Chapter 77: Harper

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Saturday, 3:45 PM PST

“Are you sure she’ll be ready for it?” Harlee asks mom as we trudge down the stairs leading to Hayden’s huge living room. “Maybe we should wait a couple of months before moving in. Better safe than sorry, right?” 

I have to resist the urge to roll my eyes. Harlee has no faith in Hayden’s recovery, even after mom and I gushed about how well our meeting with the doctor went. 

“Harlee, for the last time!” Mom snaps as she signals for a mover to relocate the couch they’d just carried in. “The newfound freedom will remove some pressure off of her! I’ll still be watching her closely, but I think this is a good idea.” 

Harlee sighs but doesn’t dare argue. 

I know I should keep my mouth shut, but I can’t help from adding on. 

“She’s about to start a family, Harlee,” I state. “She’s going to seek independence either way. At least this way, we still have some control.” 

Harlee rolls her eyes, but I can tell by her face that she agrees with me. I wish she’d build a better relationship with Hayden and change the way she sees her. I mean, we’re sisters! Did Harlee learn nothing about the bond of sisterhood by growing up with me? 

“So, we’re picking her up the hospital...” Harlee starts after a moment, crossing her arms across her chest. “And dropping her off at a multi-million dollar estate, to be alone?” 

I can tell by the look on mom’s face that she’s had it. 

“Harlee Hartzel!” She snaps, turning away from the movers to glare at Harlee as if to give her a warning. “That’s enough about your sister. I know what I’m doing!” 

Thank God mom did it, and not me. Harlee resorts to pulling out her phone and busying herself with whatever messages she’s left unattended. 

“Besides,” mom says after a few moments. “She won’t be alone.” 

We continue to furnish the room in silence, the tense moments dissipating into the air. 

This isn’t the greatest start on working together to help Hayden, but at least mom is on my side.

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