by L. Wilder
When I pulled up the long, cobblestone driveway, I found Harper, Brody’s little sister, sitting on the front steps of the house. Even though they were siblings, they couldn’t have been more different. Brody was always sporting khakis and a button-down with a smile on his face. He was definitely a confident guy; but then, being the star quarterback and having a pocketful of cash would make anyone a little arrogant. Harper, on the other hand, was a tomboy through and through with scraped kneecaps and freckles dappled across the bridge of her nose, wrinkled t-shirts and cutoff denim shorts. When she wasn’t climbing a tree, she had a book in her hand. Harper was shy and easy to annoy, and I loved giving her a hard time.
I got out of my truck and she never looked up as I walked over to her. “What’s shakin’, Freckles.”
“You’re late. We already ate breakfast.”
“I guess that’s my bad luck.”
“Maybe, but it was good luck for me. I actually got to eat pancakes this morning before Mom’s personal garbage disposal came in and ate everything in sight.”
“That hurts, Smalls.” I teased.
She glanced up at me for a moment, her eyes skirting over my body as she complained, “I don’t know where you put it all. You’d think you have a parasite or something.” Her eyebrows furrowed as she studied me, then she bit her bottom lip as she tried to fight her smile. “You know, that could be it. You could have worms like Ditto.”
Ditto was their old, ornery gray cat that drove them all crazy. I got along with most animals, but that cat was too out there even for me. “I don’t have worms, Knucklehead. I’m healthy as a horse.”
“Well, you definitely eat like one.” She slammed her book shut as she stood up and started walking towards the front yard. “FYI … Brody’s in the garage.”
“Thanks, Half-pint.”
When I walked into the garage, I found Brody’s ass in the air and his head buried under the hood of his car. The guy didn’t even know how to check his own oil, so I knew he didn’t have a clue what he was looking at. “You lose something in there?”
A loud bang rang through the garage when he stood up and bumped his head on the hood. “Damn it.”
I laughed as I patted him on the back. “That had to hurt.”
“Thanks for caring, bro.”
“What are you doing anyway?”
“I lost my keys.”
“And you’re looking in the engine for them?”
“No, smart ass. I put a spare in one of those magnet key holders somewhere in here, and I’m trying to find it.”
“You know the way you drive, that thing’s long gone.”
He groaned. “I know. But without my keys, we’re stuck riding with Mom and Dad.”
“If the car’s here, they’ve gotta be here somewhere.”
“No shit, Sherlock. But where?”
Brody was a good guy, one of the best, but he wasn’t always the sharpest tool in the shed. Most times, it didn’t matter that he didn’t have the commonsense that God gave a gnat. He got by with his good looks and charming smile, but sometimes it just wasn’t enough—times like these were a perfect example as he searched for his missing keys again, or last Wednesday afternoon, when he got lost in the mall. “Let’s go back to last night. Where’d you go?”
“After I worked out, I ran by Penny’s for some—”
Penny was his girlfriend, at least for the time being. Brody was always looking for the next big score, and even though he’d think each new girlfriend was the one , it was only a matter of time before he dumped them and moved on to the next. “Don’t need to hear all the details, man. Fast forward to what you did after coming home.”
“Well, I’d worked up quite an appetite at Penny’s.” He snickered. “So, I went to the kitchen to get something to eat.”
“Okay. Now, we’re getting somewhere.” I started towards the door and said, “Ten bucks says that’s where they are.”
“Nope. I already looked,” he argued as he followed me inside.
Ignoring him, I opened the back door and headed into the kitchen. Over the years, I’d gotten accustomed to the enormity of their house. It no longer fazed me that their kitchen was three times the size of ours, and their appliances alone cost more than every piece of our furniture combined. With its floor-to-ceiling, white cabinets and black marble countertops, it was the kind of kitchen you’d see in those fancy home magazines, but even with the high price tag, it still felt like home. As I started opening the stainless-steel refrigerator door, I turned to him and asked, “What’d ya eat?”
