Stay- Book One The Full Circle

Moving On

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Chapter 26

Moving On

Maggie

I thought the guy's would be back by now. I don't have that much stuff that the three of them couldn't handle in a couple hours. I assumed they were just getting my clothes and I could get anything else later. But it's almost two and they aren't back yet. Our meeting with Emerly is in an hour.

Zoe and I have enjoyed the last couple hours with a snack and a game of chutes and ladders. She's a smart girl and as we move from one board game to another I have found she needs this one on one. I don't think she got it from Adrienne. I know she didn't.

I just took the longest slide down on the board, getting a muffled giggle from my opponent at my unfortunate move, when there's a knock on the door. "A reprieve! Don't touch my piece! I'm watching you." I tease her, getting another giggle, then point my fingers to my eyes then at her. As Zoe breaks out in a fit of laughter, I get up and open the door.

Raking his fingers through his hair, Harper shifts his weight. "Hi Maggie, is my brother around?"

Harper doesn't look like himself. His hair is sticking up like he keeps running his fingers through it, messing it up. His eyes are tired and red. I don't think he slept well last night and he's in a dark blue T-shirt and cargo shorts. He's not here about work.

Opening the door a bit more, I guide him inside. "He's not, but I'm sure he'll be here soon. Trent went to get some things at my house for me. Are you okay? You look exhausted."

Scrubbing his face, Harper looks around the house and smiles gently at Zoe as she plays quietly in the living room. Closing the door, I moved us into the kitchen.

"Want to talk about it?" Pulling out two sodas, I sat one at the seat next to me and sat down popping open my own and sipping my drink.

Harper sighs, sitting down defeated and opens his drink. His eyes stay on the can as his hands hold it tight, his thumb stroking along the condensation on the sides. Staying quiet, I wait for him to talk.

It takes a long time for Harper to get together what he has to say. "Frankie is moving out today."

"I know." I whisper, wondering why he's so upset about it. I know they've grown up together and I know they've been fighting lately, but it's not like she's leaving him.

"I've lived with her, in the same house, for years, most of my adult life. Her parents died before mine. She's been a part of us, a part of me, for so long. I don't think I ever thought she would leave." Harper looks so sad, so lost as he talks about Frankie. Not wanting to cut him off, I just let him continue.

"We've always been close, you know?" His eyes drift over to the large window and he stares out at the ocean. "I've always looked out for her. Made sure the jerks in school stayed away from her. I was there when she got picked on or teased. I made sure no one treated her bad, you know? I tried to keep her out of the worst when everything went to shit with Trent. Kept tabs on her when she started dating, made sure the guy's knew what was what. We warned the guy's that she'd go around with, to keep their hands off her. We didn't let anyone screw with her."

"You care about her. I'm sure she's glad she has you to keep her safe." Reaching over I take his hand. "I'm sure she appreciates that you're here for her."

"I doubt it. We fight all the time now, over everything. At home and at work, doesn't seem to matter. I know I've screwed up. Mitch and Jeremy have warned me, so many times that I've messed things up with her. That she feels something.... I know not to bring girls I date to the bar, Trent is adamant about that. They come here though and hit on me in front of her. I don't bother to stop it. I should but I haven't." He looks over at Zoe again and sits quietly watching her play.