Wren and the World

2.1 | Change of Plans

After pacing around my room for hours I finally collapsed in misery on bed, exhausted from the turmoil of the day endured for such a disappointing conversation. So I had no plan, I was going on a whim, I couldn't let her brow beat me into a corner and forfeit. My mom had always been someone I believed had my best interest but I was beginning to think that the topic of my father was something she would take to the grave. I was creating excuses for her when I should have been devising my next move, what was the next move? How do you find a mystery person? In racking my brain for a semblance of a plan I gave into a deep sleep that took over my every limb.

The next morning I was cruelly awoken by a loud alarm blaring in my ear. Dazed and still reeling from my mother's words I slipped into the bathroom to get ready for school. Tip toeing into the kitchen in apprehension I noticed there to be no sign of my mom, and in her place a simple note left on the counter.

"Good morning, had to be in office early. Car still in shop as part of surprise, take mine. Call if need anything. Love you -mom"

Well at least I had an answer to one of my questions. And clearly my immense prying had not warranted calling off the no doubt extravagant birthday my mom had planned. So I had a surprise on Friday, at least I had something positive to look forward to. With little interest in breakfast, I grabbed a granola bar and headed out of the house.

Arriving to school in the sleek white Benz was easier the second day, though my mood had already soured. 7 o'clock in the morning was a unforgiving hour to function, without my high of confidence I was essentially a buzz kill. The pep in my step had been replaced with the dead drag of unhappiness radiating off my body like a pungent odor. While I had only hoped for a seemingly normal Wednesday, a higher power had another thing coming my way. Instead of being met with burning coffee in my bra, I was greeted by a smiling Sebastian at my locker, an unsplit drink in hand.

"You should be proud that I didn't spill this on anyone today." He grinned, handing me the coffee, "You look like you could use a pick me up."

"Thank you." I smiled slightly, tenderly taking the cup.

"I think it functions better as a drink than a wardrobe, hopefully you'll be more careful than me." He joked.

It was day 2 of talking to Sebastian Hail over something other than homework or an exam. It would have been refreshing if a storm cloud wasn't looming over my head. I was filled with angst and not even a delicious cup of joe from a handsome popular boy could change that.

"I'll try not." I stated, spinning the combination and flicking open the locker.

"That's the mood I'm used to from the renowned Wren Correr." He chuckled as if he expected my bitter mood.

"And what is that supposed to mean?" I boldly asked.

"I did my homework on you." He simply replied, "Don't worry I didn't find much dirt."

Before I could question his actions further, the warning bell rang out meaning our conversation was over. Turning to give me a full frontal of his ever so present smirk, Sebastian left without uttering another word.

With my head spinning over what dirt Sebastian Hail could have possibly dug up on me, I barely stayed focused on the lectures during first and second hour. By third I was so exhausted that Millie Andrews asked if I was coming down from a drug high. It wasn't some secret that rich kids did drugs, but to be so brash about it during class took it to a whole new level. I could have popped a couple Adderall and been find with my studies but a meandering mind had no business being so attentive. I was known to socially engage in drinking but my drug usage stopped at ADHD meds, that I only used complete huge term papers or study for a final exam.

Once I was finally released for free hour, I went on a mission to find some sort of caffeinated product. Luckily there was a parish function happening in the grand hall which was bound to have coffee. Sneaking over would require stealth and silence; both which I has mastered at this point in my life. Unfortunately I had not mastered blending in with a school uniform on. Straight to headmistress' office I went, with a hung head and detention on my mind already. After blasting me for my actions and giving me another after school confinement, I was given ten fleeting minutes to find my next pick me up.

I roamed the second floor, to only find the teacher's lounge door slightly ajar. With my curiosity outweighing my annoyance, I peeked into the room to find St. Mary's notorious seniors. If Sebastian Hail was king then James Richardson and Connor Black were his left and right hands. Three peas in a pod, who were always up to trouble of some kind.

"Oh shit." James cursed as his eyes went wide at the sight of me, "Thank god it's just you."

"Wren?" Sebastian questioned.

"Hi." I waved awkwardly, not knowing what to say after this morning's encounter.

"I'm beginning to think that you are following me." Sebastian smirked.

"Ooooo another 'friend' of Sebastian's is a friend of mine." Connor toyed, "I just hope you know that I've not sworn off relationships."

"That's too unfortunate. I really wish you'd stop dating really." James pipped in, rolling his eyes at Connor's flirtatious tones. Looking past the three musketeers, I spotted the holy grail of life. A old junky vending machine became my one love in that moment, pushing all conversation to the side, I started at it in awe. Reaching deep in purse I found the necessary 50 cents to purchase a beautiful Red Bull. Sadly the machine had other ideas and refused to give me my drink.

"These old machines sometimes need a little help." Connor stated, giving the contraption a firm kick, "My dad said that these have been here since he was a freshman."

It was in that moment that the solution to my ever present problem came to the forefront of my mind. I had been sitting on the answer all along, school was the only connection I had between her mother and father. A plan began brewing in my mind, I was so lost in thought that I forgot where I was and who I was with. Grabbing my can I thanked the boys profusely for saving me from a decaffeinated brain and left so quickly to get to the library. I was already going to be in detention so there was no more damage to be done in skipping fifth hour.

Settling into the book stacks with newspapers and yearbooks a plenty from the four years my mom was in high school. Every mention of Lillian Berg was highlighted, every picture circled, anything that could have a clue was over analyzed for any hint at who my dad could be. I was drowning in images, my mom could not have been more outgoing than she was, I had more questions than answers and I was beginning to think my "brilliant" wasn't so helpful after all.