Fledgling (9 page)

“And…how about your house?”

“Besides the fact it brings up memories of Grandma, and it smells like menthols, I love it. There are so many stars here. Colorado had too much light pollution… couldn’t see the stars as well as I do here. You don’t have any nice views from your house, do you?” Ana inquired hopefully.

A crooked grin slid across his face, “I have something in store for you. I
think
you’ll be happy.”

“Hmm, mysterious.”

Chance arched his eyebrow and chuckled. “Heh, heh, heh.”

She laughed with him, “You don’t scare me. Nice try.”

He cleared his throat and asked, “You warm enough?”

“Fine, thanks. So, tell me about your parents. What are they like?”

“Well, my mom’s a nurse at Sandpoint Hospital and my dad’s a jeweler. He owns a shop down around Hope Marina. My grandfather lives with us now, too. After Grandmother died he was lonely. He hired someone to manage his ranch and came to live with us about two years ago.”

“So, your grandfather lives with you? How’s that?” Ana imagined her grandma sitting on their couch chain smoking and frowned.

“I’m pretty close with him. We go hiking a lot… when I’m not working.”

“That’s nice-I wasn’t really close to my grandparents. Didn’t know them too well.” She gazed at the darkened shapes flitting by her window.

After a moment of silence Ana asked, “So, your mother’s a nurse? She’s following your family’s tradition for healing?”

Chance frowned, “Uh…how so?”

“You said your grandfather came from a long line of Navajo Shamans, right?”

“Riiight. I guess you could say that. She’s a very compassionate person and loves her job. Ever since she was a little girl she wanted to help people.”

“And, what about you? Do you want to heal people too?”

An enigmatic expression crossed his face and he shrugged. “That would be cool, but I don’t know if that runs in
my
genes. I’m not sure…if that’s possible. What I
really
want to do is travel. Although, that isn’t
exactly
a profession.” Laughing, he moved the focus from himself and returned the question, “What about you-what do
you
want to do?”

Unprepared to give and honest answer, she grappled at a quick reply that was true but unrealistic. “Well, I’d love to see the world, too. The drive from Colorado is the most I’ve ever done. I’d like to make it further…see things I’ve only seen in magazines.” Ana ran her fingers along the contours of the door, her excitement fading into sorrow.

The scenery was changing. After leaving town they drove along a large lake, and then turned north, winding up into the mountains. The firs clustered here were similar to those surrounding her house and she knew they were close when he turned off on a gravel road and reduced his speed to a crawl. Evergreens filled her view until they passed a curve in the drive. Nestled in the trees, his home seemed to belong in the verdant growth. Tiny lights lined a rock pathway leading to the front door. The interior of the house glowed, pouring soft yellow light from the windows, illuminating elongated rectangles on the ground.

Chance parked at the end of the drive next to a beige sedan and got out. Circling the truck his feet crunched on the crushed granite. He opened the passenger door and led Ana along the astral lit walkway down to a porch wrapping around the home in a grand welcoming gesture. It was unlit, except for what emanated from two long windows paralleling the large carved front door.

“Nice place,” Ana murmured her eyes wide. Her house would look like a guest house compared to Chance’s.

His cheeks reddened as he opened the door and ushered her past a stairway, and into a brightly lit living room. The open space was impressive and lifting her eyes upward she stared at the vaulted ceiling and skylights.

“Niiice,” she whispered.

On the inner most wall hung a large tapestry. An angular bird with wings outstretched was displayed at the center with intricate designs framing it, the woven earth tones blended with the rest of the decor of the house. Ana recognized the emblem immediately and peered down to her necklace. A Thunderbird.

She noticed just past the living room was a dining table, set for five. An archway appeared to go to the kitchen, at least based on the noises and smells that were issuing from that direction.

“Mom…Dad?” Chance called out.

A moment later two figures emerged, one holding a dishtowel, the other a spatula.

