Fledgling (12 page)

Everyone hugged before they left. Uncle Jace waved and led Aunt Tera outside as she continued chatting to her sister until Jace shut her car door with a satisfied grin. Melissa shook her head and laughed, before sealing out the cool night air.

“Well…you look tired. I think I should leave too.” Chance said eyeing the door.

“It’s only eight o’clock though,” Ana said discouraged. “How about watching a movie on the couch?”

Without waiting for an answer she grabbed his hand and led him to the sofa. Putting on a comedy, she settled in beside him.

Eva joined them, while Melissa went upstairs to gather a load of laundry. Ten minutes later, she came into the living room with a basket of clean clothes.

“Make yourself useful, Eva. Can you fold these for me?” Melissa had dark bags under her eyes but hadn’t lost the spark that kept her moving. She disappeared into the kitchen and soon the sound of water running and clanging dishes was heard throughout the house.

Eva dragged herself off the couch to start folding the mish-mash of white laundry sticking out of the battered blue basket.

Chance felt the weight of Ana’s head resting on his shoulder and realized she had fallen asleep. Rather than being amused, he frowned apprehensively. He turned to Eva who was humming as she balled up socks. She broke off after meeting his stare and looked at her sister with solemn eyes.

“Maybe I should carry her to bed?” he asked Eva.

She nodded averting her sad eyes, and continued to fold the laundry in silence.

Chance scooped Ana up in his arms and walked to the kitchen. Ana didn’t stir, so exhausted nothing could wake her. As he carried her into the kitchen, Melissa turned. She turned off the faucet and silently led the way walking ahead of him. Upstairs, she pointed to the end of the hallway. Chance pushed through the door into a darkened room. Melissa flipped the switch and went to pull down the sheets to Ana’s bed.

Taking a deep breath, filling his lungs with Ana’s scent, Chance lay her down on the bed letting his lips sweep past her forehead, and backed away. Melissa turned away quickly, but Chance saw her reflection in the window. He saw her cheek quivering and heard her deep raspy breath. When she returned to her daughter’s side composed and in control, she removed Ana’s shoes and without a sound, he left the room. As he descended the stairs the sound of sheets rustling and a soft whisper met his ears, “Good night, Baby.”

Melissa was rubbing her eyes when she joined Chance in the kitchen, who was sullen with folded arms and standing in the corner.

“Thanks for taking her up,” Melissa said touching his arm. She stared at the floor for a long moment before looking up and holding his gaze. “It’s nice having you around. It’s good knowing there’s someone else looking out for her.” Melissa seemed to stop short as though she had said too much.

“Anything else I can help you with tonight?” Chance asked frowning.

Melissa’s eyes softened, “You’re sweet, Chance.”

He felt so frustrated and powerless. He knew something was wrong. It was as clear as day, but he just didn’t know what. Everyone was skirting around the subject, but it was as present as a pink elephant in the room.

Melissa stepped forward and gave him a hug, as though she hoped to smooth his concerns, which were palpable. She held her breath and released him.

“We’re fine, really, thanks for offering. Don’t worry Chance, she’ll be okay after a good night sleep. You’ll see,” she tried reassuring him.

Chance nodded and reluctantly wandered into the living room with Melissa trailing behind. He gave Eva a high five before pulling out his keys.

Outside by his truck he stood and listened to the trees swaying around him. The sounds from other animals were absent, but he knew they were there. He could
feel
them.

Chapter 14.

Sunday morning came early, but not for Ana. She remained sleeping until she heard cupboards banging. The sound of wings flapping outside her window earlier in the morning wasn’t enough to wake her, plunging her head deeper under her pillow.

When she finally got up she saw how late it was. She couldn’t remember how she got to bed, or Chance leaving for that matter. Clothing stuck to her moist skin and she realized she was still in the clothes she wore from last night.

