Wren and the World

3.2 | The Black Residence

"Are you positive you want to stay the night? I can take you home, it really isn't a problem." Sebastian stated for what felt like the hundredth time during the short car ride.

"I'm really sure," I sighed, "But thank you for asking again."

"I just don't want you to feel like you have to take care of him alone, he's not your responsibility."

"Then why do you feel like he's yours?" I eyed him. While I wanted to press for more information I settled for just letting his body burn under my sight. I wanted him to tell me without having to pull teeth.

"I know for you he's probably just some jack ass guy, but he's been my best friend forever. And while that doesn't seem like it should be the only reason it is, because he would do anything for me. And I mean anything." He said with such conviction there was no doubting his words. However, there felt like a deeper meaning behind it all, something that wasn't being shared out of fear or embarrassment, but it was there.

"Then I would want nothing more than to make sure he gets to bed safe and soundly." I replied, my eyes drifting to the estate we pulled up on.

It looked like it belonged in California on a wine vineyard, not New York where the leaves were falling all around it and the colors resembled fall more than anything. The massive entrance way adorned large wreaths and beautiful French doors that were glowing a dark red in the moon's glow. I wanted to run in the fields on either side, playing on the hill side until the sun would set and dip into night. That sounded nice, but instead I was trying to keep my dress from riding up further and my balance stable in the heels I still had on; oh, what a dream it would be to get out of them.

I slid out of the car, as quickly as I could so that I could help Sebastian with Connor, but before I had even caught a breath of the refreshing midnight air, Connor was being heaved over his shoulder. Walking up behind the two boys, I admired Sebastian's strength, it was nothing new to me, but it was my hormones making me all giddy about it.

"Could you get the door for me? It should be unlocked?" Sebastian's voice cut through my thoughts.

"Of course." I mumbled, walking past him to push down on the cold silver handle as quietly and softly as I could.

"No need to be quiet, the Blacks aren't going to be home tonight, they are flying back from Japan tonight and won't be in until mid-morning tomorrow." He stated, brushing past me to walk through the threshold, a drooping Connor still perched on his shoulder.

The interior was a stark contrast from the wholesome country side outside. Modern squares were everywhere, and marbled floors glossed over in the light of the foyer. It was no surprise that the Black's lived comfortably, and I shouldn't have been so in awe of the home but the hour of night had made me begin to feel delirious.

"I'm headed upstairs, would you like to come?" He questioned from the edge of the grand staircase of red velvet carpeting atop the honey maple wood.

With a nod of my head I dutifully followed him up the spiral set of stairs, padding down on the hallway to what I assumed was Connor's room.

A flick of a light switch told me just that, as the bedroom was covered in sports memorabilia from what seemed every team possible. Trophies sat up on shelves across from several windows that were cloaked in black curtains. Sebastian gently tossed Connor onto the top of the white bed, not bothering to strip down the comforter beforehand.

"Not going to cover him?" I asked, starring at the unmoving Connor. He looked disheveled from the car ride and could have used a change of clothes.

"I was planning on changing him first, just to make him more comfortable when he does come to later on."

"No problem, I'll just be out here then." I took my cue to leave and traveled back out into the long hall way. There were so many rooms, I'm sure Connor wouldn't mind if I crashed in one tonight. So, me and my noisy personality continued down the hall way until I stopped at the next door, peeking my head in slightly to make sure it wasn't a red room of pain or anything kinky like that.

Seeing it was just a regular guest bedroom, I flipped on the light, allowing the soft light of the lamp to illuminate the space. Large plagues hung proudly on the wall and commanded the attention as soon as I stepped fully into the room. They were donor awards from the nearby hospital, city park, and inner-city school. What better way to show your intentions are pure than to hang up your charity in the guest bedroom? Of course, it wasn't the most modest, but it was better than having them in the living room. I was so deeply thinking about all the good deeds I could do with money that I had not notice Sebastian enter the room. It wasn't until the bed creaked beneath him that I turned around.