Harmony (ON HOLD)

Chapter 5

I walked into the kitchen where Benji, Harry, and Martha were conversing. Martha’s hands were fidgeting constantly in front of her as she glanced repeatedly back and forth between Harry and Benji. Benji’s cell phone was positioned on the countertop, a strange placement as it always was in his back pocket. Martha kept shaking her head.

“No, no. I won’t go.” Martha seemed to have a strange distaste for her own words. I wondered where she was planning to not go.

“Martha, don’t be ridiculous.” Benji reached over and placed his hand on Martha’s shoulder.

“If she doesn’t want to go, she doesn’t have to. At least I won’t be stuck babysitting.” Harry spat. Babysitting? Was he referring to me? 

“She does want to go! She’s holding back because of you, you ass.” Harry was unfazed by Benji’s words.

I took this breach in the conversation to step in.

“What’s going on?” Harry’s eyes snapped towards my direction. He walked over to me, leaving an inch of distance between our chests. He had to bend his neck slightly to look down on me. His broad shoulders easily outdid the width of mine. His dominating height caused me to take a step back.

“Martha was planning on visiting her family for a while. Out of town. Benji was going to take on Martha’s role in looking after you, but he received an important...business call. Now he needs to leave, and Martha doesn’t want to leave you here with me, by yourself.” 

I swallowed nervously. I had no desire to be left in this dark house with Harry alone. 

“How long?” 

“A few weeks.” 

I simply nodded.

My subconscious was screaming at me to beg Martha to stay. Yet, guilt overtook me. I couldn’t ask her to stay with me simply because I was scared. She had a family to be with and she works so hard here for Benji, and now Harry and me. It would be selfish of me to ask her to stay.

“Martha, I’ll be fine. You should go visit your family.”

Harry’s domineer shifted. His angry scowl contorted slightly with confusion.

“Dear, it’s alright. I’ll stay with you.” 

“Martha, Aurora said you can go. She’s willing to put up with the intolerable, undesirable ass for your sake. Take this opportunity to visit your family. I’m your boss, so do it.”

I looked over at Harry quickly, his angry scowl grew harsher. It was almost as if Benji’s words could have hurt him? 

That can’t be. People who get hurt are people with hearts. Harry has no heart.

Wait, how could I think so judgmentally? He’s a human. Despite, his overbearing rudeness, he must have some humanity in him.

I’ve even witnessed it myself when he gave me the blankets and the pillow even after I angered him and disobeyed him. 

There must be a reason behind his rudeness. People aren’t naturally like this. Then again, I don’t know much about people in the outside world. I practically grew up living as rapunzel. 

“Benji....” I warned. Martha was as surprised as I was at my little surge of confidence.

“Sorry, Aurora. Forgot you hate cussing.” Benji shrugged with a slight grin. Harry’s face grew darker. 

“That’s not what I was....” I trailed off, not knowing what to say. Benji’s eyebrow raised at me. Harry was staring intently and Martha looked quizzical.