Harper Brooke has a crush on Steve Andrews, the tall, handsome boy who just moved into the house opposite hers. She was happier on learning that he would join her high school soon.
However, a twist for Harper or tragedy for Steve struck.
Due to a n...
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Harper has a free weekend at last.
She stood on the balcony, embracing the cool breeze fanning her arms, neck, and face. Yet her heart is pounding, and her hands are turning clammy from the mere intention of researching her brother's secret.
Where does she even begin?
Shifting her weight from one foot to the other, she grabbed the railing, cherishing the clear blue sky. It has been blue for most days during the lockdown, the perfect weather to spend at a beach or a park.
She tapped her index finger on the railing and shook a limb.
Straining her brain over Harry, he doesn't have a girlfriend, and despite not being the smartest, he always gets passing marks. He hangs out with friends a lot. Some are juvenile delinquents, except her parents are aware of that secret. It isn't even a secret anymore.
Harper sighed, biting her lower lip. All of a sudden, the clear blue was replaced with utter darkness.
"Boo" sounded loud, parallel to a speeding car in her sensitive eardrum. Harper screamed, and the hands removed themselves from her eyes. As she turned, her face came mere inches from Steve's chest.
Lifting her head, she asked, "When did you arrive?"
Taking two steps back, eyebrows furrowing, he asked, "Wait, are you serious? I just crossed the road. How did you not-"
"I – I, as shameful as it sounds, maybe I had been daydreaming," she lied, not with conviction.
"Daydreaming about what" He smirked, revealing his perfect white teeth.
"Not you," she responded with a sly smile.
"Touché, you wound me, Harper Brooke," he murmured, pounding his heart a few times and smiling wider.
"Shut up"
A bright red bird landed on the far-left side of the railing. Steve put his hand on it beside her waist to prevent her from taking a step forward.
"Sshh, watch it," he whispered.
Engrossed in a stress-free state, Harper observed the red cardinal hopping, moving its head up and chirping. Its striking color takes all the attention. Another one joined it, and they communicated in their language. Their sweet whistle mingled in a therapeutic tune. Spreading their wings, they flew upwards.
"Wasn't it peaceful?" Steve asked.
Harper nodded; nails dug into her palm. Her eyes never left the sight of the cardinals until they disappeared. Still, she hesitated to look at Steve as her cheeks turned red.
