Sixteen-year old Harper Brooke, who has never experienced love, has a crush on Steve Andrews, the tall and handsome boy who just moved into the house opposite hers. A twist for her or a tragedy for Steve struck.
Due to a national lockdown, his divo...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
One week ago, she dreaded dining at his place. Yet his kind behavior overcame the anxiety, and he extended a hand of friendship.
One week later, fate favored her heart in its ironic style. He is coming to her house, and she cannot wait to continue this honest relationship.
Harper is on cloud nine.
Her heart raced, her cheeks flushed, and a grin stuck to her face from time to time. She almost shared the news with Layla. Phone clutched in her hand, a giggle escaped her mouth. She put it back on the table, deciding to prolong the mystery. In that way, they will have more to gossip about Steve.
"Harper, get down here," Jenna shouted at the top of her lungs.
Startled, her shaky fingers knocked the mason jar on the keyboard. Harper shrieked as if witnessing the end of her laptop and picked it up at once. To her good luck, dried coffee residue stuck to the inner sides. Looking gross and sticky, Harper brought it downstairs. Pouring some liquid detergent, she scrubbed and rinsed it under water when Jenna approached her.
"You made that in the morning, didn't you?"
Her voice dripped in annoyance or sarcasm – Harper could not figure it out.
"Yes," she replied, focusing on a dirty spoon in the sink.
"And you are washing it at four in the afternoon?"
She kept her mouth shut as she binge-watched a mini-series on karate and forgot about the empty glass on her desk. It's not a wise idea to argue when you are turning lazier day by day.
"I would have brought it soo-"
"Oh, save it. You will make me forget what I'm about to say. I received a mail from your school. Online class starts on Monday as there is a possibility of an extended lockdown. Directors of the education sector, principals, and teachers have agreed that students' education should not be affected despite the current situation. Make sure to prepare your work desk instead of your schoolbag."
"Oh, that's a – good- kind of idea."
Crossing her arms, Jenna smiled and claimed, "From my perspective, it's a great idea. It's too bad I'm only a kindergarten teacher. I would have loved to teach online. You, kids, spend too much time on your phone and in front of the TV. I think this is the wisest distraction from the scary reality."
Harper stood and listened.
"As far as Harry is concerned, I spoke with your Principal about his hand. They've agreed for me to sit with him and help with his classwork until his hand healed."
Lips contorted, her snort turned into a mocking laugh.
