Jess: I don't own night world

Estelle's P.O.V.

The bright, pink sunrise woke me that morning- like every morning. I kicked the covers off and jumped out of bed. The breeze blew through the opened window. I crossed the room and climbed out onto the roof. Lying there, I watched the rest of the sunrise.

"Good morning, Stelle!" I barely heard Riley's voice. I turned my head to see him climbing out beside me.

"Wow!" he said, "Now I know why you like it up here so much. This view is beautiful!"

I smiled. "Yeah. It's a great place to think." I paused to think about all the things I've thought about. Running away, cutting myself, trying to get frostbite by lying here in the winter, jumping off buildings, running across the highway without looking. All things I have chickened out on. Not because I was scared but because if I left Nathan and Chad might move to someone else. Did the others know I was picked on and beat up at school, no, did they know that Nathan (our adopted dad) raped and abused me, no, and none of them ever will.

"Estelle?" Riley knocked on my head "You home?"

I looked up at him and smiled. I didn't know if I should be angry with him or happy but no matter what I still have to endure it for them.

"Yes Riley" I sighed "I'm fine." I turned toward the sun. Then I heard it, the ruckus in the bushes. I sat straight up just as Riley was leaving. I heard the door close. Listening for more noises, I looked around again. I jumped to my feet hoping I could get inside quick enough but, just my luck, the shingle broke on the roof and I began to fall.

"AHH!!" I screamed I heard the door slam open but it disappeared as the rush of wind filled my ears. I'm going to die now, just like I always wanted. I stopped screaming, wanting it to be over but someone caught me. My eyes were closed and I was scared to look but slowly I opened them to see a beautiful face. My breath got caught in my throat.

"Are you okay?" he asked politely.

"I… I think so."

He smiled. "That's good. Do you think you can walk?"

"Truthfully?" I asked. He gave me a look and nodded. "No, I don't think I can walk."

He laughed. "Okay. I'll help you in." He smiled. "What's your name?"

"Estelle," I said "What's yours?"

"Ash."

Just then Riley, Amelia, and Matthew ran out. "Estelle, are you okay?" Matt shouted. He raced to my side.

"Yeah, just a little dizzy," I answered truthfully.

"God, girl! You scared me to death! Jeez," Amelia placed a hand over her collarbone.

I smiled as Ash carried me into the house and set me on the couch. "Thank you," we all said as he left.

Ash's P.O.V.

As I walked out of the house waving goodbye, I pulled out my cell and the piece of paper Jason had given me. I dialled the number.

"Ash?"

"Yeah, it's me," I looked around to make sure no one could hear me. "I found them. I found your children."