Wren

S. Part 7

Elena stared in disgust at her husband. "You didn't do what I asked you to?"

"No, I did, it's just taking a while for them to get back to me--"

She slammed her fork down into her plate, startling her husband. He sat back in his chair, glancing at her with wide eyes. "Honey, can't we just have one dinner--"

"Honey?  You didn't do what I wanted, and you try to sweettalk me?" Elena huffed as she stood from the table, shoving her plate away in disgust. "I have to do everything myself, useless weak husband--" she muttered as she stalked away.

Vernon sipped his wine, trying to ignore his wife's sharp words. He knew she didn't really love him-- their marriage had been arranged because Vernon's family was wealthy, and that mattered dearly to Elena. She refused to marry someone lower than her high, greedy standards. 

When her father had been returned to them (minus a few teeth) after the whole incident with Wren, he'd hidden himself away in his rooms, never leaving the house and only coming out when absolutely necessary. So the family had essentially been passed down into Elena's hands. She saw her father as just an old fool who had lost any kind of respect he'd had, and the family was suffering for it.

Guards were leaving; switching over to the Sabatino family. Elena was nearly blind with rage over this, and was becoming desperate to salvage anything she could of her family's tarnished reputation. Nothing would stand in her way.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

It had been three weeks since Sophie had first met Eden, but they'd so quickly become attached that it felt like they'd known each other forever. Sophie had asked for her number, and Eden had happily given it to her, and it all grew from there. Sophie had asked Eden to be her girlfriend, and she'd accepted.

Sophie stood at their front door, holding the door of her car open for Eden to get out, but the girl was frozen sideways in the seat, having stopped in the middle of swinging her legs out. "This is your house?" she gasped, her wide eyes reflecting all the lights that shone through the mansion's many windows. It was late evening, and she'd invited Eden over for dinner.

Sophie laughed as she offered her hand for Eden to take, helping her out of the car. "Yes. It's a family house; passed down for generations, you know? It's my Nonno's, but it'll be my Papa's next."

"Then yours?" Eden asked as she grasped Sophie's hand, allowing herself to be pulled up to the huge wooden doors.

"Yup!" Sophie answered as she pulled one open, waving Eden inside. 

She gave her a minute to take it all in, feeling butterflies dance in her stomach as she watched the girl spin in slow circles, her bright blue eyes scanning every detail. 

"It's so beautiful!" She gasped, turning back to Sophie with flushed cheeks. "I can't believe you actually live here. . ." she pulled out her phone. "Can I take pictures? Or is that weird because you live here--"

"It's fine," Sophie laughed as Eden pulled her into the frame, letting her take a selfie against the backdrop of the huge archway that led to the kitchen. 

Once she had all the photos she wanted, Sophie took her hand again and pulled her along. "Come on, Dad just texted; they're waiting to meet us."

"I'm so excited!" Eden practically squealed as she took Sophie's hand again. "They'll like me, right?"

"Yes." 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Sophie led Eden into the hall outside the dining room, where her parents were waiting for them. Matteo stood with his arm wrapped around Wren's shoulders, and the were both dressed nice in dark pants and wine/coffee colored sweaters. Wren's glasses sat nestled in his black hair, and smiles lit both of their faces. 

Wren broke away from Matteo when he saw them come around the corner. He stepped forward to greet them, his eyes twinkling brightly. "Hello!" he stuck out his hand for Eden to shake, glancing back over his shoulder to make sure Matteo was coming. "I'm Wren, and this is Matteo."

"Hi! My name's Eden." Eden shook his hand warmly, already loving him. He reminded her of an excited puppy, which she thought was super cute. "Your house is beautiful!" she added, taking in the dark carved wood and the muted marble that lined the hall. 

"It's been in my family for a few generations." Matteo said as he took his turn shaking her hand. Her grip was firm; he liked her bright personality. She reminded him of Wren. 

"That's so cool." Eden grinned back at Sophie, taking her hand and tucking close to her side.

"Well, dinner is on the table, if you guys are ready to eat?" Wren started, waving them into the dining room.

* * * 

"So, Sophie told us you're working at a little cafe downtown?" Matteo asked, sipping his wine.

"I'm actually the owner!" Eden said proudly as she met his eyes. "It was always my dream to run a little bakery or coffee shop, so instead of college, I saved up for that." 

Wren nodded in approval. "Wow. I'm so happy for you! And what about your family?"

"I moved back here on my own; they live in France right now for work. We'd been there since I was eleven. I liked it, but it just wasn't home."

The conversation faded out as everyone ate, but even the quiet was warm and inviting. 

"Puppy, pass me the salt, please?" Matteo asked, and Wren obeyed.

"Is that a nickname? Oh my god, that's so cute." Eden smiled at them.

"Yes. . . he's been calling me that since we met." Wren said, feigning annoyance. But he smiled brightly. "Sophie has some nicknames, too." he added with a mischievous grin.

"Dad, no--"

"Ooh, tell me!"

"Well, nothing too juicy-- Matteo calls her princess," 

Eden beamed and nudged Sophie, who was hiding her flushed face behind her hands. 

"And I usually just call her SoSo." 

"That's so cute!" Eden playfully tugged Sophie's hands away, and Sophie let her. 

They finished dinner and moved to one of the sitting rooms to talk for a while before Eden had to head home. Despite Eden's protests that it was late and she must be tired, Sophie decided to drive Eden home.

Sitting in the parking lot of Eden's apartment complex, it was dim and quiet inside the car. Eden looked over at Sophie, her eyes sparkling as they reflected the street lights outside. 

"Tonight was really great; thank you." she whispered, leaning in closer.

Sophie's heart pounded in her chest. . . should she do it. . ?

Sophie connected the distance with a soft, light kiss. Eden didn't pull away, she kissed her back just as tenderly.

A kiss wasn't a big deal; but it was their first.

            Part 8 Coming Soon
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ATTENTION:

I've been asked a lot to write an 'institution' story, and I'm happy to announce that I just published the first part. You can find it on my profile page-- the title is 'The RoseWood House'.

Check it out if you want!

Anyway, Have a great day!