Fledgling

by Natasha Brown

  A pulse of heat flushed through her palms. She focused on the far end of the parking lot as she answered. “The night sky’s so amazing here—it’s perfect.”

  Chance’s eyes swept the sky and he thrust his hands into his pockets. They approached Ana’s bright yellow camper van and she couldn’t help but grow uncomfortable. Chance chuckled as she walked up to it.

  “Um, my Uncle Jace gave it to me. It’s not exactly inconspicuous, and it’ll probably deafen me for life, but it works, sooo. . .” Her eyes flicked around to the trees that shaded her car, unsure where to rest her gaze.

  “It seems to fit you,” he said and studied her in silence, which made Ana’s heart jump again.

  Unsure how to take his remark, she paused in thought. Was it a compliment or something else? Did he think she was odd, loud and ornate or someone who didn’t fit in?

  He seemed to sense her confusion and said, “You’re hard to ignore too.”

  Ana wasn’t used to compliments from boys. She laughed nervously, completely baffled.

  “If it needs any work just let me know. I work at an auto shop. I’m not a mechanic, but I know enough to be dangerous.”

  Dangerous, that’s for sure, Ana thought.

  “Thanks, my uncle said it checked out, but I’ve learned not to trust his word about mechanical things.” Ana unlocked her car and threw her backpack in between the front seats.

  “Well, this is me here.” Chance indicated the black truck parked beside hers. Its shiny paint job and fastidiousness was the antithesis to Ana’s camper. “It was my pet project when I turned sixteen.”

  “Nice. At least it isn’t yellow.” Ana gave a sideways glance to her van.

  “Nothing a little paint can’t fix.” Chance walked around to his truck.

  Ana caught him eyeing her surreptitiously as he leaned against the frame. “So, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow?”

  “As appealing as it is being the new girl, I wouldn’t miss it,” Ana said and jumped into her van to cover her rosy cheeks. Without another look, she sped out of the lot to pick up Eva.

  Chapter 6

  The next day was easier. At lunchtime, Ana sat with Laura and while they talked about a couple of teachers, Ana casually slipped in an unrelated question. “So, do you know Chance Morgan? What’s his story?”

  Laura gave her a suggestive grin, leaned in and said, “Chance has lived here forever. He’s super athletic, really smart and so good-looking, but there’s something kinda dark about him. 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. He’s turned into the silent strange type, wandering around the forest with some old dude. 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 to answer indifferently and combed 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 diverted Laura with questions about a hiking trip she’d mentioned earlier. Laura chattered on about the best places and who she thought about to invite.

  “We should probably avoid the north side of the mountain though—I’ve heard of lots of cougar sightings. I don’t want to become a statistic.” Laura smiled.

  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.

  She was saved by the bell and left to go to her next class. On the way she tried to prepare herself so she wouldn’t be caught off guard by those hazel eyes. We’re friends, she thought. Just think of him as a friend.

  When she reached for the classroom door, someone beat her to it. Chance stood and waited for her to enter. A nervous smile broached her lips and she walked into the room. She set her bag down beside her seat and noticed him take the chair beside hers as he watched her from behind his hand.

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

  Ana said, “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 said and shook her head. “Afterwards, I gave myself permission to relax a little.”

  “Relax? How?” Chance asked.

  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?”

  “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.”

  That must be the old man Laura mentioned, but she wondered why he hung out with his grandfather instead of his friends.

  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 he joined her. “You mind sharing?”

  “Of course not.” Ana pulled out a chair and he sat down.

  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 as he jumped 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 hair back, trying to find something to do with her restless hands. Chance glanced 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 from the folds of her shirt. “Sure.”

  He fumbled with the tiny silver shape and his breathing quickened. “Where’d you get it? Was it given to you or did you pick it out?”

  Chance spoke so low 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. . .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 and tilted her head.

  “Know anything else about it?” he said 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 and touched the bird’s wings. Curious about his fascination with her necklace, Ana leaned forward and asked, “Anything else?”

  He snapped out of his concentration. “Nope.”

  He set the pendant back on Ana’s chest and his hand grazed her hidden scar. The enjoyment of him near her was cut short. Having him so close to her imperfection rattled her and she sat up straight. Clearly troubled by her reaction, Chance withdrew his hand and leaned back into his seat.

