Harper never thinks her Uber driver would notice the ancient watch her mother used. However, Harper’s life starts to fall apart as the driver Ethan starts disclosing old truths. Harper will no longer know anything about her mother after what he says next. Is Harper up to the devastating reality that will soon come to light?
I was going to be late. I put on cosmetics and hair swiftly.
A panic attack swept over me as I looked at the clock. I was still at my apartment, while Emily was having her birthday party downtown.
I had to move quickly. I picked up my phone and dialed an Uber right away.
Ethan, the driver, said he would there in five minutes. In the hopes of accelerating the journey, I chose to pay with cash.
I hurried to my bedroom, took out my handbag, and looked in the mirror.
I looked gorgeous in a green dress that was ideal for a party. I checked to make sure my clothes matched Mom’s watch, a lovely silver item.
My lucky charm had always been it, and I wanted this evening to be the best possible.
I heard the notice on my phone as I was putting on my shoes. Ethan was getting close.
I sprinted to the door, clutching my jacket, my pulse pounding.
I stopped for a second, calming myself with a deep breath. I locked my flat after leaving and went into the corridor.
I raced down the steps as the evening’s chilly air greeted my face.
I noticed the Uber waiting for Ethan inside a beautiful black sedan that was parked outside.
As I walked up, he glanced up and nodded.
“Are you Harper?” he said while lowering the car window.
Yes, it is who I am. I tried to catch my breath as I answered, “Thank you for waiting.
“No issue. “Join in,” he replied, grinning broadly.
I climbed into the vehicle, and we took off. Now that I was headed somewhere, I felt a little more at ease.
I hoped we wouldn’t encounter too much traffic because Ethan looked like a decent guy.
“So, where are you headed tonight?” Peering at me in the rearview mirror, Ethan questioned.
“Today is my friend’s birthday celebration. Swearing under my breath, I said, “I’m already late.”
Reassuring me, “Don’t worry, we’ll get you there as quickly as we can,”
I liked how composed he was.
I glanced at the clock as we sped through the downtown streets. All I could hope was that I wouldn’t miss too much of the festivities.
I did not want to let Emily down; she had spent weeks organizing this gathering. I took my phone out.
As we traveled, the lights of the metropolis flickered by.
I looked at my phone to see if Emily had provided any updates. Nothing as of yet.
I peered through the glass.
The only sounds were the occasional sound of passing cars and the soft hum of the car’s motor.
I looked at Ethan; his eyes were fixed on the road.
We eventually drove onto the street where the celebration was taking place, after what felt like an age.
As we drew nearer, I could see the dazzling lights and hear the faint sound of music. Ethan reduced his speed and drew up beside the curb.
“We’re here,” he replied, turning to face me.
“I appreciate it,” I said, grabbing my handbag.
He paused and gave me a contemplative look. “You know, you look exactly like the girl I dated in college,” he remarked, sounding a little nostalgic.
I gave an uneasy smile. “Are you serious? I tried to be kind as I responded, “That’s intriguing.
I was a little nervous and started looking for my wallet. It unnerved me a little to feel like I had Ethan’s attention. I at last located my wallet and took some cash out.
Ethan took the dollar from me and gave me an odd look as he gripped it securely. I had a surge of terror and my heart skipped a beat.
Was this guy gon’ rob me? His eyes were wide, his hold on the money was solid, and he had an intense stare that unnerved me.
I was going to withdraw my hand when Ethan blurted out, “Hey, what’s up?” “My goodness, I had assumed I wouldn’t see it again. “Maybe your mother’s name is Janet Wilkerson?” he said.
I became motionless. How was Mom’s name known to him?
Remaining stunned, I slowly nodded. “Yes, my mother is Janet Wilkerson. How are you acquainted with her?”
Ethan exhaled, obviously relieved. “This watch,” he gestured to it. “When we were in college, I gave it to Janet. After our brief relationship, I believed I had lost it forever.”
I looked at him, finding it difficult to comprehend what he had said. “You gave this watch to my mom?”