“I made a turkey sandwich.”
When I didn’t have any luck finding the keys in the deli meat drawer, I walked over to the pantry and checked the shelf where they kept the bread, then further down, I pawed through the chip basket. Still nothing, but I wasn’t ready to give up. I went over to the drawer that held the utensils, and as soon as I opened it, his red keychain was sitting on top of the knives. I picked them up and dangled them in front of him. “Do these look familiar?”
“How the hell do you do that?” He groaned as he grabbed the keys from my hand.
“What can I say? It’s a gift.”
He rolled his eyes as he started for the door. “Grab your stuff and let’s get out of here. I want to get to the house before the others do.”
“Others?”
“Harper talked Mom into letting her bring Nat, and Dad has some people from work coming by the beach later.”
“You sure it’s okay for me to—”
“You know it is. Now, get your ass in the car.”
I grabbed my bag and tossed it into Brody’s trunk. I was just about to get in the car when I noticed Harper in the front yard. She was staring up into their big, old oak tree with a worried look on her face. I turned to Brody and said, “Hold up a minute.”
As soon as I started walking towards Harper, he whined, “Come on, man.”
“I’ll just be a minute.”
When I reached Harper, she was still staring up at something in the tree and talking to it. “It’s okay. You can do it.”
I looked up and spotted Ditto sitting on the edge of a branch, then laughed as I told her, “You know … if she got up there on her own, she can get back down on her own.”
“But she’s up so high. What if she falls?” she asked, never taking her eyes off her cat. “We’ll be leaving soon, and I don’t want to leave her up there all alone.”
“She’ll be fine. A cat always lands on its feet.”
She turned to me with a hopeful expression. “Are you sure?”
“I’m positive, but if it’d make you feel better, I’ll get her down for you.”
“Really?”
“I’ll be right back.” I ran over to the garage and ignored Brody’s grumbling as I grabbed the ladder. Leaning it against the tree, I started up the first rung and turned to her, teasing. “Catch me if I fall.”
With a serious expression on her face, she replied, “Don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
She’d said stuff like that before, but something about the way she said those words made me believe her. I knew it was crazy. I was older and twice her size, but I liked the idea of Harper having my back. I reached for the growling cat, grabbing her even though she scared the hell out of me with those fangs and sharp claws, and lowered her down to Harper. “There you go. All safe and sound.”
“Thanks, Max.”
After I put the ladder away, I jumped in the car with Brody. As we pulled out of the garage, I found myself staring over at Harper. A smile spread across my face as I watched her hold Ditto close to her chest. As she noticed we were driving by, her eyes searched for mine, and when they met, she smiled. It was the kind of smile that would stay with me for a lifetime.
CHAPTER 2
Harper
Two years later
“T hat’s it. I’m not going,” I grumbled to my best friend, Natalie. She’d been on the phone with me for the past hour while I
tried to decide what to wear on our first day of school.
“It’s the first day of school. Of course, you’re going.”
“Nope. I’m not going.”
“Would you just relax? It’s going to be awesome. We’re officially upperclassmen now,” she tried to assure me.
“We’re just sophomores, Natalie. It’s not like it’s going to be that much different.” I had my reasons for not wanting to go back to school. I’d never been one of those girlie types, but over time, that slowly started to change. When I started high school, I found myself wanting to be more like the senior girls with their great bodies and fancy clothes, but between my acne and non-existent boobs, I didn’t stand a chance. Mom blamed it on the awkward stages of puberty, but it had been two years and I’d just turned sixteen. I should’ve grown out of it, but now that I actually cared, it only seemed to be getting worse. It wouldn’t have been so bad if Natalie was going through it with me, but Natalie’s body looked nothing like mine. With her gorgeous red hair, flawless skin, and great boobs, she had nothing to worry about.
“Well, at least we won’t get booed at the pep rallies anymore … and have popcorn thrown at us at all the games.”
