The Harper Family: Colliding Paths (Wattpad Version)

Changing of the season

Dyson

With fall setting in, the air turned crisper. Leaves fell from the trees and covered the yard. I used a leaf blower to blow the leaves into one big pile before putting them into lawn bags.

I glanced at the house next door. How can someone harm their family without it affecting them? My family and I might have our issues, but I would never do what Albert did. He was a sick piece of work.

I shook my head, grabbed an armful of leaves, and shoved them into paper lawn bags.

*****
Gertie

I poured coffee into a cup, placed the coffee pot back, and picked my cup up. I moved to the kitchen window and noticed Dyson cleaning up the leaves in the yard. He reminded me of Greg.

Greg was so angry because of his father's drinking. I watched Greg and his dad fight. I kicked his dad out several times but kept taking him back.

Eventually, Greg left home and started a family of his own. Getting that phone call was the worst moment of my life. Greg's death devastated his brothers since they were triplets. They lost a piece of themselves when we lost their baby brother. I didn't blame them for being angry or hurting. And they didn't blame me for their father's actions.

Gabby gave us hope after a tragedy.

My phone rang. I answered it. "Hello?"

Hey, Ma.

"Oh, hey, Jack. How is the family?"

The family is good. I spoke to Anthony. We wanted to visit for Thanksgiving.

"Oh, we would love that. You can meet Dyson."

Who's Dyson?

"I hired this young man to help me with my yard."

Did he save your rose bushes? Jack chuckled.

"Oh, haha. You should see the yard. It's so beautiful."

How's Gabby?

"Gabby is good, but she's so busy. And she's dating Dyson."

Please tell me you didn't play matchmaker.

"I would never do that." I feigned shock.

Yeah, okay.

I snickered.

Anthony and I can size up this Dyson character.

"You be nice."

We're always nice.

"Uh-huh."

I'll see you at Thanksgiving.

"Okay. Love you, hun."

Love you, Ma. Jack ended the call.

I finished my coffee, turned off the coffee pot, and grabbed my coat, purse, and keys. I dragged on my jacket, left through the side door, and approached Dyson.

After flagging my arms to get his attention, Dyson stopped and looked at me.

"I need to run some errands."

"Okay."

"Don't forget to take a break and warm up."

"I will."

I nodded and headed to my car. Once inside, I backed out and drove to my destination. Thanks to Gabby, I located Dyson's dad. When she questioned me, I didn't tell her why I wanted to find Dyson's dad.