Fledgling

by Natasha Brown

  Did he just say I love you? Involuntarily, Ana’s heart gave a squeeze as his hazel eyes disoriented her. Happiness filled her every pore. “You love me?”

  Chance was so anguished she wanted to hug him, to reassure him, but the IVs and cords restrained her. Instead, she laid her hand on his arm and then noticed the dark bags under his eyes. How long had she been unconscious?

  She began to remember bits and pieces of her darkened memories. What had happened? The odd fragments just didn’t make sense.

  “Wait a minute.” She held her hand up while she tried to process everything. “I went to your house for a reason. I’m supposed to be mad at you right now, about something. . .”

  He groaned and leaned back, his shoulders sagging.

  “Why. . .have you been playing games with me?” she blurted out, tears welling in her eyes. “A month ago I took some pictures of a fox and it had on your necklace. You must think it’s fun pulling pranks but I don’t find it amusing. Oh—and then your arm miraculously heals? Have you been having fun at my expense? What’s going on?”

  Ana lifted her teary eyes to the ceiling unable to face Chance. The beeping from the machine beside her bed increased as she grew agitated. Thoughts tumbled around her head, but the words wouldn’t come. She didn’t know what else to say.

  While Ana stared fuming at the ceiling panels, she wiped away her tears and fresh memories began come back to her. She grimaced. “Wait—was there a cougar? I heard a mountain lion cry out and you were out hiking. I was so scared. Hold on. . .”

  Chance paled as he watched her with wide eyes, unable to speak.

  “You were with your grandfather and you were standing there, half naked. What were you doing out there? Nothing you said made any sense.”

  A memory hidden within her body surfaced, such an odd sensation; blood rushing to her head as she hung from her waist. Was there snorting sounds, too? She frowned and gasped, utterly bewildered. “Was I carried. . .on an animal? Chance! What’s going on? Am I crazy? What are you keeping from me?!”

  Chance dropped his head into his hands and clutched his hair. The only audible sound came from the heart monitor beeping while Chance took his time to answer.

  When he spoke, his voice came out in a groan. “I’ve wanted to tell you for so long. You know what it’s like having a secret you’re afraid to tell. Ugh! Where do I start?” He looked up and his hair twisted in every direction. His hands shook while he said, “Just wait until I finish before making your judgment. I’m afraid my secret will disgust you. I have to be careful who knows. My parents don’t even know. You have to swear not to tell anyone. Please Ana?!” His frantic eyes searched hers until she nodded guardedly.

  He walked away from the hospital bed and shut the door, sealing them off from the noisy hallway. Quick on his feet, he paced to the opposite corner of the room and began to speak but avoided looking at her. “Back to the beginning. It’ll make more sense that way—hopefully. Remember your promise – just wait for me to finish.”

  He waited for confirmation from her, so Ana gave a brief nod, but he continued to pace. “You know how I told you my grandfather came from a long line of Navajo medicine men? Well, that’s not exactly right. A long time ago, Grandfather isn’t sure how far back, my ancestors turned up. And through them the legend of the thunderbird began—a powerful creature that protected the tribe. Like an enormous eagle with a body the size of a man’s and a huge wingspan with the power to direct lightning. The thunderbird was my ancestor, Ana.”

  Ana waited for his story to start making sense. What is he talking about? Had she hit her head? Had he?

  “I know you’ve noticed how observant I am of wildlife.” He cleared his throat. “I’m not sure how to tell you—maybe with the first time. When I turned sixteen. I was sitting out behind my house one day watching squirrels scavenge around the trees. I was staring at one and then my skin started tingling and I saw this trippy blue light shining from it.”

  Ana’s mouth dropped open and he continued without stopping. “Think of a squirrel and imagine it wrapped in bright blue glowing threads. Minutes later, I found myself—well, standing inches off the ground and covered in fur. It was an interesting time. I had a bushy tail and I was climbing trees—no lie.” Chance laughed as though he were sharing a private joke. “I kept it to myself, not knowing what was happening to me. Being able to change into animals was cool, but I felt like a freak. Weird, ya know? That was around the time Grandfather moved in. When he discovered my secret, he helped me work through it. He knew about everything that was happening to me and told me about our ancestors—and how I was—special. He became my teacher. Even though he doesn’t have the power, he knows a lot about it. His father was a shapeshifter too so he knew all about the legends. I guess only males inherit the gene and not every male gets it.

