Divided Mask

Chapter 13 : Cruel heart

(unedited)

"Where have you been?" Wren barely stepped through the door, her eyes heavy; at least she knew the studying would pay off. "Why haven't you been home? Wren what is going on?"

I've been studying and training. I figured that's what you wanted. Where did this concern come from?

"What's with the attitude?" Wren shook her head, unable to understand his annoyance. At home or not he was mad. School had become tortuous enough, she didn't want his anger. She sighed, looking at him in defeat. Her own emotions poking her in the back of her mind."Ignoring me now?"

Please just stop. I'm trying. Yet that still isn't enough.

"Again, quit blaming me for a problem you created." HIs eyebrows furrowed at her, "we'd all still be happy." His eyes opened wider, "I didn't mean that."

I know you've meant that for a while. Wren looked at the floor. Her heart beating louder and louder. His partial words stung.

"Then go. You know what I mean. Go. Pack up and leave, see how far that gets you." Jaw clenched tightly he turned away from her. He had instigated the conversation, he had caused this. It boiled her blood, inching closer and closer to losing it. 

Can I stay with you?

Absolutely... what happened?

He told me to go. I guess I deserve it.

No. I'll come get you little bird.

He knows you as Micheal... I'll be fine, I have to stop somewhere anyways.

Fine, see you soon.

Shoving as many things that would fit in her bag. The grey blanket being the one thing she couldn't leave behind. She'd never sleep without it. She swore Roxanne made it smell good when she was gone. Only the essentials she continued to tell herself. Hiding things in her jacket pockets. She'd leave looking like an inflated ballon. To add sting she added the 100% test on her desk. She had almost gotten out of the house, unscathed any further. 

"Hi Wren!" Roxanne smiled at the front door. Her eyes scanning Wren's appearance. Her eyebrows furrowed. "What is happening?"

"Ignore her, Roxanne." Mark yelled from the living room. 

"Wren?" their eyes barely met. Wren's hands shook, she had no note. Nothing to give Roxanne. Nothing to show how much she'd come to appreciate and love her. She felt bad, Roxanne would be stuck with him.

"Thank you," she weaved passed Roxanne, her mind racing with pressing thoughts. She'd want Wren to thank her. It was only right.

Her first stop. She hadn't visited often enough. The graveyard came into her line of sight. This is the right thing. She continued to think. The gloom of the entire place nearly kept her walking. Another breath as she got closer. Stopping far enough away, allowing herself to process. She hadn't visited since the funeral. Too scared and afraid too. Finally the grave itself came into sight. Tears fell so quickly Wren barely noticed. Crashing to her knees. "Taryn Miller" I killed you, I killed you. I did it. Everyone knows it. I hurt you. Mom I am so sorry. I should've visited more. I would switch places, just to make everyone happy. You - Dad- no one would have to watch my spiral. Those flames should've killed me. I distracted you. I failed you. I should be dead. Not you.

Your bright eyes, kind heart, peaceful soul. Engulfed by my selfishness. I need you, I need you so badly yet I was your demise. He won't believe me no matter what. I pray I wake up and you're the one singing in the kitchen. Not the buzz of the news. Reporting more sorrow. Please help dad.