She Won't Be Lonely Long

Chapter 4: Acquaintances

                Sienna made her way to the front door. Taking a deep breath before turning the handle. “Good evening officers,” she said after opening the door.

                “Sorry to bother you miss, but we are looking for a 15-year-old boy named Jaden Miller. His parents thought there was a chance he might be here. He was reported as a runaway over 24 hours ago,” the taller officer said.

                Complete shock ran through Sienna’s mind.

                “He was here about two hours ago, but left. I didn’t know he was a runaway.” Words were flowing from Sienna’s mouth before she realized what she was saying.

                “Well if he turns back up tell him to go home or call our non-emergency number. I’m Officer Lopez and this is Officer Jones, if he does turn back up.” He handed Sienna the card, gesturing to himself then the shorter officer who was accompanying him.

                “Will do, Officer. Have a good night.” Sienna said, waving goodnight and shutting the door. She turned around sighing and leaning against the door frame. She hated lying. She wasn’t even sure why she did lie for him. Lost in her thoughts she made her way back to the couch.

                “Why’d you lie for me?” Jaden asked from the basement stairs, causing Sienna to jump. She’d thought he’d ran out the basement patio when they arrived.

                “I thought you’d be long gone by now. And I didn’t lie for you, I lied so they didn’t think we were hiding runaways. You should go home.” She replied, settling into the couch.

                Jaden took up his now familiar seat across from her. “But I’m having fun here. My house is so boring.”

                “Your parents are probably worried sick. Being bored isn’t a good excuse for running away,” Sienna rolled her eyes, she couldn’t imagine making her mom worry like that.

                “I run away all the time. They are used to it by now.” He said nonchalantly. “I really appreciate you covering for me though.”

                “Just promise me, you will go home first thing tomorrow.” Sienna replied.

                “I’m really not the type of guy who makes promises,” Jaden looked up at her from his hands.

                Sienna had been fiddling with the officer’s card in her hands. “Well I guess I’ll be calling the non-emergency number then.”

                “Fine, fine. I promise.” Jaden said looking annoyed. A triumphant smile came over Sienna, and she caught Jaden smiling back at her. “You should smile more often.”

                Sienna flushed.

                “Jaden, come on. We’re leaving.” Brody hollered up from the basement.

                “Coming.” Jaden yelled back. “Now that we are friends, how about a goodnight hug?”

                “I don’t really like people touching me,” Sienna scrunched her nose up. She really only liked hugs from people she really knew. Jaden looked at her with doubt. “I’m just not a hugger.”

                Sienna headed for the stairs to the third floor, Jaden watching her go.

                “You’ve got a nice butt you know.”

                All Sienna could do was roll her eyes. “Goodnight Jaden.”

                Jaden whispered back, “Goodnight, Sienna.”

                Sienna returned from softball Sunday night in time to do her homework and go to bed. It appeared all Brody’s friends had gone home including Jaden. Brody was watching TV as Sienna worked through her Calculus homework. Sienna’s cell phone dinged. She had received a friend request from Jaden on f*******:. She debated whether or not to add him, and decided what could it hurt. She hit accept and returned to her homework.

                Within 30 seconds, Ding! Her phone went off again Jaden had sent a f*******: message. It read:

Hey, you. Just wanted you to know I kept my promise. I’m at home and grounded. You probably won’t see me for a while. I snuck on to send you this message. Your friend, Jaden.

                Sienna was trying to decide what to send back, when she caught Brody eyeing her suspiciously.

                “You know he has a girlfriend, right?” Brody said. She pretended to not know who he was talking about.

                “Who?”

                “Jaden, they’ve been together like a year and a half. I don’t want you to be another one of his conquests.” Brody informed her.

                “Conquests?” Sienna c****d an eyebrow at him.

                “Just another girl he thinks he can get behind his girlfriend’s back. He’s not a nice guy, Sienna.” Brody said returning to his show.

                “But your friends with him?” Sienna questioned.

                “Well, his girlfriend isn’t my friend. I don’t care what he does. Bro code,” he responded as if it answered all life’s questions about boys.

                Sienna decided to respond, but mainly just to acknowledge his message.

No problem. And I never said we were friends. Just an acquaintance, Sienna.