Wren wore a hat before heading outside in the afternoon heat. It was her mother's hat. Her mother used to be obsessed with hats, if she remembered correctly.
She thought of heading out by the backdoor since her aunt must be in the bookstore. She stepped out quietly for she knew what would happen if she got caught.
You created so much chaos today and now out for another walk? You need to get a hold of yourself, young lady! Yeah, that's what she would say...
She thought, while subconsciously hiding her wounded hand in her pocket, burying deeply.
She wore a beautiful light green cardigan which matched with her dark sap green skirt. She headed out of her backgate and was greeted with the shopkeeper's loud voice.
"Owh Wren! Going somewhere?"
She nodded awkwardly.
"Oh well, Happy Walk then!!!"
"Oh, thanks." She realized her voice was drained of energy. She gave a polite smile and left.
It was a long way, to the destination in her mind.
She noticed the police who were patrolling the town. Their faces carried a carefree look.
The murderer almost disappeared into the thin air... And it was even debated in the newspaper that he was a Dolv and he would not try to mess things up again. Even Orion said the murderer must have had one goal of avenging someone and totally not to become a serial killer... Yeah, that explains the casual face.
She continued walking, changing alleys every few minutes. Her mind was never silent.
Everyone should be even more fearful. A murder is nothing casual. And a sudden murder is even scarier after all these years. Are people getting comfortable again? What the hell is going on...?
Lost in thoughts, she was surprised when she reached her destination. It felt like she hadn't even spent much time coming here.
She stepped inside the green lawn of the house. It was big, big enough to teach the kids martial arts and other work outs. She stepped forward to knock at the wooden door. The wall was white and it shone brightly in the afternoon light. Wren kept observing these things until her friend opened the door.
The door opened and a tall, mascular girl looked down at Wren with a surprised face.
"Wren?" Her voice didn't carry any friendliness.
"Hi Martha! I had to ask you a favor, sorry."
"Of course. Why else would you be here anyways, you workaholic woman." Martha rolled her eyes before bursting out laughing.
"How on earth did you get time today? Something urgent?"
"Yeah... I need you to teach me some, you know, defence techniques." Wren gave an awkward smile for she was not used to talking about favors like this.
"..." Martha frowned, making Wren nervous.
The tall girl finally got a conclusion. "You NEVER ask for help in physical fitness. And asking for help in defences, urgently, at an hour like this, with a face like that! You are being bothered by somebody! Who made you feel defenceless??? IF IT IS URGENT ENOUGH TO MAKE YOU COME TO ME, IT IS TOO URGENT TO BE TEACHING YOU! TELL ME HIS NAME AND I WILL DEFEND YOU ALRIGHT!"
"No, no, Martha calm—"
"IT IS TOO LATE TO BE LEARNING, WREN! IT WILL TAKE AT LEAST A MONTH TO IMPROVE A LITTLE BETTER THAN YOUR PRESENT STATE! TOO LATE IF IT'S URGENT!"
"STOP SHOUTING!" Wren yelled, making Martha look surprised.
"You angry?" Martha asked, her voice never too serious.
Wren tried to explain immediately.
"No! It's just, you talk too fast and loud and it was kind of overwhelming for my brain. It's okay, I understand your worry. And thanks. You are almost right but I am here as a 'just in case' situation. So, nobody's troubling me too much at this point but there are possibilities in the future."
She gave a small smile at her friend. "I brought you some roses if you want to decorate it in your living room!" She said, presenting three rose held together by a blue ribbon.
Martha burst out laughing when she saw her favorite flowers and the ribbon in her favorite color.
God, it's fine! I understand when you are busy, you know. You don't have to make up for it everytime you come!
Martha thought but didn't say out loud for she didn't want to call Wren out and make her more embarrassed.
"Thanks, girl. Come inside."
*****
Wren had a hard training for two and a half hours. She had to do the basics but she gave her best, imagining defeating the Red Scorpions every time she practiced a punch.
It was almost 6 pm when she was done.
"Get home before dark!" Martha shouted, waving her hand when Wren left.
Wren waved back cheerfully, happy with the time she spent with her.
She walked by the street hastily, the tall white walls making her wanting to get home as soon as possible. She always found this part of her town different than the part where she lived. The surroundings were more vibrant in her neighborhood but the people were more vibrant in Martha's neighborhood, she thought.
Lost in her thoughts, she changed alleys easily with her years of memories. She had been called for training tomorrow again by Martha. She somehow felt a breath of fresh air; away from the worries of the murder mystery.
As she walked by a long street with no turns until some metres away, she started realising something.
There are no people out in the streets. This is... Sameul's neighborhood, if I remember Orion's notes correctly. I surely don't want to meet him here alone.
The rays of the golden hour fell on her beautifully as she walked. Her dark blackish eyes now shone with a honey-like hue and her brown hair strands reflected golden. It matched with the contrast of her dark shadow against the road tinted amber.
She heard a person coming from the left turn, around the corner. She gulped as her worry came true. She watched as the guy's figure approached her slowly, exhausted.
Sameul was walking full of tiredness in his eyes, his legs dragging him forward along the road. He hadn't noticed Wren at once but when he did, he wasn't able to put on his carefree, radiant face. Instead, Wren's eyes met his tired and genuine smile through his eyes as both came closer and closer. As Wren passed him, she felt a pressure above her head, making her hold the edges of her hat instinctively.
Seeing her action, Sameul gave out a chuckle and as he walked away behind her, he called out, "Get home safe!"
She turned around and found him many metres away for she had walked too fast when she had realized he had patted her head.
"I will!" She called out.
She turned around again, this time heading home with another feeling. Her face radiated joy as she rushed through the streets of Loughtown. It had taken her surprisingly less time when she reached home. She entered by the backdoor and found the kitchen empty and realized aunt was still at work.
She didn't bother to wait for a second and went straight to her room, now a grin drawing up her lips. She entered her room, closed the door with a slam and twirled happily.
She took a deep breath.
Control yourself, Wren.
She took off her hat and was about to change her clothes when she saw the picture of the garden on her table.
Her eyes widened.
It isn't even night yet. Orion returned it so soon? That means SAMEUL IS THE GOOD GUY!
She took a deep breath with her lips pressed trying to resist her smile. She slumped herself onto the bed and faced the ceiling.
I am glad he is the good guy. Finally, I can talk to him normally! I even saw his real face today. He is just a tired guy trying to wear a mask of confidence.
...
Too many good things. Too fast. Too good. Too freaking good.
...
Calm down, Wren. Just treat him normally. Oh, I should apologize for my behavior of today morning then!
...
I hope Sameul is a good guy. At least he is not in the list of suspects... I should not disregard the possibilities, nonetheless.
She sighed.
She paused for a moment, analysing her thoughts. She suddenly rushed to her mirror and inspected her face.
I better not be blushing right now! Hmm... Oh that's great, I am just happy.