Harper's room was a whirlwind of motion as she hastily shoved her belongings into a well-worn bag. She'd left packing to the very last minute, hoping to prolong the inevitable but it snuck up on her either way. Clothes were haphazardly thrown into the bag while books and other personal items were strewn about the room in a chaotic mess. She glanced at the clock, realizing that time was slipping away faster than she'd anticipated. With a resigned sigh, she looked around the room, her sanctuary since late May—the one place in her twelve years in the system that had felt like home. That had been a home to her. The idea of leaving it, if only for two weeks, made her stomach churn.
Cole stood in the doorway, a permanent frown on his face as he watched her pack. "This isn't fair," he said, his voice carrying the earnestness of his age. "You shouldn't have to stay with him."
Harper paused, her hands clutching a worn sweatshirt that she'd been about to shove into the bag. It was Hawk's, a piece of him she had inadvertently kept despite thinking she'd returned it to him. "The familiar scent of him clung to the fabric, bringing a mix of emotions and memories she'd rather not think about. But amid all the chaos, it brought a surprising sense of comfort to her. She hesitated for a moment, feeling the soft, warm material between her fingers before carefully folding it and placing it in her bag.
"It's just two weeks," she answered, trying to keep her voice light as she debated on what else to bring with her. "I'll be back before you know it."
"It's still not fair," he whined, shaking his head. "You shouldn't have to go just because some stupid judge said so."
"I know. But it's the court's decision. We kinda have to follow it."
Cole rolled his eyes dramatically, crossing his arms over his chest. "I wish you never looked for him."
Harper wholeheartedly agreed with him. She silently wished the same thing but morbid curiosity had gotten her to seek out her biological father. If she'd known that the Hudson's would become her family, she would've let the past stay buried. But she'd been so desperate for the truth that nothing would've stopped her. Now, she regretted it because it only caused unnecessary problems. Not just for her but for her foster family.
She zipped up her bag and took inventory of what was left. There was no point in bringing everything with her because, after all, it would only be a couple of weeks. And if she forgot something, it would give her an excuse to come back. She turned to Cole who didn't hide the frustration in his eyes.
Tilting her head, she forced a smile onto her face. "I'll be back before you know it."
"Okay," Cole said. "But you better text me."
"I will. Everyday," she promised, giving him a tight hug.
Harper descended the stairs, each step heavier than the last. The familiar creak of the fourth step, a sound she'd grown accustomed to recognizing and avoiding in the early hours of the morning so as not to wake anyone, echoed louder than ever. Each step she took was a reminder of what she was leaving behind, even if it was only temporary. The house, usually filled with happy chatter and the distant hum of Cole's video games, now felt eerily quiet. Tinged with a bittersweet sadness that enveloped the house and all its occupants.
Lucas and Olivia waited at the bottom of the stairs. Lucas stood with his hands shoved into his pockets, his calm demeanor shadowed by an unspoken concern. Olivia stood beside him, her usually warm eyes were red-rimmed as she forced a smile into her face.
"Ready to go?" Lucas asked gently, as if speaking might shatter an imaginary bubble that held everything together.
"Yeah, I guess," she said, her smile wavering. This wasn't the first time she was leaving a foster home. She'd done it so many times in the last twelve years that she was a pro at it. But this time felt different. This time she was heartbroken to leave, to leave behind the only family she'd ever known.
It's only two weeks, she reminded herself.
But even two weeks was too long.
"We're going to miss you so much," Olivia said, wrapping her up in a hug. "We're here for you, no matter what. Remember that."
"And if you need anything — anything at all — you call us," Lucas said.
As if on cue, the rumble of a sleek high-end car broke the silence. Lucas and Olivia exchanged uneasy glances before they pulled the door open just as Ryan stepped out of a polished black sports car that gleamed in the morning sun. It was the epitome of luxury and looked ridiculously out of place in front of their modest two-story house.
