“Oh! I totally want these! They’re so cool! Come on!” Sophie shrieked as she pulled my hand in the mall.

“Come on,” I groaned. My hands were already getting sore from bags from stores like The Limited, Banana Republic, Express and the Gap. I reluctantly followed her into Victoria’s Secret.

“Ooh, get these!” I said eyeing and pointing to pair of black lacy bra and panty set.

“Already have ‘em,” she said picking up a pajama silk set. The green color brought out her aqua eyes. “Lemme try ‘em on,” she said, and went to the fitting rooms. I started to walk around when someone tapped me and asked, “Justin...?” she said. It definitely wasn’t Sophie. I panicked. Could it be...? No. She was in tour in Asia. I turned and my worst fear was confirmed.

“Bri.B-Bri.Brit...Britney!” I exclaimed. “What are you...doing here?” I stammered.

“Well, hi to you too, Justy!” She said in a sickly sweet voice.

“J?” Sophie said from behind. I twirled. I silently thanked God and Sophie for showing up at the perfect time.

“Hey Soph. Um, well, Britney, we’d better be going...bye.” I said and quickly took Sophie’s hand and rushed out of the store.

“She’s another one of yours huh? Soph, Listen, this is true, I promise, Mr. Timberjerk will be with you for like, half a day. Watch out.” She said sweetly, but I knew the tone wasn’t even 1% truthful. I groaned.

“You know what Britney? Get the freaking hell out of my life. You belong in an Ant Farm, so don’t come crying to me when your trapped with a bunch of little helpless brats, just like you!” Sophie spat.

“Ugh. I hate that girl!” Sophie exclaimed one we were out of earshot.

“Join the club, Sweets.” I remarked. “Let’s head home.” I said.

“Sure.”

**********************************************

“No way! Great!” I said kissing Sophie on the cheek. “Yeah. So, I’m just going to focus on pitcher, shortstop, and left field.” She said, blushing. “Actually, it’s 4:30, so me and Carrie and Stephanie are supposed to be at Harick’s for practice. Come along?” she asked me.

“No, duh! Let’s go!” I said. She smiled.

“Okay, lemme get changed! Meet you at the car. Okay?” I nodded, and headed downstairs.

“You wear...that to every practice?” I asked Sophie doubtfully.

“Yeah. Why?” she said.

“Notin...” I said. She realized why I asked and laughed.

“Don’t worry, J, no guys watch...except for some of the really cute University jocks...” she grinned.

“Why you little...!” as I held the steering wheel. She just giggled and leaned out.

“Justin Timberlake is in this car!” she said, in a medium-tone.

“You wouldn’t.” I said.

“Oh, but I would!”

“Yeah, right.”

“Try me.”

“Fine.” We laughed.

            Soon, we saw the familiar dirt of  Harick’s. Sophie jumped out of the car while I found a parking spot for the Jeep. I got out and headed into the field.

  “Justin, hey!” Carrie exclaimed, as she hugged me. “Sophie is super happy today—wonder why!” she joked. I socked her in the arm.

“Nice to see you, too, Car!” I said. I moved to Stephanie. “Hey girl! How’s my least-fave girl doing?” Stephanie inwardly groaned. Carrie winked.

“You are soo...” she started.

“Funny?” I asked.

“No. DEAD!” Steph screamed. She chased me until I hid behind Sophie. We all laughed, and then Coach Anderson called them all to the dugout. I sat on the bleachers for an hour and a half, watching them practice.