(That's what I imagine Harper looking like)
✏️Harper's P. O. V.✏️
I sat quietly, doing my homework while waiting for my mom and Raelynn to get home. I had just finished writing my essay for English when I finally came out of 'the zone'. I heard a quick knock on the window. My heart started pounding. My breathing picked up. It was then when I first realized that there was a note taped to the outside of my window. I stepped closer to my window, keeping my distance, until I could see the words scribbled on the paper.
MEET ME OUTSIDE.
Even though I was nervous about who it might be, my curiosity took over and I put on my boots on to go outside.
Before I went out, I checked the windows that surrounded the door, making sure no one was planning to jump out and attack.
As soon as I laid my eyes on him, the corners of his mouth turned up into a mischievous smile.
I threw open the door and ran to give him a hug.
"Zayn!" I shouted.
"Hey, Harps!"
"I can't believe you're here! I thought you moved to Montana!" Zayn got a dark look on his face, but quickly turned it into a smile. Why would he do that? I ignored it.
"I did move to Montana, but... things just got... complicated." He put on another frown, but didn't try to hide it this time.
"Where are you're parents?" I asked, worried.
"Uh, that's the thing..." he scratched the back of his neck, "can we talk about this inside?"
"Of course!" I grabbed his hand and pulled him inside. We started taking off our shoes, but Zayn was hesitant to set his down on the shoe mat.
"Um, could I bring these with us?" He asked nervously, gesturing to his shoes.
"What's the matter?"
"Um, I just don't want anyone to know I'm here. I really need to explain things to you, and just trust me when I say I need to hide these in your room while I'm here. You'll understand once I explain." I gave him a suspicious look, but nodded and started walking upstairs.
We got into my room and Zayn shut and locked the door. I sat on my stool that was next to my desk and crossed my arms.
"Zayn, can you please tell me what's going on?" I pleaded.
"Okay. My mom got sick. Really sick. She got pneumonia on the way there and she's been battling it ever since we arrived." I gasped.
"Oh no!" Tears started falling down my cheeks, "Is she still okay? Will she get better?"
"She died two days ago," it was Zayn's turn to cry.
"No, no, no. She didn't do anything to deserve this..." I hugged Zayn and we walked over to the bed where we sat down.
"After that, my step father took ownership of everything that we had. You know how cruel he can be when my mom isn't around," he gave me a sad look, "he was terrible to me. I can't even explain it to you. He has both physically and emotionally scarred me forever." He whispered the last word, finally letting his tears turn into a sobbing fit. I hugged him and patted his back, trying to calm him down.
"I couldn't stay there, Harps. I had to run. But he wants to find me, because I am the one who is supposed to inherit all of my mother's money. He's not able to touch it unless I let him. So he tried to force me into letting him take my mom's life savings." My eyebrows were scrunched together in worry.
"Harper?"
"Yeah?" I sniffled.
"I need to ask you to do something for me, and you have to be able to either do it, or never tell anyone what has happened." He became serious.
"Yes, Zayn, whatever you need, I can help you with!"
"I need you to let me stay here," I was speechless, "I could live in the attic? Since it's connected to your bedroom, no one can go in there without you letting them first. Please, I just need you to do this one thing for me. It will change my entire world."
I took a deep breath.
"Okay."