Dressed casually in jeans and a button-up shirt, Ryan approached the house with a laid-back stride. A smile spread across his face as he waved nonchalantly, his easy going demeanor almost jarring in the gravity of the moment. "Hey, kiddo!" Ryan called out, his voice light and cheerful. "Ready for the big move?"
Harper forced a smile, trying to tamp down her feelings of annoyance and frustration. She took a deep breath to steady herself before nodding. "Yeah. Sure."
They met Ryan halfway up the driveway where the tension in the air was almost tangible. Harper's heart pounded with yet another uncertainty in her life and she shifted uneasily while her hands fidgeted with the straps of the one bag she'd packed. Cole's worried eyes followed her every move but she managed to throw a reassuring smile his way, trying to convince him — and herself — that things would be fine.
"Hey Lucas, Olivia," Ryan said as he extended his hand with a grin. "So, I just wanted to say sorry about all of this. I know it's a lot to take in but I really just want the best for Harper."
Lucas shook his hand, his expression guarded. "So do we. She's been through a lot."
"Yeah, hey, I get it," Ryan said with a nod, his grin unwavering. "But I've got everything set up for her at my place. Her room's all ready and she'll have everything she needs. I know this isn't ideal but I really want to make this as easy for her as possible."
"How do we know this isn't just temporary?" Olivia asked, her arms crossed over her chest as she fixed him with a look. "You've relinquished your parental rights before and now you're trying to get them reinstated while we're in the process of adopting her. It's a bit of a mess."
Ryan's smile faltered slightly but he recovered quickly. "I get it, I do. I made mistakes but I'm just trying to make things right. Harper deserves that."
Harper snorted quietly and rolled her eyes but kept her mouth shut.
"We just want to make sure this is in her best interest and not just a fleeting moment," Lucas said, his voice measured. "Harper's been through a lot and she doesn't need more promises that aren't going to pan out."
"I really want to make this work," Ryan said, throwing a look at Harper who averted his gaze. "I'm not asking you to just take my word for it. But I've got everything lined up for her — her room, her needs, everything else she could possibly need. She'll be comfortable and secure."
"He's trying too hard," Cole muttered quietly.
Harper met his gaze and gave a tight-lipped smile. "I know, right?"
"It's not just about material needs. She needs to know she's not just a pawn in this struggle," Olivia said.
"Liv's right. You say you have everything ready for her but what's your plan if things don't go the way you hope? This whole thing is stressful enough without adding more uncertainty," Lucas said.
Ryan hesitated, his casual demeanor cracking momentarily. "I'll make it work. I'm not looking to make empty promises here. And if things don't go as planned, I'll do everything I can to make sure she's supported and cared for."
Lucas and Olivia exchanged a glance, each reflecting their worry and reluctant acceptance.
"Okay, we'll hold you to that," Olivia said softly. "But just remember that Harper needs more than just a place to stay. She needs stability and consistency."
"Yeah, I got it," Ryan said with a nod. "I'll make sure of it."
"I'll be fine," Harper said before either of her foster parents could say anything. Navigating difficult situations—and faking a smile—was nothing new for her. It came with a practiced ease though it was more for show than anything else.
Olivia pulled her into another heartfelt hug. "It's just a couple of weeks. We'll see you soon, okay?"
"Call us anytime. We know this isn't easy but we'll get through it," Lucas told her, pulling her into his side.
Harper nodded, her throat tight as she tried to hold back her tears. It felt more permanent than it was—and that terrified her. She turned to Cole who stood nearby with concern on his face and ruffled his hair affectionately. "I'll call you later, okay?"
Ryan stepped forward with a relaxed grin and grabbed her bag. "Alright, let's hit the road." He led the way to the car, his casual demeanor a stark contrast to the somber atmosphere. Throwing her bag in the trunk, he slid into the driver's seat, the engine rumbling to life before she even got in.
The sleek interior was such a contrast to the life she was leaving behind. The plush leather seats molded to her body and the dashboard gleamed with modern technology and glowing screens that held more functions than she could understand. The scent of new car leather and a faint hint of cologne clung to the air.
