Snow White Queen

Music Theory || Senior || Lacrosse

[harperbennet]

[harperbennet]

Call @ Harper

Rook: I'm fine, I'm just worried about her...

Harper: Okay, yeah, me too. I need to change my flight, send me the address, and I will be there...

[harperbennet]

Call @ Harper

Rook: I'm in my dorm, on campus. I'll text you the address so you have it... Harper... is she going to be okay?

Harper: She is going to be okay. [another pause] Will you be okay?

[harperbennet]

Call @ Harper

Rook: Yeah, the shower was scalding before, but I think she ran out of hot water. Towels... towels... [some banging and shuffling] Yeah. I got towels. I don't think she's going anywhere soon. But Harper... what's going on? What did I do?

Harper: God, Alice.. [whispered] Nothing, you didn't do anything. It's.. not my place to talk about. Not over the phone at least. [sighs] Give me a few hours, I'll be there. Where are you?

[harperbennet]

Call @ Harper

Rook: Oh. God. Uhh... This is awkward... We were um... she wanted to, I swear she was more forward about it than me, but she just kinda freaked out when things... progressed, and I don't know what I did! I mean, she pulled me on top of her and then a second later she pushed me off and ran into the bathroom. I swear, it wasn't any funny business from me, I would never do that...

Harper: Oh.. wow, okay. [another silence followed by some shuffling] Are you able to keep her where she is? I can be on the next flight back. You said she was in the bathroom so she probably turned on the shower.. If you can, get her some towels and make sure she stays warm. Don't do too much touching, it could freak her even more... Shit, fuck...

[harperbennet]

Call @ Harper

Rook: Rook, we've met before, once or twice I think. But um. Something's wrong with Alex and I'm not sure what to do or what I did wrong but I think she's having a panic attack. I'm sitting with her in the bathroom, but she's pretty much catatonic and I'm really worried about her... We're friends but I don't really know her that well.

Harper: Rook.. Shit. Okay. God Damn it. [short silence] I'm not even in the state right now.. Do you know what set it off? What lead up to it?

[harperbennet]

Call @ Harper

Rook: I'm here with Alex...

Harper: You're with... And who exactly are you and what are you doing with her?

[harperbennet]

Call @ Harper

Rook: Dialing...

Harper: ..Hello?

[harperbennet]

Running Away || Riley & Harper

[arexyouxafraidxofxthexdark]

"People go to be alone when they have time off to relax, for vacation. But when people take off during a week, it means they’re running away. Which, your problems will still be your problems when you get back. Sure, maybe you can push them away for a few days, but on the drive back, they’ll just flood you and you’ll feel worse than when you left, plus you have to answer to everyone who dind’t know you were going to be gone, all the school work you missed, and the little vacation home get away soon becomes an unhealthy haven. Much like a drug or something. Come walk on the beach with me." She smiled. "Really, if you still feel like running away from your problems after we spend time on the beach, who am I to deny you your own decisions. But give it a try, okay?"

[harperbennet]

"Oh, please. Don't give me any of that shit. I know exactly what I'm doing and what I will be coming back to. I know I'm running away but maybe that's what I want to do. Maybe I can't stand being here right now." She stopped and pulled her arm away from Riley. "I'm getting on that plane and leaving for Santa Monica. I don't want to hear your bullshit. I'm a grown woman and I will do what I please. I will spend my time on the beach where it's not 20 below."

[harperbennet]

Running Away || Riley & Harper

[arexyouxafraidxofxthexdark]

"You’re just having one of those mornings!" Riley ignored Harper reaching for her latte and placed it on the far side of the table booth, so she’d have to climb in to reach it. She took a butter knife and expertly began cutting the apple in slices. "Here, you should have one. It’ll wake you up more than that awful caffiene will, anyways. Plus, no buzz drain." She noticd Harper’s bag moving as she popped some muffin into her mouth. "Ohmygod!" She grinned, packing up her things. "Now you have to show me what’s in the bag. You up for a morning walk on the beach? I think that’d be really great. I bet your dog will love it! Tossing a stick around and everything." She grabbed Harper’s latte and handed it to her, throwing her bag over her shoulder and putting her food in containers to eat later. She then hooked her arm with Harper’s and began heading towards the door. "So where do you have to be so early on a Sunday morning?"

[harperbennet]

Talk about whiplash, Harper barely had a chance to even try to get her latte before it was shoved into her hand. "Woah, no. This isn't happening." This was supposed to be a little vacation just for her and Apollo. She was about to protest and push the girl away but with her track record, they would end up at some karaoke bar in the middle of the Las Vegas strip after going to some magic show in Anaheim. She let out another sigh, "If you really want to know, I'm going out to my mother's vacation home in Santa Monica. Need time alone." She stressed the last word, hoping the girl got the gist.

