Fledgling (38 page)

“Unexplainable, really…I guess you could call it a miracle.”

Melissa stumbled to the couch where Eva was sitting wide eyed with a book opened in her lap. She watched her mother like a frightened rabbit.

A strangled sob broke from Melissa’s chest and her head collapsed into her lap.

“Mom!” Ana ran to her mother’s side and squatted down in front of her shaking body. She laid her warm fingertips on Melissa’s shoulder. “It’s okay. It’s
really
happening.”

Melissa’s muffled voice found its way to Ana’s ears, “How can this be? I don’t…understand.”

Melissa lifted her face, her mascara running down her cheeks with a spectacular smile shining. She grabbed Ana in her arms and began laughing as the tears continued to flow.

Eva sat still, unsure how to react to the burst of emotion. Her whole life had been consumed with Ana’s medical troubles, and now-it just didn’t compute.

The torrent of happiness pouring from their mother affected them both at once, and they joined in Melissa’s teary laughter.

The pile of weeping, giggling women seemed to brighten their edge of the forest. The sun ignited into a copper ball radiating so luminously it could have even confused the settling birds into thinking it was daybreak. The evergreens and the modest blue house were illuminated with a heartfelt glow.

After settling from Ana’s amazing announcement, they went out to dinner to celebrate. Aunt Tera and Uncle Jace joined them, unaware of the news.

“Are you serious? Who
ever
would have thought!” Aunt Tera exclaimed, jumping up from the table, knocking over her water glass in the process. Eva jumped from her chair, avoiding the stream of icy water just in time.

Tara darted to Ana’s side and pulled her into a tight embrace. The strong strangle hold around Ana’s neck made her eyes bulge as she gasped for breath. “Yeah! Great, isn’t it?” Her face flushed bright crimson.

Uncle Jace just sat at the table, shaking his head, bewildered. “Man, didn’t see
that
coming…”

Melissa was the one who spilled the news. Ana knew her mother’s excitement was too great; it would have been selfish not to let her make the announcement. After all, it was Melissa who had carried the burden for eighteen years. She was the one who worked to the brink of exhaustion just to earn insurance to cover all of Ana’s medical bills. The one who watched Ana go through so much. It was the least Ana could do for her mom. She could just imagine the next day at the bank; her mother would tell anyone who drew near enough for conversation. The thought brought a smile to her lips.

“So, where’s Chance? Why isn’t he out celebrating with us?” Aunt Tera asked while dabbing at the large wet spot on the table.

“He dropped me off at home and left. He said he didn’t want to intrude on our moment. I tried to convince him, but…” Ana shrugged her shoulders, feeling disappointed. She had wanted him to stay, although she thought she knew the reason why he left so abruptly. He wanted the three of them to have some time together, just family. He did it for Melissa. Ana suspected he knew how much the moment would mean to her. And the only reason Ana let him leave was because he promised to come back later so they could celebrate…in private.

True to form, Chance kept his promise. While Ana was out at her gazing stone admiring the North Star glimmering above, something immense blocked the silvery moon. She blinked in surprise as she sat in darkness. Feathers rustled through the air as the beast swept in for a landing. Awe inspiring wings generated a burst of wind that caressed her flushed cheeks and swept loose needles and dirt back toward the trees.

The amazing specimen before her was enormous, and fantastic; something from another time, or place. Its fearsome talons made her think of the gift Chance received from his grandfather. Massive weapons, so large it would be hard to contain one in the palm of her hand.

Ana whistled softly, thoroughly impressed with the display.

“Amazing,” she whispered.

Yellow eyes flashed and met hers. Soft chirping came from its open beak as it folded its huge wings against its dark feathered body.

Ana advanced slowly, watching the mythic raptor cautiously. The bird watched her as she inched forward, and stood still. Finally, she felt soft feathers against her chest and she sank into its body.

“For always…”