  “So, that’s my story, crazy as it sounds. You can see why I haven’t told you. Or anyone. Like you, I was enjoying feeling normal, too. But I’m obviously far from it and don’t blame you if you don’t believe in monsters. Or want to be around one.”

  Chance took a raspy breath and glanced over at her, waiting for a response. Ana’s face was frozen. The sound of her heart monitor was the only thing that exposed what she felt inside. Rapid beeps triggered the machine to alarm. Just then, a tear formed at the edge of her eye and rolled down her cheek.

  Chance touched the wet salty drop as it reached her lips. He pulled away and the tear fell to the floor.

  Ana sat in the midst of the repetitive beeping, listening raptly the entire time, but then she realized he had stopped talking. Her wet cheeks and lips surprised her and she stared at the noisy machine. Was Chance lying to her? How could she believe such a fantastic story?

  She turned to look at his tormented face. Pinched in anguish, he was staring at the pale cracked floor tiles. She considered the fact that he seemed so miserable. He didn’t appear to be making it all up, so she allowed herself to consider his story. Her thoughts fell to the fox that wore Chance’s pendant, his animal-like senses, fast movements, uncanny hearing and his miraculous healing ability. It was not what she had expected to hear and it caught her off guard. Although, she wasn’t sure what explanation wouldn’t be out of the ordinary at this point.

  Movement brought her back to the present. Chance stood up and turned to leave.

  “Wait, where are you going?” Ana croaked and reached out to him. She didn’t want him to go. It hurt to see him turn away from her. She needed him by her side. It was where he belonged.

  “It’s okay. I understand. Just a little too weird.”

  Ana whispered, “Chance, you swear you’re not messing with me?”

  He turned to stare into her teary eyes and shook his head fervently. “No. How could I lie to you and make up stories while you’re recovering in the hospital? ”

  “So, it’ll take me a while to work this out, but. . .” Ana said confused and tried to decide if she was still angry or hurt.

  Then she met his cheerless hazel eyes and found what she needed. He was still the same person she had grown to love. Maybe a bit more dynamic than she originally thought. And definitely other-worldly.

  She paused with all of her doubts and knew he was telling the truth. The desperation in his face made it clear. But it would take time to sort out and she wasn’t just going to take his word for it; she required proof.

  “You accepted me with all of my problems when I thought you wouldn’t—I could never walk away from you. Sooo, you may have a deeper animal side than, well, anyone. . .but it just hurts too much thinking about being without you.” Another tear rolled down her cheek and dropped to the blanket below. She continued to say, “Maybe I didn’t know you could turn into a squirrel. But I do know your heart. I don’t want to give you up—you mean too much to me. I’m sorry I jumped to conclusions about you playing tricks on me, but. . .”

  He walked across the room, silencing her with his swift movement. Chance’s face h
overed inches away from hers. He seemed to be holding his breath, like he was afraid the moment would end. She guided his hand to her heart. They gazed at each other until the sound of a car horn blew in through the open window.

  Ana touched his cheek and said, “Now, assuming you’re not kidding, can I see you, um, shapeshift?”

  Chance blushed. “I promise I’ll show you but—this isn’t the place. When I phase I leave my clothes behind.”

  “Okay. But soon—right?” she said a little more harshly than she meant to.

  Chance nodded in silence.

  Ana glanced down at his arm and remembered something. “What was up with you healing so fast? You didn’t explain that.”

  “Well, when I shapeshift and phase back to my human form, I return to my natural shape. Any injuries I have before are gone when I turn back. I don’t know—it’s just the way it works. I’ve never had a broken leg or anything, nothing serious to test it with, but it works for minor stuff.”

