The Family Business (Spinoff to the Reawakening Series)

Chapter 9 - The Turning Point

Frantically running around my room, I dress as quickly as possible as well as grabbing my stuff for class. I slept in past my alarm, the only thing that woke me up being a panicked phone call from Madeline which then ensued this frantic state I'm in.

Snatching the keys up from the desk, I rush down the stairs. I take two at a time and rush into the kitchen where the rest of my family is settled and eating their breakfast. They all turn to me with puzzled looks as I rush to the fridge and grab an apple and a water bottle, making a lot of noise in my haste.

"Slept through your alarm again huh?" Dad comments, looking over his coffee before he takes a sip.

"Yeah, I didn't even hear it." I mutter, going over to the faucet to fill up my water bottle.

"Well, I would assume because you snuck in late last night at around three. You were with Madeline?" Mom asks, a hint of teasing in her voice.

I glance over and see the look on my sister's face, her knowing that I'm about to lie to my parents once again. I clear my throat and nod, "Yeah, I was."

"You're always out with her." My brother complains with a disheartened tone, "You promised that we would go see that movie this week."

I squint my eyes together as I remember my promise to my little brother, "Sorry Sam, I forgot. I promise, we will go this weekend."

"Did you forget that you're meant to be picking me up after my violin practice today?" Jo asks and I look over to her, suddenly being reminded of that as well.

"Absolutely, I will be there." I promise, giving her a smile which she returns before going back to her breakfast. Glancing down at my watch, I notice that I'm running really late to pick Madeline, "I have to go pick up Madeline. I'll see you later."

"Harlow!" Mom calls out, causing me to turn back and look at her, "I know you are in love with the girl and want to spend as much time with her as you can, but please don't let it affect your grades."

A guilty feeling comes over me, knowing that my grades have suffered greatly already this semester, just for a very different reason. A different reason that would kill her if she knew.

"It won't Mom, I promise." I say, meeting her eyes and hoping she doesn't see the lie.

"Okay." She says, not quite believing me as her eyes narrow slightly.

I turn and begin to rush out the front door, towards my car. I go to reach my keys into the door when I hear a voice call out, "Harlow!"

I turn and see Mary rushing over to me, her arms folded over her chest. Once she reaches my side, she whispers quietly and glances towards the front door, "You need to tell Mom and Dad."

I sigh and pinch the bridge of my nose, already late enough as it is, "Mary-"

"I'm sick of lying to them, they're gonna find out." She argues and I shake my head, "No they won't. Not if you don't say anything."

"I can't keep doing this. Do you know how much stress this is giving me?" She states, her eyes frantic and worried.

"Mary please, I'm begging you. Just keep this a secret for now. I promise you, I'll find a way to tell them." I say, looking her in the eye.

"Fine." She mutters after a long moment, before turning and making her way back into the house.

I stare after and can see how this is affecting her and I wish I could do something about it. But I can't, at least not yet. My being a hunter needs to remain a secret. I just need a little more time. I turn and quickly get into the car, rushing on over to Madeline's place. Pulling up out the front, I see her standing there with a frantic look on her face.