Orphan

-Gwen-

^This is close to what Gwen would look like without the scar on her forehead^

Long Chapter Alert!!!!!

Read at your own risk

      "Lucas, would you come up here please?" Ms. Pattinson said from the top of the stairs. Lucas glanced at Sophia one last time, taking her hand and giving it a quick squeeze before hurrying off. I looked at Sophia, her face white as a sheet. I felt a sharp stab of pity for my friend, frowning slightly before taking her arm and tugging her towards the staircase. She stumbled after me, taking in small gasps of air as we went. I dragged her up the staircase, talking to her the whole time to try and get her mind off it.

      We eventually made it up the stairs, and Sophia was starting to calm down. I let go of her arm when we got to her room, and she let out a small sigh. She was about to go in when suddenly she turned around to face me again. I gave her a reassuring smile, and she finally allowed a tiny smile to creep onto her face.

      "Thanks," she said softly. I nodded, smiling faintly. Suddenly a soft thud came from downstairs, followed by an even quieter scraping sound. My head snapped to the staircase, and my throat felt tight with fear. I gulped, my heart pounding fast. Looking over at Sophia, I saw a look of confusion and concern in her eyes. I took a deep breath.

      "I thought I heard something... I'll be right back, okay?" I managed to say, trying to stay calm. She nodded, stepping inside her room as I turned back to the stairs. I took a deep breath, listening closely for any more noises. I waited for a few moments, but I didn't hear anything else. I was about to turn back to Sophia's room when I heard three faint knocks at the door. Quickly I descended down the steps, slowing when I got to the bottom. I walked to the door, my heart thudding frantically at my ribs. I grabbed the door handle, taking another deep breath before opening the door.

      The crisp night air rushed into the house, cooling my flushed cheeks. I stared at the boy standing before me, looking him over. He was tall, with thick, dark hair and grey eyes. He was wearing a simple hoodie and skinny jeans, but his face was pale. I could see tiny beads of sweat forming on his forehead, and his hands shook as they clung to the door frame. I heard Ms. Pattinson and Lucas come down the stairs, talking in hushed, worried voices. I glanced back at the boy, noticing that he was looking over my shoulder. He finally met my eyes, and I offered him a small smile before realizing just how heavily he was leaning on the door frame. Before it got too awkward, I reached out and took his arm gently, helping him inside. As soon as he let go of the door, he instinctively grabbed my shoulder for support, leaning on me. I draped his arm over my shoulders without so much as a blink, my mind only focused on helping the mysterious boy.

      I supported almost his full weight as he leaned against me, and I stumbled for a moment before adjusting and regaining my balance. I led him to the living room, where he promptly collapsed on one of the couches. He closed his eyes, taking in deep gulps of air. As he started to calm down, I noticed some color returning to his cheeks, his hands mostly steady. I started to panic after Ms. Pattinson and Lucas had not returned after a few moments, looking a bit frantically around the house. Finally I heard footsteps on the stairs, and I let out a breath as Ms. Pattinson came into view, with Lucas on her heels. Her face looked similar to mine, I imagine: creased with worry and fear. As they reached the couch, Ms. Pattinson turned to Lucas.

      "Lucas, run and get a glass of water. One of the tall glasses, please," she murmured to him, and he rushed off to the kitchen. Then she turned to me. "Gwen, go on up and sit with Sophia for a bit. She's still a bit shaken up," she said. "Thank you for all your help," she added as a look of genuine gratefulness crossed her face. I smiled at her before heading over to the staircase, walking up the first few steps until I was out of view but could still see the living room. I leaned against the railing, watching as Ms. Pattinson sat next to the boy and put her arm around his shoulders. She talked to him for a few moments until Lucas came out from the kitchen, carrying a tall glass of water. I shrunk back into the shadows until he'd passed me, not wanting to be seen.