Chapter 8. Problem Solved

As they stepped into the hotel lobby, the cool air conditioning provided a welcome respite from the sweltering Los Angeles since afternoon. Rachel, lost in contemplation, was oblivious to her surroundings until Harper's gentle voice broke through her reverie. The thought of having to choose a company for her K-pop trainee and dealing with contracts is burdening her.

"Let's go for a swim," Harper suggested, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "It'll help you clear your head."

Rachel hesitated, her mind still swirling with the events of the day. She knew that if she confided in her sister Sophia, the news would immediately reach their mother, who would likely try to intervene and disrupt their plans. However, being a minor, Rachel couldn't handle the complexities of the contracts on her own.

"I'll call my sister and ask for her help," Harper said reassuringly, rubbing Rachel's head. "Remember, I'm eighteen now. I can take responsibility for you."

"But," Rachel started to protest.

"Don't worry, little one," Harper interrupted with a laugh. "The only thing you need to think about is which company to choose. Leave everything else to your big sister, Harper!" With that, Harper plunged back into the pool and back to swimming around the pool, leaving Rachel to ponder her options.

While Rachel is still thinking about everything else, she hears a commotion and turns her head. Two boys are now trying to talk with Harper. She never liked it whenever Harper talking with anyone, but she know Harper is super popular and easy to talk to. She's beautiful and smart, and her smile is contagious. Harper is filled with so much energy that she makes everyone around her warm. But no one knows Harper like she does; behind all those smiles is her sadness over being abused by her father for years.

Rachel swam quickly to Harper and lacked on her back. She asked to be carried by Harper on her back. "Come on, I'm telling Mom if you're not taking me back!" Rachel exclaimed, clinging to Harper's back like a playful child.

Harper couldn't help but smile at her friend's antics. "Your sister?" the boys asked, surprised.

"Yeah, sorry guys," Harper said with a friendly smile. "Time to go back."

"Can we meet tomorrow? We'll be around," one of the boys persisted.

"If we meet, then we will," Harper replied sweetly, but never give a solid answer.

"Sure, that's a promise!" the other boy exclaimed, delighted.

"Come on," Rachel whined, urging Harper to leave.

"Alright, alright, little Rachel," Harper chuckled, carrying Rachel on her back as they headed towards their room. "You won't come down?"

"No, carry me until the room," Rachel demanded playfully.

"Aye, aye, sir!" Harper laughed, fulfilling her friend's wish, as they walked towards their cottage room.

As soon as they entered their hotel room, Harper wasted no time in urging Rachel to take a relaxing bath. While the water ran, Harper set about boiling water for a cup of her favorite chamomile tea. This fragrant beverage wasn't just a tasty treat; it also held a special significance for Harper.

Chamomile, with its calming properties, had become her go-to remedy for the emotional scars left by her abusive father. Whenever she felt overwhelmed by the memories of his cruelty, a cup of chamomile tea would soothe her frayed nerves and ease her pain. Its gentle aroma and mild sedative effects helped her find solace and tranquility, both physically and mentally.

As the water began to heat up, Harper slipped into a plush robe and made her way to the small dining table in the kitchenette. Sitting down, she took a deep breath and retrieved her phone. She dialed her sister Dylan's number, and in four rings, Dylan answered in a worried note, "What happened? Did he hit you again?" is what she gets instead of hello.

"I'm in Los Angeles; no one is hitting me." Harper answered calmly.

"So, what happens until you call me?" Dylan asks, ready to listen.

"Dylan," Harper began, her voice carrying a hint of urgency, "I need your help." And Harper proceeded to explain the situation with Rachel, detailing the audition, the unexpected offers, and Rachel's feelings now.

Dylan listened intently, her mind racing as she considered the implications. "Hmmmm," she finally replied, her voice thoughtful.

"Please, Dylan," Harper pleaded, her voice laced with urgency. "I want to help her. I know what it's like to be in her shoes, wishing for someone to take me away when I was her age. But instead, God took you away from me."

Dylan paused for a moment before speaking again. "Why are you so eager to help her?"

Harper kept her silent for a moment before answering her sister's question: "I know she's having trouble asking for help; when I was her age, I truly wished for someone to help me and take me away. But, instead, God takes you away from me." She remembers the day Dylan left for Europe to start her career.

Dylan's voice softened with empathy and a hint of guilt. "Hhy, don't be like that.

"I never blamed you, Dylan; I just wish God would let you take me away. But I know you're still struggling with your life too." Harper quickly answered, and Dylan could see a smile in Harper's words.

"I just wish I could have been there for you too." Dylan sighed.

Harper nodded, even though her sister couldn't see her. "I know, Dylan. I'm just grateful you're still here for me now."

"Alright," Dylan said, her resolve evident. "I'll reach out to my friend in Los Angeles and see if they have any lawyer connections who can help. We'll figure this out, okay?"

"Thank you, Dylan!" Harper exclaimed, her heart swelling with gratitude. "I won't let you down, I promise!"

"Yeah, yeah," Dylan chuckled. "Just go get some rest after your tea, okay?"

"I will," Harper assured her. "I'm still brewing my tea, and then I'll take a bath."

"Good. And when are you heading to Berlin?" Dylan asked, her voice laced with a hint of concern.

"In nine days," Harper replied. "I'll text you the flight schedule, and you can pick me up at the airport, alright?"

"Sounds good. Take care of yourself, sis," Dylan said, her affection clear.

"I will. Thank you, Dylan," Harper responded, her smile audible through the phone.

With that, Harper ended the call, her heart feeling lighter as she waited for the tea to steep. She knew that with Dylan's support, she had all the answers in the world for Rachel.