Chapter 49 HARPER
“Out of all the girls in class, it just had to be Harper, huh?”
I froze on my way to Mrs. Carter’s office to submit our English documentary as I heard Tyler’s voice. Ducking back into the hallway, I peeped around the corner, eavesdropping on him and Mark’s conversation.
Mark had his back to me, so I couldn’t see his expression, but Tyler was standing opposite him, fully visible. I held my breath, waiting to hear why they’d mentioned my name in the first place.
“I—I’ve known her since we were kids, and I think she’s cool,” Mark replied with a shrug.
Tyler rolled his eyes before returning his gaze to Mark. “Look, I really like you as a friend, Mark. You’re one of my buddies on the team, so I’m just gonna be straight with you—ask someone else out.”
What the hell?
“For real?” Mark sounded confused. “I mean—if you and Harper are… like a thing, that’s why you’re—”
“Hell no. She’s just my therapist.” Ouch. “Don’t get me wrong, she’s smart, she’s nice, but when it comes to looks, social status… you can do better, Mark. You’ll probably be the first on the team to have an official girlfriend since eleventh grade—we need someone who fits the team vibes.”
“But you already let Harper sit at the team’s table.”
“Because she’s my therapist. You don’t see me wanting to date her even though we spend a lot of time together now, do you? Why settle for half a package when you could have the whole thing—looks, brains, skills, popularity… everything?”
Mark nodded hesitantly, still skeptical. My chest tightened, my stomach twisting with every word Tyler spoke. The hall blurred around me as my hands curled into fists at my sides.
I couldn’t bear to listen anymore. Each word sent my heart sinking lower with each passing second. Turning quickly, I collided with Megan.
“Hey,” she started, a little startled. Her eyes narrowed into slits as she took in my trembling frame. “Are you… okay?”
“Yeah. All good,” I said immediately, angrily wiping away a tear that had slipped out.
“Anything?”
“Um, I just wanted to apologize and maybe talk a bit before I have to run to class. But now’s looking like kind of the wrong time.”
“Just say what you have to. I told you I’m fine, didn’t I?”
She eyed me skeptically. “O-kay… um, I just wanted to say I’m really sorry for acting selfishly and like a bad friend. I’ve been trying to talk to you, but you’re kinda hard to catch, with the therapy sessions and stuff.”
“Yeah,” I acquiesced, folding my arms, trying to block out my memory of Tyler’s words.
“So, um… yeah. I’m really sorry, Harper. We’re best friends, and I wasn’t supposed to be mad over some stupid boy instead of being there for you. I—”
I didn’t let her finish. I threw myself at her, already forgiving her. She laughed, a soft breath escaping her in relief as she hugged me back, squeezing tight.
Before she could pull away, I burst into tears, sobbing uncontrollably against her shoulder. She immediately panicked.
“Hey, Harps—did something happen?” she asked, pulling me back to examine my face.
I looked down at my hands, trying to hide my tears.
“Talk to me. Please, you’re scaring me.”
My lips parted, but nothing came out. What was I supposed to say? That I was crying because Tyler told her brother—the boy I liked platonically—not to date me? That he’d said I was nice but not exactly girlfriend material? He hadn’t insulted me. He hadn’t lied. Which made it hurt worse.
“Is it Racquel?” Megan pressed, brushing my hair out of my face so I’d look at her. “Or… or Tyler?”
I glanced up at her, nodding slightly. “I… he… hates me.”
My best friend’s expression hardened. She tilted my chin up, eyes icy, like she was ready to go to war for me.
“Did he say anything mean to you?” I shook my head. “Did he yell?” Another shake. “Come on, Harper, give me something to work with.”
“Forget it,” I muttered, adjusting my backpack strap. “It’s… it’s useless. I’m done being his therapist.”
“Wait, that’s it? You’re just going to let it slide?” She stepped back, scanning my face like she expected something more.
I shrugged, my hands falling to my thighs with a slap. “What else can I do? I try… I try every day to help him, but it just seems—it’s just useless.”
“That’s why you’ve got to teach him a lesson, Harps. He can’t just go around treating people like crap because his shoulder’s injured.”
I brushed away another tear with a weak shrug, sniffling, trying to pull myself together. There was more to it than him being rude—Megan would understand, especially after what happened with Cassie—but I couldn’t bring myself to admit I’d actually fallen for Tyler.
“I don’t care anymore. Honestly. I just want to avoid him. Focus on our upcoming exams.”
“Fine. If you won’t confront him, then I will.”
She spun around, marching toward the seniors’ classroom. Luckily, I was quick. I caught up to her, stepping into her path before she could cause another scene.
“Just let it be, Megan,” I harped. She yanked free from my grip, trying to brush past me, but I held my ground.
“Stop blocking me, Harper. If you’re not going to stand up for yourself, then someone else should do it for you. It’s always one person in this damn school taking you for granted.”
“Please, Megan. Just leave it alone.”
“On one condition,” she said, stopping this time.
I ran my hands through my hair, letting them fall to the base of my neck, already exhausted. “What?”
“You do it. You’re going to confront him and tell him to stop being a stuck-up, rude, pompous ass or you’re going to quit helping him.”
I shook my head, exhaling a shaky breath. “I don’t think it’s going to turn out the way you think, Megan. Tyler doesn’t care—”
“Trust me on this one,” she cut in. “He cares more than he lets on. And if he doesn’t… well, that’s his loss.”
“Megan,” I sighed.
“Say you’ll do it, or I’m going in there and causing the scene of the season.”
I let out a small chuckle, some tension easing from my chest. But anxiety quickly replaced it as I nodded.
“Fine. I’ll confront him the next time I get the chance.”