“True.”
“And we’ll actually know how to get to our classes and where to eat lunch.”
“I guess.”
“Hey … What about that cute little navy-striped shirt you bought last week at the mall? You could wear it with those jeans that make your butt look good.”
I grabbed the shirt out of the closet and held it in front of me as I stared in the mirror. Even though it was one of my favorite shirts, I sulked. “I don’t know.”
“What’s wrong with it? It looks great on you.”
I leaned forward, examining my face in the mirror. “It doesn’t cover this monster zit I have on my chin. It’s so big I’m going to have to name the stupid thing.”
“How about Pip ?”
“Shut it, Nat.” I walked over to my bed and fell back on the mattress. As I stared up at the ceiling, I asked, “What about a hoodie? I could pull it over my head.”
“Would you give it a rest already? You look great. There’s no reason for you to be acting all weird right now. I’d kill to have a body like yours, and it’s just a zit or two. They’ll be gone in a few days.”
“Okay! Fine! At least, we have some classes together this year.”
“Yeah, except for Ms. Crider’s class. I’ve heard she’s a real b .”
“Yeah … Brody had her last year and almost failed her class, but she’s not as bad as Mr. Holt. I’ve got him this semester and next.”
“It’s not like you have to worry about it. You’ve aced every class since kindergarten,” she scoffed. “You just have to keep yourself from getting distracted.”
“Distracted?”
“Luke Mansfield is gonna be in there with us.”
“I’m not going to be distracted by Luke, Nat.” Luke was one of the better looking guys in our sophomore class. He looked older than he really was with his height and build along with his scruffy beard. All the girls were crazy about him—all of them, and I wasn’t even on his radar. “Besides, I’m not exactly his type. I’m not a size zero with double d’s .”
“Whatever. I saw him checking you out at the bonfire last week.”
“You did not!”
“I did! He was totally checking you out. I think he likes you.”
“I think you must’ve been in the sun too long or something. There’s no way Luke would ever be interested in me, especially with my sidekick, Pip , sitting on my chin like a volcano that’s ready to blow.”
“You could always put a Band-Aid on it and tell everyone you cut yourself shaving.”
I heard her giggle as I replied, “My chin? I cut myself shaving my chin ? Seriously?”
“I’m just kidding. Besides, I’m sure it’s not as bad as you think.”
“I doubt it.”
“Harper!” Mom called from downstairs.
“Hey, Nat, I’ve gotta go. Dinner’s ready.”
“Okay. Call me back later,” she said before she hung up the phone.
As I headed downstairs, I called, “I’m coming.”
When I got to the kitchen, the whole crew, including Max, was standing at the door waiting for me. I knew immediately something was up. My mom looked practically giddy, smiling and antsy, and Brody and Max were grinning like a bunch of goons. Dad, on the other hand, had a pained expression, like he’d just stubbed his toe. “What’s going on?”
Mom stepped towards me. “We have a little surprise for you.”
“Oh.” My tone wasn’t one that was filled with excitement, mainly because Mom’s surprises weren’t normally what I considered a good thing. She always had good intentions, but buying me a pushup bra or new acne medication and calling it a surprise didn’t exactly set well with me. “What is it?”
Brody motioned his head towards the door. “It’s outside.”
I was suddenly intrigued. “What’s outside?”
“Your surprise, silly,” Mom answered as she led me towards the front door. “Go see.”
I was completely baffled as I followed her outdoors and towards the driveway. When I spotted a white, two-door sports car, I was stunned. My parents had never mentioned buying me a car—not even once, so it took a moment for it to register in my head. I turned to my dad and asked, “Is that mine?”
“It is, but with conditions.” He offered me the keys and added, “You have to keep your grades up.”
“Seriously? I can’t believe you bought me a car!” I shrieked as I took the keys. I rushed over to the car and opened the door. I couldn’t have been more excited as I sat in the driver’s seat and placed my hands on the wheel. I had no idea what kind of car it was, and I didn’t care. It was perfect. “This is awesome!”
