Jenalyn: From the Inside (#3) [Complete]

Chapter 5: Harper

Sunday, 9:30 A.M. PST

"I wasn't expecting to have to do this interview alone, or I would have had Reina come up with more content!" Harlee frustratedly mumbles into her phone to AJ. "I was only asked to go on this podcast because of Hayden, so-"

I can hear the faint sound of a frustrated AJ once Harlee goes silent, listening as well. I take the opportunity to signal for her to hang up and let Mom take care of it, but she just rolls her eyes and shuffles out of the kitchen, still trying to convince AJ the interview went well even without Hayden.

"I told her I'd take care of it!" Mom suddenly appears, her tone sounding as if she'd been present for the whole conversation.

I just nod in agreement, rolling my eyes at this whole hectic morning we've all literally had to pick apart and rearrange due to Hayden's absence.

"Are you flying out there for visitation with me?" Mom asks after eavesdropping on Harlee. "I'm sure the girl hates me now... I think it'd go a lot better if you came with?"

Psssh...

After everything that happened, I doubt that. I'm sure, if anyone, Hayden hates me right now.

I just can't let it get to me- I did the right thing!

If Hayden didn't text us the address to some nasty old motel I'm sure is involved in some type of prostitution or drug ring, and if she didn't look 30 seconds from death, with a huge smile on her face when we showed up?

Maybe I'd feel bad, like I betrayed her trust or something. But... she betrayed mine. So blatantly that it hurts, and I don't even know how else to feel about it!

"I don't really think she'd appreciate if I went," I say with half a mind, rolling an orange around on the table in front of me. "Maybe you go this time, and gauge her attitude about me going for the next?"

Mom freezes in her place, letting out a small sigh before continuing to fluff the pillows on her already fluffed sofa. "Well... alright, Harper," she says with a shrug. "Though I really do think you're being a bit too hard on yourself for saving the girls life. She doesn't realize it now- but she'll be thanking you one day."