If the car was any indication of the life she was stepping into, it was a gilded cage. A life of luxury that she had no interest in.
Harper glanced back one last time, giving her family a small wave as they pulled out of the driveway. She toyed with her bracelet, telling herself over and over that she would be back. In two weeks, she'd be back home but for how long? How long until the court made their final decision and permanently stuck her with Ryan? It was a reality that she didn't want to think about because the possibility of it happening was too high.
Thirty minutes later, Ryan drove through a black metal gate and parked in front of a house that was just as impressive as she remembered it to be. Modern, stylish and imposing with clean lines and expansive wasn't a home, just a house—cold, uninviting, and nothing to make her feel excited about spending the next two weeks there. It was just a glorified prison set up by the court.
Ryan grinned as he turned off the engine. 'We're here!' he announced, more like a friend hyping up a hangout spot than a dad bringing his daughter home.
Harper attempted a smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. She dragged her feet after him and stepped into the house. The front door opened into an open concept living area that was bathed in a natural light. The furniture was modern and minimal but Ryan's personal touches made the otherwise stark showroom appear more lived in. Magazines and books were littered across the designer coffee table. The kitchen beyond, with its state-of-the-art appliances that looked like they were hardly used, had counters that were cluttered with unopened mail and a laptop.
"Come on, kid, let me show you around," Ryan said excitedly. He led her through the house, pointing out the living room with a massive TV, the cluttered kitchen and a separate game room that was complete with the latest consoles. "This is my favorite room. We can hangout here, play some games. It'll be fun."
"Yeah, because video games are going to make up for the last twelve years," she muttered as looked around the room.
Ryan paused, turning to her with a look of defeat. "I know it won't but I'm trying okay?"
Harper crossed her arms, unable to contain the anger inside her. Any kid would've leapt at a chance for this life but not Harper. Because all this fancy luxury meant nothing to her. "Why now? Why are you doing this?"
"Because I want to be in your life. I'm your dad."
"No, you're not. You gave up that right. If you really cared, you would've checked in years ago. You wouldn't have walked away in the first place."
"I know. I made a mistake walking away but I'm trying to make up for it."
"Because you feel guilty? Because you didn't seem to give a shit when I was in foster care. I know I was the one who looked for you but… it kinda seems like you're doing this just to look good. Like you suddenly decided to care when you heard I was getting adopted."
Ryan's smile vanished. For the first time, he seemed genuinely lost. Running a hand through his hair, he sighed. "It's not like that, I swear. I want to be here for you even if it's late."
"Well, I'm here," she said with a shrug. "But don't expect me to just forgive you or act like I'm okay with any of this."
"Got it," he said and then, putting on a smile, he motioned for her to follow him. "Let me show you the rest of the place."
Ryan led her from room to room: a formal dining room that he claimed he never used, his office that was the most lived in room so far followed by rooms that Harper saw no purpose in other than to show off. He talked the entire time as if to fill up the empty space while telling her about each room. "There's a pool out there so feel free to use it," he said, gesturing out the French doors that led to a massive pool with crystal clear water.
The tour ended upstairs where Ryan stopped in front of a door at the end of the hall. "This is your room." He opened the door, revealing a spacious room with a king sized bed, a walk-in closet and a private bathroom. The walls were painted a soothing pale blue, and the furniture, while modern and stylish, wasn't overly extravagant. The hardwood floor was covered by a plush white rug. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered a view of the meticulously landscaped backyard.
She stepped inside a room that was bigger than any room she's ever had. Like the rest of the house, it was minimally decorated and lacked any personal touch but perhaps that had been done on purpose with Ryan hoping she'd make the place her own.
"It's nice," she said flatly.
Ryan placed her bag down on the floor and flashed her an uncertain smile. "So, uhm, you should unpack and then come downstairs for lunch. I'm sure you're hungry. I don't really cook, like ever, but I'll figure something out."
