Watchtower

Chp 12

I paced on the sand of the beach anxiously, the nearly full moon shining down on my figure as I waited for Ashton. It was a quarter past ten and I haven't heard a peep from the building. My worries gnawed at my nerves and I knew I wouldn't be able to calm down until I saw Ashton walk out and we left.

Five more minutes. If he's not here, I'm leaving without him.

I let out a huff and adjusted the bag on my shoulder for the third time since I came out here. I closed my eyes and just listened.
The waves gently washed over the shore, speaking of repetition and calmness. The wind howled, boasting of its freedom to roam. The few nocturnal birds chirped or hooted, whispering of their nightly hunts success.

I took a deep breath, inhaling the salty air and allowing a small smile to grace my lips, pushing the anxiety to the back of my mind.
"It's beautiful out here." I spun around defensively, my eyes jumping shadow to shadow before landing on the boy who'd spoke; Ashton.
"Took you long enough." I growled, fixing my bag yet again.
"I had to explain something's to my sister, I'm sorry." He apologized, his eyes filled with sincerity.
"Whatever. Let's get moving now so we can cover more ground."
Ashton simply nodded and followed after me as I walked into the woods, leading us to who knows where.

~~~~

*Tristan's POV*

(The next day)

I knocked hesitantly on my sisters door, worried she'd still be angry about lunch the day before. She could hold a grudge for a really long time; one time I accidentally broke a head off of one of her dolls and she didn't forgive me for years. When I got no response I sighed heavily and made my way to the library, where I knew Callie would be hiding out.
I walked in and shut the door slightly louder than necessary, gaining my guardians attention.
"Hey Tristan, what's up?" She asked, marking her spot in her book and setting it down.

"I was wondering if Lia's come around yet this morning or if she's still sleeping." I explained, stretching my back as she thought it over.
"I think she's still in her room. I haven't seen her this morning and I'm pretty sure if any of the others had they'd have called a meeting by now." She shook her head with an apologetic smile.
"Thanks anyway."
I walked back out of the room and headed back towards my room, trying to work up the perfect apology.

'Hey sis' sounds too informal, but 'hello, female of my blood' sounds to scientific and 'can we talk' Sounds too ominous... why can't apologies be easy?

I sighed heavily and crashed into something small. My arms wrapped around it to catch it by instinct and I blinked in surprise, my eyes not finding an object, but a person. Ashlyn.
"I'm so sorry." She muttered, more anxious than usual. She quickly pulled away and hid her face with a curtain of hair.
"It's fine, I was just too busy thinking. Are you alright?" I inquired, scanning her over for injuries.
"I'm fine. Thank you. I have to go." She rushed out, spinning on her heel and skittering towards her room.
"Girls are so weird...." I whispered, continuing on my way.

~~~~

Half of the day has gone by and despite me pacing the length of the hallway in hopes of catching Lia leaving her room, she hasn't come out. Now that I think about it, I haven't seen anyone but our guardians all day, other than that run in with Ashlyn earlier.
I scowled and made my way to my twins bedroom door, prepared to beg for forgiveness until she agreed to let me explain.

"Alexia we need to talk." I demanded, knocking on the hard wood door, only for it to creak open.
"Lia?" I stepped in, my eyebrows furrowed in confusion as I noticed drawers pulled out of their places, missing books and clothes tossed haphazardly around the room. Alexia isn't a neat freak necessarily, but she definitely doesn't like it when things are just tossed about like this.

I felt worry crawling up my spine as I ran to the bathroom, hoping she was just hiding in there.
"Alexia!?" With no reply and sprinted to the closet, and then back to the door, running my fingers through my hair. She hasn't had the chance to leave today, I've been in the hallway, surely I would've heard something. I made my way closer to her bed as a piece of paper caught my eye, my twins familiar handwriting spelling out my name.

'Tristan,

I know you're going to be the first one to realize I'm not there. Whether that be today or not until next week, I know it'll be you. We've always had the strongest connection, a twinection if you will,'
I chuckled softly as I read the beginning of the note, despite the ache in my heart.
'I will be back. I'm just not sure when. Ashton insisted on coming with me so don't worry, I'll have protection. As I'm writing this I'm trying not to laugh, we both know once reality sets in and you realize I'm not there you'll panic and tell Hesterin, who you're positive will be able to track me down. I'll probably be living as a nomad for a while, see the world and explore, so it won't be easy to find me. I'll be back as soon as I feel ready. I love you Tan, you're my twin. My best friend.

Love the best sister ever,
Alexia'

I sighed heavily and wiped at my eyes. She knew me too well. The sound of a knock on my door brought my attention away from the now tear stained paper in my hands, where Ashlyn stood with a hesitant look on her face.
"Did you know?" I inquired, my voice cracking slightly. She nodded tentatively, stepping closer.
"Ashton woke me late last night and explained that Alexia needed to cool off. His wolf was on edge the whole time, he wanted to make sure she didn't leave without him so he couldn't stay very long and explain everything." She explained, her eyes betraying her sadness.

"Is that why you were acting weird this morning? Why didn't you say anything?"
"I couldn't go against my brother like that. We went through a lot before we met you guys, trust is the only thing I refuse to break. Even if it puts myself at risk." I sighed heavily and shoved the note in my pocket before I stood and gave the younger girl a nod.
"I need to speak to Hesterin."
"Give them another day, please. Ashton won't admit it, but after being abandoned by the pack he's had a lot to think about. This will help the both of them accept everyone here just wants to help." She pleaded, grabbing my arm gently to prevent me from leaving.
I mulled it over for a second. On one hand, that means more food for me, on the other, that means no secret conversations or pranks for who knows how long.
I sighed heavily and gave Ashlyn a nod.
"Okay."

A/N woooo personification!!!! As well as three updates for three different stories all in one day. Am I on a roll or whattttt