Shaking her head, she peeled off her sweaty wrinkled garments, threw them in the hamper and grabbed a fresh set.
Maybe I was abducted
by aliens,
she laughed to herself. She gazed at her tangled reflection in a small mirror on the wall, and combed out the birds nest her hair had become.

“Good morning, sunshine,” Melissa welcomed her as she walked groggily downstairs. The sound of cartoons drifted in from the living room.

As she rubbed the sleep from her eyes and stretched, Ana felt an unwelcome head rush return, grabbing a chair for support. Melissa eyed her cautiously and then forced her daughter into the kitchen chair that she held so tightly.

“What can I get you for breakfast?”

“I’m not hungry, Mom,” Ana said defensively, pushing at the ridges in the tablecloth in front of her.

“Wrong answer. How about some yogurt-or at least a banana?” Melissa said holding out the yellow fruit.

“Fine.” Ana reached out and grabbed the banana. As she took a bite she asked, “What happened last night, I don’t remember going to bed.”

“You fell asleep after Tera and Jace left, then Chance carried you up to your room. He seemed really concerned about you.” Melissa faced out the kitchen window so she wouldn’t have to meet Ana’s eyes. She maintained her promise and kept her thoughts private, reminding herself it was Ana’s choice if she wanted to tell him.

“I’ll call him. Let him know I’m fine.”

Ana took another bite of banana while she walked out the back door. She dropped onto a patio chair and closed her eyes, tilting her head back, letting the sun warm her skin. She lifted her head to call Chance, watching some red squirrels racing across the lawn scavenging for food.

“Ana?” Chance’s breathless voice answered.

“Hey, I wanted to call you and let you know I’m feeling
fine
this morning.” She emphasized the word
fine
and continued, “I just needed a little rest. It was a long week. Mom tells me you helped me get to bed-um…thanks.”

“Yeah, I was worried. I’m glad you’re feeling better now.”

The sound of a screeching bird called out near her house and she thought it echoed in her ear from the phone.

“Where are you?” she asked, suspicious.

There was a pause before Chance answered.

“Taking a walk in the forest. I need to head back though. Grandfather’s expecting me.” He seemed impatient.

“Okay. You want to call me back later then?” she inquired.

“Yeah. Thanks for everything last night-your family’s certainly…entertaining.” Ana heard his deep chuckle and joined in.

“Aren’t they? Well, I’ll talk to you later. Bye, Chance.”

“Bye, Ana.”

She snapped her phone shut and went back into the house, her mind turning to the pile of homework that was due. It was time to come back to reality, to face her responsibilities. After tossing the banana peel into the trash, she lumbered upstairs to her awaiting book covered desk.

Chapter 15.

Cool blades of grass tickled Ana’s exposed skin as she laid in the warm sunlight during lunch period. She heard voices around her in the courtyard as though she were behind sheet glass, muffled murmurs surrounding her.

Suddenly the heat from the sun dissolved into cool shade. Opening her eyes, Ana blinked at the form blocking her light.

Chance stood amused, watching Ana’s attempts to focus on him. She smiled up with her lids shut and patted the grass adjacent to her. He settled himself beside her.

Five sets of eyes turned to face Chance, while Laura threw a suggestive grin at Ana, who avoided eye contact entirely. After his unexpected appearance the girls apprehensively resumed their conversations, though their curious eyes remained watchful.

“I’ve been waiting for you,” Ana murmured as she closed her eyes enjoying her rest.

Chance propped himself back on his elbow turning to admire the soft supple skin of her face.

“Want to go on a nature walk tomorrow?” Chance asked discreetly while staring at some ravens pecking at scattered chips strewn on the ground.

Ana heard some sniggering across the lawn near the metal chain link fence and noticed some boys grouped together glancing over that them. She saw Chance’s hands ball up, and his face darkened.

“What’s wrong?”

“I don’t like what they’re saying.”

Ana frowned, “But, they’re to far away to hear. Ignore them.”