  Mr. Frisk stumbled to his feet and cleared 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 and held up two fingers. “One from each team member. They need to be related in some way. That’s it—I’ll see you all tomorrow.”

  As if on cue, the bell rang, which
triggered a flurry of movement toward the door. Ana and Chance rose in unison and exited in stride with each other. Ana was puzzled. Why did he 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 to think he could be upset with her. Her own feelings surprised her, exposed her, like a jolt from an electrical shock. She glanced at the sky to clear her mind.

  Chance muttered in distraction. “Sorry—ready for English?”

  “Of course. I’ll try to keep up with you today.”

  They entered the classroom and settled to await instruction. Again, they were required to read until the end of class while their teacher graded papers. Ana’s attention improved 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 asked, while staring off to a grove of pines.

  Chance noticed her behavior and his fears coalesced. She must not be interested in me. He kicked himself for getting so caught up. It had only been a day since he met her. It didn’t matter. It didn’t change anything.

  But the sign. It had to mean something.

  “I’m sorry—I was distracted. Photography? How about a hike tomorrow after school? I know some hard to find places you’d enjoy. I’ll be your personal tour guide,” he said, as he regarded her delicate features, searching for any signs that he had been mistaken about her interest in him.

  Ana froze.

  Chance noticed her deer in headlights expression and wondered what he’d said wrong. After a moment, her face softened and she said, “Actually, out where I stargaze there’s some areas I want to check out. It’s so pretty around my house. I haven’t gotten to explore yet. If you want, you could follow me home tomorrow.”

  “Sounds good.”

  “See you tomorrow then.”

 

  ***

  Ana walked to her van filled with worry. How much longer could she keep up this charade? Exhausted just doing normal activities, she doubted she could explore the woods behind her house without wheezing and sweating. Chance would notice for sure. A wave of frustration hit and her eyes stung. For a moment she wanted to run away and not deal with any of it. Then she reminded herself, now, focus on right now, Ana.

  Her eyelids slid shut as she turned the key in the ignition and thought about picking up her sister. Just keep going. Things will work out, she comforted herself. But a nagging thought kept curling through her mind. But what if they don’t?

  Chapter 7

  After the last bell rang, Chance walked with Ana out of English class to the parking lot. Ana’s yellow van sat next to his black truck, one in perfect contrast to the other. He walked around to the driver’s side as she called over to him. “Remember, I have to pick up my sister before we head to my house. She’s just around the corner at the middle school.”

  “I remember it well,” Chance said, feeling shy all of a sudden.

  After they rumbled into the driveway, Ana’s sister jumped out and rocked on the balls of her feet, impatient for an introduction. Her eyes widened when Chance stepped out of his truck and towered above her. She gave a sidelong glance to her big sister.

  “Eva, this is Chance. Chance, my little sister, Eva.”

  Chance stepped forward with his hand out to the open-mouthed girl. Eva had to crane her head back to look up into his eyes.

  “He’s cute,” Eva said to Ana from the corner of her mouth as they shook hands.

  Chance glanced aside to see Ana’s reaction and caught her blush. His stomach dropped.

  Ana turned her back to her sister and welcomed him to their home. “Let’s go inside—I should get my sister settled before we get started.”

  Eva followed close behind as they entered the house, her green eyes squinted as if measuring him up.

  “Make yourself at home. I’ll just get something for Eva real quick—it’s my turn to make snacks today. You want anything? A drink or something to eat?” Ana asked as she paused in the kitchen doorway.

  “Don’t worry about me. I had something on the drive over.” Chance dropped onto the end of the couch and let his bag fall to the floor. He scanned the room and spotted old school pictures of the girls that hung around the fireplace. Jerky movement caught his attention and he turned to face Eva, who stood near the doorway with her backpack over her shoulder.

  She sidled over to Chance, sat down and positioned herself perpendicular to him, placing her hands gingerly in her lap. Her expression was serious and Chance pictured a detective from a police show. The only thing she was missing was the badge and a five o’clock shadow.

  She began her interrogation. “So, Chance. Where do you live?”

  “I live out on Howe Mountain, it’s above the lake.”

  “And how old are you?”

  “Eighteen.” Chance caught her tone and kept eye contact when he responded.

  “You like my sister?”

