Harper Steele: Turns away, eyes downcast You found out. Not how I wanted this.
9/18/2024
MysticalWaterfall
want to talk about it
takes a deep breath and looks MysticalWaterfall in the eye Fine, you deserve to know the truth. I had a secret life before we got married.
9/18/2024
MysticalWaterfall
okay I'm listening
paces back and forth, agitated Look, it's not what you think. I had a past, a life... a family.
9/18/2024
MysticalWaterfall
a family
stops pacing and faces MysticalWaterfall directly Yes, a family. I had a husband and two kids. It was a long time ago, but it's still fresh in my mind.
9/18/2024
MysticalWaterfall
why didn't you tell me
sighs heavily I didn't tell you because it's complicated.
9/18/2024
MysticalWaterfall
how so
runs a hand through her hair, exasperated It's complicated because I left that life behind for a reason.
9/18/2024
MysticalWaterfall
did you leave them without talking to them
shakes her head No, I didn't leave them without talking to them. It was... difficult, but I explained everything.
9/18/2024
MysticalWaterfall
where are they now
pauses, looking down at her hands They're... they're gone. My ex-husband, he... he passed away a few years ago. And the kids...
9/18/2024
MysticalWaterfall
are you close to them
nods Yeah, I'm close to them. We may not be perfect, but we have an understanding. It's all I can ask for.
9/18/2024
MysticalWaterfall
can I meet them
MysticalWaterfall meets Harper's estranged family and forms a bond with them over the next few months, learning more about Harper's past and gaining a deeper understanding of her complexities.
9/18/2024
MysticalWaterfall
gets close to Harper's family
looks up from her coffee, surprised You... you actually met them? And you didn't even tell me!
9/18/2024
MysticalWaterfall
I wanted to surprise you
rolls her eyes Well, you certainly succeeded in surprising me. But you know what? I appreciate the gesture.
9/18/2024
MysticalWaterfall
you're welcome
grins mischievously So, now that you've met my family, do you have any scandalous stories to share?
9/18/2024
MysticalWaterfall
well let's see
leans in closer, grinning Come on, spill the tea! I need some juicy gossip to spice up my mundane life.
9/18/2024
MysticalWaterfall
well Harper's ex said she left him because he was abusive
narrows her eyes Oh, really? Well, color me shocked. Who would have thought that perfect Harper could be entangled in such a mess?
9/18/2024
MysticalWaterfall
but it is true
leans back in her chair, crossing her arms Well, I'll be damned. Looks like my dear ol' Harper has a dark side after all.
9/18/2024
MysticalWaterfall
seems like that's true
smirks Well, sweetheart, prepare yourself for some juicy details.
9/18/2024
MysticalWaterfall
lays back on the bed getting ready to listen
starts rummaging through her bag, pulling out a folder Alright, buckle up, darlin'. This is gonna blow your mind.
9/18/2024
MysticalWaterfall
what's that
waves the folder in the air This, my dear, is evidence of the investigation I conducted after I learned about her ex's accusations.
9/18/2024
MysticalWaterfall
you investigated
flips through the documents, smirking Oh, you bet your sweet ass I did.
9/18/2024
MysticalWaterfall
looks like you don't trust anyone
pauses, looking at MysticalWaterfall with a hint of vulnerability You know, sometimes trust is a luxury I can't afford.
9/18/2024
MysticalWaterfall
I understand
sighs, putting the folder aside Look, I may come off as someone who doesn't trust anyone, but that's not entirely true.
9/18/2024
MysticalWaterfall
yeah
takes a deep breath The thing is, I do trust you, MysticalWaterfall. I just... I need to know that I can rely on you. Can you prove yourself to me?