Never Too Soon

Wanna Talk?

POV: Harper

I watched the clock hit seven. My dad said he'd be home by six with the groceries and things my mom wanted him to get, but I knew it wasn't a promise to be kept. As long as he was back before mother got home, which was eight, he'd be fine.

The front door swung open a quarter after seven to reveal my dad in a very panicked and tired state.

"I am so sorry I'm late, Harp. I'm sure we can squeeze in a murder documentary before your mom comes home. I know those are your favorite." My dad quickly ran back out to get the rest of the groceries after setting what he had down in the kitchen.

I sighed and started to unpack the groceries. It's always a rush before my mother gets home.

Once we got everything unpacked and settled it was almost seven-thirty.

"We can get started on a show and finish it tomorrow since I get off at four and if I rush I'll be home by five." My dad ran to the couch and sat down.

"Dad, it's okay. I know you're tired after being out all day." I gave him a small smile. "I appreciate you rushing, but it's okay."

My dad frowned and nodded his head. "Tomorrow we can watch one, yeah?"

I nodded my head, but I knew not to get my hopes up.

"How bad was the last one?" My dad gestured to my leg.

"I've gotten worse." I shamefully whispered.

"I'm so sorry, Harper." My dad looked at me in pain.

"It's fine. Three-hundred and sixty days till I can leave or when I leave for college." I scratched the back of my neck.

"You're counting down?" My dad asked in a saddened tone.

"Wouldn't you?" I countered.

He didn't respond.

"I've got some homework to do. I'll see you at dinner." I whispered and walked upstairs. It was a lie, but it's just the excuse I always use.

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I sat on the steps of my porch and waited for Lauren to go out to her car. From there I'd get to the curb.

Right on time, Lauren opened up her front door a minute till seven-thirty and walked to her car with a cup of coffee in hand.

I made my way to the curb and stood there patiently.

She pulled up beside me and made a scene by honking her horn.

I giggled as I got in.

"You can walk into my driveway and go to my car, you know that right? Like, if I'm not there just wait by my car or on my front porch if the door isn't locked." Lauren chuckled as I struggled to put on my seatbelt.

"I'm not just going to walk into your house, but I might wait by your car." I put my hands in my lap and sat awkwardly. I don't do well with being in cars with people I barely know.

"Why not? I don't bite and I'm not a murderer. If you like coffee, I've got a lot of it." She offered.

"Murderers tend to deny that they are murderers, so I will hold off on trusting you with that one." I teased her.

"Oof, you caught me." She giggled and rested her elbow on the center console. "What time is your school over?"

"You aren't taking me to school and picking me up. Absolutely not." I wasn't having it. No one has picked me up after school. Ever. I wasn't about to make her have to.