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Ashes to Ashes	By : BurneHazard Category: S through Z > Sky High Views: 5389 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Sky High, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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Disclaimer: The lyrics quoted here are from "All You Wanted" by Michelle Branch. I make no claim to owning the song or singer, just borrowing them.

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Christmas sucked. Sure it was traditional right down to the people going around caroling at every block, the lights, the presents, the lack of work. The problem was, Warren's mom was called to work. It left him alone as the sun set and likely would leave him alone most of the night. He could have watched TV but everything was Christmas-y and he could do without it. Actually, he would not have minded watching a horror or something.

Oddly, as he went through the house toward the fridge, he found the poem of "Night Before Christmas" running through his mind. Frowning, he knew better than to try the radio. They were still booked on the Christmas Songs. Grabbing a soda from the fridge, he made sure all the food was put away properly, the kitchen and living room were clean before he locked the doors and went up to his room.

Standing in the doorway, he just studied the place. Warren was the sort that was used to being lone and even wanted to be left alone--where school or other social functions were concerned. However, he did enjoy having company, just someone there like his mom was to make a little bit of noise to keep him from thinking too much. That was the main reason he had been working after school since he was a freshman. He could not stand to think too much, he had to keep busy.

He could feel it, especially now. The house was empty, quiet. Even his room offered no real help. Sure he could play his CDs, turn the music up loud as he wanted, but it would not help. Heading for the stereo, he began to slowly sort through his CD collection. Turning the thing on, he tossed one in at random and hit the Random Play button before turning away. The music was well under way before the words actually hit him.

I didn't know that it was so cold

And you needed someone

to show you the way

So I took your hand and we figured out that

when the tide comes

I'd take you away

For a moment, he just stood there and listened. His mind was more or less on autopilot recalling the song title, the artist, the CD and where he had gotten it from. Warren however was actually just listening to the words and letting the music draw his mind away from the present.

If you want to, I can save you

I can take you away from here

So lonely inside

So busy out there

And all you wanted

was somebody who cares

Turning his head, he found himself staring at the various posters he collected featuring characters from his favorite movies or simple scenic pictures of various alien landscapes. He was a horror and sci-fi fan really. It would not be blatantly obvious according to everyone else. Almost lost, he turned and stopped the song before turning the stereo off.

"All right. Why not."

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Glancing at the address on paper once more, he tucked his hand back into the pocket of the coat and continued on. The cab had let him off on the right block, he just had to find the right house. Snow covered the ground though most of the sidewalks might have been salted at one time, the white stuff was packed down by multiple feet through the day, leaving only a trail to follow where the walk was supposed to be.

There were no cars passing by due to the hour and most people were inside where it was warm and where their family was gathered together. The lights were all bright and cheery despite the chill. It was nice and quiet. Unfortunately, that song continued to drift in the back of his mind. Normally it would be annoying but he did not mind this time. He needed the extra bit of courage--even if he refused to admit it.

Finally he saw the matching numbers on the porch post of a house. Taking a slow breath, he released it in a cloud of cool mist. It was a short distance up the walk and the steps to the door. Hesitating, Warren listened. Noise came from inside, likely a party or something. Uncertainty could not hold him back as he reached up to press the doorbell. It had a nice, mellow sound rather than sharp or nerve-jangling.

"Just a moment!"

Shuffling a little so he would be out of the way should the door swing out, he waited. In a moment--as promised--the door opened to allow warm light spill out onto the porch. Crystal appeared. The thing that struck him foremost was the expression on her face. He had dealt with her every week in school and with watching her, had come to see the various ways she was relaxed. Tonight her face was unreadable, like a mask and her eyes seemed just as closed and tired.

When she saw him however, surprise took over. Her expression relaxed into relief as she stared at him.

"Warren...I didn't expect...what're you doing here?"

Clearly that party she spoke about had been delayed to tonight. He suddenly felt odd at interrupting.

"Well, I actually...wanted to see if you were busy. But, um, sorry, it's a bad time..."

"No! Really, your timing is really great."

She glanced down before stepping out of the doorway and onto the porch to draw the door closed behind her. It allowed him to see her clothes clearly. A long midnight blue velvet skirt danced about her ankles over black boots that zipped up the inner calf and likely went up to her knees. The heels were a good inch but they were thick, sturdy things instead of narrow things. A black fleece turtleneck finished the outfit. For once her hair was down, curled gently about her shoulders and held out of her face by a simple black plastic headband.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, a few of dad's friends worked last night so he moved the party to tonight. I've already been listening to those stories I told you about for three hours." That blank expression returned for a moment as she looked away before she blinked and looked back at him. "I'm sorry, would you like to come in? It's rather chilly out."

He considered. War stories from veterans might be interesting to hear. Then again, if she had already been subjected to that for hours...

"Well, I would but...actually would you like to go...do something?"

All his doubt on the matter was lost when she smiled, really smiled at him.

"Really?"

"Sure...if your dad doesn't mind though."

"He won't. Let me go get my coat and tell him I'll be going out for a while." She hesitated. "Or, would you like to come in and meet him yourself?"

"Maybe I should..." he began. Then again, one look at him and Crystal's dad might have a fit.

"Come on in then."

The door opened and he followed her inside. It was a very nice house really with simple off-white tile in the entryway and deep blue carpeting further back. The walls were a smoky white and there were several pictures in dark wood frames to decorate them. Crystal waited until he had stamped off the majority of the snow and slush off his boots before leading him through the door to the living room.

A number of middle-aged and older men and women sat around or stood comfortably. There was a tree in the corner but mostly it was the company. Several of the guests were in wheelchairs or had other visible signs of disability. He was polite enough not to stare at anyone. Crystal had gone right into the crowd to gently nudge one man's elbow and get his attention. Both of them came over.

"This is my father, Lieutenant Major Wilford Windsong. Dad, this is Warren Peace. He's in my class at school."

The man was a little taller than his daughter and Warren himself. He had short hair of dark brown peppered with a lighter gray. His eyes were lighter brown while his face did have several features noticeably inherited by his daughter like his sharply curved brows and the shape of his eyes. Tan skin was clearly worn by the weather and other hardships of his military life save that his smile was open if a little reserved. He offered Warren one hand.

"Hello, Warren. It's a pleasure. I don't often get to meet many of Crystal's friends."

"Sir," he acknowledged respectfully as he shook the man's hand.

"Did you come to join the party?"

Now he felt uneasy.

"Um, actually, Mr. Windsong, I came to see if Crystal was free to go on a walk."

A sternness came across the man's face and Warren resisted the urge to swallow. Crystal stepped in however and took the attention.

"Now, Dad...it's just a walk and you know I can defend myself."

For a moment the man seemed undecided before he slowly shook his head and pulled Crystal into a tight hug. "Daaaad!"

"Okay. Just make certain that she is back before midnight, young man. And you will treat her like a lady." There was clear warning in that tone.

Warren nodded as he straightened. "Yes, sir."

Crystal grinned and kissed her dad's cheek with a murmured "Thanks dad" before darting back to the entryway for her coat. Mr. Windsong eyed Warren intently before nodding and clearly giving him permission to leave. "Merry Christmas, Warren."

"Merry Christmas, sir."

Retreating quickly, Warren found Crystal by the door. She had a warm-looking coat of black on and partially zipped up. A quick check and she slid a key ring into her pocket before heading out the door. He followed and closed the door behind him with a click. From here on out, he honestly had no clue just what he was going to do. Only a few places were open on Christmas Eve.
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Ashes to Ashes