“Yeah, she’s out,” Alex said. “I kinda can’t believe she’s sleeping. The last week must’ve been really hard on her.”

“It definitely has,” Daniel agreed. “Every time I see her, she just seems so exhausted and sad.”

“Hopefully, when Gemma comes home she’ll feel better,” Alex said.

“Yeah, I hope so.”

The boys lapsed into a silence, and Harper decided to try to sleep again. If they weren’t saying anything interesting, it would be better for her to get some rest. She wanted to be wide awake when they found Gemma.

“How long have you known Harper?” Daniel asked, and the sound of her name perked her up again.

“Um, I don’t know exactly,” Alex answered. “I think, like, ten years or so. Why?”

“I don’t know,” Daniel replied quickly. “No reason. I was just curious.”

“Oh,” Alex said. “How long have you known her?”

“A few months,” Daniel said, then fell silent for a minute before asking, “So … you and Harper have been friends that whole time?”

“Pretty much,” Alex said. “We haven’t been talking as much since I started dating Gemma.”

“How come, do you think?” Daniel asked. “Is Harper sorta jealous?”

“Nah, I don’t think so,” Alex said. “Harper isn’t a very jealous person. I think she’s just kinda weirded out because Gemma’s her kid sister and me and Harper have been friends for so long.”

“But you guys were just friends, right?” Daniel asked. “I mean, it was never…” He trailed off.

“Are you asking me if Harper and I ever dated?” Alex asked.

“Yeah, I guess,” Daniel said, sounding uncomfortable. “Or, you know, if you ever hooked up or anything.”

“No, never,” Alex said.

“Why not?” Daniel asked.

“I don’t know.” Alex sighed. “We just didn’t. It never occurred to us. It’s like asking why you never hooked up with your sister or something.”

“I don’t have a sister.”

“You know what I mean,” Alex said.

“I do, but that’s so … strange,” Daniel said.

“Why is that so strange?” Alex asked.

“I don’t know. She’s a pretty girl, you’re a teenage boy. I guess I just don’t understand how you could just be friends for so long without anything happening.”

“Guys and girls can be friends. It happens. I mean, you and Harper are friends.” Then it finally seemed to dawn on Alex what they were talking about. “Oh. You and Harper aren’t just friends.”

“No, we are,” Daniel replied quickly. “I mean … we … I … It’s complicated.”

“How is it complicated?” Alex asked.

“Well, for starters … I think she hates me,” Daniel said.

“She does not hate you,” Alex assured him.

“Yeah?” Daniel sounded hopeful. “How do you know?”