“Why don’t you take her around the block?” Mom suggested.
“Seriously?”
“Yes. Just be careful and put on your seatbelt.”
After I buckled up and started the engine, I asked, “Anyone want to go with me?”
Brody shook his head. “No way I’m riding with you.”
“I’ll go,” Max volunteered as he opened the passenger door. He was so tall I was afraid he wouldn’t fit, but he managed to get in and shut the door. “Let’s roll, Half-pint.”
“Don’t be long. Dinner will be ready soon,” Mom called as I started down the driveway. I waved, letting her know I’d heard her, and then continued out onto the main road.
Max smiled as he asked, “What do you think?”
“It’s awesome! I can’t believe they actually did this.”
His voice was filled with sincerity as he said, “You deserve it, kid.”
I looked over to him, seeing that smile on his handsome face, and my heart leapt in my chest. I’d always loved him. From the first time he’d showed up at our house, he’d treated me like I was family. Sure, he picked on me and gave me a hard time about everything, but he was also there whenever I needed him. I’d turn around and he’d be there fixing the flat tire on my bike or getting my cat out of a tree. There were even a few occasions when he’d had my back when Brody was acting like a complete jerk. My family knew I was crazy about him, but they thought it was just a crush, something that would fade over time. I knew that wasn’t the case. Even though I knew I was setting myself up for a heartbreak, the feelings I had for him were only growing stronger.
He leaned forward and music filled the car as he turned on the radio. “Awesome sound system, too.”
“Natalie is going to freak out.”
“No doubt, but then, it doesn’t take much for her,” he ridiculed.
“I’m actually looking forward to going to school now.”
“You weren’t before?”
“No.” I shrugged my shoulders. “Not exactly.”
“Why not? I figured a bookworm like you would be all amped up about getting back to class.” He smirked.
“Going back to class is fine.” I left out the part about the volcano on my chin and said, “It’s all the other stuff I’m not looking forward to.”
“Like what?”
“All the stuff you don’t have to worry about,” I told him, sounding more sarcastic than I intended.
“I have no clue what you’re talking about, Freckles.”
“That’s because you’re popular and everybody loves you. Add in the fact that you’re a senior, and you have nothing to worry about.”
“You’re kidding me, right?” he snapped.
It took a lot to get Max riled, so I was surprised by the aggravation in his voice. The last thing I wanted to do was make him angry, but that didn’t stop me from saying, “You know you’ve got it easy, Max. You’re a star football player, you’ve got good grades, and you’re good looking. You’ve got the most popular girls like Alexa Davenport and Lisa Carlton practically throwing themselves at you. It’s like you can do no wrong.”
“Why don’t you tell my father that?” he chided. “And just so you know, nothing in my life is easy … nothing .”
I looked over at him, and seeing the pain in his eyes made my heart ache for him. I was an idiot—a complete and total idiot. His sister, Anna Kate, was a year younger than me, and I’d heard some of the horror stories she’d told. While Max had never really talked about it, I knew things were hard for him at home, especially with his father. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking, Max.”
“Things aren’t always what they appear to be, Harper. And that goes for everybody. Nobody’s life is perfect. Even the most popular kids have their own shit they’re dealing with.”
“I know. It’s just …”
“You know …” He paused, then looked at me with his eyebrow cocked. “There’s plenty of people who’d say you’ve got it easy. You’re smart, you’ve got an incredible family, and you’re beautiful. Don’t take that for granted.”
The wind rushed from my lungs as I looked back to the road and thought about what he said. And while I should’ve been focusing on the parts about the blessings in my life, my mind couldn’t get past the fact that he just called me beautiful. I had to bite my bottom lip to keep myself from smiling as I drove back to the house. Once we’d both gotten out of the car, I turned to him and said, “Thanks for going with me.”