Fallen

Chapter Two

Stepping into the room, Harper didn't bother to knock to announce her arrival. Just as with any time she appeared at this door, it would be to the surprise of the occupant. At this point, why Grace even bothered being surprised when Harper just barged into her room would never be understood. It happened so frequently it could hardly be considered a surprise anymore.

And yet, as Grace emerged from her bathroom at the same time Harper pushed the door closed behind her, the former let out a little squeak.

Bringing her hand to her chest, Grace panted a breath.

"Jesus, Harper, you scared the hell out of me."

To this, Harper merely smirked. "And yet, here you are, with the twinkle of hell still in your eyes. Hardly a reason to bother Jesus with the matter, don't you think?"

Grace rolled her eyes as her sullen and never without a sarcastic retort cousin tossed herself dramatically onto the bed that dominated the room.

The storm that had overtaken the Los Angeles sky hours before had long passed, leaving in its wake a beautiful clear blue above. There was hardly a cloud in sight as Harper turned her green eyes towards the tall windows along the far side of the room, but this only seemed to increase her sour mood.

Grace didn't even bother to approach her cousin, as this type of melancholy was something she was more than familiar with.

"So what is it now?" she asked instead, as she began to pick up errant clothes she had strewn about the room.

Harper lifted her head, scowling at Grace's indifference.

"You make it seem as though I always have a problem when I come to see you."

"That's because you do," Grace returned with a teasing grin. "And it's usually the same kind of problem."

"And what is that?"

"A guy," she replied plainly, tossing the armful of clothes into her hamper which sat just outside the bathroom door.

Harper let her head fall back to the bed, folding her hands over her stomach glancing around with a sigh. She had always loved Grace's room. It was smaller than her own but had a warmer, more comfortable feel. The dark wood floor, the large bed with crisp linen. These things matched her own personal space, but Grace had the view of the city beyond her windows, where Harper had the view of the gardens. Some would prefer the garden; a private oasis away from the bustle of the city. And yet, Harper was drawn to the lights, the sounds and the actions that never seemed to cease. So much more than she was ever drawn to the tranquility of the flowers outside her windows.

Feeling the bed shift under Grace's weight, Harper turned to find her cousin now laying beside her, linking her own hands over her stomach. Turning, she offered Harper a grin.

"So?"

"So what?" Harper smiled, deciding to feign ignorance to her true reason for this impromptu visit.

Of course, Grace was having none of it.

"For goodness sake, just tell me what is bugging you so we can talk it out and be done with it."

Of course, Harper snorted. "Very sympathetic of you."

"You don't need my sympathy," Grace corrected. "You need my wisdom. I'm not the sympathetic one, remember? If that is what you came here for, I feel I should direct you to Joshua. That is his forte."

This only caused Harper to frown. As if she needed the reminder of their family traits. Sympathy. Honor. Wisdom. Each family had their own strength, as they would if they were home.