Rhenna

NINE

                    Conn

Elin didn't even look relaxed in his sleep. He was curled up tight. His fists were clenched and protecting his face. He looked as if he were trying to be as small as possible.

His ebony hair was falling loose, shielding his eyes. His shoulders were tense.
Conn almost didnt want to wake him;for fear of being hit. But it was nearly eleven.
Just do it. He mentally scolded.

"Hay Elin". He whisper shouted, "Wake up kid".

The boy didnt stir.

Must be a heavy sleeper.

Conn propped himself on the bed then reached out and grabbed Elin's exposed ankle.
"Wakie wakie".

"Dont touch me". Came a guttural response. Conn quickly let go of Elin. He raised his hands and slowly backed off the bed. "You want breakfast?"

"I want sleep".

Defiantly not a morning person. Conn thought.

"My secretary is going to be here in twenty minutes. I dont think you want her seeing you curled up on my bed".

Elin shoved the comforter away and sluggishly sat up. Even with all the sleep he managed to get last night there were still dark rings under his eyes.

He yawned and stretched.

"How about breakfast?" Conn asked again.

"Not hungry".

"Sherra's got fresh muffins".

Elin slipped off the bed and walked over to the bathroom. "I'll have one".

Conn couldnt help but smile at his small victory. He followed Elin into the washroom, earning a sharp glare.

Jeez, this kid could win an award for scary.

He pulled open the drawer beneath the sink, "I got you a toothbrush. I also stocked up on some shampoos. And," He gestured towards the open closet, "The towels and toilet paper are in there".

"Ugh...thanks".

"You can come to my Dad's office when your done in here".

Elin nodded.

--------------

Conn nervously bounced his knee, (an old habit). He had yet to tell his Dad about Elin's situation. Dan was usually chill about everything, but this was somehow different.

He was harbouring a minor.

"Everything alright?" Dan inquired. He sat down on the couch across from Conn.

"You remember Elin, right?"

His Dad nodded.

"Well-"

A soft knock at the door cut Conn off.

After a moment the door creaked open and Elin peeked in.
Great timing idiot.

"Elin?" Dan's forehead creased with confusion, "Back again?"

"I...ugh...." Elin's dark eyes flashed towards Conn.

"Well, dont just stand there. Come in, Come in".

Elin hurriedly did as he was asked. He sat down on the single couch, due to Dan's gestures.

"What do we owe this visit?"

"He's staying here for a bit". Conn blurted. He told Elin that he'd explain to his dad. And that was what he'd do.

Dan's eyes lit up. "Truly splendid my boy".

The door opened and Sherra stepped in. Dan quickly ushered her over with a smile. "We have a guest Sherra".

Sherra forced her own smile, "Hello dear".

Elin stared at Dan and Sherra for a long time before his eyes lowered to the floor. "Thankyou for having me".

"He's staying here for a bit". Dan explained to Sherra when she seemed at a lost.

"Is that right?"

The room fell quet after that. Elin seemed to shrink deeper into the couch for every second that passed. It made Conn nervous just looking at him.

But then finally; Dan cleared his throat, "How long will you be staying for?"

"I dont know". It was a short response.

"Does Mr. Ventis know?" Sherra questioned.

"I'm sure he does". The way Elin said that made it seem like he wasnt to happy about that fact.

Elin wiggled in his seat then gently tugged at his turtleneck.

Conn was glad about the fact that Dan wasnt pressing for more information. He was just observing and listening.

Elin was in the clear, for now.