Rowan tapped the pencil against her lower lip. She answered the problem, scrawling in her messy handwriting. 15 minutes later, she dropped the pencil and stood up. “Hey, mom! Can I go to Evie’s?” She called, rushing down the stairs. Her mom frowned, “no, go call that poor girl over here.” Rowan nodded and swung the door open. She ran to Evie’s house and banged on the door, hoping Evelyn or Ashlyn would answer. But it was Soraya who answered. Her long, platinum blonde hair was plaited into a long silver tail. Soraya’s cold blue eyes landed on Rowan, making her stiffen. “You… what do you want?” She asked coldly. “H-hi. I was wondering if Evelyn and Ashlyn could come over?” Soraya considered for a moment and then asked, “why?” “Homework,” Rowan lied. Soraya conceded and moved out of the way so Rowan could enter. She silently went up the stairs and knocked on Evie and Ash’s doors. The two of them stuck their heads out and sighed in relief. Evie hugged Rowan and then Ash did the same. “Come on, we’re going to my house,” Rowan whispered. Ashlyn brightened and Evelyn smiled. The went downstairs and left without saying bye. When they rang Rowan’s doorbell, Aspen answered the door. “Hey Aspie,” Rowan said, grinning. She ruffled their hair, causing them to pat it back down. The three entered and Aspen closed the door. “So, what’s the plan?” He asked. “I want to go explore the forest,” Ashlyn said softly. Rowan grinned, “that’s a good idea. Let’s do it.” “Mom, we’re going to the forest,” she called. “Okay!” Their mom replied, and the four kids raced each other to the forest.