"Sure," she said.
Once Ryan left, Harper tossed her bag on the bed and started to unpack. She hadn't brought much with her — just the essentials that she needed for the next two weeks. But even unpacking that felt like a significant step. A transition into a life that she wasn't ready for or wanted for that matter.
Harper spent the next few minutes carefully unpacking. She hung her clothes in the massive closet that could fit her entire room at the Hudson's and the rest she placed in the drawers. Her toiletries went into the bathroom but even when everything was unpacked the room still felt empty. Devoid of personality and the warmth that she'd had back home.
Hawk's sweatshirt was the last thing left. She didn't know why she brought it with her but it offered her a sense of comfort in the unknown. She slipped it on, the oversized fabric enveloping her in a much needed hug. It was a connection to the outside world that she'd been forced to leave behind. Harper sat down on the edge of the bed and let out a deep breath, hoping for the next two weeks to be manageable.
Harper pulled out her phone and typed out a quick text to her foster parents and Cole.
"Hey, guys. Made it here okay and just finished unpacking. This place is huge but kinda weird. Miss you already 3"
She stared at the message for a moment before hitting send. The words were meant to reassure them, and she hoped she sounded positive enough for them not to worry too much. She dropped her phone down on the bed and let her gaze sweep over her partially decorated room. Just then, the faint sound of a smoke alarm reached her ears, pulling her from her thoughts.
Harper sniffed the air, catching a whiff of something burnt. Following the scent, she made her way to the kitchen, stifling a laugh at the chaotic, yet oddly endearing, sight. Ryan stood by the stove with a look of confused frustration, swatting at the smoke that billowed from a pot. The promise of lunch was now a charred mess, and the irony of his "World's Best Cook" apron only added to the humor of it all.
"What are you doing?" Harper asked, coughing against the smoke that grew in size.
Ryan turned around. "Uh, hey, kid. So lunch might be a little late. I tried making something but, I don't know, I think something went wrong," he said, gesturing at the pot.
"You think?" Harper asked, a faint smile crossed her face as she took in the scene.
"I'm not really cut out for this cooking thing," Ryan admitted.
"Yeah, I can see that." She moved to turn off the stove, coughing at the smoke that assaulted her. The inside of the pot was black and rock hard, and she looked toward Ryan with amusement. "What were you making?"
"Mac and cheese. I read the instructions," he said, picking up the empty box as if it would tell him where he went wrong.
Harper narrowed her eyes before putting the pot in the sink with some water. "Were the instructions in Chinese or something?"
"Uhm, no?" Ryan moved to open the windows in the hopes that it would air out the room. "How about we just order some takeout instead?"
"Yeah, I think that's a good idea." Harper picked up the empty box and looked from it to the charred mess and back again. "I just… how?"
Ryan shrugged as he picked his phone up from the counter to order food.
Despite the awkwardness of the situation, Harper couldn't help but smile. The small, shared experience seemed to bridge the gap between them. But barely. Maybe it was a step in the right direction, though she wasn't sure it was one she wanted to take. She didn't want to give Ryan the hope that she would magically forgive him but maybe a truce was enough.
Harper settled on a stool, watching Ryan scroll through his phone to order food. A few seconds went by before she casually asked, "So, what's the plan for the rest of the day?"
Ryan looked up, surprised. "Oh, uhm, I don't know. I didn't really plan that far ahead," he admitted with a sheepish smile. "Maybe we could just hang out here, you know. Watch a movie or something."
"Yeah, sure," she answered with a shrug.
It wasn't much but it was a start. And from the smile on his face, he looked grateful that she wasn't running away to lock herself in her room. That she was maybe giving all of this a chance.
Thanks for reading! I hope you guys liked this chapter. Harper's life is slowly starting to change again so we'll see how she manages with this. Let me know what you think :)
And, as always, comments, votes and bookmarks make me smile. I'm not a mind reader so I'm always asking for comments, ideas, suggestions, etc.
Have a great weekend guys!