I sat looking out over the valley. We were in a mountain range in the south of the U.S.A, though I can never remember the name. We'd occupied a cave high up that had a fantastic view of the scenery far below. I looked at the others. They all appeared to be asleep. Their peaceful faces made me smile, they all looked so calm and happy.
Thinking about it I suppose they had a right to be. This past year we'd had the time of our lives. We left Dr.Martinez's (A.K.A Mom's) house after a few months. I mean I'd have loved to stay but imagine how much keeping 6 mutant bird kids who eat twice as much as any normal person would cost. Plus with the giant wings we're not exactly inconspicuous. So we left and have been travelling ever since. Well, not Total, he was enjoying being pampered too much to come. So he stayed behind. Plus he was worried about the danger we always seem to run into, but there's been no attacks from any Itex/School related stuff, so its been a pretty free year. I took the Flock to Disney again, to the Statue of Liberty, the Hollywood sign, the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, and even the beach (where despite previous experiences we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.) We've done all the touristy things and been pretty much everywhere we wanted. I think all of us have had a good, carefree time. Except me of course.
I still can't shake the feeling that something is waiting round the corner to shatter our peace. Fang keeps telling me to relax and not worry, and I try, but I'm finding it so difficult. I think its because all my life I've lived in fear and now there nothing to be afraid of, I'm getting paranoid. Fang isn't showing it, but I think he's getting a bit fed up with my constant edginess. I'm surprised he hasn't got up and left me already, I know I would've left me by now.
Actually, to be honest, I'm not sure we're together really anyway. I mean, we've kissed, but not properly, and apart from that our relationship hasn't changed. I still love him, I always will, but whether he loves me or not, well, I'm not so sure. I'm probably being paranoid again, but I can't help wondering if I'm fighting a lost cause with him. I mean, we're not really acting like a couple.
I looked over to his sleeping form. He was sleeping closest to where I was keeping watch. The flickering light of our dying fire glowed gently on his face. For a moment I thought I saw his eyes flicker open, but when I looked closer they were closed. Must've been a trick of the light. Sighing, I turned back to look out over the valley, lost in thought.
Suddenly, a large shadow flew over head. I jumped up ready to protect The Flock. I stared desperately into the sky trying to find the attacker. The dark shadow banked to the left and came back at us. Now I was sure it was after The Flock. The creature high above screeched, its voice carrying into the night. I was confused. A Flyboy didn't make that noise and neither did Erasers. Was this a new creature the Director had engineered? In that case I had to be extra alert. It might be even more advanced and dangerous than previous experiments.
"Relax Max, its just an eagle," came the ever placid voice of Fang. I almost jumped at him speaking.
"Fang," I breathed, relieved. I looked up at the shape above me. True enough, when it flew across the moon I could clearly see an outline which was birdlike and obviously not any Itex creation. "I'm sorry," I continued, "I just get so worried. I mean what if something happened to one of you guys because I wasn't paying attention. I'd never forgive myself. Besides, you know how much I find it hard to relax properly."
"I know," he replied, betraying no emotion. At least he didn't sound exasperated, I thought. Fang sat down on the floor and lay back, gazing into the stars. I followed his lead, resting my head on his chest.
"Fang?" I asked
"Yeah?" he murmured, "What is it?"
"You don't think I'm being paranoid do you?"
"Of course I do," he replied, "But I don't mind. I think its good that you care about The Flock so much." I nodded silently. I wasn't overjoyed by his statement. I mean I know he said it was good that I cared about the flock but still, good isn't brilliant, and he did think I was paranoid……….. "Actually," he continued hesitantly, "I find it really cute." Well that stopped me in my tracks. He found it cute? That was awesome; he didn't find it a bad thing! I could sense how embarrassed he was, we all know how he doesn't show his feelings. What he'd just said was totally un-Fanglike.
"You know Fang," I said, "I love you." And I meant it. He didn't reply, but I wasn't expecting him to. We lay in companionable silence, until I finally fell asleep.
