this was a boyfriend type gift. If we didn’t mate bond it would be just a eye sore when she did meet her mate.