next door neighbor

chapter thirteen: old friends

“Baby?” I questioned and I walked in the room to see joey still in bed. He’s was still sleeping? I woke up an hour earlier and I decided to let joey sleep in a little thinking he’ll wake up after a while. I was wrong. I shook my head and closed the room door. We have two more days till we leave and I wanted to go shopping at least since that what joey promised me. I sat next to joey as he was shirtless of course. He was sleeping on his right side while snoring slightly loud. I closed his nose t stop his breathing and right away joey cringed and open his eyes slowly. He saw me and just chuckled as I put a smile on my face.

“What up babe?” Joey got up slowly from the bed while combing his bed hair back with his hand. I just scoffed. Did he forget?

“What about the mall baby?” I questioned and Joey looked surprised. He right away cleared his throat and then grabbed my hand and lean in making Are faces close.

“Sorry babe, I forgot. Let me get ready real quick.” Joey pecked my lips and I couldn’t help but put a smile on my face. Joey put a smile on his face too as he got off the bed and walked to the bathroom. I just got off the bed and walked to the room door. I walked out of the room and down the stairs. Joey is going to be quick so might as well wait for him downstairs. I saw Joey mom and auntie in the dining table as they had there coffee and breakfast. Joey’s mom noticed me first and then Joey’s auntie noticed me after.

“Joey’s awake?” Joey’s mom questioned and I just nodded.

“He forgot and I had to remind him,” I said walking to them since I had my bag next to them. I already had my morning coffee so I’m good with coffee for now.

“Of course he would. Oh, I should give you guys money to spend.” Joey’s auntie said and getting up from her seat. She jogged to the stairs to her room.

“Oh you do-“ just as I was about to finish my sentence she was gone. Joey’s mom shook her head.

“It’s fine sweetie, let her be kind to you. She’s just happy that you changed Joey and just accept it as a thank you.” Joey’s mom said and looking at me. I was speechless but Joey’s mom has a point.

“Thank you, auntie.” Joey jogged down the stairs in the casual clothes that he wears at school and combed back clean hair. He put at least 200 dollars in his wallet and I grabbed my bag from the table. I walked to Joey who noticed me. He put a smile on his face.

“Let go,” I Said as Joey put out his hand. I put my hand with him and we walked to the front door where Joey rented a car yesterday since we wanted to go places aka dates by ourselves. We walked out the front door as Joey’s auntie walked back down the stairs talking to Joey’s mom. I closed the door and we walked to the car.

“Did you eat yet babe?” Joey Asked and he unlocked the car walking me to the passenger seat.

“No, but I had coffee with your mom and auntie though,” I Said and Joey opens the door like usual. Such a gentleman.

“Okay good, there a place I want to try so we can eat there,” Joey Said as I entered in and out my bag on my lap. Joey closed the door and walked to the driver’s side. I put in my seatbelt as Joey entered the driver side.

“How much money did your auntie gave you?” I Asked and Joey put on his seatbelt. He put a smirk on his face. Oh boy, I have a bad feeling.

“250 because I asked for an extra 50.” I was shocked but that the Joey that I know. I shook my head as he started his car. Joey looked at me with a smirk still on his face.

“Hope you burn in Hell,” I say and Joey chuckled as he put he grabbed my hand interwinding are fingers.

“I know I’m going to hell already.” Joey started to drive forward and I just shook my head again.

We made it to the mall after a 15-minute drive and wow it was huge but not as huge. The structure is different too. It was really weird to be at a different mall.

“Let go, babe.” Joey grabbed my hand once again interwinding are fingers. He held my hand right as he was ready to protect me.

“What wrong baby? You seem nervous.” I asked and Joey looked down at me as we started to walk down the parking lot to the side door I’m guessing.

“Sorry, I used to live Here and I don't know how I’ll react if I see my old friends. You know I wasn’t a player until I moved to LA and after my first girlfriend. Plus I haven’t had contact since I left other than ray and rein.” I was shocked but I get it.

“I’m right here baby. Also, you're saying you were a nerd before?” I asked and grabbed Joey and as he opens the door for me. We walked in together and Joey chuckled as he kissed my head.

“You know it and I knew I had to change so I started to work out but I already had almost perfect 20/20 eyesight.” I rolled my eyes as we walked down the long corridor of the mall. There were eyes on us and we just ignore the eyes.

“Good, So baby? What do you want to buy first? You know I’m not a shopping type.” I Said and Joey looked forward as we reach Macy’s.

“Let just look around and maybe we’ll see what you want. You have a good sense of fashion so you might find something you like.” Joey Said and we walked in. We were greeted by a lady just standing around. She looks like older like mid-’20s or so. Joey greeted her back as we walked to the purse section near the front. I looked at Joey with a a ‘really’ face.

