Sing for Me

Chapter 19

Zach's POV

I ended the call with Tiffany and ran out my door.

"Where are you going, Zach?" My mom called in a concerned tone as I flew down the stairs.

"It's really important, mom," I said without pausing my movements towards the front door, "Please trust me, I'll explain everything later."

She opened her mouth to speak again, but I had already left. All that was on my mind was whether or not Harper was ok.

The drive to her house flew by in a daze, and I had arrived in no time. I rushed up to the tree that I saw her climb earlier, assuming it wouldn't be a good idea to go through the rest of the house. I climbed the tree in a flash and opened the window to what seemed to be an attic but must have been Harper's room. It was small but well kept, despite there being very few possessions. There was only a small mattress, a few items of worn clothing, and a tattered pair of shoes on the floor. Searching the room more as I stepped inside, I saw Harper lying in the ground to my right. She had tears flowing down her face, and she was curled up in a fetal position.

"Harper," I said softly to get her attention.

"Zach," she wept softly, "please help me. You have to get me out of here."

My heart broke at her pain-filled words.

"I will, don't worry," I said. "Is there anything you want to take with you right now? I have a feeling you won't be back here for a long time."

She nodded slightly, "The things at the end of the bed."

I went over to the pile of neatly folded clothes I had seen earlier and noticed a few more possessions among them, including her school backpack. I quickly put all of the items I saw into the bag, trying not to take too long for fear of Harper's adoptive mother returning. There wasn't a lot of stuff, so it all fit within the backpack. I went to the window and threw the bag out, then went back to Harper. She can be mad at me later for that, but my main priority right now is her. At least there wasn't anything breakable in there.

"I know you probably don't have a lot of strength right now, but do you think you could hold onto my back for a few minutes?" I asked her, hoping that she would be able to so we could actually get out.

"I think so," she responded softly after thinking for a brief moment.

I slowly helped her stand up, and she leaned against the wall for support as I knelt down in front of her. She gingerly got on my back, her legs wrapping around my hips and her arms wrapping around my neck. The movements clearly hurt her based on the change in her breathing, but she made no other indications that she was in pain. I felt a brief pang of guilt, but pushed it aside knowing that it was better to get her out of here and this was the only way.

With her on my back, I crept out the window, grabbing a large tree branch to stabilize us. I prayed her grip was strong enough to last the whole climb down as I began the descent. Neither of us made a sound as we went, too afraid of attracting someone's attention and getting us both into trouble. We were about halfway down the tree when I felt her grip slipping. I sped up my pace as much as I could. Come on Harper, almost there.

My feet touched the ground just as I felt her let go, and I caught her arm just in time. I gently maneuvered her body around to hold her in my arms bridal style so she wouldn't have to do any more work. Grabbing the bag, I snuck over to my car and unlocked it. I placed her in the passengers seat before getting in and starting the car.

We drove to my house in silence, the only sound filling the air being her labored breathing.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there sooner," I said regretfully.

"But you came," she replied softly with a small smile.

"I'll always come for you."

No response.

"Harper?"

The only sound she made was her soft breathing that filled the air. She must have fallen asleep.

After a few more minutes of driving, we made it to my house. The porch light was on, which meant my mom was waiting for me. I went over to Harper's side and picked her up once again along with her bag. As I was carrying her to the door, my mom came running out.

"Zachary Dylan Danfield, what kind of trouble did you get into?" She scolded me.

I shushed her, making a motion with my head towards Harper's sleeping figure.

"Let's get inside then, before the poor girl catches a cold," she said softer as she ushered me inside. "Take her into the guest room, the bed should be all set up. Then I expect you to come right back out here and talk to me, young man."

I carried Harper into the guest room and placed her gently on the bed, after agreeing to tell my mom what happened. After draping a blanket over her. I took a moment to just look at her. She looked so peaceful in her sleep, a change from always being on edge. As I continued to listen to the gentle breathing, I brushed a stray hair behind her ear. She's ok. I got to her in time.

"Zach," my mom's voice came from the doorway, reminding me that she still had no clue what was going on. I reluctantly followed her into the living room.

"You've been keeping a lot of secrets from me lately, Zach. I let it go last time, but now there's a girl sleeping in our guest room and I need some answers. What is going on right now?"