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Kat xx

When I first met Kat,she was distant. But now. I may be ten years younger, but we’re becoming firm friends. Not something I’m used to. Girl friends have been few and far between.

Leah places the flowers on the kitchen island, while Gabriel and Caleb hook up the flat screen TV. The buildershave incorporated all the cables into the walls, but the boys make themselves useful drilling holes and arguing about where each bracket goes. Watching the twins is hilarious, especially with Leah rolling her eyes every five minutes.

“Are they always like this?” I ask, stepping into the kitchen.

“Yes.” Is all she says laughing.

I walk into my bedroom to find the bed made up, my new throws and pillows skilfully arranged. Harper comes out of the en suite, jumping when she catches sight of me.

“Sorry,” she says. “I couldn’t resist. I love interior design and fashion. I thought I’d make it welcoming. Heaven only knows, you won’t want to be making up your bed after everyone finally leaves.”

I stare at the woman who’s three years younger than me. She and I could not be more different. She’s decked out in designer labels, likes to party hard, and lives her life through social media, yet there’s something about her.

“Thank you, Harper. I love it. I would never have thought to dress it like this. It looks amazing,” I tell her truthfully.

I would have thrown everything on the bed.

Harper grins, and I realise something. Her older siblings treat her like the baby of the family. But I suspect there’s a lot more to Harper Frazer than they realise.

“If you want to dress the sofa or anything else, please feel free. I have the flare of a gnat,” I admit.

“Really?” Harper says, as though not truly believing me.

“Really. Your brother has spoiled me, but I’m clueless. If you’re willing to help.”

“Absolutely. If you ever want a shopping companion,” she says. “Not that I’m saying there’s anything wrong with your clothes.” Her cheeks darken and I laugh.

“Harper, that would be great. I’ve never had a girlfriend to go shopping with.” I laugh.

Harper’s eyes widen in surprise.

“I spend all my time at the dance studio,” I explain. When she nods, a horrible thought crosses my mind. “I won’t be able to shop where you shop. My little business doesn’t pay that much. But I’d love to go shopping with you.”

“Done deal,” she says, coming forward and tucking her arm into mine. “It’s all about choosing appropriate items.”

It’s only then I look around and notice the knick-knacks on the sideboard. A photo frame with pictures of me when I was younger. Me dancing with Di. There’s even a picture of me with Sarah, from when I was a baby.

I break free from Harper’s grip and move to the chest of draws.

“Where?” I say, turning to find Caleb stood in the doorway.

“I wondered where you disappeared to,” he says, stepping into the room.

“I’ll leave you to it,” Harper says, heading for the door, touching her brother’s arm as she leaves.

“Where?” I repeat the question, picking up the photo of me as a baby.

“Sarah sent me some photos. She has an album from when you lived with her. I also spoke to Di. She gave me the ones of you dancing.”

A lump forms in my throat as I take in the photographs and their frames. My smile spreads when I see one of myself and Caleb. I remember the moment. We are lying on a picnic blanket in the park.

There’s another one of us with his family, taken at his mother’s birthday.

“You don’t have to keep that one,” he says, stepping up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist.

“Why?” I turn my head and stare into his eyes. “I love it. I may have to move these out of my bedroom, however…”