Save Me Sparrow

chapter 2

Lyra shut the water off and stood there for a second, staring at the sink while the kitchen slowly returned to its usual noise. Plates clinked, chairs moved, Vera started talking to one of the maids like nothing had happened. Like the argument, the tension, the silence, all of it meant nothing.

She dried her hands and turned away before anyone could say something else to keep her there.

Her bag was still on the chair where she’d dropped it earlier. She grabbed it, slinging the strap over her shoulder, then reached for her travel mug on the counter. The coffee inside had already gone lukewarm, but she took it anyway. She just wanted out.

One of the maids was wiping down the table behind her, moving quietly, eyes down, like she’d learned a long time ago not to get involved in family arguments.

She headed for the door without saying anything.

“Lyra. Stop right there.”

She froze, closing her eyes for a second before turning around. “What now?”

Vera stood near the table, arms folded neatly. “You’re not leaving just yet.”

Lyra frowned. “Excuse me?”

“Your father could call at any moment,” Vera said. “Breakfast has barely been cleared. You need to stay and finish your chores.”

Lyra tightened her grip on the mug. “I have class. If I miss it, I fall behind.”

“Your obligations here take priority,” Vera replied. “You agreed to the rules when the contract was signed.”

Rules are rules,” Vera said calmly. “I won’t have you wandering off whenever you please.”

Lyra let out a breath through her teeth, already turning back toward the door.

“I’m leaving.”

She reached for the handle. Stopping when she noticed someone leaning against the counter.

Wayne.

He hadn’t been there a second ago.

He stood near the far end of the kitchen, one shoulder resting against the counter, a mug of coffee in his hand like he’d just walked back in and decided to stay out of the way. His expression was neutral, unreadable, but his eyes were on them.

Lyra blinked, thrown off for half a second.

Vera noticed him too. “This doesn’t concern you.”

Wayne took a slow sip of his coffee before answering. “Didn’t say it did.”

Lyra shook her head, annoyed. “I have a class to get to.”

Vera stepped closer to the door, blocking part of it. “Not until I say it’s okay.”

The room went quiet again.

Wayne set his mug down on the counter with a soft clink, then pushed himself upright. He didn’t rush, didn’t look angry, didn’t even look like he wanted to get involved.

“She has class,” he said. “Richard won’t like it if she starts missing them.”

Vera frowned. “And who asked you?”

Wayne shrugged, hands sliding into his pockets. “Just an observation.”

Vera didn’t move.Vera’s eyes narrowed. “I can handle my husband’s expectations.”

Wayne didn’t move. “He asked me to keep an eye on things while he’s gone.”

The words landed heavier than anything else in the room.

Lyra blinked, surprised, and Vera’s expression tightened.

“That doesn’t mean you interfere,” Vera said.

“It means I make sure the agreement isn’t pushed further than it was written,” Wayne replied evenly. “The contract says she stays in education. It doesn’t say she stops living her life due to your whims, Vera.”

For a second it felt like the whole house was waiting.

Then Wayne stopped a few steps from her, his voice quieter than before.

“Step aside.”

It wasn’t loud.

It wasn’t rude.

But it wasn’t a suggestion either.

Vera scowled at him, clearly unhappy, but after a moment she stepped back with an irritated sigh.

Lyra didn’t hesitate. She grabbed her keys from the table, pushed the door open, and stepped outside before anyone could change their mind.

“I’ll be back before dinner” she said, not looking back.

Cool air hit her face, and she exhaled, tension finally leaving her shoulders.

The door opened again behind her.

She turned slightly as Wayne stepped out onto the porch, like he’d only followed to make sure she actually left.

He leaned against the railing, arms folded, watching her for a second before speaking.

“Watch your bag,” he said. “And don’t spill your coffee this time.”

She looked at him, surprised, then let out a faint, tired smile.

“Thanks, Wayne.”

His expression softened for just a second, green eyes lingering on her like he wanted to say something else.

He didn’t.

“Just get to class,” he said quietly. “I don’t feel like explaining to your dad why you didn’t.”