Chance stared back over at the squawking ravens, and with each breath his face dropped all traces of agitation. “So, I thought I’d show you what
I
do to unwind. I’ve tracked the area really well. There are some pretty sweet places I’d like to show you,” he murmured and the crows paused to glance over.

“I’ll have to check with Aunt Tera-see if I can drop Eva off with her after school.” Then she added, “I’m not much of a hiker. Is the trail flat or rocky?”

He noted her previous reaction to hiking and her fatigue on their walk in the forest behind her home. So, he decided to take her to a level location, not wanting to push her. She clearly had limitations, but not for the lack of trying.

“No worries. I’ll take care of you.” Chance’s serious face met hers and Ana nodded and her shoulders relaxed.

While standing in the parking lot after school, Chance pressed her to call him as soon as she spoke to her aunt.

When Ana got home with her sister, she called as she had promised.

“Aunt Tera, is it okay if I drop Eva off at your house after school tomorrow? Chance wants to take me on a walk.”

Ana could just imagine the suggestive grin her aunt displayed at that moment, hearing the smile in her voice, “Sure Sweetie, I can just pick her up from school if that makes it easier for you. Mel can swing by after work and get her before going home.”

Eva was staring at her suspiciously, questioning what was happening on the phone. She began tapping her foot and narrowed her eyes, annoyed.

“Thanks, Aunt Tera, I appreciate it.”

Before hanging up the phone her aunt interjected, “You have fun and say hi to Chance for me.”

Ana pleaded with her sister as she flipped her phone shut, “Please? I bet Aunt Tera will make you cookies if you ask.” She tried enticing her, seeing the idea embraced. The thought of yummy chocolate chip cookies made her grin, and she nodded. Getting stuck at Aunt Tera and Uncle Jace’s house ensured at the very least that you’d be fed well. This was probably the reason for Uncle Jace’s pot belly.

Ana phoned Chance, who seemed to be awaiting her call, picking up after the first ring.

“Alright, we’re set for tomorrow. Aunt Tera’s gonna pick Eva up after school. So, I’ll be ready when the bell rings.”

“Excellent,” he breathed.

“Remember-take it easy on me,” she warned him.

“Scout’s honor,” he laughed into the phone.

“Are you even a boy scout? Anyway, are you taking me somewhere special, or is it a secret?” she said thinking about their nighttime trip to the lake.

“You’ll like it…and I promise, no hiking.” Chance seemed to enjoy Ana’s curiosity. It was obvious he was excited to share his knowledge about the local wildlife.

“Well then…I can’t wait.”

An awkward silence came when saying goodbye, neither of them liking that part. He cleared his throat, “I’ll see you tomorrow, Ana.” His voice sounded glum.

“Bye,” Ana whispered before shutting her phone and resting it against her pale lips.

The next day at calculus, Laura couldn’t wait to question Ana, “So what’s up with you and Chance?”

“We’re friends, I guess.” Ana said frowning. She hadn’t described their relationship yet. They just simply
were
. She didn’t want to label what was growing between them, it felt less significant to call him her ‘boyfriend’ and she really wasn’t sure if he was even that. Plus, they hadn’t committed themselves to each other in that way, yet. Not in words. It was that awkward phase, an unclassifiable point, not knowing if they were officially dating or just close friends.

“How long have you been hanging out?”

“Oh, I guess we just clicked last week and we’ve been working together in class. We did hang out this weekend…” Ana wasn’t sure what Laura was looking for in an answer.

“Have you kissed yet?” Laura’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.

Although there was nothing to report, she didn’t feel close enough with Laura to begin chatting girl talk with her. She shrugged and said lamely, “No, nothing like that. So, what did you do this weekend?”

Laura happily narrated all the high points about her weekend with her boyfriend, who attended school in Sandpoint. As she prattled on, Ana allowed her mind to bring up the subject that had been raised. It was something she had thought about, kissing Chance. Every time she was around him, she couldn’t help but think about it. When she imagined his strong hands holding her close and his lips brushing against hers it made her heart drum.