The Exception

Chapter 32

*Jake's POV*

(Flashback)

"You know what, Jakey?"

"What, Lee?"

Selena paused for a minute, "....I've always wanted to go ice skating on the pond near the pack house."

Turning over on the soft, white snow we were laying on, I propped my head on my hand.

"Well, why don't we go?" I grinned broadly.

"But, I doubt our parents would-"

"You don't know, let's just ask them!" Quickly cutting her off, I stood to my feet before extending my hand towards her.

Her tiny hand fit almost perfectly in mine as I helped her to her feet.

"Okay!" She beamed brightly. 

How could our parents say no to that face?

Hand-in-hand, we ran back to the pack house as fast as our little feet could carry us. Once inside, we couldn't hold back our excitement as we hurriedly tried to explain our plans to our parents.

"Mommy!! Is it ok if we go to the pond just over there?" Selena pointed, as if they could see the pond from where we were.

"We won't be long and we'll be good and stay in sight!" I pleaded, hoping that would somehow convince them to let us go.

"I don't think so honey," Selena's mom replied.

"Besides, we're about to leave anyway," my father interjected.

"Aww man!" I could see the light in her eyes fade as her arms slumped to her sides.

"Please? Just for a few minutes?" I clasped my hands together.

"I'm sorry, son. Besides, you two are too young to be going down to that pond by yourselves in this weather." My mother added cautiously.

"But, it's just right there in the backyard! It's not too far away!" At this point, I'm surprised I wasn't begging on my knees. I continued to plead, even though I knew there was no chance they were going to agree with our plans.

"I'm sorry, son. Hurry and go get your stuff." With my mother having said the final word, I walked away defeated.

I picked up the things I had brought with me to the pack house, but just as I turned around to leave, I unexpectedly felt someone knock into me.

"It's ok, Jake. Thanks anyway." I could hear the sadness in her voice as she wrapped her arms around me.

Placing my one free arm around her, I managed to reply, "I'll see ya later."

"See ya," letting me go, she flashed me a sad smile before I left with my parents.

***

That night, I couldn't forget her disappointment nor my parents' reasons.

'You two are too young to go by yourselves...'  Their words echoed in my head.

Oh come on! We're old enough to fend for ourselves!  I thought bitterly.

A sudden resolve grew in me as grabbed my coat and climbed out my bedroom window. Following the path I've taken many times before, I made my way to Selena's house just down the road.

Having made it, I quickly climbed up a nearby tree to reach her window.

I lightly tapped her window just enough for her to be able to hear. A few moments passed before the window finally slid open.