For as long as Harley-Jean could remember, breakfast at the Walter house had been part of the routine. She couldn't recall exactly when it started; maybe it had been gradual, a handful of mornings that turned into an unspoken tradition. But now, it was something she couldn't imagine living without. 

Wake up. Get ready. Head to the Walters.

"Good morning, family!" Harley called as she stepped into the kitchen; her voice was bright and cheerful over the hum of activity. 

Katherine stood by the stove, flipping pancakes. George sat at the table, half hidden behind the morning paper. Cole, her best friend, was hunched over a bowl of cereal, lazily stirring it with a spoon. 

"Sleep with anyone?" Harley teased as she slid onto the barstool beside him, a smirk playing on her lips. 

Cole didn't even look up. "Cry over anyone?" he shot back, voice dry but laced with amusement. 

"Yeah, cried over my dad, not that you'd know what it's like," Harley spoke, reaching over and snagging his spoon right out of his hand before he could react.

"You started it," he said, finally sparing her a glance. 

"What's the plan for today?" she asked, stuffing a stolen bite of his cereal into her mouth. 

Cole sighed, slouching in his chair. "That girl from New York gets here today." 

Harley hummed through her mouthful, her expression deliberately flat. "Oh no. Not that girl. How will we ever survive?"

Cole levelled her with an unimpressed stare, making Halrey pat him on the back. "Her parents did die, so show some sympathy." 

"I show too much sympathy for you," Cole mumbled. Harley grinned as she dodged his attempt to snatch the spoon back. "You're the one who's all doom and gloom with her coming here." Harley reminded him. 

Cole rolled his eyes and yanked the spoon from her grip. 

Harley leaned her chin on her palm, sighing dramatically. "I want to go swimming." 

"The pool's right there," Cole said, motioning toward the back door. 

Harley smiled. "Meet me outside?" 

"Ten minutes," he said, smirking as she hopped off the stool and strolled toward the door. 

"Try not to drown in self-pity before then," She called out as she walked outside. 

Cole rolled his eyes, fighting off his grin. 

"That is not how you play volleyball!" Harley shouted over the music, her voice cutting through the air. 

On the other side of the news, Cole laughed with a mischievous grin on his face. "Come on, Harley-Jean, it's just a stupid game." 

Harley huffed, muttering under her breath, "I think you're stupid."

Cole cupped a hand around his ear. "What was that?" He ducked under the net, his teasing smirk widening as he moved closer.

"I said you're stu—" Her words dissolved into a shriek as Cole grabbed her with zero effort, scooping her up and tossing her straight into the water.

She surfaced a second later, sputtering, hair plastered to her face. Cole, of course, was already swimming away, laughing like he'd just pulled off the greatest prank in history.

"Cole, I swear to God!" Harley yelled as she adjusted the straps to her blank bikini top. 

Before she could launch after him, the music abruptly cut off, everyone's attention turning over to the speaker where Will, the oldest Walter child, stood. His voice rang out over the backyard. 

"Hey, everyone! This is Jackie."

Harley paused, treading water as her gaze flicked toward the patio. A petite girl with sleek, dark hair stood beside Will, looking like she wasn't entirely sure what to do with herself.

"Hello," Jackie greeted, offering a small, uncertain wave.

"Hey!" Parker said warily next to her brother, Benny.

Will started pointing around the pool. "That's Parker, and that's Benny over there."

Cole pulled himself out of the water, grabbed a towel, and instantly, Jackie's eyes flickered towards him. Harley didn't miss it, the way Jackie's attention lingered, like Cole was the most fascinating thing she'd ever seen. It wasn't exactly new, 

Will turned to them next. "Wanna introduce yourselves?" 

Cole smirked, leaning back against a lounge chair like he had all the time in the world. "She'll figure it out."

Harley rolled her eyes, climbing out of the pool and grabbing a towel. She smacked Cole's leg with it before wrapping it around herself. "Hey, I'm Harley," she said, giving Jackie a casual wave.