  Ana traced the inside of his forearm where his scrape had once bled and she felt him shiver at her touch. Her mind continued to process his secret when she asked, “So, you’re the fox I took pictures of the other week?”

  A guilty expression crossed his face and he answered, “Yeah.”

  “Have there been other times you’ve visited me as an animal?”

  He traced the contour of her face. “I hope you don’t get mad, but I visit you almost every night.”

  He seemed embarrassed or ashamed. She couldn’t tell which. Ana racked her brain trying to think of anything that stuck out in her memory. Then, chuckling she said, “You’re the clumsy owl!”

  “Hey, it isn’t easy learning to fly when you’ve been walking on two legs your whole life! I’m a beginner. I prefer to be in the form of a mammal. They’re closest to our own make-up. Walking on four legs is easier than flying. I only used the owl so I could fly here and back home faster. After I met you, I wanted to learn more about you. I almost fell out of the tree when you started singing to me. Anyway, it’s easier to keep an eye on you in owl form. I’ve been concerned.” He caressed her cheek with his warm hand and she closed her eyes at his touch.

  Chance broke out of his serious mood and laughed out loud.

  “What?”

  “I just remembered before I met you, Mom thought there was something seriously wrong with me—drugs or something. I stopped hanging out with my friends after I changed. Grandfather told her I was just going through a phase, which was the truth, sort of. She was relieved when I started working at Kenny’s shop and for her sake I made an effort with my old friends. She was so happy when I met you. I think she was worried she’d never see grandchildren.”

  Ana burst out giggling.

  It was his turn to ask, “What?”

  “My mom was worried too. I didn’t date or hang out with friends. The first time I brought you home, I remember thinking that she wouldn’t care if I brought the frog prince home. She was just happy I wasn’t alone anymore.” Ana lifted her brow at him and asked, “You can’t turn into a frog, can you?”

  He leaned in and whispered, “Will you kiss me, even if I don’t turn into a prince?”

  Ana met him in a passionate kiss. Within seconds, Chance groaned and pulled back as Ana’s elevated heartbeat pounded in her ears. He grew serious and stared into her eyes.

  Was she responsible for his sadness? Hastily, she distracted herself with another question. “So, umm, that reminds me. Was I carried by an animal after passing out?”

  “Riiigght. Well, the fastest way I could get you back without hurting you was to shift into a mustang.”

  Ana put her hand up to her mouth in surprise. He rushed ahead and said, “I’d never shifted into one before. I’ve observed their energy mapping, but I’ve never been able to create that form. It’s a larger animal and takes more power. I guess I had the incentive when you turned purple.” Chance shuddered and added, “Grandfather lifted you over my back and I hauled you home. Ruined another pair of jeans though. Luckily I had a pair stashed behind the wood pile I threw on before getting Mom.”

  Ana didn’t follow. What was he talking about now?

  Her confusion must have been obvious, because Chance said, “Like I said before, when I shift, my clothes don’t come with me. When I change form, my clothes fall off or get torn, depending on how large I become. I normally take them off first so they aren’t ruined and well, when I change back, I’m in my birthday suit. That’s why I’ve stashed clothing around the property—in case of emergencies.”

  It all fell into place for Ana, as Chance’s chiseled form flashed in her thoughts and her cheeks flushed.

  A light knock came from Ana’s door. Lost in the moment, she had forgotten where she was. The door swung open to reveal Aiyana in her blue nurse’s uniform. Her long hair was pulled into a tidy braid which fell down the length of her back.

  Aiyana folded her arms and grinned at Chance, who was sitting on the edge of the bed. “Hold on now. Aren’t you supposed to be recovering? Off the bed Mr. Morgan—give the patient some breathing space.”

  Chance flushed and cleared his throat. He walked over and gave his mother a peck on the cheek, then went to the door. “I know some people who’ve been waiting for you to wake up. Let me go get your family. They left to grab some lunch in the cafeteria.”

  “Hurry back?” she asked.

  “Wild horses couldn’t keep me away.”

  ***

  “What were you thinking?!” Melissa questioned her daughter, tears welling in her eyes.

