Life of Harlow

Protected

Harlow

My grandparents, aunt and uncle stayed for another hour after my dad left before leaving. Ms. McKenzie was making lasagna and homemade garlic knots for dinner. She said there was nothing like warm food to make you feel better after a rough day. I couldn't wait for the cheesy goodness.

We were sitting in the living room, my head on her lap. I was semi-reading on my Kindle, but I couldn't concentrate.

"What's on your mind, babes?"

I looked up at her.

"Nothing, I'm fine."

"Mmm, that's hard to believe. I've seen how fast you can read and you've been stuck on that same page for at least 10 minutes now."

I sat up and faced her. She turned her body, giving me her undivided attention.

"I feel bad with everything that happened today."

She gave me a sympathetic look.

"I know you do, but it's not your fault."

"How is it not? Jace was defending me against Russ and he gets in trouble. If I would've just got up quicker to talk to Russ, all of this could've been avoided. I just... I do't like this kind of attention on me."

"That's understandable and I know that kind of attention can make you feel uncomfortable. Still, you're not responsible for how Russ reacted or Jace for that matter."

"I just want this to all be over."

"I know and soon enough it will be."

"Russ has been texting me."

"Can't say I'm surprised. Have you responded?"

"I didn't think it'd be a good idea for me to do that."

"You're right, it's not. Once things get sorted than it'll be a clearer picture on how to move forward as far as being cordial with him. To be honest with you, your dad is going to pull the plug on your relationship."

I groaned.

"I know and I wish that it could be my decision, but I know how my dad is. He's super overprotective. I get it, but sometimes it's a lot. You know, you've been a huge help."

"Me?"

"Yeah, a huge help to me and dad. He has a partner in you and I... You've been really helpful in helping me process things. Some stuff I don't want to rush and talk to my dad about. You talk things out with me and encourage me to tell him. Not in a forceful way, but you help me understand that he won't freak out. You know, weighing out the pros and cons. So, thank you."

She cradled my cheek.

"You're welcome. Listen, no matter what, I'm here for you. If things with me and your dad don't work out..."

"Don't say that. Dad says don't speak things into existence that you don't want to happen. I get being realistic, but I think that we're in each other's lives for more than a season. I see this being much more than that."

She nodded and the doorbell rang before she could reply. I was about to get up to get it, but she stopped me.

"You relax. I'll get it."

She opened the door and I heard voices and then she called my name. Getting up, I stopped seeing her holding an edible arrangement and the delivery guy had a box. I thanked him and headed back to the living room with my gifts.

"I wasn't expecting any gifts."

"You're one lucky girl," Ms. McKenzie replied, giving me a smile.

Reading the card I saw the bouquet of flowers and cookies from my favorite bakery were from my Uncle Brian, Aunt Bianca's husband. The edible arrangement was from Uncle Cameron, Aunt Addison's husband. My uncles told me I was their only girl since they only had sons.