Will grinned. "Harley's Cole's best friend. But honestly, she's basically family around here."

Harley dropped onto the edge of her chair and leaned toward Cole. "Dude," she whispered.

Cole hummed in response, not even looking at her.

"Sympathy," she reminded, her tone pointed.

Cole, naturally, ignored her, his smirk never faltering.

Before Harley could press him further, the Walters' golden retriever, Albert, came barreling out of the pool, shaking himself off with full force. A spray of water shot everywhere—directly onto Jackie.

She let out a startled squeak, stumbling back.

"Albert, no!" Will groaned, already reaching for a towel. He threw an apologetic look at Jackie as he led her toward the house. "Hey, can you guys bring Jackie's stuff upstairs?"

Cole turned to Harley expectantly.

"Well, you heard him," she said, lying back against the chair with a contented sigh.

"You gonna help?" Cole asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nope." She grinned, eyes shutting.

The next morning, as always, Harley strolled through the front door of the Walter house and straight into its signature brand of chaos.

"Morning, family!" she called, effortlessly weaving her way through the crowded kitchen. The air buzzed with overlapping conversations and bickering. 

Finally reaching Cole, she greeted him the only way she knew how: with a light smack to the back of his head.

"Morning, sunshine," she teased.

Cole barely flinched, tugging lazily at one of her braids. "Morning, pest."

"Hey, Harl's!" Katherine was greeted warmly, sliding a plate of food toward her without a second thought.

Harley grinned, her heart swelling at the small but familiar act of care. She dug in, letting the noise of the Walters wash over her. This was comfort—the kind of messy, chaotic love she thrived in.

And then Cole stole a bite of her food.

"Hey!" she whined, yanking her plate away.

"Payback for yesterday," he said smugly, licking his fingers like he had just won a prize. Before she could retaliate, he grabbed her wrist and hauled her to her feet.

"Bus is leaving in five!" he announced, dragging her toward the door as she scrambled to grab her bag.

"But my breakfast", Harley whined, looking over at her lonely plate.

Outside, Harley hopped into the passenger seat of Cole's beat-up truck, watching as the rest of the Walters spilled out of the house in a blur of shoving, shouting, and last-second shoe-tying.

Then, Cole's voice cut through the noise.

"Come on, New York."

Harley followed his gaze and spotted Jackie lingering on the sidewalk, backpack slung over one shoulder. She looked hesitant, out of place among the rowdy Walters.

"New York? Seriously?" Harley scoffed, shooting Cole a look as Jackie slowly stepped forward.

"What about it?" Cole shrugged, already starting the engine.

Alex hopped out and pulled the door open, making space for Jackie to squeeze into the middle seat between Harley and Cole.

"Thanks," Jackie murmured as she climbed in, her voice quiet.

Harley caught the nervous glance Jackie sent her way and offered a small smile in return—just enough to say, You'll get used to it.

With everyone finally packed in, Cole pulled out of the driveway, the truck filled with loud conversations and laughter as they sped toward another day at school.

The car ride wasn't awkward—unless you were Jackie.

She sat stiffly in the middle seat, surrounded by the Walters' relentless, chaotic energy. They argued over nonsense, jumped between inside jokes she couldn't follow, and made it seem like the truck itself was alive with their voices. It wasn't uncomfortable, exactly—just overwhelming.

By the time they pulled into the high school parking lot, Harley threw her head back in dramatic agony.

"I hate this place," she announced with great suffering.

From the back seat, Isaac leaned forward and patted her shoulder in mock sympathy. "We know. You remind us every single day."

The others chuckled as Cole lazily waved at a passing group of cheerleaders. "Alright, heads up," he said, shifting into park. "Full car today, so no offering rides to cheerleaders, Isaac. And we leave at 3:30. Sharp. Got it?"