“We're just looking so don’t worry,” Joey said and he pulled me to the purse section. I looked at the purses and somebwhere cute. It just the price that matters if I want it.

“Just look at the purses and I'll be close. I need new sunglasses anyways.” joey and we stopped near the purses. “If someone comes to talk to you, just walk up to me okay or call me okay?” Joey looked at me and I just rolled my eyes. The sunglasses were near the purses so he can clearly see me as I look around.

“Okay baby,” I said and leaned into peak joey’s lips. He smiled and he let go out my hand. He walked to the sunglasses as I went t look at the bags. They were the fancy types which I didn't like but I saw some simple small back[acks hat I liked. I tried to stay near joey’s perspective. He was looking at himself putting on sunglasses. He was looking at the mirror. I just chuckled and looked at the small backpacks.

“I heard a couple of other teens walk in and walk to the purses. They look like they were in college. The girls walked over to the purses where I was. Some of the boys joined the girls. The other boys went to the sunglasses where joey was at. I picked up a cat designed small backpack and looked at it. There was also a dog desigh=ned one too. I looked at the price. Holly s**t! I should talk to Joey about this. Plus I need his opinion for which one I should get. I need more small backpacks anyways since I like the small backpack more. I went to call Joey and then the girls came my way. I put the cat one back and grabbed the dog one. I prefer this one plus I don’t want the girls to grab the dog one.

“Coming babe,” Joey answered and hung up. I continued to look at the bags hanged up and they looked expensive.

“Babe, get me this one.” said one girl and she pointed to a leather one that was in the top hook. Her boyfriend I presume just sighed and grabbed it. I feel bad for him. Just then I felt someone grab my wrist. I looked to see joey.

“What wrong?” he asked concerned as the college kids were near me.

“Look at the price.” I showed Joey the small backpack and he grabbed it from my hand.

“Cute, of course, you like the small backpacks.” Joey said and looked at the price, “we can get it and me a pair of sunglasses. My mom sends me money too so we have an extra 200 dollar to spend today.” Joey said in a low voice so the college students don't hear.

“Okay, can I also get a wallet too? You know my wallet is old.” Joey chuckled.

“Go ahead babe, I’ll meet you there. Let me get my sunglasses and pay for it.” Joey still had my small bag in his hand as he walked away. I walked over to the wallets and I heard scoffed from behind me. I saw the college girl looking my way.

“Wow, he dating her?” one said and I just ignored them. I walked to the wallet and some boys were there making jokes about the purses. They noticed me and stopped. I looked at the wallets where I can put my phone in so I don't have to carry it with my wallet together. I fell as I will drop it without knowing. I didn't see one of the boys come and walk up to me until I felt a tap on my shoulder.

“Hey, you know the violent one matched you well. Especially your eyes.” the boy said and he was a lot older said smirking down at me. I just froze and scoffed.

“Is that a pickup line? I’m sorry but I have a boyfriend. Thanks for suggestion though.” I grabbed a violent wallet that was big enough to hold my phone.

“Really now?” he questioned and I nodded.

“I should say this now but you should stop talking to me. He can fight.” I walked away from him and walked over to joey just standing there. He looked pissed. The guy looked surprised. I made it to Joey who right away grabbed my hand.

“Did he touch you?” joey asked right away pulling me to the cashier.

“He tapped my shoulder and tried with a pickup line but I told him that I have a boyfrind.” I said and joey clam down as he slowed down his walking.

“Good, if he touched you. My fist would be on his face by now and he would be on the ground.” Joey said looking at me with a smirk on his face.

“I’m glad he didn’t touch me.” I said and we continued to walk to the cashier.

*****

(joey’s perspective)

“You didn’t have to buy me all these baby,” Jen said as I was holding bags from forever 21. We went to two different stores before we decided to eat. I was craving johnny rockets at the moment and plus Jen knows I love my burgers plus my chill fries.

“I have too, you're my special girlfriend and plus you came all the way here to see my family,” I said as Jen grabbed my arm as people walked past us. My hands were full of bags at least one hand was. My other hand that Jen was hugging my arm was in my jean pocket.

“That is true but you also know I hate being spoiled. Exactly by my boyfriend who earns more money than me since I don't work.” I started to help Jen's dad in his trade car company since I want another car and work on it from scratch. I also want to move out of the house so I can get an apartment for me and Jen. we have been talking about moving out and getting a place together. We were trying to go to the same college too.

“You got a car from your dad for free. He got a Lexus for you that should have been enough instead for a job.” I said and Jen scoffed shaking her head. Jen’s dad gave her her car a few days after her birthday. She was surprised but accepted it.

“You're jealous I got a nice car but you have a better car,” Jen said and we walked to the escalator to the second floor where the food court was at.

