It started about two months ago, I was in New York, sitting on a rooftop with my legs dangling off the edge just thinking. I had just been kicked out of yet another foster home. I made a mistake, I got too comfortable. They said I had no respect and called me an ungrateful brat. That was fine, I've had worse said to me. What got me was when one of the other foster kids in the house started to make fun. I punched him. In the face. Let me tell you, it felt good. Hey! I never said I was a good kid! I got kicked out, but it sure was satisfying.
Anyways, I was sitting on the rooftop watching the sun slowly set over the roofs of the city, the blues fading to reds and oranges, when I felt someone sit down beside me. I know, when you're sitting on a rooftop in the middle of New York, and a stranger sits next to you, you run right? Not me, I just ignored the figure. I watched as the sun continued to fade from sight, the stranger and I sitting in silence. That is, until he decided to start talking.
"So what are you doing up here?" He asked in a kind sounding voice. Kind, but it had an edge.
"Thinking" I said simply, not looking over at the man, a frown maring my face.
"About?" He asked and I finally looked over at him. He looked to be about thirty with short, dirty blonde hair. He was wearing sunglasses and had a bow slung across his back.
"Stuff," I said shrugging "what are you doing up here?" I said attempting to change the topic.
"Thinking." was his reply.
"About?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Stuff." he replied with a matching smirk. A smile flickered across my face.
"Touché"
Looking at the sky, I saw that the sun had fully set and the darkness was closing in, the shadows grabbing at me. Groaning, I stood up. I was going to be in trouble when I got back.
"Sorry, but I gotta go, it's way past curfew" I said heading for the fire escape.
"Do you live in this building?" He asked standing up as well.
"No, I live a few blocks away. I just come here to think." I replied as it made my way to the street level.
"Let me walk you home. It's dangerous around here after dark." He said following behind me.
"I can take care of myself, but whatever helps you sleep at night." I said not even turning to look. Nonetheless I could practically hear the smirk on his face. We walked side by side the few blocks to the orphanage.
"Well, this is my stop." I muttered as I stopped in front of the gates.
"The Vlasky home for kids," He read aloud. "You live in an orphanage?" He looked at me curiously.
"Well, orphans tend to do that." I said slowly and slightly condescending. I was tired of the pity that comes with the whole 'Parents died in the invasion' thing. There was no way I was going to let some stranger pity me.
"Oh," He said quietly.
"Yep!" I said walking towards the door. Before I could open the gate, the door opened and a voice rang out. 'shit' I thought to myself.
"Raven Alexandra Phillips. What sort of time do you call this? I have told you time and time again to be back before dark. If something happens to you, I'm the one that gets in trouble." The voice of the matron, called out into the dark.
"Sorry , It won't happen again. I just got distracted." I said quietly, moving towards the door.
"Actually, it was my fault Ma'am. I had a problem and Raven here was kind enough to help me out." The man said with a smile. I gave him a grateful half-smile just as scoffed.
"Kind? That doesn't sound like Raven, little ungrateful brat" The matron said, saying the last bit towards me causing my smile to fall and for me to roll my eyes.
"Why would I lie?" He asked laying on the charm.
"I don't know, but whatever. Raven you are excused just this once. Now get in the house" She said glaring at me then smiling at the man that saved me. Nodding, I walked into the house with my head down. Closing the door behind me, I went to my room and layed down on my bed. My roommate giving me a look before going back to whatever she was doing. Only then did I realize that I never got the man's name.