  A metallic clank came from the kitchen as something fell to the floor. Ana’s voice rose sharply. “Eva! Chance, you can go out back to wait for me, if you’d like.”

  Chance ignored the invitation and faced his interrogator. “Yes, I like your sister. She’s a great photographer.”

  “Have any hobbies?” Eva asked as she stared intently into his eyes.

  “Well, I like fixing up cars. I work over at Kenny’s Auto Shop. I prefer being outside and take lots of nature walks. But there’s not much else to do around here,” Chance said unabashed.

  Eva leveled in for her last question and narrowed her eyes. “What’s your favorite color?”

  Ana’s green eyes flashed in his mind and he stumbled over the word. “Green.”

  Eva took a long hard look at Chance, then broke into a sweet giggle that melted his heart and said, “I like you, Chance.” Then she leaned in and added, “Don’t hurt my sister.”

  “I would never.” Chance spoke honestly after he saw how concerned Eva was. Why is she so protective of her older sister? It surprised him.

  Ana walked into the living room with a bewildered expression, set a plate of apples and peanut butter on the coffee table and stared at her sister.

  Umm, ready Chance?” Ana stuttered and turned her wide eyes to her sister. ““Seriously, Eva? Here’s your snack, D. I can help you with your homework later if you need it. Oh, and remember Mom wants you to go through that box in your room.”

  Ana was clearly annoyed, but kept a patient tone with her sister. Eva groaned and made a production of her answer. “Fine.”

  When Chance and Ana walked outside together, she avoided eye contact and said, “I’m sorry about that. I don’t know what got into her.”

  “No worries. Didn’t mind.”

  Ana held up her camera and asked, “Ready? If you want I could show you a kind of special spot I found. It’s my favorite place, actually.”

  Intrigued, he coaxed her. “Lead on.”

  Her mouth pulled up into a gentle smile and she wandered down the trail. Chance followed close behind, gripping his camera tightly. When he was near her he got pulled in. It was like gravity. Something he couldn’t resist.

  He couldn’t understand the intensity of his feelings. After just a couple of days, he was anxious when they were apart, like a high voltage switch had been flipped and he couldn’t fight the current. No matter how many times he told himself he didn’t want or need a girlfriend, it made no difference. He was changed.

  ***

  Ana searched his face be
fore walking on. She wanted him to see it, as though it would help unmask her. This seemed the most natural way to expose who she was without saying anything. She needed to show him the place that meant so much to her. He would be the first person to see her private observatory.

  She broke through the opening of the trail and stood in the sunlight on her rock. Chance walked through and joined her on the stone slab.

  “This is where you stargaze,” he said matter-of-factly.

  Ana nodded and tilted her face upward. “Yeah. I love it out here. I see lots of animals—squirrels, birds and bats.”

  “Oh yeah? You like animals? You’re not afraid of running into a bear out here?” He peered curiously at her.

  “Well, it would be pretty cool to see a bear. But I don’t want to become a rug. I just like animals—they don’t require conversation.” She shrugged.

  Chance smirked, amused. “Well, you’re right about that. Want to sit a while before we head out?”

  She lowered herself to the granite ledge, sat cross-legged and faced the grassy fields below. Her hand dropped to her side, picked up some dried pine needles and snapped off pieces onto the rock.

  “It’s so relaxing. I feel like I can really breathe when I’m here.”

  Chance joined her on the rock and pointed at the dark river line in the distance. “You’ve got a nice view of the Clark Bend River over there.”

  He picked up a stone and threw it out so far Ana saw it arch, then disappear among the distant evergreens. Chance leaned back and stared at the horizon. “So, you like being alone, don’t you?”

  Ana took a deep breath and said, “Sometimes I’d rather be alone. It’s simpler that way. I prefer being here than at school, or anywhere else really.”

  She was beginning to feel the same way around Chance as she did out under the stars—comfortable and relaxed.

  His voice interrupted her thoughts. “I guessed. You don’t seem comfortable at school. You look different when you’re outside.”

  Was she that transparent to everyone? Or was he that observant? Chance seemed to understand her well for someone she just met. She liked being understood. Air rushed into her lungs and her heart beat like a mustang running free. Joy trickled through her willowy body.

  Ana decided to ask about something that had stayed on her mind, curious to learn more about him. “I wondered how you know so much about my necklace? The thunderbird?”