  A wave of guilt engulfed Ana. She had caused her family anguish. Her foolishness could have killed her.

  “I’m so sorry, Mom. I thought Chance was in danger. I heard a cougar and rushed off thinking he’d get hurt. Turns out he was fine. I’m sooo sorry. I won’t be so thoughtless again. I promise.” She hugged her mother, who held her so close, Ana wasn’t sure she was going to let go.

  “Well, at least you’re okay now. I’ve been at my wits end. Thank goodness Aiyana’s a nurse. She kept your heart going until the ambulance arrived.” Melissa leaned back and wiped away her smeared eye makeup. “I’ve been sitting with Chance’s family in the waiting room. They’re very nice people. I want to have them over for dinner to properly thank them for everything.”

  She held Ana’s face in the palms of her hands, as tears welled up in her eyes again. “Just, please. Take care of yourself. You don’t get a do-over, Ana. You don’t have nine lives.”

  Regret submerged her. Ana couldn’t remember ever feeling so bad. Not even when she broke the crystal vase that was Nana’s. Mere minutes earlier she was euphoric after the simple words, I love you. What a day for highs and lows. She stared at her hands as they clutched at the fuzzy blue blanket. Unable to meet her mother’s face, she simply nodded her head and closed her eyes, fighting back apologetic tears as Melissa’s lips brushed against her forehead.

  Chapter 23

  “Finally.” Ana inhaled a welcome breath of fresh air as she was wheeled out of Sandpoint Hospital.

  Chance asked to push her out and the nurse relinquished her patient to hurry down the hallway when alarms sounded from a nearby room.

  “You’re free,” Chance whispered in her ear.

  His warm breath breezed by the hairs of her neck and raised goose bumps.

  “And wiser too. Now I know I don’t need to worry about mountain lions.”

  Ana extended her hand to his, as he growled in her ear. “That’s what you think.” Her eyes widened and she snickered.

  “Oh, look—there’s Mom.”

  Ana was stiff as she rose from the wheelchair. She gained her balance and walked to the curb with Chance’s arm around her until she reached the car. Melissa and Eva sat in the front. A large balloon in the shape of a fish floated against the ceiling. Melissa gave it an annoyed glance.

  Eva held Ana’s large bouquet of flowers that Chance’s parents had brought. They billowe
d before her and she had to tilt to the side just to peer out the window. A small stuffed frog waited for Ana on the back seat. Melissa’s gift was part of a tradition her mother had started long ago; a small stuffed animal for each hospital stay. Most were kept in a basket in her closet since her fondness for stuffed animals faded when she turned twelve, but she clung to the memories. Even if they were painful.

  Ana had a hard time listening to her mother’s chit chat. She was too excited to delve into the political situation at Melissa’s work. All she could think about was what it would be like to see Chance shapeshift. While she held him hostage in her arms at the hospital, she made him promise to show her as soon as possible.

  After two days of observation, Ana was happy to come back to her own bedroom in the little blue house at the edge of the forest. Their home seemed cheerful despite the rain that trickled down its gutters; the soft lights within exposing its dry, warm interior.

  Melissa parked beside Chance’s truck and everyone hurried to the front stoop and out of the rain. They tumbled into the living room. Across the fireplace, a long stretch of papers were taped together into a banner with the words, Welcome Home Ana, written across it. A shower of hand-drawn hearts were scattered across the sign with Eva’s signature along the bottom.

  “Aww, thanks Eva. It’s great! I love it.” Ana drew her sister into a bear hug and Eva beamed happily.

  “Eva started a pot roast in the crockpot before we left. It should be ready soon—right Eva?” Melissa asked.

  Eva craned at the wall clock and said, “It should be ready in half an hour.”

  “Great. So, that means I have time to show her my surprise.” Chance led Ana toward the stairs as her mother and sister shared secretive smiles.

  “What surprise? You didn’t need to do anything for me.”

  Ana felt funny accepting anything from Chance, but she allowed him to usher her upstairs to her room. The wooden door was closed. Chance stopped in front of it and said, “Okay, shut your eyes.”