The Arsonist (Warren Peace)

Twenty - Six

I was alone when I woke up, making the bed feel colder than normal. I sat up rubbing my eyes, looking around noticing a scribbled message on the notepad matching Warren’s scribbled handwriting. I picked it up reading it, “sorry for not being there when you wake up but you just looked so peaceful I didn’t want to disturb you I talked to my mom before I left though and she managed to book you some recreational time I’ll see you later I love you - Warren.” I smiled at the note not even noticing when Clarissa walked in making me jump when she spoke.

“He’s changed so much since he’s met you, you know that?” I shrugged not wanting all the credit, “honey he never conversed, never got along well with the other kids, never wanted to make friends, he was always so angry but for the first time since his father was locked away I’ve seen  him smile for the first time in years thanks to you.” I looked at my lap mumbling, “I’m sure it wasn’t just me, it might be because of the bond we share.” she rolled her eyes at me, “nope it’s you the soulmate bond doesn’t quite work that way yet.” 

“Yes you might feel attached or drawn to each other but it doesn’t manipulate your emotions, well not until later after the bond has been completed.” my cheeks grew red from the insinuation from her words, “that’s enough talk about my son let’s get you some sunlight.” She grabbed a wheelchair from outside the room. I forced myself to unravel myself from the unbelievably comfortable comforter and get out of the hospital bed to get into the wheelchair. She pushed me to the front desk stopping for a moment to sign some papers before pushing me out to the courtyard. 

She pushed me on a trail that led through a small thicket of woods and positioned me where no one else could see me, “you have fifteen minutes.” I ducked behind a tree and removed the gown allowing myself to transform into my wolf form. I grabbed the gown off of the ground with my teeth and placed it onto the wheelchair, “I'll be right here when you return.” I mentally grimaced as my K9 senses took over and I licked her hand making her chuckle. She scratched behind my ear for a moment before patting my head, “alright go on I’ll whistle when it’s time to come back.” 

With that I sprinted off in a random direction jumping around and overall enjoying myself taking a break every now and then when my front paw or ribs began to ache uncomfortably. I also stopped to admire a little pond I managed to find, my head snapped to the side as a long high pitched whistle rang out and I assumed that was the signal to come back. I sprinted back and I spotted the familiar scent before I even saw him. Soon Warren came into view and Layla and Will were beside him. I rubbed against and Layla cooed at me. 

“Oh my god I love your wolf form.” I jumped on her and wrapped her into a wolf hug making her giggle, “come on Blake we gotta head back.” I grabbed the gown again and hid behind another tree as I transformed back into my normal self, quickly slipping the gown back on. I sat back down in the wheelchair allowing Clarissa to push me, “what are you guys doing here I mean school isn’t out yet.” Warren shrugged, “I figured I’d come visit you for lunch and these two tagged along.” I noticed Will was keeping his head down.

“Is something wrong Will?” he shook his head and I didn’t miss the look that Layla and Warren exchanged making me narrow my eyes at Will and I grabbed the wheels of my wheelchair halting Clarissa, “Will show me your face.” my tone left no room for argument so hesitantly Will turned his head towards me and I gasped as I saw the split lip and forming black eye, “what the hell happened Will?!” I let go of the wheels allowing Clarissa to push me again. Will shrugged, “Layla?” she sighed, “Speed and Lash did it.” I sighed, “why?” 

They went silent again, “guys why?” they still remained silent, “somebody answer me now.” they were hiding something from me and I didn’t like it after a minute Layla caved, “Speed and Lash were saying some nast things about you and went Will intervened and demanded they stop a fight ensued.” I sighed, rubbing my temple, “you should have just left it alone Will.” he sighed, “I couldn’t.” I rolled my eyes, “you chose not to, there's a difference Will.” I was screwed because they would likely spread rumours or come and specifically target me themselves. 

I got up and laid back down, rewrapping myself in the comforter, “so homecoming is next week?” I looked at Warren, “and?” he rolled his eyes, “will you go with me?” I smiled, “yes but we’re not changing the subject just yet.” I looked at Will, “next time something is said about me, let me handle it. I'm a big girl and I know this will blow out of proportion, it always does.” he nodded, “I’m sorry.” I shook my head, “it’s okay just don’t do it again please.” he nodded, “alright great now Layla when I’m released you and I are doing some shopping.” she smiled, “Sounds fun.” Warren and Layla had returned to school but Will stayed entertaining me.