Draft 1

Will leaned against the wall, pulling her flimsy windbreaker around her. 'Just my luck.'

she popped the collar and hood up in hopes of staving off the cold wind and rain. she shoved her hand up the opposing sleeve, already feeling her finger tips get cold from the weather. 'Three hours of waiting till mom gets off... probably better than weathering this rain to get to taranee's place and call mom.'

Will closed her eyes and let her mind wander. School, Meridian, friends, family. A lot was going through the mind of the fifteen year old, stuff she shouldn't even have to worry about.

Time ticked by slowly and it started to darken, street lights went on and cast long shadows. Will had lost track of time completely when footsteps drudged down te gravel path.

"Ms Vandom? What in the blazes are you doing out here of all places? and in this weather?"

Will's head snapped up and fell on a sight she had not expected. Their new PE teacher was standing just a few feet from her, massive black coat covering him and his hair blasted into his face by the rain.

"Mr Wolf? Wha- I mean i live here."

The man swept his hand over his forehead upwards to push his hair out of his sight.

"What a coincidence. doesn't answer the question why you are waiting out in this almost hail. And have been for a while from the looks of it."

Will helplessly shrugged her shoulders. "key broke in the lock. Mom's not coming off work till six. it was either wait or walk through this weather to a friends place."

"Neither a pleasant option," Mr Wolf said while he flipped back the coat sleeve on his arm to inspect his watch. "And I take it your mother works a distance away and will not be back instantly after she clocks out."

"half an hour to an hour depending on the traffic."

She watched the man do the calculations and then mutter to himself for a few moments.

"Come up then. least i can offer is a dry place and letting you call your mother. Apartment B on the fourth."

He walked past her to the main entrance, producing a set of keys from the depth of his coat.

Will hesitated for a moment. 'Mom always said to never trust a stranger. But...' Her teeth chattered, enforcing just how cold she was feeling.

Finally she decided that she would risk it. 'Besides, if he tries any funny business, I AM a Guardian.'

She followed Mr Wolf up the stairway, quietly wondering what the odds were that her new PE teacher was actually living not only in the same building but on the apartment opposite of hers. While she walked behind him she noticed he seemed to have some kind of 'hump' under his coat or something.

Soon they were on the fourth floor and the man slotted in his key and opened his apartment.

"Phone's directly on the left. just dial an extra zero for a local line," he said while he removed his coat and Will saw that he had worn his large messenger bag under the coat, which gave him the look of having a hunchback.

'Not a bad idea actually,' she thought to herself as she watched him move further into his apartment and what she assumed to be the kitchen if the layout somewhat mirrored her own home.

She spotted the phone and quickly picked it up while staying in the entrance. Dialing her mom's direct office number, she soon heard her answer.

"Hey mom."

"Will? where are you? what is this number you are calling from?"

"Relax mom. It's just... they key broke in the lock so i was waiting outside for your. Turns out our new PE teacher, Mr Wolf, is also our new neighbor and he offered me a dry place and a call to you."

"What?! Wilhemina Vandom what have I taught you about strangers?!"

"Mom, relax. I can take care of myself. Besides, you already know where i am and i do know where he works. I really do not think he is some kind of sicko who preys on young girls."

"You will not accept anything from him, do you hear me? I will be over as fast as i can."

"Really mom, i don-"

But the line cut out without further warning and Will sighed as she hung up.

'Really, mom needs to relax. I am not stupid.' She turned around and inspected the apartment more closely from her vantage point.