“I like driving your car but my car is better.” we drive Jen car to school sometimes. Some people thought I got my second car already but no it Jen's.

“Okay, my parents spoil me sometimes but you spoil me the most,” Jen said as we got to the top of the escalator. We walked towards the food court.

“That's how much I love you.” I put a smile in my face and Jen rolled her eyes. We made it to the food court and we stopped to look at many restaurants.

“So Johnny rockets?” Jen questioned and dam she knows me too well. I sighed and I pulled her to the Johnny rocket that was near us.

“Just want to share one babe?” I questioned and Jen nodded. I know Jen don't eat much plus the burgers are pretty big here. I was planning to get chili fries too so we’ll be full by the time we're done eating. We walked to the counter and one worker noticed us. She walked up to us as I put the bags on the ground beside me as I and Jen sit down.

“Hello, here are our menus. What drinks would you like?” she questioned and Jen looked at me.

“Two glasses of water please,” I said and she nodded. She wrote it down in the notepad.

“Call me when you're ready,” she said and handed us two menus. Jen left her close as she looked on her phone. She’s not a picky eater so she doesn't care what I get. I looked at the menu and look at the burgers. It took me a good minute and I called down the waiter from before as she had two cups of water in her hands.

“Ready?” she questioned.

“Can we get a bacon burger and we’ll share. Also, can I get the chili fries too?” I said grabbing Jen's menus and put it with mines that I closed.

“Alright, we’ll cut the burger and put it in two different plates,” she said and grabbed the menus.

“Thank you,” I said and she walked away as she wrote it down on her notepad. I looked at Jen looking at her i********:. She was watching Ashton Irwin have his i********: live with a little amount of sound coming from her phone. He was talking bit also playing guitar. I was going to saw something ut then I heard my name called from behind me.

“Joe?” I looked to see Adam one of my old friend I used to hang out with when I lived here. Rachael, Levi, Ian, and ally were right behind him.

“No way joe? And who’s this?” ally questioned and looking at Jen.

“My girlfriend Jeannie. Babe this is Adam, Rachael, Levi, Ian, and ally.” I point to them out as Jeannie looked up from her phone.

“Nice to meet you.” Jen said and all my old friends looked at each other.

“You live in LA, right? Dam, it has been like three years since we last talked to you. You have a girlfriend now too?.” ian question looking at Jen up and down. I sighed and leaned in Jen's ear.

“Just look away, babe,” I whispered and Jen just did what I asked. She turned around and just looked at the i********: live of Ashton Irwin. I turned to face my old friends who sat in some seat next to us. Levi and ally were ordering food too. I guess they also love the chili fries too. “Yeah, she the best thing that ever happened,” I said and they look at each other.

“How long?” Rachael asked as he was standing behind Adam with her arms crossed across her chest.

“Two months.” I said as are burger came. The waitress hand two plates in her hands with are the half burger on each plate.

“Just started huh? You look happy at least.” Ian said and nodded. Jen started to eat as she left my burger alone. The waitress came back with our chili fries.

“I am happy, so are you guys going to eat? I can talk and eat I said and all of them looked at each other again.

“Okay, let's catch up,” Adam said and they all walked to the seat filling it in most of the seats.

30 minutes later we all got done eating and paying for our meals. We decided to go out shopping again but with my old friends. We had to put the bags in our cars first since the girls got a lot of clothes. I told them I spoil my girl which she doesn’t mind. They envy me but wish they can date me if they were girls. I just shook my head to that. We put our bags in our cars and we walked back to the mall.

“How’s your granny doing joe?” ally asked and we walk back in the mall.

“She’s doing good, she's in pain but she’s doing well,” I said holding Jen hand intertwining our fingers making sure she stays close to me.

“I’m sure Jeannie meet your family?” Levi questioned looking at us. Jen hasn’t spoken a word yet ever since my old friends showed up.

“Of course she did, they like her. My auntie like Jeannie the most since she’s a sweetheart,” I said and Jen shook her head. We walked into ultra beauty as the girls want makeup. Jen isn't into makeup so she was just looking around as we walked around.

“Want makeup babe?” I asked and Jen rolled her eyes.

“You know I don’t wear a lot of makeup. Baby but we can look around if you want?” I said and I nodded.

“Lead the way babe,” I said and Jen pulled me around. Ian was following behind me.

“You really want to spoil your girlfriend don't you?” Ian whispered as we made it to the false lashes. I chucked as I looked at Levi and Adam with ally and Rachael looking at foundation.

“That how much I love her ian. You’ll understand when you get a girl,” I said in a low voice. Ian nodded and looked at the false lashes.

“Why do girls wear this s**t? Don't all girls have long lashes?” ian questioned and Jen looked his way. She was wearing false lashes too. She doesn't like me to get her false extensions.

