Chapter 20: New Beginnings

The weeks turned into months, the seasons shifting as Harper settled into her new life. College was well underway, her days packed with lectures, study groups, and long hours at the law office. The transition from high school to college had been smoother than she’d expected, largely thanks to the stability she’d gained from her apartment and her job.

She’d quickly discovered that college wasn’t just about academics—it was about navigating a new world where she was no longer defined by her past. Most of her classmates didn’t know her story, and she liked it that way. For once, she could focus on being herself, not the homeless girl who lived in her car.

Her classes were challenging, but she loved them. Constitutional Law and Ethics were her favorites, though the workload often left her feeling overwhelmed. She’d taken to studying at the office during her breaks, and more than once, Blyaine had caught her buried in a stack of textbooks.

“Harper,” Blyaine had said one afternoon, standing in the doorway of the break room with an amused look on her face. “Do you ever stop working?”

Harper had laughed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Not if I want to keep my grades up.”

“You’re going to burn out,” Blyaine warned, but there was a hint of pride in her voice.

Harper had shrugged. “I’ll rest when I have a degree.”

---

The internship had evolved, too. Harper was no longer the quiet, wide-eyed girl who fetched coffee and filed paperwork. She’d proven herself time and again, her intelligence and dedication catching the attention of everyone in the office—especially Blyaine.

One morning, Harper arrived to find Blyaine waiting for her in the conference room, a stack of documents spread out on the table.

“Harper,” Blyaine began, gesturing for her to sit.

Harper hesitated, her stomach fluttering with nerves. “Did I do something wrong?”

Blyaine shook her head, offering a small smile. “Quite the opposite. You’ve been exceptional, and I think it’s time we talk about your future here.”

Harper blinked, her mind racing. “My future?”

Blyaine nodded, leaning forward slightly. “I want to offer you a full-time position as my assistant. You’d still be able to balance your college classes, of course, but this would come with a significant pay increase and more responsibilities.”

Harper stared at her, stunned. “You want me to be your assistant?”

“Yes,” Blyaine said, her voice firm. “You’ve already been doing the work. You’re organized, efficient, and—most importantly—you think critically. Those are rare qualities, Harper.”

Harper’s cheeks flushed, a mix of pride and disbelief washing over her. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Say yes,” Blyaine said, her tone softening.

Harper laughed, shaking her head in amazement. “Yes. Of course, yes.”

“Good,” Blyaine said, standing and extending her hand. “Welcome to the team, officially.”

Harper shook her hand, her grip firm despite the nervous energy coursing through her.

---

The new role came with its own set of challenges. Harper found herself juggling even more responsibilities, from drafting emails to organizing Blyaine’s calendar to assisting with research on high-profile cases. But she thrived under the pressure, her confidence growing with each passing day.

Her relationship with Blyaine continued to evolve, too. They’d developed an unspoken rhythm, a quiet understanding that made their work seamless. But outside of the office, their interactions had taken on a more personal tone.

---

One evening, Harper sat in her apartment, surrounded by textbooks and legal briefs. Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen to see a text from Blyaine.

Blyaine: How’s the studying going?

Harper smiled, typing a quick reply. Harper: Slowly. Constitutional Law might be the death of me.

Blyaine: You’ll be fine. You’re one of the smartest people I know.

Harper’s cheeks warmed at the compliment. Harper: Thanks, Blyaine. That means a lot.

There was a pause before another message came through.

Blyaine: Don’t forget to take breaks.

Harper laughed softly, setting her phone aside. Blyaine’s concern, though understated, was a constant presence in her life.

---

The weeks flew by, and Harper found herself settling into a new normal. She’d gotten a new (used) car with Blyaine’s help, and though it wasn’t flashy, it was reliable—a symbol of how far she’d come.

At work, she thrived under Blyaine’s mentorship. And though Blyaine maintained her professional demeanor, there were moments—fleeting but undeniable—when the lines between boss and employee seemed to blur. A lingering glance, a soft touch, a shared laugh.

But for now, Harper focused on the future. She had a long road ahead—college, work, and dreams of law school—but for the first time in her life, she felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be.

---

The apartment was quiet except for the sound of Harper shuffling around, unpacking the boxes that had been delivered earlier in the day. She stared down at the mountain of flat-packed furniture and the instruction booklets written in what might as well have been an alien language.

Harper sighed, brushing her hair out of her face and sitting cross-legged on the floor. “Why did I think I could do this by myself?” she muttered under her breath, her tools scattered around her like a battlefield.

Her phone buzzed on the coffee table. Without thinking, she picked it up and stared at Blyaine’s name on the screen. She hesitated for a long moment before typing out a message.

Harper: Do you think we’re friends?

The question felt awkward, but it had been bubbling under the surface for weeks. Harper couldn’t quite pin down their relationship. Was Blyaine still just her boss? A mentor? Or something more personal?

The reply came quicker than she expected.

Blyaine: Friends? I’d like to think so. Why do you ask?

Harper chewed her lip, typing carefully. Harper: Because I need a favor, and I don’t have anyone else to ask.

Another pause, and then: Blyaine: What kind of favor?

Harper felt her cheeks heat up as she stared at the chaos around her. Harper: I got new furniture delivered today, and I have no idea how to put it together.

She hesitated before adding: Harper: And… I’ve never had a sleepover before. It’s probably super immature, but I thought maybe… if we’re friends… you could stay?

The three dots indicating Blyaine was typing appeared and disappeared several times, making Harper’s heart pound.

Blyaine: A sleepover? I don’t think that’s immature. It sounds… nice.

Harper let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding.

Harper: Really?

Blyaine: Yes. I’ll bring tools. What’s your address?

---

An hour later, Harper opened the door to find Blyaine standing there, toolbox in hand and a soft smile on her face.

“I come bearing reinforcements,” Blyaine said, stepping inside and looking around at the scattered furniture pieces.

Harper laughed nervously, scratching the back of her neck. “Sorry for the mess. I didn’t realize how much assembly there would be.”

Blyaine set the toolbox down and shrugged off her coat. “Don’t worry. It’s nothing we can’t handle.”

The two of them got to work, Blyaine taking the lead while Harper handed her tools and tried to decipher the instructions. The air between them was comfortable, filled with light conversation and the occasional laugh when they put a piece together backward.

At one point, Harper paused, watching as Blyaine expertly assembled a bookshelf. “You’re really good at this,” she said, her tone filled with awe.

Blyaine glanced up, a small smirk on her lips. “I’ve had practice. You’d be surprised how much furniture I’ve put together over the years.”

As the evening wore on, they managed to assemble most of the furniture, the apartment finally starting to look more like a home. Harper ordered pizza, and they ate on the floor, chatting about everything from work to college to their favorite movies.

---

Later that night, Harper set up the couch with blankets and pillows, her nerves creeping in again. “I know this probably feels weird,” she said, avoiding Blyaine’s gaze.

“It doesn’t,” Blyaine said softly. “You said you’ve never had a sleepover before, right?”

Harper nodded, her cheeks flushing. “Yeah. I never had friends growing up. I didn’t really get to do… normal things.”

Blyaine’s expression softened, a mix of understanding and something Harper couldn’t quite name. “Well, then,” Blyaine said, taking a seat on the couch, “let’s make this your first proper sleepover.”

Harper smiled, feeling a warmth in her chest she hadn’t expected. “Thanks, Blyaine. For helping me and… for staying.”

Blyaine returned the smile, her voice gentle. “Anytime.”

As Harper turned off the lights and curled up in her bed, she couldn’t help but feel like, for the first time in her life, she wasn’t entirely alone.