“You’re here. Welcome-you must be Ana. We’ve been looking forward to meeting you. I’m Aiyana.” She grinned cheerfully and Ana could see where Chance got his good looks. His mother was a graceful woman with long dark hair and chestnut skin. Soft hazel eyes crinkled when she spoke and her penetrating demeanor was layered with a melodic, almost musical voice that instantly captivated Ana.

Chance’s father stepped forward, “Hi Ana, I’m Ben. I hope you’re hungry-we’ve been cooking a feast for you.” He gestured toward the archway and the elusive kitchen, laughing genially. His deep blue eyes shined behind his glasses and sandy brown hair frolicked in waves around his head.

“Thanks-I’ve been eager to meet you, too.”

“Ana, let me introduce my father to you,” Aiyana spoke, fixing her gaze behind Ana and walked forward. Ana turned in surprise, she hadn’t noticed anyone there when she entered the room; her attention had been focused ahead of her.

An old man sat almost camouflaged in the padded chair where Aiyana had now perched herself. His eyes shone like reflective pools and as Ana moved closer she saw how soft his skin was. Deep creases lined his leathery face and long gray hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail at the base of his head. Kind eyes appraised her silently. Ana felt hollow suddenly, like he could see right through her.

“Father?” Aiyana touched her father’s shoulder. “Father, this is Chance’s new friend, Ana Hughes. Ana, this is my father, Niyol.”

His still face watched Ana. Enraptured with the kindness and strength emanating from him she turned her eyes down, and murmured, “It is a pleasure to meet you.”

Chance was fortunate to have such a close relationship with his grandfather, she thought. Chance’s hand rested on her shoulder and she met his face.

“Grandfather takes me on hikes a lot. He’s taught me all about the animals here and he enjoys stargazing, like you.”

Niyol turned his face to his grandson and nodded steadily. His eyes drifted past Ana’s necklace and widened. He searched his grandson’s face, questioningly. Chance didn’t react.

Aiyana looked at her father, patted him on the arm and spoke before returning to the kitchen, “Ready to eat, Father? We’ll go get everything ready. I hope you’re hungry tonight, Ana. Please, make yourself at home.”

Niyol turned to Ana and asked, “Do you like Clark Bend, Ana?”

“I really like it here. The view of the sky is fantastic.”

“Indeed.” He smiled again at her and nodded.

Everyone moved to sit around a large hand-crafted wooden table. The steaming food placed before Ana was so enticing she couldn’t remember the last time she smelled anything so rich. Compared to this meal, pizza was boring. Neither she nor her mother were very imaginative cooks, so she relished the flavors and the time put into this savory food.

“The soup is so good, what is it?” She stared at the bright orange residue in her bowl.

“Oh, that’s butternut squash soup. And the beans have been stewing all day. The pulled beef is Chance’s favorite,” Aiyana responded with a proud smile.

Feeling full and satisfied, warmth spread through Ana’s body. She stood up and helped clear the table, beginning to do the dishes.

Chance rushed the kitchen and startled her by whispering in her ear, “Give me ten minutes and then we’re going to go.”

The hairs on the nape of her neck rose from his warm breath breezing past. She gave a quick shiver.

Chance left the kitchen with a backward glance leaving Ana at the sink with Aiyana, holding a dripping plate.

Aiyana was studying her closely, not critically but intently, like she was trying to ascertain something. She concluded her train of thought and her face lightened, inquiring, “Chance tells me your family just moved here. Do you like your new home?”

“Yes, I do. I was hesitant about moving, but I’m glad we came. It feels more like home here than my old home did, strangely. I think I’m happier here.”

“You weren’t happy before?” Aiyana whispered with a softened expression.

Tangled in a web she didn’t want to be in, Ana paused. It was hard not speaking about the major force in her life, but the purpose of the move was to have a second chance. She was enjoying her try at normalcy too much.

