Fledgling (6 page)

When Ana finished her homework, she wandered to the kitchen and pulled some chicken out of the fridge. She didn’t like to cook, it took too much time away from other things. And it exhausted her standing too long in the kitchen. A chicken casserole was easy, allowing her time to read outside in the early evening glow.

She grabbed the copy of
To Kill A Mockingbird
that Chance gave her and walked out to the back deck. Eva was sitting near the bushes making a friendship bracelet humming to herself; Ana’s presence went unnoticed.

Ana read where they left off in class until she heard a car in the driveway and called, “Hey Eva, Mom’s home. Let’s go see how her day was.”

They walked around the house together in time to see their mother sliding out of her dark sedan. She looked tired, with her permanent worry lines, but satisfied as she approached the house. She saw them and asked, “Hey, girls. How was school?”

Eva started right into her day, including everything that had happened, who she sat with, and all her new friends until an amused look slid across their mother’s face.

After the onslaught of excited pre-pubescent news, Melissa turned to Ana as they walked into the house, “And how was
your
day?” Concern was evident in her voice.

“Oh, not
too
bad. I’m behind in calculus, but I should be able to catch up with a little studying.”

Her mother examined her face, searching for markers of sadness or stress, always sensitive to her daughter’s needs.

“Did you meet anyone?” she inquired delicately. Melissa knew Ana didn’t surround herself with many friends and didn’t like having to keep up conversations. She was private and shy, preferring to be around her family, knowing they wouldn’t disappoint her.

“Actually, I met a girl who’s going to help tutor me in calculus. She seemed pretty nice. Then…I met a guy who’s sharing his book with me in English.”

Ana’s face grew rosy and then a smile slid across her lips. Melissa whispered, “Really?” So low, it was barely audible.

Ana drew her mother’s attention away from her sudden embarrassment asking about her day, “How ‘bout you? How was your first day at work?”

Melissa grew reflective and her green eyes crinkled as she kicked off her shoes. “You know-I think this will be a good job. My boss, well, he’s a lot to be around, but everyone else is so friendly. I owe Tera big-time.”

“That’s great Mom. You deserve it.” Ana handed her a glass of water. Her mom had her share of bad jobs, but she always kept a roof over their heads and food on the table.

Melissa watched her daughters closely around the dinner table, checking their faces as they spoke about their day. She always seemed to know if either of them was trying to placate her. Eva was more than happy with her new friends, but it was always Ana she scrutinized. A glow bloomed under her daughter’s near transparent cheeks, and she took a deep sigh of relief.

Ana felt happy and unsure at the same time, like a dolphin meeting water for the first time and not knowing how to swim.

After dinner Eva and Melissa went to relax in front of the T.V., tossing some half empty boxes aside while Ana finished the last of her homework.

She peered out the kitchen window noting the milling clouds that had curled through the sky earlier had now vanished. Perfect conditions for stargazing.

“Hey Mom, I’m going out to the rock for a while,” Ana announced grabbing a blanket from a pile on the couch, a flashlight from the counter and headed out the door.

Sanguine moonlight illuminated the forest. Learning the roll and tilt of the earth below her feet, she let the trail guide her past the berry bushes and firs. She grew more familiar with the land each time she traversed it.

At her refuge, the dark gray stone glowed white in the moonlight, calling its siren song. She laid out her blanket and arranged herself on the rock.

Stars glimmered through the dark, brightening Ana’s outlook. She relaxed after the stress of the day but her heart resisted the natural instinct to settle, thumping excitedly as she reflected on a pair of mysterious hazel eyes from earlier.

Ana put her hand over her face, trying to force the image out of her mind. She couldn’t let herself get sidetracked by anything. Not when she was so close to graduating.

Her heart couldn’t take having a boyfriend. It would hurt too much losing anyone else because of her health. If her father couldn’t take it, then how could she expect some guy to stay?

Anyway, there was no possibility she could be appealing to a boy that was so attractive and smart. Wasn’t she homely and damaged goods?

Chance was probably just bored in such a small town, seeking some amusement. She was new and interesting, for now. It would pass.

She smoothed her agitation; she wouldn’t allow herself to get absorbed with a guy-even
if
his face made her heart take on a life of its own.

Chapter 8.

The next day was easier.

Familiar with her new surroundings, Ana was more confident navigating around school knowing what to expect. She settled into her new schedule, throwing herself into classes and trying her best to catch up.

Chatting after class with Laura felt comfortable enough and Ana anticipated studying with her after school. She disliked being behind in her studies, and had no interest in lowering her GPA in the last semester of her senior year, even
if
she didn’t have any college plans. It was a matter of pride.

Eva stowed her beading kit in her backpack that morning so she could finish a necklace after school for her new friend while Laura tutored her sister. Eva was excited to see Ana’s school, and eager to hang out with the teenagers.

At lunchtime, Ana sat with Laura and learned her friends’ names.

After talking with Laura about a couple of teachers Ana casually slipped in an unrelated question, willing to risk embarrassment. “So, do you know Chance Morgan? What’s his story?”

Laura gave her a suggestive grin and leaned in, talking excitedly, “Chance has lived here forever. He’s super athletic, really smart and very good-looking, but not very sociable. He doesn’t have a girlfriend and doesn’t seem interested in dating. Jen Baker tried getting him to go with her to the Sadie Hawkins dance, but he refused. He’s usually busy over at Kenny’s auto shop. His dad has a jewelry store out near the Hope Marina and I think his mom’s a nurse over at the Sandpoint Hospital. Why… you interested?”

Ana tried answering indifferently, combing her fingers through her hair, “Oh, I just wondered. I sit next to him in English and we were talking yesterday.”

