Brutal Bonding

Chapter 5: Liberation (pt. 2)

Noemy Welch sat at the back of the party, seemingly unbothered as she sipped her cocktail at the bar. She didn't spare a glance toward the unwelcome visitor seated on the stool beside her, though she already knew who it was.

Wren felt a surge of liquid courage coursing through her veins. "Noemy, we need to talk."

The darker girl slowly turned her head toward Wren, her eyes narrow with skepticism. "What's there to talk about? You're here, I'm here. That's it."

Wren shook her head, her voice steady despite her nervousness. "You know that's not true. You dislike me for some reason, and I want to know why. We can't keep being hostile to each other."

"You're right, I don't like you, and I could easily kick you out of this party if I wanted to," Noemy sneered. "But I won't, not because I care about you, but because Warner would be pissed."

"Warner? What does he have to do with any of this?"

Noemy huffed in annoyance. She swirled the contents in the red solo cup. "It's none of your business," she replied dismissively.

But Wren refused to back down. "Warner and I are not dating. In fact, I rejected him."

Surprise flashed across Noemy's face, and for a moment, she struggled to maintain her composure. It was evident that Warner's pursuit of a relationship with Wren had struck a nerve. Noemy and Warner's friendship consisted of harmless flirting, however, she couldn't help but notice the flirting lessened ever since a certain hazel-eyed brunette entered the picture. She didn't know whether to feel pissed or relieved that the gorgeous senior was rejected by a bland sophomore.

"Why would you tell me that?" Noemy asked, trying to mask her irritation.

Wren took a deep breath, her voice slightly slurred. "I want us to be honest with each other. I hope we can move past our differences and find a way to coexist. Life is too short for animosity."

The president raised a brow. "You understand you will never be part of the Sisters of Stygian, right?"

"I do. I just want us to be on good terms."

Noemy's response was unreadable. She openly examined Wren for any signs of insincerity. Perhaps she found none, because the corner of her mouth lifted into a surprising smirk. She signaled the bartender and asked for two shot glasses. "Maybe we misjudged you, birdie. I suppose we can start fresh and see where this takes us."

Although Wren had already had enough to drink, she accepted the gesture, not wanting to appear rude. She finally felt a sense of relief and optimism. It would take time to form a friendship with the Sisters of Stygian, but she was determined to pave the way for a more positive journey.

With their glasses clinked, the two girls drank to a fresh start. As they downed the alcohol, their eyes drifted to the dance floor, where Warner stood, smiling proudly at Wren. She mirrored his expression.

Noemy cringed looking between the two. "Please go to him before you annoy me again."

Wren's heart raced as she made her way toward him. The mischievous glint in his eyes hinted all she needed to know. "Did you talk Noemy into giving me a chance?" she asked with a playful smile.

His tall frame bent down to reach her level, his breath tickling her ear. "I told you I would, didn't I?"

Her heart swelled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. "Thank you, Warner. You have no idea what this means to me."

"You're welcome, birdie."

With her arms draped over his shoulders, the two swayed to the music, their bodies moving in harmony with each other. Wren's laughter echoed in the room, the intoxicating joy of the night swirling around them. Her eyes sparkled with delight as she looked up at Warner, who stared back intently.

As the hours passed and the drinks flowed, Wren began to show signs that she had had a bit too much to drink. But Warner was there, a steady presence, watching carefully.

"Let's get you home," he murmured.

Wren incoherently babbled as she stumbled alongside Warner, her arm slung over his shoulder for support. She felt a mix of emotions—happiness for the newfound relationship with the Sisters of Stygian and overwhelming affection for Warner, whose kindness and generosity had brought them to this point. In that moment, Wren knew she could trust Warner with her heart, that he would be there for her in both the joyous moments and the challenging ones.

As they made their way to his car, Warner couldn't help but be amused at the sophomore's drunken giggles. He knew that he was teetering on the edge of something profound, and that timing would indeed reveal itself when the moment was right.

He'd wait as long as it took for her.
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Author's Note
It seems like things are finally getting better for Wren...or is it too good to be true?

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