Chapter Sixteen
“Hey, Hadley,” Harmony greeted cheerfully as she stepped onto the patio. She walked across the grass to where Macy and I swung back and forth on the swings.
I gave her a soft smile. “Hey, how’s it going?”
“Pretty good. Kinda strange being back here, but also kinda nice to see the boys and Chelsea again,” she answered as she leaned against the swing set.
“They’re great guys, I’m gonna miss them too when I leave.”
Harmony frowned. “I’m not really sure about all the details, but after everything is finished you’re still going to leave?”
I nodded but looked away, instead smiling at Macy as she pumped her legs furiously to try and keep the swing moving. “Yeah, I think so. I have nothing against the club girl lifestyle, but I want to do other things, too.”
“Like what?” she asked, tilting her head to the side.
“I want to be a teacher.”
Harmony nodded. “Little kids?”
I giggled. “No. Big ones. I’m halfway through a teaching degree in high school English.”
Harmony looked surprised. “Wow.”
I shrugged. “I love these little guys to pieces, but I’m really passionate about reading and writing. And to get in depth with that kind of stuff, you really have to go for the older kids.”
“The ones with raging hormones and attitude problems.” Harmony laughed.
I joined her. “Yup. Unfortunately, they come as a package deal.”
Harmony seemed to think for a moment. “Hey, maybe you could talk to Optimus and Chelsea. Harlyn has had problems reading at school, maybe you could work with her?”
Harlyn had been a quiet girl since I arrived a few weeks ago, but Rose told me she hadn’t always been that way. She’d been bullied and teased and with her mom basically walking out on her, she’d turned in on herself.
“For sure. I’d love to help.”
“I think Chelsea’s in with her now doing some homework, I can watch Macy for a minute if you wanna shoot in and have a chat with her?”
I looked to Macy, who was climbing off the swing and heading for the jungle gym. “Are you sure? I told Leo I’d watch her.”
Harmony waved me off with a flick of her wrist. “Don’t panic. I used to watch Macy when I was here. Leo will be fine.”
I grinned. “Okay.” Jumping off the swing, I called out to Macy telling her I would be back soon. She gave me a wave and yelled to Harmony to come climb with her.
Heading inside, I let my eyes adjust to the darkness before looking around in search of Chelsea. There were a handful of brothers mingling around. When I couldn’t see her, I headed upstairs to see if they were studying in the bedroom.
Op and Chelsea’s room was at the end of the hall, but as I passed by Leo’s, I noticed the door was open. I stopped, chewing on my lip, wondering if I should see if he was back. Deciding to take a quick peek, I ducked my head into the small gap, my eyes searching the room. Spotting him sitting at the edge of his bed with his elbows on his knees and his head hanging low, I automatically felt the need to comfort him.
“Leo?” I asked softly as I pushed the door open. It squeaked a little and his head shot up.
His eyes seemed distant. “Where’s Macy?”
“Uh… with Harmony. I just came up to find Chelsea for something,” I answered nervously, thinking maybe I should have just kept Macy with me.
But Leo just nodded robotically.
I cleared my throat. “Leo, are you all right?” He didn’t answer, just staring blankly. “Okay, let me know if you need anything. I’m gonna go back down—”
“Come in,” he said sternly. I hesitated, and his eyes looked to me in a deep frown. “Come in,” he repeated, his voice firm.