(This is what I imagine Zayn looking like)
✏️Harper's P. O. V.✏️
In just under an hour, I had helped Zayn move into the attic. He had brought a few of his things in a drawstring bag and had a few hundred dollars, which had come from his mother's safe. We made one of the old bunk beds and surrounded the bed with a few cardboard boxes so that he could have some privacy. I also lent him some fabric bins to put his clothes in.
Zayn and I agreed on a large box that he would use to hide in just in case someone might come into the attic without me knowing. We also came up with a secret knock so that Zayn would know it was me when I wanted to come in.
"Thanks, Harper," he looked straight into my eyes, "this really means a lot to me."
"Of course." I wrapped him in a hug.
Zayn pulled back and put on a serious face, much to serious for a fourteen year-old.
"I promise I won't stay here too long. I plan on moving to South Carolina after this. I do need to find a job to work and save money. I'll start online schooling on my laptop so I won't miss anything. I really think this will actually turn out alright." Zayn looked satisfied.
I nodded, but I was still a bit nervous.
"What's wrong?" Zayn said, obviously noticing I was worried.
"I'm not necessarily worried about my mom finding you or any of my sisters, but what if your step father tracks you? What will happen then?" I looked up at him, my brows furrowed.
"Don't worry, Harper. He won't find me. And if he does, I'll protect you." I felt something inside me heat up.
"So, um, do you want something to eat?" I asked. Zayn gave me a sarcastic smile.
"No, no, I'm not hungry at all. I've only been traveling from Montana all the way to Wisconsin by myself!" I laughed and took his hand. We made our way to the kitchen and I got a box of Lucky Charms out. I made a bowl for Zayn then one for me, making sure I had more marshmallows. Zayn scarfed his down first while I picked out the actual cereal, leaving the marshmallows for last.
I finally looked up from my bowl to see Zayn trying to cover his laugh.
"What?" I asked, offended.
"You have a...." Zayn mumbles the rest, making him inaudible.
"I have a what?" He finally burst out laughing. I glared at him while he almost fell off of his chair from laughing so hard.
"A milk mustache!" I quickly wiped my upper lip, self conscious.
"Oh come on! It's not that funny..." I scolded. Zayn just laughed and patted me on the back.
We both cleaned up after ourselves, making sure to hand wash Zayn's dishes so that no one would notice the extra bowl and spoon. I scurried up the stairs with Zayn following close behind. I notice we have a little over two hours until mom gets home from the zoo with Maya. And Raelynn and Autumn probably won't get home for another four hours. Zayn and I decide to watch TV for a little bit and just hang out in my room until then. We talk about stuff we used to do when we were little and how I was always able to defeat him in our nerf wars.
Eventually Zayn heads back off to the attic, though we still have an hour till anyone gets home. I lie down on my bed to start reading a book. I soon find that I cannot keep my mind focused on the book because it keeps wandering off and thinking of all the things that could possibly happen while Zayn was here.
I thought about my sisters and what might happen if they found him. Maya wouldn't understand why he was here, but she did definitely tell someone. Mom would freak out and try to call the police. Raelynn would freak out and tell mom and cause the same reaction from mom. I don't think Autumn would really do anything. She trusts me to handle my problems. She's like my friend-in-family.
I get bored and walk up to the attic. I'm about to knock but Zayn opens the door right then.
"Haha, hi." I say. Why am I getting so nervous around him? I feel a blush coming on.
"Hey. I guess we both got bored. Do you want to come and talk with me? Or we could play cards. I brought a deck," he trails off.
"Sure! Do you know how to play the game of war?" He smiles.
"I don't know if I'm lucky enough to win, but I know I'll win over you." I laugh. I've never won a single board game.
We sit down and start playing.