[harperbennet]

Running Away || Riley & Harper

[arexyouxafraidxofxthexdark]

Riley was up early - absolutely no surprises there. She always was. And as always, she hated coffee. Instead, she sat in the coffee shop with a muffin, apple, and orange juice. She liked the atmosphere, plus, the seats were comfortable. She was working on some course work when she recognized Harper’s voice, and grinned. “Harper!” She slid out of her seat and walked over to her and hugged her. “You don’t really look like muh of a morning person. Oh, hey! Guess what, though! I’m an aunt! Can you believe it? To the most precious kid. Her name’s Tali. Anyways, how’re you?” When Harper’s order came up, she grabbed it, smiling at Harper. “Come on, you can join me!” She ordered another muffin and a cinnamon bun and walked away with Harper’s drink, sitting at her table.

[harperbennet]

Harper rolled her eyes as soon as she saw Riley coming towards her, just her luck. "That's nice but I'm not in the mood today, Riley." She didn't think the girl heard her because she was already walking away with her drink. "You have got to be kidding me." Apollo shifted in her bag, excited about all the smells of the shop. She huffed, going after the girl. "I really can't stay. My car is running and I have to be somewhere." She didn't bother sitting down as she reached for her latte.

[harperbennet]

Running Away || Open

The air surrounding the campus and what actually felt like the whole city seemed heavier to Harper. Ever since her episode, she couldn't shake the feeling that mostly everyone hated her, except Leah, who she knew loved her no matter what she did. And then there was Promise, seeing her the way she was in her bathroom nearly broke her heart. And it stirred up memories that she really didn't want to resurface. She needed to get away for a little bit.

Harper had slipped out of bed just before dawn, leaving a note for Leah saying that she would be back in a week and that she made some meals for her that were in the freezer and they just needed to be heated up in the microwave. She had stopped by her apartment and pack some clothes and necessities for both her and Apollo. Once everything was packed and the little dog was buckled into the front seat she drove out to the coffee shop for a quick pick-me-up. 

With Apollo sitting in her bag, she walked into the shop. She paid no attention to anyone who was in there as she walked up to the counter. "Large caramel sea salt latte." She pretty much demanded from the barista. As she waited for her drink she heard someone call out her name from behind her. God dammit.. She let out a sigh and turned around to see who it was.

[nataliexpetrovskii]

Uncovering What's Been Covered || Promise & Harper

[nataliexpetrovskii]

Promise leaned into Harper, only crying harder, not really caring that her sore body was being squeezed - she needed the hug. “How am I suppose to ask you to give up some of your social life and free time to help? I can’t even bring myself to ask Nattie. For anything. No one should grow up having to stitch together their sister like that. Seeing what she saw..having to herd the kids while it was going on. She never had friends, Harper.. Her words were muffled through tears and the fact she was clutching to Harper. “Tati’s not happy in that house..I was going to bring her to live with me. But now I’m prgnant..and I can’t afford a large enough house on my own. And I have to tell Brayson about the kid so..so he can sign his rights off like your father did. I won’t be the bitch that traps the poor guy. He’s in school for..social work. Like I was. He has a girlfriend now or something. I just..Harper, I-I need help..with everything. I don’t know..how much more of this I can take right now. And I’m hormonal and my feet are swollen, and I don’t..know how I’m going to do this.” She curled up further into her friend. “And I’ve been meaning to ask..if you’ll be their sister, too. It wouldn’t be fair..her growing up differently like that and I know you’re not but..it would mean a lot t-to me..”

[harperbennet]

Harper couldn't help the small, almost hollow chuckle, "Social life.. I spend my free time doing crosswords in front of my window. Promise, you don't have to ask, I will gladly help. You need food? I got it. A baby sitter? I'm down, and I'm sure Leah wouldn't mind two little boys tagging along." She gently rubbed Promise's back. "I will help you, you know that. You should always know that. I love you, Promise, you are like family and the little nugget growing in you will be my family too. And I will love her just like the boys. And I promise to help you, with anything you need." She meant every word. She would do everything she could to make sure Promise was happy, or at least closer to happiness.

