Under Opposite Skies

Chapter 11

Harper arrived home without saying a word. After everything that had happened at the station, exhaustion wrapped around her like a heavy blanket. She could barely lift her gaze as she crossed the threshold, aware of her parents' worried looks. She didn't want to talk, didn't want to argue; she just needed to disappear for a few hours.

She silently climbed the stairs, ignoring the heavy atmosphere of worry that filled the house. She headed straight to the kitchen, made something quick, with little appetite. She ate mechanically, trying to clear her mind of everything that had happened. Once she finished, she went to her room, closing the door behind her with a deep sigh.

The day passed in restless dreams, waking several times with Aiden's name on her mind, reliving the previous night over and over again. She remembered clearly the time they had spent at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, how she had felt peace and freedom she hadn't experienced in a long time. But those fleeting moments were drowned by the storm that followed. Now, everything seemed chaotic.

Finally, as the afternoon turned to evening, Harper got out of bed. Her body felt heavy, as if she had run a marathon, though she had barely done more than sleep. She decided a shower might help clear her head. She stood under the hot water longer than usual, her mind drifting back to Aiden again and again. His image appeared in every drop, and the warmth of his hands still seemed imprinted on her skin.

After dressing and trying to pull herself together, she went down to the living room when she heard her parents calling. She knew this conversation wasn't going to be easy.

When she entered, she saw Charlotte and Liam sitting, their expressions serious, leaving no room for doubt.

"Sit down, Harper," her mother said, pointing to the chair in front of them.

Harper did as she was told, crossing her arms, mentally preparing for the battle she knew was coming.

"Sweetheart, we need to talk about what happened last night," Charlotte began, her tone soft but firm, something Harper knew all too well. "We can't ignore what's happening, much less the danger you're putting yourself in. Aiden Ferris is not good company for you."

Harper felt the heat rise to her face. She had expected the conversation to go in this direction, but that didn't make it any less frustrating.

"Good company?" she repeated sarcastically, her gaze cold. "Would you rather I keep seeing Matt, the guy who called the police and lied about what happened? Is that your idea of good company?"

Liam, always more calm, leaned forward slightly, his hands clasped between his knees.

"We know what Matt did was wrong," he conceded, "but we have to be fair. He did it because he's worried about you, because he's... he's in love with you."

Harper laughed without humor, shaking her head.

"Worried about me? Matt only cares about himself and the control he thinks he has over my life. What he did last night wasn't out of love, Dad. It was because he can't stand the idea of me deciding who I want to be with."

Charlotte spoke next, her voice conciliatory but her posture leaving no room for debate.

"Matt is a good boy, Harper. Yes, what he did was impulsive and maybe a mistake, but he's still a much safer option for you than Aiden. Aiden is involved with a gang of criminals, sweetheart. The Iron Fangs are known for their illegal activities, and we don't want you getting caught up in something that could ruin your future."

Harper felt frustration build in her chest. Her parents would never understand Aiden or what he meant to her. They wouldn't see past the stereotypes and their fear of the unknown.