Stone Cold

Sneaking Out

Wren sneaked in, looking around the living room as she tip-toed on the marble floor.

A hand firmly shut her mouth from behind, instinct kicking in quickly.

She grabbed the hand, kicked her assailant's foot and tossed him over her shoulder.

Panting, she frowned at the oddly familiar figure sprawled in front of her.

"Phoenix?" Wren asked.

"Whoops. Caught me there." Phoenix breathed out.

"You're an as-"

"Ah, language birdie." Silas scolded, appearing from behind the staircase.

"You all suck." Wren groaned, adrenaline slipping out.

The pain kicked in, but she kept a straight face.

"Goodnight losers." Wren called out, raising her good hand as she headed up the stairs.

"She definitely was hanging out with a boy." Lance grinned.

"Nah. I say she hung out at the gym." Silas shrugged.

"Sorry Silas. I'm with Lance on this one." Phoenix chuckled, sliding his hands in his pockets.

"She smells like a guy's cologne. Silas, don't give me that look." Phoenix shook his head, laughing at his younger brother.

*********

Wren sat on the edge of her bed, fumbling for her phone in her bag.

Quickly passing through her contacts, she landed on one that she never thought she would have called.

At least, not so soon.

"Hey, uh I think I need your help." She sighed, waiting for a response.

"Sure. Do I come over or do you want to come here?"

"I'll go there. Just give me a few minutes." Wren hung up, shoving her phone in her pocket before she tied up her hair, ignoring the flares in her shoulder.

She pushed her window open and the cold autumn wind froze her face.

"Just like any other day." Wren whispered to herself, placing one foot on the ledge, the other on the roof.

Keeping her steps light, she scampered across the roof, jumping down to the porch with a soft thump.

"Please be deaf." Wren mumbled, running to her car.

For the millionth time as she powered the engine, she was grateful the first car she had asked for was a hybrid car.

Less noise, less risk.

She drove out the garage without getting caught, and she let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.