“He
talked
with you? That’s promising…”

Satisfied with the new information, she tried diverting Laura with questions about the hiking trip she wanted to organize. Laura chattered on about the best places and who she thought about inviting. Ana would have to think up an excuse for not joining in on the fun. Hiking was out of the question. She could barely climb the ten stairs in her house without getting out of breath. And she wasn’t ready to let anyone know why.

After confirming their plans following school, they parted ways. Before her next class she prepared herself so she wouldn’t be caught off guard by those hazel eyes. W
e’re friends
, she thought.
Just think of him as a friend
.

Reaching for the classroom door, she saw someone beat her to it, opening it wide. Chance stood waiting for her to enter. A nervous smile broached her lips and she walked into the class. She set her bag down beside her seat and noticed him take the chair beside hers as he watched her subtly.

“I see you came back for more. How’d you survive yesterday?” he asked with a sly grin.

Ana chuckled, “Okay-I’ve recovered. I narrowly avoided being eaten by a pack of wolves.”

“Oh, yeah?” Chance lifted an eyebrow.

“Yeah. Or, maybe I was just thinking about the hours of
agonizing
homework I did,” she laughed and shook her head. “Afterwards, I gave myself permission to relax a little.”

“Relax? How?” Chance asked, quieting his voice.

Ana blushed and hesitated, “I like looking at the stars. There’s this rock ledge near my house that was just made for lying on.” She cleared her throat and shook her head. “How about you?” She tucked her hair behind her ear as Chance discretely monitored her movement.

“I had to work for a while after school-then I met up with my grandfather for a walk. I go outside to relax, too.” Chance turned and met her gaze.

Mr. Frisk spoke up from behind his desk, “I’m interested in what you came up with yesterday. Take turns at the computer stations printing out your favorite images. I’d like them turned in by the end of class.” He gave a creased smile and dropped back into his seat.

Eight computer workstations sat at the back of the room. Ana’s tired body rose and approached the nearest one.

Chance followed her movement with his eyes before accompanying her, and clearing his throat said, “You mind sharing?”

“Of course not.” Ana pulled out a chair inviting him to join her.

While they worked together, Chance selected the photo of a bee in movement hovering above a daisy in the garden. Ana chose the image of Chance jumping down from the bench. They congratulated one another on their hard work and turned the prints in to Mr. Frisk, who was splayed out at his desk again.

An awkward silence fell and Ana pulled her umber hair back, trying to find something for her restless hands. Chance appeared to notice something at the neckline of her shirt.

“Do you mind…can I see your necklace?”

Ana hooked her finger around the thin chain and pulled out the pendant, removing it from the folds of her shirt. “Sure.”

His confidence waning, he fumbled with the tiny silver shape held in his fingertips. His breathing quickened, “Where’d you get it? Was it given to you… or did
you
pick it out?” Chance whispered to Ana, so low that she barely heard what he said, although it could have been the closeness of his hand to her skin that distracted her.

“At one of the stops from Colorado my mom bought this for me. I, um…,” she trailed off in embarrassment. “I dream about flying sometimes. I like birds-and the card that came with it said it’s supposed to be a good omen. Why-?” she asked tilting her head, curious.

“Know anything
else
about it?” he said ignoring her question, waiting with a strained look.

Ana saw his mood change and answered carefully. “No…that’s all it said.”

“It’s a Thunderbird.” He handled the silver pendant delicately, frowning at the intricate bird with an arrow below it. Then he snapped out of his concentration and met Ana’s eyes as though searching for something.

Chance set the pendant back on Ana’s chest and she tensed. His hand grazed her hidden scar. She enjoyed him near her, but was unnerved having him come so close to her imperfection.

Chance withdrew his hand hastily and leaned back into his seat, appearing troubled.

Mr. Frisk stumbled to his feet, clearing his voice for an announcement, “I look forward to reviewing your work. Now, I have a team project for you this week. It will be due on Friday, and it requires a partner. Your subject matter will be nature images. Let’s see how creative you can be.” He grinned toothily, and bounced on the balls of his feet. “I want two images,” he said holding up two fingers, emphasizing the point. “One from each team member. They need to be related in some way. That’s it-I’ll see you all tomorrow.”

The bell rang, taking its cue following the announcement, and triggering a flurry of movement towards the door.

Ana and Chance rose in unison and exited in stride with each other.

Ana was puzzled. Why did Chance react that way to her pendant? She peered out of the corner of her eye and saw his face in deep contemplation, quiet. Did she do something wrong? Or offend him in some way? She was distressed thinking he could be upset with her. Her own feelings surprised her, exposed her, jolting her like an electrical shock. She glanced to the sky, hoping to clear her mind.

Chance muttered in distraction, “Sorry-ready for English?”

“Of course. I’ll try to keep up with you today.” Ana smiled, making him take a small misstep he tried to cover up with a long stride.

They entered the classroom and settled awaiting instruction. Again, they were required to read until the end of class, while their teacher graded papers. Ana had improved attention today, and to keep up with Chance’s fast pace, she created a private competition her opponent wasn’t aware of.

Chance’s thoughts kept him silent as they walked outside together. He was confused. What was the significance of the pendant?
It couldn’t be a coincidence,
he thought.
Grandfather always says signs are everywhere; you just have to observe them.

A sound beside him brought him back to the moment and he glanced at Ana, who cleared her throat softly.

“So…want to be my partner for photography?” she mumbled, looking off to some pines swaying in the breeze.

Chance noticed how aloof she looked, as if she would rather be somewhere else. His fears coalesced.
She must not be interested in me.
Kicking himself for getting so caught up, he shook his head, it had only been a day since he met her. It didn’t matter, it didn’t change anything.