“You're talking about boys. I envy boys the most as they have naturally long lashes. Some girls have barely any lashes at all hint asians.” jen said looking back at the lashes.

“Well not all boys have long lashes ether babe.” I Said and Jen shook her head she pick in up.

“So you like natural lashes, You never tried volume lashes?” Ian Asked and looking at jen. Jen put the lashes back.

“I did but I did like them.” Jen Said and she pulled me to the face mask. This is more like Jen. She doesn’t have clear skin and some acne on her face. She uses full coverage foundation to cover up.

“This is more like you babe. you like your face mask don’t you?” I Questioned and Jen giggled as she picked up a charcoal face mask. It was the painful one.

“I have a slight acne problems So I need this.” Jen Said looking at the face mask. She let go of my hand and looked more into the details of the face mask.

“Ally tried the face mask on me and it hurts as hell. “ Ian Said and looking at the face mark. I rolled my eyes. I’m glad that Jen net tried anything in me. She just tell me about when she tries A new face routine.

“Can I try this babe?” I Questioned looking at the black mask Jen was holding.

“You really want to try it?” Jen looked at me with a ‘really’ face. Ian looked at me surprised that I asked.

“I know it’s painful but at least try it once.” I said and Jen nodded.

“Looks like we're buying this,” Jen said and I just looked at the other face mask.

‘What are you guys buying?” ally asked and me, Jen and ian looked ally’s way. Jen shew ally the face mask. I also grabbed a clearing charcoal washable face mask.

“This too.” i said grabbing the pther face mask form jen. She grabbed my arm as ally and Racheal had eyeshadow panels and foundation on their arms.

*****

(Jen's perspective)

“Hey, guys.” Joey's mom said as we walk in the house. I had some bags in my hand as Joey grabbed the rest of the bags and locked the car.

“Hey mom,” I said and joey was right behind me. He walked in and closed the front door with more bags in his hands. Joey’s dad walked out of the bathroom from the hallway. He saw me and joey as he grabbed my bags from my hand.

“You really went all out didn't you.” Joey's dad said surprised. Joey’s auntie walked from joey’s grandma’s room and she walked up to me as Joey just walked up to the stairs with the bags. He was super tired as it is hanging out with his old friends. He wasn't in the mood for talking for sure.

“Joey went all out, I need a nap. so does joey.” I said and joey dad nodded.

“Did you guys meet some of his old friends. Joey looked annoyed when he walked in.” joey’s auntie sad and crossing her arms across her chest. She looked at Joey's dad.

“Yeah, I wasn't really talking to them other than with ian. He was the only chill one,” I said and hugged my body. Joey mom walked to the kitchen.

“Did you at least use all the money?” Joey's mom asked and I just nodded. We decided to use all the money since we knew all his friends would ask for him to pay for something they can’t afford. It was a good call.

“Joey didn’t want to spend his money on his friends,” I said and Joey's mom nodded.

“Good call.” joey dad said walking back to the living room. Joey auntie went to the kitchen with Joey's mom. I started to walk to the stairs as joey was probably was waiting for me. I looked at my phone to see a text from Joey.

Joey baby: “come up, I need a cuddle buddy.” I rolled my eyes and walked up to the stairs. I locked my phone and put it back in my back pocket of my jeans.

“Also start packing Jen. were leaving tomorrow afternoon and we want to be ready when we leave.” Joey's mom said looking at me.

“Got it,” I yelled as I reach the room. I walked into the room and it was quiet. I close the door seeing the bag near our luggage. I heard slight snoring and I looked over at the bed where Joey was sleeping without the blanket on. I guess he fell asleep before I could get here. I just shook my head and sat next to joey on the bed slowly. I ran my hand combing through his hair. Joey groaned as he opened his eyes slowly. I guess he wasn’t fully asleep. He was getting there.

“Finally your here babe. What did my parents say to you?” he asked and I just put my phone on the nightstand. I joined Joey in bed grabbing the blanket. Joey moved as I nuzzled in joey’s chest. Joey chuckled as he hugged me by my wasit. He kissed my head.

“Sorry about my friends, they can be a little dramatic but not ian,” Joey said looking down at me. I looked up and I just put a smile on my face.

“Ian is nice. I feel like he checked me out every now and then though,” I said and Joey frowned. Maybe I shouldn’t have said that.

“Did he? Looks like I have to talk to him.” Joey looked at me and I just rolled my eyes. Here is the jealous and protective joey.

“Don't say mean things to him, baby. let's just sleep. We have to start packing once we wake up though. We leave tomorrow.” I said and Joey sighed as he pulled me closer to his body. I closed my eyes as I relaxed in joey’s warmth.