I awoke to the sound of Iggy whistling. For once my neck didn't have a crick in it. I opened my eyes to see that I was still lying on Fang. He was fast asleep. I smiled. He'd made a good pillow. Grinning from ear to ear, I stretched and got up.
"Morning Ig," I said as I approached him. He turned, a wide smirk across his face.
"What is it?" I asked. He chuckled.
"Fang make a good pillow did he?" he teased. My jaw dropped.
"Wha…I mean, how do you know? Its not like you could've seen."
"Nah," Iggy said sarcastically, "But when Fang has to shout to get Nudge to wake up for her watch and wakes up the rest of us at the same time because you're asleep on his stomach, I kinda get to know what's going on." I blushed bright red, not that Iggy noticed (thank god for small mercies, like him being blind!), because if he had I'd get such a teasing. Not that I wasn't in for one today anyway.
For instance, when we'd got on the move, and were flying north again, I made the mistake of yawning. Mistake, because it was right next Iggy.
"Tired Max?" he laughed, " 'Cause I think Fang is free if you want to rest your head." There was general laughter from the Flock. Fang amazingly, blushed, but I was too busy scowling to care. Sometimes I just hate Iggy. Thankfully, before he could crack anymore crass jokes about me and Fang, Nudge screamed,
"Food!" pointing to a Denny's down below. We were all hungry so I took the Flock down. We landed at the back of the restaurant and walked round the front so it looked as if we'd come from the car park.
The waitress looked seriously confused when we ordered two of the jumbo size specials each. After confirming than we wanted all 24 of the eggs sunny side up, she glided off in a daze to give the order to the cook. It took 3 serving staff with 4 dishes each to bring us our meal which we ate super speedy, as always. The chef personally came out to look how the 6 kids who'd ordered an inordinate amount of food had eaten it all. I swear he almost feinted. Serves him right, he shouldn't have underestimated us. After paying we scooted out of there and took off round the back again.
"Max?" Gazzy asked once we were in the air.
"Yeah?" I answered.
"I was wondering, did you have to book in advance to sleep on Fang or was there spare rooms anyway?" An annoying grin spread across his face. Iggy cracked up. Even Angel and Nudge were giggling. Fangs face was characteristically blank. I dunno if it was out of embarrassment or pure exasperation but I cracked.
"That's it," I yelled, "I've had enough of this!" And I shot off using the whole super speed thing. Once I was sure I'd gotten away I slowed. To my surprise tears began to roll down my cheeks. Suddenly I was bawling my eyes out and I didn't know why.
"Max?" a soft voice behind my asked. I jumped a mile, which, believe it or not, is indeed possible in mid air. A turned to see a blurry, tear stained vision of Fang, looking slightly worried. Of course, I suddenly remembered, with the whole blood transfusion thing, he'd gained my ability to go a super high speed. I don't think he was expecting me to launch myself into his arms and break down on his shoulder. But he sat it out, stroking my hair and whispering calming thing into my ear. I cried until I couldn't cry anymore, and only then did I draw back from Fang.
He looked really confused. I could tell he wanted to know what that had been about but I shook my head. I think he understood that I wasn't ready to talk about it. Then in the distance, I saw specks flying toward us. With relief I realised it was the rest of the Flock. Rubbing my eyes and composing myself, I greeted them smiling. They exchanged dubious glances but didn't mention my sudden outburst and abandonment. I felt really bad; Iggy and Gazzy had only been having fun. I decided I'd make it up to them.
"Guys," I announced, "I've made a decision. We're gonna find a hotel and stay and relax for a few days." Their faces lit up.
"Really?!" Angel gasped.
"Oh yeah!" cheered Gazzy and Nudge simultaneously. Iggy was smiling broadly. Fang looked mildly bemused. At least it was better than nothing.
"So, where'd ya fancy?" I asked.
"The beach," came the Flock's (except Fang of course) excited cry. I rolled my eyes. There was no stomping these guys enthusiasm.
R&R please!! Any comments welcome, all is appreciated lol. FangFanFoplkenette xxx