[nataliexpetrovskii]

Uncovering What's Been Covered || Promise & Harper

[nataliexpetrovskii]

"It didn’t, though. What was I supposed to do? Fight back? If he hit my stomach.." Promise had no problem being paid for a threesome sometimes. But she always had warning. But she drew the line at that, and having to spend a couple hours with three guys who were all brutal and rough? Not her cup of tea. Except he hit her after she tried to walk out, because he already paid her half up front. She thought about fighting back, but couldn’t risk it so she just..let it happen. She was good at pretending she wasn’t there now, letting her body take over while her mind checked out. "I just..just want to be able to take care of everyone like I always have.." She dropped the makeup applicator, hands shaking so much. Her skin had been burnt and scrubbed red afterwards, but she still felt dirty. She looked at Harper when she said ‘me’ and couldn’t stand anymore, so she sunk to the floor. "I..haven’t even told him I’m pregnant. Harper, I’m a mess. I never had my day job when I was having the boys. And now I have the boys and a day job and even Tati now, on top of everything else, and..and I don’t know if I can do it like before..I’m not sleeping..I’m frgetting to eat and I’m constantly sick right now.. I don’t know what to do. Please.."

[harperbennet]

That was the monet the flood gates burst. But what came out wasn't anger, not even close. Tears began streaming down her face. She couldn't bear to hear any more. "Promise, darling.." She knelt down next to the woman, wrapping her arms around her. "I need you to know that I will always be here for you and I love you. But I'm scared for you. I've always been scared for you. I want what's best for you, and for the boys and what you're doing... it's not the answer, it's never been the answer." She was careful where her arms were, she didn't want to touch a bruise the wrong way and cause her friend more pain. 

[nataliexpetrovskii]

Uncovering What's Been Covered || Promise & Harper

[nataliexpetrovskii]

Tears began falling from her eyes, despite her still trying to hold them back. She reached into her bag and pulled out an envelop of five thousand dollars; the amount writen on the front. She was going to deposit that today. Tears falling down her face, she couldn’t bring herself to look at her friend as she continued to mix cover up with another type of makeup to cover the bruise, while blending. “Had to play long term girlfriend to this rich guy. Family thing. Of course, what he didn’t tell me was after playing eye candy, I’d be playing host to him..and two of his friends.” She could barely see what she was doing now, tears smearing her makeup as she started on her wrists, instead. “Told him to ..fuck off. Of course..what slut actually has..a say in any of that.” She forced a dry laugh. “But five thousand dollars in one night. I can take a few more hits for that. That’s Christmas; for everybody. Twice if I budget.”

[harperbennet]

Harper continued to shake her head, she almost couldn't believe what Promise was saying. "No, no. No amount of money is worth it if you're.. abused." She had a hard time saying the word. She felt her fists clench, who ever this man, no.. he wasn't a man, men don't do these kinds of things, animal was a better word. Who ever this animal was, she wanted to make him suffer. "Promise.. please, I beg of you, don't do this anymore. This could have ended so much worse." She was trying so hard to push down the rising tide inside her. "You could have been..." She trailed off, not wanting to say it."And than what would have happened to the boys? Your family? ...me."

[nataliexpetrovskii]

Uncovering What's Been Covered || Promise & Harper

[nataliexpetrovskii]

For a moment, Promise just looked like a deer in the headlights as Harper came in. And then she felt sick to her stomach and not because of the pregnancy. She could only turn back to the mirror as she fought off tears and continue covering the bruises like she had been her entire life. Her wrists were also bruised from being held so roughly. “Harper, don’t..” Her voice was choked; she didn’t need the reminder of what happened the night before. “Please..”

[harperbennet]

Harper shook her head, she wasn't about to let this happen. "No.. I can't just let this go.." She took a step towards her, reaching her hand out to touch her shoulder but pulled it back quickly. The bruises reminded her of the things she tried so hard to forget. How could she not have noticed? She spent years trying to perfect how to cover up. "Promise. You need to get away from that."

[nataliexpetrovskii]

Uncovering What's Been Covered || Promise & Harper

Promise was in the bathroom, the door closed all the way except for an inch crack, so she could hear the boys. She already was sick once that morning, but gingerale and crackers happened and now she felt fine. She was covering up a few bruises on her face very carefully - and expertly - when she heard the boys knock something over and then Italian shouts. She called out to them in Russian to clean up if they expected chocolate milk later with their snack; told them to give Harper a kiss for her, too. Each of them kissed a cheek, then went to clean up the mess in the playroom. “I’ll be out in a few minutes, Harper! That sickness thing is killing me!” She strained her neck, groaning in annoyance, as she saw almost a handprint on her neck along with a hickey or two, and she mumbled to herself in Russian, wincing as she continued to cover them up.

[harperbennet]

Harper shook her head and chuckled as the boys ran off to clean up their mess. They loved her, she knew that, and she loved them, after all, they were her brothers and they always would be. And it actually felt nice not being the youngest. After hear promise call out, she figured she could help her, do what, she wasn't sure. She made her way to the bathroom and gently pushed the door open, "Are you sure you want to the sore? I mean I could--" She cut herself off when she stepped in fully, looking over Promise. She felt it again, the rage pooling up from her gut. Someone had laid hands on her best friend. "Who did this? What was his name? Tell me. I swear to God.."