Harper

BRAT

Harper's pov:

***

As I strolled through the bustling aisles of the perfume store, I couldn't help but marvel at the array of perfumes on display. The scents wafting through the air were a delightful mix of floral, citrus, and musk. I perused the shelves, admiring the elegant bottles and their promise of olfactory bliss. My eyes fell upon different brands of perfume, some exuding a pleasant aroma while others emanated a rather repugnant smell.

After what felt like an eternity, we concluded our shopping spree.

We were currently walking around not knowing where to go next before Hardin and Hennie started to complain of how hungry they were. "Come on guys I'm hungry let's go eat something," Hennie said as he led us to the food court, giving all the bags to the men in black suits that have been following us around. 

As we approached the food court, we were greeted by a plethora of delicious smells and an array of mouth-watering food options. We were all excited to finally eat something, but I couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. I was worried that there might not be anything safe for me to eat, as I have a few food allergies.

Denny asked, "Harper, what do you want to eat?" I just shrugged my shoulders, hoping they don't have anything that I'm allergic to. 

"What do you want to eat?" Hennie asked, while looking at the menu.

 I just shrugged my shoulders, hoping they don't have anything that I'm allergic to.

Hardin scoffed and murmured something I didn't quite hear. "Don't you have any favourite food here?" Hennie asked. 

I shook my head no, I was never allowed to indulge in fast food, and I don't know if I'm allergic. Denny sighed and went to bring our food. He came back 15 minutes later with the food, and it looked so unappetising. 

Hennie and Hardin had already started munching on their meals. It consisted of gluten, and I didn't like it. I was allergic to everything except the fries, so I ate only my fries and left the rest for my brothers.

"Are you okay with only that?" Denny asked, confused.

"I'm allergic," I said, which made Hennie choke on his sprite and Hardin glare at me irritably. I was really hurt by their reactions; it wouldn't be long until they start treating me like my step-parents, Mark and 'Alice'—I know her name sounds so innocent.

"F*ing brat," Hardin murmured as Hennie and Denny glared at him.

The atmosphere was thick with tension as we sat around the table, each of us lost in our thoughts. Suddenly, a blonde-haired girl took a seat on Hardin's lap, her hands running through his hair as she leaned in to kiss his cheek. Her actions were bold and attention-seeking, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.

"Hey, baby, who's this?" she asked in a seductive tone, her eyes darting towards me. I rolled my eyes, uninterested in engaging with her. One of her companions, a member of her entourage, snickered and referred to me as "their little whore." The others joined in, laughing like witches.

I took a deep breath, trying to ignore their cruel comments. My brothers, however, continued to eat, unfazed by the commotion. "Get out, bitch," she spat at me, yanking on my hair. I had enough. I grabbed her hand, twisted it behind her back, and heard the satisfying crack of her bones.

"Let go of me, you little bitch," she screeched, her voice shaking with pain. "Get out before I do something you'll regret," I whispered in her ear, my voice low and menacing. She nodded, her eyes wide with fear, and released me.

Denny, one of my brothers, looked at me confused, not knowing what had just transpired. I shook my head, trying to regain my composure. We continued eating, ignoring the girl and her minions as they left the room.

***

As we approached the grand entrance of the mansion, my heart raced with a mixture of emotions. I couldn't believe what had just happened. My brother's brat had harassed me, and I felt utterly alone and abandoned. I had always thought my family loved and protected me, but today I realised that wasn't the case.

After parking the car, I hastily made my way to my room, trying to process the overwhelming feelings that threatened to consume me. I was hurt, betrayed, and confused. I needed a break from the chaos that had engulfed me. I stepped into the shower, allowing the warm water to wash away the pain and cleanse my body.

Once I had changed into some comfortable clothes and tied my hair into a messy bun, I decided to take a break and reflect on my thoughts. Herkins and Hayden appeared, carrying my bags and sensing my turmoil. They placed the bags on the floor and left without a word, giving me the space I needed.

       I turned on the lovely tunes of Billie Eilish, I began packing my belongings for the upcoming school week. The melodic notes filled the room as I meticulously organised my essentials, a process that seemed to stretch on for an eternity. After five arduous hours, I finally completed the task, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over me.

Just as I was about to take a well-deserved break, my brother Hansel called out for dinner. Despite his persistent calls, I found myself lost in my thoughts and chose to ignore his summons. It wasn't until Caroline, with her gentle demeanour, offered me a plate of salad and a glass of water that I relented. Her kindness never failed to warm my heart.

As the evening wore on, I made the unconventional decision not to change into my nightclothes. The comfort of my attire from the day seemed too inviting to part with. Following my nightly routine, I took three sleeping pills in hopes of finding respite from the day's events. With a sense of trepidation, I lay down to rest, bracing myself for the inevitable arrival of haunting nightmares.