Harley climbed out first, her phone already in hand as she leaned against the truck door. Absentmindedly scrolling, she barely registered Jackie still sitting inside, her fingers clutching the straps of her bag like a lifeline.

Harley sighed softly. She didn't know Jackie's full story, but she could tell she was overwhelmed.

Stepping over, she tapped lightly on the open window. "Hey." Her voice softened just a little.

Jackie looked up but avoided her eyes.

"You coming in?" Harley asked, offering an encouraging smile.

Jackie hesitated, then gave a small nod.

"Come on," Harley said, tilting her head toward the school. "I'll show you around."

Jackie seemed grateful but unsure, finally stepping out of the car. They walked together toward where Cole, Nathan, and Danny stood at the back of the truck.

"So, what do you think?" Cole asked, hands stuffed in his jeans pockets, ever the picture of effortless confidence.

Jackie glanced around, shifting her bag on her shoulders. "It's... big," she admitted, eyeing the sprawling campus.

Cole smirked. "Not like one of those fancy Manhattan schools, huh?"

Harley shot him a glare. "Cut it out, dude," she snapped before turning back to Jackie, her tone gentler. "Trust me, you'll be fine."

Before Jackie could respond, a sickly sweet voice rang out.

"Cole!"

Harley groaned before even turning around.

Erin sauntered over, all glossy hair and fake smiles, her attention laser-focused on Cole. "Hi," she greeted, leaning in to kiss him like they weren't standing in the middle of the parking lot.

Harley scratched the back of her neck, making no effort to hide her discomfort. She hated Erin—and the fact that Cole kept her around only made it worse.

Cole, for his part, didn't seem to care who was watching. He and Erin wrapped around each other like no one else existed.

"Good luck today, New York," he said over his shoulder as he walked off, Erin clinging to his arm.

Harley threw her arms up. "Yeah, I'll meet you at lunch, don't worry!" she called after him, dripping with sarcasm. She turned back to Nathan and Danny, dramatically gagging.

"That," she explained to Jackie as they headed toward the school, "is Cole's on-again, off-again, nightmare of a girlfriend. And I hate her. She's so annoying. But what can I do?"

Jackie glanced at her curiously. "Are they together now?"

Harley sighed. "Not really. Cole doesn't date—hence the 'on-and-off' thing. It's toxic."

Danny chimed in as he held the door open for them. "It's always the same. He hooks up with random girls, but somehow it always leads back to Erin."

Jackie nodded slowly, taking in this new insight into Cole's world.

Harley caught her expression and offered a small, knowing smile. "Don't worry, you'll figure out how everything works around here soon enough."









Harley slouched in her math class seat, absently drumming her fingers against the desk as the teacher handed back the test results. She wasn't expecting a miracle, but the moment her paper landed in front of her, she still hesitated before looking. Peeking through her fingers, her stomach twisted.

A bold, bloody-red C+ glared up at her.

"Huh," she muttered, tilting her head. "I guess it's a 50/50 split with brains."

She glanced over her shoulder at Cole, who was frowning down at his own test. Curiosity prickled at her, and she leaned in slightly—just enough to catch sight of the D-scrawled across the top of his paper, with the ominous See me! written underneath.

Harley let out a low whistle. "Oof. Weren't you seeing a tutor?"

Cole exhaled heavily and leaned back in his chair, the picture of practised indifference. "Hooked up with her," he admitted with a lazy shrug, as if that explained everything.

Harley stared at him, disbelief written all over her face. "Seriously, Cole?"

Before she could dig into him, the bell rang, cutting their conversation short. She sighed, gathering her folder and tucking it under her arm as she stood.

"I'll see you at lunch?" she asked, watching him carefully.

Cole nodded, but there was something off about the way he did it—silent, distant, like he was already somewhere else.

Harley hesitated before heading for the door. Just as she stepped into the hallway, she glanced back.

