Page 30 of Forever my Love

“You’re okay?” she said into Harper’s hair.

“I am,” Harper said softly.

It was at that moment that Hailey realized just how much her sister meant to her.

She was everything. Not only was she her sister but she was her mother, her best friend, her world. She didn’t know what she’d do if anything happened to her.

“What happened?” she asked after she leaned back.

Harper took a deep breath. “He attacked me from behind. Hit me.” She touched her head, and Hailey saw the bandage. “I woke up in the water as he held me down. I thought…” Her sister’s voice cracked, and Hailey pulled her close again. “He’s more dangerous than before,” Harper whispered. “We should run.”

The thought of never seeing Reece played in her head and caused her heart to almost burst out of her chest.

“But I can’t do that to Nick.” Harper leaned back again. Her eyes were wet and when Hailey wiped the tears away with her fingers, Harper did the same to her. She hadn’t even realized she’d been crying. “And something tells me you don’t want to go.”

She shook her head. “No.”

Harper smiled a little. “So we stay and fight like hell.”

Hailey nodded and smiled.

Just then there was a knock on the door.

“Come in,” Hailey answered.

“I brought you some toast.” Nick set the tray down. “Dr. Stevens is here⁠—”

“I don’t need a doctor,” Harper said quickly.

“I know, but still, it would make me feel better if he took a look at that.” He motioned to the side of her head. “You know, clean it up. In case I missed some dirt or sand.”

Hailey took Harper’s hand and nodded. “Just let him look you over. For Nick’s peace of mind.” She smiled, trying to offer her comfort. Besides, she was worried about her too. Her sister’s eyes were a little unfocused. She’d heard that head injuries could be really bad.

“Fine.” Harper motioned towards the food. “Bring that here.”

When Nick set the tray down, he turned to her. “How much do you want Reece to know?” he asked Hailey.

Hailey frowned. The thought of Nick telling Reece her darkest secrets scared her even more than her telling him herself. If her sister had indeed told Nick everything… There was no way she was going to let someone else tell Reece.

It was time she ripped that bandage off herself. Completely.

“I’ll tell him everything myself. For now, just… tell him that Fred attacked Harper tonight.”

Nick nodded and left. Soon after, Doctor Stevens walked in. She knew the entire Stevens family and liked them all.

She sat in the corner while the man looked over her sister and cleaned the cut on Harper’s head.

When they were finally alone again, she sat next to Harper once more. How many years had they been afraid of anyone outside of the two of them? Police officers, child protective services, even teachers at their school. This was probably the first time Harper had ever been examined by a doctor.

“He’s nice.” Hailey sighed, realizing that she should probably be seen by the doctor herself, like he’d suggested before leaving. “I suppose we need to stop fearing doctors.”

Harper smiled and took her hand. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Hailey said.

“I love Nick,” Harper said. “I think… I think I want to move in here. To live with him. But I…” She shook her head as tears filled her eyes. “I don’t want to leave you.”

Hailey reached over and hugged her. “You won’t be leaving me. I’ll always be here.”