“Things haven’t always been easy. My dad left when I was ten. It’s always just been Mom, Eva and me. This is a second chance for us, starting fresh.” The question hadn’t been directly answered, but she spoke the truth. She hoped Aiyana would be satisfied.

Compassion washed over Aiyana’s face as she listened to Ana’s explanation and asked another question, “You must be close to your mother and sister then?”

Without hesitation Ana responded, “Yes, very. I spend all my time with my little sister, when my mother’s at work. I prefer being with my family…but I’ve enjoyed my time here with your family, too,” she stumbled. “And I like spending time with Chance. I’m…comfortable around him…and that’s a first,” she added trailing off, hoping she hadn’t insulted her host. If only she had just stopped short. This was why she didn’t like talking to people; she never knew what to say or when to stop.

Ana watched a faint grin grow on Aiyana’s lips. “Well, I’m glad you’ve found friendship with Chance. He’s such a special person, like no other-he always finds a way to surprise me. I’m happy you two are so comfortable with each other.” Aiyana’s eyes darted to the door, confirming her son wasn’t near.

She realized Ana was watching her and faced the sink, “You said this feels more like home here-what’s different? Why do you think this feels like home just after a week?” She seemed sincerely interested.

“Well, since I got here everything feels like it’s fallen into place so perfectly. It’s never been like that before. Now I’m afraid it will fall apart.” She couldn’t help but speak from the heart, feeling it ache in her chest. Her cheek gave an involuntary twinge and she sighed, trying to let her worries go. A warm hand settled on her back and she met Aiyana’s understanding eyes.

“Life has rhythm Ana-it’s like the ocean’s tides. Water comes in and pulls back, repeating infinitely. There will always be good and bad. But, I believe we are never given more than we can handle. I can see in your eyes that you have
much
strength.” She paused to face Ana and continued, “You deserve the good in your life-it belongs there…I think I can see why Chance is so comfortable with you. You’re a sweet girl.”

Ana was confused. She wished
she
knew why he was interested in her because she couldn’t figure it out. Aiyana seemed to understand more than she had intended.

She turned when Chance and his dad walked back into the kitchen. They wore matching mischievous grins. Chance held out his hand to Ana to lead her to the mystery location.

Aiyana stepped forward and embraced her. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Ana. I look forward to seeing you again, real soon. You’re welcome any time.”

“Thank you, Aiyana. It was really great meeting you, too. And thanks for the wonderful dinner.” Ana waved while she was shuttled out of the kitchen. Chance stopped in the living room where Niyol was sitting in his comfy chair. He met his grandson’s gaze as he addressed him, “Goodnight, Grandfather-rest well. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Niyol gave them a warm smile. “You two have a nice evening.” He directed his comments to Ana, giving her pendant another lingering stare.

Chance patted Niyol’s shoulder before guiding Ana out of the house, leaving her wondering if there was something he wasn’t telling her.

Chapter 12.

“Okay-now where are you taking me?” She turned, smiling in amusement.

He led her to his truck, which looked different in the darkness, engorged and distorted. She looked close and realized a dark green boat was strapped lengthwise across the bed of the truck. Ana was confused. Boating…at night?

“Just wait and see. Trust me. I think you’ll be happily surprised.”

They got in and he quickly fired up the engine and backed out of the driveway. Soon they were moving down the incandescent mountainside. The full moon cast a brilliance over the landscape, spilling its magic onto everything below. The wind had disappeared leaving the night and lake still, except for the occasional ripple from lurking fish.

Chance drove along the water then pulled off to park on a gravel shoulder. As he reached for his door handle he said, “Stay here a minute.”

He leapt from the cab and disappeared. The truck rocked back and forth as he untied and removed the boat.

Suddenly, her door opened and Chance’s flushed face met her surprised gaze. She slipped down from the cab and let her eyes adjust in the moonlight. A short slope dropped down to a tiny peninsula where the boat was waiting for them. While they walked together he watched her carefully, making sure he hadn’t made a false assumption.