Cole was still at his desk, his posture slouched, his fingers drumming anxiously against the edge of his test paper. Their math teacher was speaking to him, her voice low but firm. And then she saw it—how his shoulders dropped just a little further, how his jaw tensed before he gave a small, resigned nod.

Something tugged at Harley's chest.

She knew he had been struggling in school ever since the accident. Football had been everything to Cole, his escape, his future. And now... now, he was stuck in a place where he couldn't seem to find his footing.

She gripped her folder tighter, frustration and worry swirling together.

If only he could see himself the way she saw him. If only she could make him believe there was more out there for him.

But how do you convince someone of their own potential when they don't believe it exists?









Harley hated lunch. Most people saw it as the best part of the day. To her, it was the worst.

Despite technically being popular, she despised the clique she was stuck with. The biggest reason? Erin. But it wasn't just her—it was the whole group, orbiting around jocks and cheerleaders, built on shallow conversations and empty drama. Harley didn't fit, no matter how much she tried.

The only sport she'd ever truly loved was volleyball. And this school didn't even offer it.

But she never told Cole any of that. Being part of the jocks was all he had left of his old life, the only thing that made him feel normal. And she wasn't about to take that from him.

So she sat there, crammed into the booth, knees pulled to her chest, phone in hand, tuning everyone out. She was lost in her own little world until—

"All right, everyone, this is New York."

Cole's voice cut through the noise, making Harley look up. Her face instantly brightened when she saw Jackie standing beside him.

"New York, this is everyone," Cole said with an easy grin. "And you already know Harley."

Jackie shifted uncomfortably. "It's Jackie, actually," she corrected softly.

"Hi!" Olivia, one of Erin's friends, greeted her warmly.

Erin shot Olivia a subtle glare.

Cole motioned to the booth. "Sit."

And then—nothing.

No one moved.

The conversation carried on like Jackie wasn't even there. Harley felt her smile falter. She glanced around. The group barely acknowledged her; the new girl clearly not worth their time.

Cole's expression darkened. "Guys, move." His tone was firm, his gaze landing squarely on Erin.

Erin didn't flinch. "It's pretty crowded already," she said, her voice sugary-sweet, but edged with that familiar I don't care undertone.

Harley slammed her phone down on the table. "No, it's not."

The words came out sharp enough to make a few heads turn.

She pushed herself out of the booth, standing to her full height, arms crossed. "Move your legs," she snapped, glaring at Erin before sweeping her gaze over the rest of them. "Scoot. Over. Now."

A few exchanged uncertain glances. No one wanted to challenge Erin. But no one wanted to challenge Harley either. Slowly—reluctantly—they shifted, making just enough space.

Harley exhaled, snatching a chair from a nearby table and dragging it over. She plopped down beside the booth, picking up her phone again like she wasn't still simmering with frustration. "See, it wasn't that hard." She muttered. 

A moment later, a hand brushed her knee—quick, barely there.

She looked up. Cole.

His expression was soft, a silent thank you.

Harley met his eyes for a beat before nodding slightly and turning back to her phone. The knot in her chest loosened—just a little.

At least Jackie had a spot now.








Harley sat at the Walters' kitchen table, her laptop open in front of her, fingers tapping steadily against the keys. The hum of the house surrounded her—the clatter of dishes, the sizzle from the stove, the murmur of conversation.

Spending breakfast and dinner here had become a tradition, a second home she didn't take for granted. She cherished the chaos, the warmth, the way the Walters made space for her like she belonged.

"There you are!" Katherine's voice rang out cheerfully as Jackie stepped into the kitchen.

Harley glanced up from her screen, offering a small smile. She'd felt a twinge of guilt all afternoon, knowing Cole had left Jackie behind at school. If she'd been with him, that wouldn't have happened.

"How was your first day, sweetheart?" Katherine asked, turning toward Jackie, who lingered near the counter.

Jackie shrugged lightly. "Ah, it was okay. I met some nice people."

