Page 186 of As They Are
“So defensive. How long have you known her again?” Wren’s mom tilted her head. “Not as long as I have, that’s for sure.”
“Not as lo—lady, you haven’t talked to her foryears.”
“I’m sure she told you some version of the truth.”
Thegallof this woman. I opened my mouth to give a sharp retort, but Madison interrupted.
“Does this really matter? Go get Wren.”
“No,” I said. “If you think I’m making her do this, you’ve lost your mind.”
“Whatever,” she muttered. “Hey! You! Old man, go get Wren!”
Hugh slowly turned, his face in a grimace. “I don’t take orders from you!”
“All right, I’ll get someone else. How about you?” She pointed to Atticus. “Can you get Wren?”
He crossed his arms. “I’m not a fan of forcing someone into a confrontation they aren’t ready for.”
“Oh, please. You don’t even know her.”
“I knowofher. And I’m not a jerk.” Atticus shook his head and walked off.
Madison found someone else. They turned her down too. After the fourth or fifth person, she stomped her foot. “What is with the people of this town!”
“Seems like you’ve hit a wall,” I said. “Now, I’m gonna make sure Wren isactuallyokay. Then we’ll figure out a plan.” I turned to the rest of the town. “Make sure no one follows me.”
Madison yelled my name as I walked away, but I didn’t stop.
Not until I saw Wren.
34
WREN
Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch
Jade Clark: God damn, I’ve never seen Henry so MAD.
Comments:
Marjorie Brown: I heard him from inside. What the hell happened?
Jade Clark:The show brought Wren’s mom without asking her. Apparently they haven’t talked in years.
Atticus Thompson:Absolutely deplorable behavior. They got what they deserved.
Jade Clark: Seriously. Henry needs to show that side of him more often. Maybe Hugh will take him seriously.
Kerry Winsor: I MISSED THE WHOLE THING? WHAT?! Is Wren okay?
Jade Clark:No idea. This is a freshly developing situation. Just low-key proud of Henry. He said what I was thinking.
There wasa loud knock at the door. I ignored it, but when it happened again, I peered out.
“It’s—” I froze when I saw Henry. “Hey.”
“You okay?” His voice was tight, just like it had been when he’d been overwhelmed before and gone off on Jude.
