The Harper Series

Chapter 2

Book 1 Chapter 2

You have friends; I have cousins

Matt

Do you know how people have friends? I don’t. I have cousins, two annoying cousins. It was Saturday, and I planned on working on my car when I heard two annoying voices.

“I told you Matt’s working,” Markus told Mason.

I glanced at them from underneath the hood of the car.

“What else is new? Matt is always working. If it isn’t the house, it’s the car,” Mason said.

I shook my head as I worked on my car.

“It’s Saturday,” Markus said.

“I know it’s Saturday. Yesterday was Friday and the next day is Sunday. What’s your point?” I twisted a socket on a bolt.

“My point is, we need to go out,” Markus said.

“Then go out. I’m not stopping you.” I moved from under the hood, cranking the engine and turning it over. I shut off the car, grabbing a rag to wipe my hands.

“Dipshit is implying we want to go out tonight. We’re taking you with us,” Mason said.

I glanced at my cousins. “I don’t go to bars and have no desire to socialize with others. Now I’m busy.” I crawled underneath my car and worked on it.

It didn’t matter what Markus and Mason said. I knew what they were doing. They were hoping if I go out, I’ll meet someone—fat chance.

*****

Nora

I met with the seller and signed some papers, then paid her for the house. She handed me the keys. I took them, grabbed my stuff, and went to the house.

After pulling into the driveway, I exited the vehicle. I heard someone yelling in the driveway across the street. The person was working on a vehicle as they cursed. Well, I guess this neighborhood wasn’t proper. Thank God. I hate stuffy people. They’re boring.

I opened the door and switched on the lights. It wasn’t bad. The house needed some work, but I could do it. I had a budget and YouTube to watch home repair videos.

I compiled a list of everything I’d need. It was doable. I would sleep on an air mattress and eat a lot of soup and Ramen noodles. It was better than staying with Presley and Kaylee. I became friends with them after the disaster I refer to as my love life.

Now to break the news to Presley and Kaylee. I returned and informed them of my new home. It bummed them I was moving out, but they understood. I went upstairs to pack.

“I can’t believe Nora is moving out,” Kaylee said.

“Maybe it’s for the best.”

Presley stared at Kaylee as she looked at him.

I finished packing my stuff. Presley helped me carry the boxes to my car. He tried to talk me out of leaving, but I assured him it was fine. I can’t live with Presley and Kaylee forever.

I drove to the new house, pulling into the driveway. After grabbing a box, I carried it inside. I heard the neighbor yell, then a crashing sound. My eyes widened as I hurried inside. I had to make this as quick as possible, moving boxes inside. Who knows who lives in this neighborhood? I didn’t think it was a terrible neighborhood, but you never know.

I pray it wasn’t terrible, or it screwed me. I’m not returning to Presley’s place.

*****

Matt

I stood there and inspected the broken window. I had thrown a wrench through the garage. I need to learn how to control my temper. I found some wood and used it to board up the window before I bought a replacement pane.

I swept up the broken glass on the concrete floor in the garage. I emptied the dustpan when I saw lights on across the street. When did someone buy that dump? The owner has been trying to sell it forever, and no one bought it because it was a dump. Good luck to whoever bought it. They were going to need it.

I finished cleaning. I wanted to eat, read, and relax. Yeah, I know it’s boring, but it worked for me.

I went inside and made dinner. I finished cooking, then sat down to eat as I flipped through a car magazine. Most people would use their phones, but I enjoy the feel of flipping pages, plus I’m not big on the bells and whistles of a cell phone. I’ll talk and text, which is the extent of it. I don’t use social media or any of that s**t.

As I ate, my phone rang. I answered it. Ma talked. I listened with a yeah, uh-huh, yep, or any other one-word answers I used. Ma didn’t care if I answered the phone when she called. One time I got stuck under a car when she called me. I didn’t answer, so she sent Dad to find me. She thought I was lying in a ditch somewhere, dead.

Yeah, my ma worries about me. I don’t blame her. When you’re a Gray, family is everything. I hung up with Ma, then finished my dinner. I cleaned up before heading to the bathroom. I didn’t want to see a dirty kitchen in the morning.

I walked to the bathroom and turned on the water. I stripped and climbed in, scrubbing the grease and grime off me. After I finished, I wrapped a towel around my waist and walked into the bedroom. The doorbell chimed, although it sounded like it needed an exorcism. I’ll have to fix it tomorrow.

I pulled on a pair of sweats, then opened the door to Kaxon.

“Why?” I asked.

Kaxon gave me an annoyed look. “Why not? I’m delightful.”

“No, you’re a pain in the ass. Don’t you have Pat or Pax to do some stupid s**t with?”

“Don’t you think we’re a little old for stupid s**t? It’s not like we’re in school anymore.”

Unimpressed, I stared at Kaxon. Who the hell was he bullshitting? It wasn’t me. I know my cousins.

“We’re going out to celebrate.” Kaxon stopped.

I narrowed my eyes at Kaxon as he turned his head. He whispered as I stood there. I noticed his hand wave down by his leg. Kaxon fixed his gaze on me. “Yeah, we’re celebrating Mason getting laid.”

“Our cousin is an i***t,” Markus said in a low voice as Mason facepalmed himself.

I poked my head out the door and glared at my i***t cousins. Then I closed the door. I didn’t need this s**t. I went back to my bedroom, grabbing a book and lying on my bed.

*****

Nora

I inflated an air mattress in the bedroom. Then put sheets on it, which I bought. Okay, that’s a lie. Kaylee gave me sheets, a blanket, and a pillow.

I bought minor things for when I had gotten a place. The last owner left some furniture. I didn’t mind since I could buy stuff later.

I flicked the switch with the lights buzzing and dimming. Okay, the house needs electrical work. Then the lights went out. Scratch that. It requires a lot of electrical work.

I turned on my phone flashlight and went downstairs. I found the breaker box and flipped the popped breakers. I didn’t care about the lights, but I needed to charge my phone.

I started for the stairs, then heard a squeak. Oh, God. No one told me Jerry lived here. I rushed up the stairs and slammed the door shut. Then I listened to the peep again and ran upstairs. Note to self. Buy electrical stuff and mouse traps tomorrow.

I walked into my bedroom and sat down on the air mattress. I glanced around the room. The house wasn’t spectacular, but it was mine. I didn’t have to worry about other people or my dad. Even though I’m alone, I have a home, at least. It was a comforting thought.

Tomorrow, I’ll go shopping. Plus, I need some food.