Chapter 28 - Harper

Two weeks later

I stagger once more and hold onto the railing of the stairs. I laugh out loud for no reason. I'm so uninhibited that it doesn't take much for my emotions to surface easily. I put one foot in front of the other and push myself. I stagger again, even though I manage to climb the step. To my right, Lara, who holds me tightly so I don't fall. She staggers too, and we burst out laughing. I feel Cynthia's hand on my back, pushing me.

“Pair of drunks!” The blonde snaps. “You should be ashamed.”

“But, Love. I'm fine,” Lara says. “We were just having a good time,” she sounds sober, although I don't know if she's faking it.

“Look at nothing else.” Cynthia's voice is reproachful. “I accept it from you, but from Harper?”

I turn my head a little to see my friend's face.

“Honey, I'm fine. I only accompanied her because she needed