Read Online Harp's Song by Cassie Shine - Free Book Online

back here. Lucky for me, I guess, there is no outward sign of my mom’s attack so I should be off the hook with having to tell Connor or Catherine about what happened, or them finding out by seeing the evidence.
    After throwing everything together in a duffel bag, I hear Emma honk and I make a beeline for the front door. Just as I’m turning the knob on the door, my mom grabs my arm and yanks me to a stop.
    “Remember what I told you. I will make your life a living hell if you think you can really get away with this.”
    Facing her, I see all the years of anger and pain lining her face. My heart aches for that happy girl in the pictures I found. Even with the pain in my head and back, nothing hurts as much as her words—they sting and bruise my heart leaving permanent damage and I can’t do it anymore.
    “I don’t know why you hate me so much, mother , but I cannot wait to get away from you. You are the pathetic one, not me. Do you think my life has been easy, Huh? Well, it hasn’t, but you don’t see me sitting around wallowing in self-pity or drinking my sorrows away like you. Instead I chose to make a life for myself. A life that will get me away from you, a life that will make me happy.”
    Her face registers the shock from my words but I don’t stay long enough to hear her response and instead turn to run out the front door into Emma’s car.
    “Everything …”
    “Go—please go. Quick,” I cut Emma off.
    “Hey, Harp, what happened? Did you get in a fight with your mom?”
    I’m staring out the window not paying attention until Emma’s question finally pulls me from my thoughts. I look around realizing we are in her driveway. I wonder how long we’ve been sitting here. I look at Emma. Concern clearly etched on her face. I shake my head, take a deep breath and wipe away the tears that had unknowingly slid down my face.
    “Sorry, Emma, but I’m ok. Just a stupid fight with my mom—it was nothing. I don’t know why I’m so upset. Can we just forget about it and go inside and get ready? I want to get this night over with.”
    “Of course. Listen, I know you’re usually pretty reserved, and Connor’s your best friend, but I’m your friend too and if you need anything you can always talk to me.”
    “Thanks, Emma, you really are great,” I say sincerely.
    We get ready in Emma’s bedroom, and after she begs and begs to let her do my makeup, I concede. I see her pull out a huge case of makeup and I begin to panic, but once she’s done, I look at myself in the mirror and see how the eye shadow and liner along with the mascara, really make my eyes stand out and create a striking difference between my other features. I smile and give her a hug.
    I had planned on wearing jeans and a T-shirt, but Emma wouldn’t have it. Now I’m wearing a white tank top with my skinny jeans. She also gave me her black leather jacket and her tall black boots.
    “Emma, this is too much,” I say skeptically. “I look older and I kinda look like a badass … I don’t know about this.”
    “Exactly,” she says clapping her hands while jumping up and down, “I know you are going to win tonight. You showing up looking like this, it will really make him think you mean business. Plus, you look hot!”
    “Hot, huh?” I look at myself in her full-length mirror again. I have to admit, she is right. I am definitely playing the part tonight and look good doing it.
    On our way to JJ’s, I get a text from Connor.
    Connor: On the bus. Be there soon. U ok?
    Me: Freaking out. We r pulling in now.
    Connor: Just stay calm + stay close to Emma. Be there as soon as I can.
    Me: Did u win 2night?
    Connor: Yes!
    Me: ☺
    Hearing from Connor makes me feel better, but that quickly dissipates when Emma pulls into a parking spot. JJ’s is the staple dive bar in town. It’s been around for ages and only the hard-core go there for drinks. It’s got the most pool tables in town and has become known as a hangout for underage kids since