With a solemn attitude, Ethan gave a nod. Yes, I did. Harper, but, there’s more to the tale.
Curiousity and a hint of dread churned in my gut as I glanced at him. “What do you mean?”
With a sigh, he collected his thoughts. “I met your mom in college, along with Janet. She used to steal from patrons at bars to make ends meet since she was poor. I had my watch stolen the day we met, which is why you’re wearing it. When I subsequently learned that Janet owned it, I requested that she keep it.”
With a gasp, my eyes grew wide. “She stole it from you?”
A little smile was playing on Ethan’s lips as he nodded. Yes, but even with that, I thought she was endearing. You know, there was just something about her. Her small antics were delightful to me. Not long after, we began dating. I felt that perhaps I might help her to modify her behavior.”
I shook my head, experiencing a mixture of bewilderment and incredulity. “It’s unbelievable. I never heard any of this from her.”
“She wouldn’t,” Ethan murmured. “In the end, she fled with another man and stole all of my money. And it came out that man is your dad.”
As I thought about what he had said, I had a knot in my throat. “She ran away with my dad?”
Once more, Ethan nodded. Indeed. Over the years, I came to the realization that although I was hurt and furious, there was no use in harboring that resentment. I continued living my life. However, after watching that watch today, I thought you should be aware of your mother’s background.”
I glanced down at my wristwatch.
It seemed like a load of lies and secrets today, even though it had always felt like a connection to my mother.
I mumbled, “I don’t know what to say,” as tears started to well up in my eyes.
With a soft voice, Ethan stretched out. Harper, it’s been a long time. It is useless to cling to the past. All I wanted was the truth to come to you. Even if your mother wasn’t flawless, you can see how much she loved you since she gave you this watch.”
I nodded, feeling both thankful and sorry at the same time. “I’m grateful, Ethan. For informing me.”
He gave a kind grin. “Thank you so much. Harper, look for yourself.”
My thoughts raced over Ethan’s disclosure as I made my way to Emily’s party. I knew that what I’d just learned would prevent me from enjoying the celebration. I made the decision to return to my flat instead. I had to investigate more and speak with Mom.
I inhaled deeply and phoned my mother at home. On the second ring, she answered, her voice as upbeat as ever.
“Hello, my love! “How is the celebration going?” She enquired.
I said, “Mom,” in a shaky voice. “We must speak. Tonight, something occurred.”
“Harper, what is that? Is everything in order?
I tried to stabilize myself by taking another deep breath. “I learned a lot about you from someone I met tonight. One dude, Ethan Ross. You dated in college, he said.”
“Ethan Ross… That name hasn’t come up in years.”
“He informed me that you had taken a watch from him,” I said, raising my voice more. “And that you stole all of Dad’s money and fled with him. Is that accurate?
A protracted silence ensued. Her deep sigh was practically audible over the phone. “Harper,” she said, “I never wanted you to be aware of that aspect of my life. Back then, I was desperate and young. I made certain decisions that I regret.”
Anger and anguish surged through me. “Why didn’t you inform me earlier? Why didn’t you tell me about this?”
She said, “I was trying to protect you.” “I wanted you to not see that aspect of me. I’ve dedicated my entire life to improving myself and letting go of the past.”
“Ethan wanted the truth to be known to me. He added, “Mom, I feel like I was betrayed, but there’s no use in holding onto the past.”
Whispering, “I’m so sorry, Harper,” she said. “I didn’t want to do you harm. At the time, I was only trying to live, and I made some horrible decisions.”
Tears began to roll down my cheeks. “Mom, I have no idea what to think. I’ll leave the watch for you. I wish to avoid seeing it once more.”
She began, “Harper, please—” but I interrupted her.
“No, mother. I firmly responded, “I need time to process this.” “I’ll talk to you later.”
I hung up, mixed feelings weighing heavily on my heart. I removed the watch and set it down on the table, gazing at it for a while. I just wanted some distance till I could figure out how to go on.
I collapsed into the couch, worn out. After a night filled of shocking discoveries, I wasn’t sure what to do next. I just knew that nothing would ever be the same.