Shadows of the Past (on break)

five.

"Harpie, it's time to wake up." Hayden strokes her hair as he speaks.

Harper unconsciously grabs Hayden's arm and clings to it. "5 more minutes," she murmurs. Hayden smiles. "Come on now, you'll be late. I still have to make toast."

Harper pierces her nails into Hayden's arms. "OW-" Hayden yelps. "Harpie?"

"I was having a nightmare, sorry." She mutters, slowly getting up and releasing Hayden's arm. "It's all right, get ready now." He leaves after patting lightly on Harper's shoulder. 

Harper forces herself into wearing a short denim skirt reaching her mid-thighs, a black sleeveless woollen shirt, leather jacket and puts her hair in a messy bun. She looks at herself in the mirror for the last time and takes a deep inhale.

This isn't me. Harper thinks to herself.

"Wait." Hayden voices after Harper takes a step downstairs. Harper turns around anxiously. "What are you wearing?"

"Um... clothes?" 

"A- Aren't you gonna be cold?" He stutters, worriedly.

"Um, no. I'm gonna be okay." Harper replies.

Hayden felt perturbed seeing Harper. He felt like something was wrong. "Don't get into trouble, yeah?" Hayden said, with a small smile. Harper gives a nod and resumes going down the stairs. Harper unintentionally tries to drag her skirt down, but she stops when she notices Archie rushing around the house with a piece of toast in his mouth. 

"Archie, the toast's gonna fall."

"Where's my calculator?!" Archie cries out. "I NEED it! Right NOW!"

"Stop being so paranoid. It's just a calculator, not finding it won't kill you." Harper declares.

Archie gives Harper a death glare and exclaims. "It's not just a calculator." Taking a single bite of the toast, he takes hold of it and launches it towards Harper. "Eat." He says in a passive-aggressive tone. Harper stares at him, shocked, for a second before taking a bite of her own. As Archie was running around, Harper took a seat and continued eating. 

At last, they make their way out to Archie's car. 

"Since when did you have those?" Archie questions, indicating her clothes. "Uh, since forever...? What is it to you? Mind your business."

"Woah there, princess. Get in the car, we're gonna be late." Lightly shoving her into the car.

7:58 AM

"Oh my god, Harper. You always get me late." Archie implies, frustrated. "You're on your own today." He says before sprinting off to the opposite building.

Harper takes a moment to process before hurriedly walking away to her classroom.

"You're late." The teacher remarks. Panting, Harper replies, "Sorry." in a strained voice. She walks over to the seat beside Ryogi. "I hope you don't need a pen today as well."

"I kinda do," Ryogi states before reaching out his hand towards her, signaling her to give him a pen.

"You... you... expired bean! Just bring your own, will you?"

Harper catches Scarlett's gaze, passing a silent look at her. She fishes out a pen and hands it to Ryogi. "There. Bring your own, next time." 

"I'll try," Ryogi replies and shoots a sarcastic look. 

Eventually, recess ensued. Harper gave up on the heedless scribbles she made in her notebook, supposedly being half her school notes, half stray thoughts, running about.

"Harper, are you okay?" Scarlett says as she frowns. "You look kinda different today."

"I'm fine, just trying something new." Harper chuckles nervously. "Well, I'm just surprised. It's good that you're coming out of your shell." Scarlett smiles.

As soon as Harper was about to abandon her seat, Ryogi called out from behind. "Harp."

"Huh? Oh." 

"Why do you not reply to my texts, huh?"

"Um... it's overwhelming, how many texts you send."

"You text him?" Scarlett whispers, shooting Harper a look of mild surprise.

"Yeah, I do. What about it?" 

"I'm Ryogi, by the way." He says while looking at Scarlett, half smiling.

"I'm Scarlett."

"It's nice to meet you," Ryogi grins, walking with them. They converse for a while, taking in that they have already reached the cafeteria. They plop down on a nearby cafeteria table. Scarlett and Harper sit side by side while Ryogi settles down in the seat opposite them. 

 "So Ryogi, any hobbies or interests of yours?" Harper starts. Before Ryogi gets the chance to reply, a girl with dark brown hair approaches them. Her hair was twisted in a messy bun with face-framing bangs. Her delicate facial features were engulfed with a bright smile. Her attire was quite simple. A black and grey graphic tee along with baggy jeans. 

"Hey, I'm Abigail. I just wanted to ask you guys if maybe you're free to attend a party at mine tonight?"

There it is. The big chance. Harper's first party in high school.