"Oh, that's wonderful!" Katherine beamed, her warmth as effortless as ever.

Jackie hesitated, then lifted a white bag. "Oh, and I brought this," she added, a shy smile playing at her lips.

Katherine's eyes lit up. "Oh, thank you! I'm going to hide this in the freezer—just for us," she said with a conspiratorial wink.

"Heard that," George called from the sink, eliciting a giggle from Harley.

Jackie shifted slightly. "How's Bo?" she asked curiously.

Katherine's face softened. "He's doing good! I think he'll be up and running in no time. Thanks for asking, sweetheart."

As their conversation carried on, the rich aroma of garlic and herbs thickened in the air, wrapping around Harley like a familiar embrace. Her gaze drifted toward George, who was draining a pot of steaming pasta before pouring it into a massive serving bowl.

"Ooh, that smells amazing," Harley murmured, leaning over slightly as if to sneak a bite.

"Don't even think about it," George teased, swatting the air playfully with a spoon.

He turned to Katherine. "Hey, honey, are you about ready?"

"Just about!" Katherine replied, tucking the bag into the freezer with exaggerated care.

George's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Okay, I'll go get them."

Harley barely had time to react before she knew what was coming.

Quickly, she clapped her hands over her ears.

"FOOD!" George bellowed, his voice rattling the walls.

The thunder of footsteps echoed in response.

Harley grinned, laptop forgotten as the Walters' signature dinner chaos began.










Harley sat next to Cole, idly twirling her spaghetti around her fork as the usual hum of chatter filled the dining room. George moved around the table, offering second helpings, while Katherine followed behind, refilling glasses with practised ease.

"Can I help?" Jackie asked hesitantly, lingering near the counter.

Katherine turned with a warm smile. "Oh! No, sweetheart, take a seat."

Jackie hesitated before nodding, her smile fading as she stepped toward an open chair beside Alex. Before she could sit, Parker appeared, holding a bowl of garlic bread. She scowled. "That's my seat."

Jackie blinked, startled. "Oh—sorry," she mumbled, quickly stepping back, eyes darting around for another spot.

But the table was full.

"Jordan, grab another chair," Katherine called over her shoulder.

A moment later, Jordan plopped an extra seat at the end of the table. Jackie sat down just as Katherine cheerfully announced, "All right, bon appétit!"

She barely had a chance to pick up her fork before something shifted beneath her.

Jackie froze.

Frowning, she reached under her chair and felt something smooth and alive.

The scream that tore from her throat shattered the room.

Her plate clattered to the floor, spaghetti splattering across her clothes as she yanked out a writhing snake.

"RUMPLE!" Jordan yelled, launching forward to grab his pet.

Harley's fork slipped from her hand as the table erupted into laughter, stifled giggles mixing with whispers.

Jackie stood rigid, her breath shallow, her face burning.

"Oh my god—let me help you," Katherine rushed forward, reaching for her, but Jackie jerked away.

Without a word, she bolted.

"Jackie!" Katherine called after her, but the girl was already disappearing up the stairs.

The laughter around the table swelled until Katherine slammed her hand down on the table.

"Enough!"

The room fell silent.

"You guys—just stop." Her voice was firm, but not angry. Just disappointed.

The smirks faded. Jordan shrank back in his seat, cradling his snake.

Katherine exhaled, softening just slightly. "I know it's an adjustment having someone new here. But Jackie has been through more than any of us can imagine. She does not deserve this."

George, still kneeling to clean up the mess, nodded. His voice carried quiet authority. "And from now on, we treat her with kindness and respect. Same as anyone else. Got it?"

No one argued. The weight of their words settled over the room.

Harley nudged Cole, lowering her voice. "We've officially reached the lecture stage of our friendship," Cole smirked faintly and shoved her head away, but his gaze lingered on the staircase Jackie had fled up.

George straightened, dusting off his hands. "All right. Let's eat."

But dinner didn't feel quite the same.