Free Harp's Song by Cassie Shine Page A

on, Harp, I got four cartons of ice cream all different flavors, so let’s dig in. I promise Ben & Jerry will make you feel better.”
    Connor and I follow behind them, but when we get to the door he pauses, “Go ahead and get what you need from the kitchen and go downstairs, we’ll be there in a minute. I just want to talk to Harp real quick.”
    He turns me to face him, and in an attempt to look strong and brave, I stare straight into his worried eyes.
    “What happened when you stumbled out of the truck? As much as I’d like to think that was your reaction from my kiss, I know it wasn’t. Is there something wrong? Did Vincent touch you?”
    “No, no, he didn’t do anything tonight. I promise. I told you everything that happened.”
    “Then tell me, what was that about? Huh?”
    “Nothing, it was the kiss. You know, now I understand why every girl in school throws herself at you,” I joke hoping to get him to back off.
    “I know you’re lying to me right now and I don’t like it. I’m gonna ask again … what happened?”
    Ugh. I can’t keep anything from him.
    I look down and exhale, “I got in a fight with my mom tonight after school.”
    “What did she do?” he says through gritted teeth.
    “She found out about Oberlin and she lost it. I fell down in the bathtub and hit my head on the shower wall,” I look back up at him, “But I’m fine I promise … I feel better now. Really, I just need some ice cream and I’ll be good as new.”
    “No. Harp. This is not ok. You …”
    “Hey, what’s going on out here? We’ve been waiting for you guys downstairs—let’s go, come on. We need to celebrate,” he grabs me. Thank God for Ethan and his impeccable timing.
    When we get downstairs, I can’t help but smile. Emma’s got all four containers of ice cream open on the coffee table and is holding a spoon out at me.
    “Ice cream time!” She sings.
    I laugh and take the spoon from her “Well, what flavors do we have here?”
    “Americone Dream, Chunky Monkey, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and of course Cherry Garcia.”
    “I don’t know which flavor I want first …”
    “Why don’t you start on the left side and I’ll start on the right and then we can switch?”
    “Excellent idea!”
    I try my first spoonful of Cherry Garcia and its creamy sweetness soothes my palate as I look up and see Ethan and Connor playing darts.
    “What do you think the guys are talking about? They look so serious,” I ask Emma.
    “Hmmm … they do look serious. Probably just talking about the game, and strategy, you know? Sports stuff. Who cares? Let’s enjoy our ice cream. How about a movie?”
    She turns on the large flat screen TV and finds Mean Girls on one of the cable stations. We settle into the couch alternating our containers of ice cream and laughing.
    “Harp, baby, wake up, its time for bed.”
    I’m woken up by the sound of Connor’s voice gently easing me from my slumber.
    “What happened? What time is it?” I mumble.
    Connor chuckles, “It’s midnight. You fell asleep on the couch watching a movie with Emma. They just left. Let’s get you to bed.”
    “Mmmhmmm,” I yawn in agreement.
    Connor helps me from the couch and I lean on him as we climb the first and second set of stairs to his room. On any other night I would have just crawled right into his bed without thinking. But once we’re in his room with the door shut, my mind wakes up and I remember the kiss from his truck, and I am suddenly very self-conscious.
    “Here’s your bag. I’ll be back in a minute,” he says.
    Once he’s gone, I go to his bathroom to change into my pajamas, wash my face free from all the makeup Emma put on me, and then brush my teeth.
    “Its just Connor, Harp. Get a grip,” I say to my reflection in the mirror. The girl looking back at me looks so plain compared to the girl from just a few hours earlier. I wonder if Connor only kissed me because I looked so different before.
    Hoping I’m done first, I