The morning sun streamed through the kitchen window as Harper made her way downstairs, the warm aroma of pancakes wafting through the air. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes, still giddy from the previous day's adventures with Connor. As she entered the kitchen, her mom looked up from the stove, a smile lighting up her face.
"Good morning, sleepyhead! Breakfast is almost ready," her mom said, flipping a pancake.
"Thanks, Mom," Harper replied, sliding into her seat at the breakfast table.
After pouring herself a glass of orange juice, her mom turned serious for a moment. "Hey, sweetie, could you do me a favor today?"
"What is it?" Harper asked, her curiosity piqued.
"One of my friends from the hospital is working late tonight. She needs someone to watch her daughter for a few hours. I know you've got a lot going on, but I thought you might be able to help," her mom explained, looking at her hopefully.
Harper considered it for a moment. "Sure, I can do that," she replied. "Who's the little girl?"
"Oh, it's Cooper's mom. You remember her, right?" her mom said.
"Yeah, I think so," Harper said, trying to place the name. "What's her daughter's name?"
"Her name is Ellie. Just keep her entertained until Cooper gets home, and you'll be all set," her mom replied, handing her a pancake.
After breakfast, Harper grabbed her things and headed to Cooper's house. As she approached the familiar building, a sense of nostalgia washed over her. She and her brother had spent countless afternoons playing there, but she couldn't quite recall why it felt so familiar. Shaking her head, she brushed it off, focusing instead on the task ahead.
When she knocked on the door, Cooper's mom opened it, a smile spreading across her face. "Harper! I'm so glad you could come. Thank you so much for helping out!"
"Of course!" Harper replied, stepping inside. "I'm happy to help. I hope Ellie's not too much trouble."
"She'll be a delight. I'll just be working a night shift, so Cooper should be back later. I would've asked him to babysit, but he's sorting out a car for a friend," Cooper's mom explained, her voice full of warmth.
"Sounds good!" Harper said, wondering what car Cooper was working on.
Once Cooper's mom left, she looked around the house. The décor was reminiscent of her childhood, filled with bright colors and cheerful artwork. Soon after, she heard soft footsteps and turned to see a shy girl with big brown eyes peeking around the corner.
"Hi there, you must be Ellie," Harper said, kneeling down to meet her at eye level.
Ellie nodded, still a bit hesitant. "Hi."
"I hear you like Frozen?" Harper asked, hoping to break the ice.
"Yeah! It's my favorite!" Ellie's face brightened at the mention of the movie.
"Mine too! Want to watch it together?" Harper suggested, already feeling more at ease.
Ellie nodded eagerly, and they settled down on the couch, giggling and singing along to the songs. They watched both Frozen movies back-to-back, the laughter flowing freely between them as they belted out "Let It Go" with abandon.
After the movies ended, Ellie tugged on Harper's sleeve, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Can we make gingerbread houses?"
"Gingerbread houses? Sure, that sounds fun!" Harper replied, though she wasn't sure how much of a mess it would turn into.
YOU ARE READING
Forever Chasing
Teen Fiction"Chasing Forever" is a contemporary romance that follows the intense, complicated relationship between Harper Westwood and Connor Cooper. Set against the backdrop of their senior year at an elite high school, the story explores their journey from ac...
