You know those days where something goes wrong or something new comes into your life? And you wish you could just turn it all around and kiss it goodbye? Well today was not one of those days. Or, so I thought. The flock and I, we could never be captured, we couldn't die. It seems like that anyway, because at the edge of sheer dumb luck and death, we always manage to escape with the luck.
The day had gone on amazingly in total boredom. Fang was holding up a newly finished wooden key he'd created. Iggy was subconscious to his surroundings, and staring blindly (well, DUH) into the sunset. Nudge wrote obsessively in the journal I got for her. It was a nice leather-bound cover with a darker colored spine. I smiled at the thought of Nudge keeping her deepest and darkest secrets with something I'd given to her.
To my surprise, Gazzy was sleeping heavily and was snoring to the high peaks. And even more to my surprise, his sister, Angel still laid awake. But her eyes were growing low with weary as she ever so lightly pet Total. Today had been successful in the category: Stay alive for at least one more day before mangy Erasers began to attack you like hell.
When the darkness came, I curiously looked around me. This whole week had been contently quiet. And for me that's just a bit too quiet. I was the only remaining one of my flock that was awake. Slowly, I inhaled and exhaled the night air. As much as I tried to sleep, it just wouldn't come to me. So, what else is a 14 year old supposed to do but let the night spell seep in while exploring the scenery? This was our first night in Colorado. What could possibly go wrong?
Trust me, I regret thinking that ever since. In the calmest situations, that is the unluckiest thing you could ever say. When the coast was clear, I unfolded my wings and began to float on the cold air gracefully. Ahh… Since I was so into my relaxation moments, I didn't hear the rapid rustling beneath me.
Think about your flock now, Max. My inner voice said. This was totally unlike my voice. Yes it was very odd. It usually told me to think of the world and my destiny, let alone my flock. Was something up? I always think of my flock, haven't you figured that out already? Where have you been? I thought back to it. I know that you doubt about all this peacefulness. And there is no guard watching them. Don't you think that you ought to turn back? The voice replied.
I sighed, rolled my eyes and steered back towards the direction of the flock's temporary camp. Only when I decided to forget about being irritated with my voice did I realize all the rustling.
That one word popped instantly into my mind. That stupid, dreaded, heart thudding word. Erasers! In full speed and power, I swooped down with my heart beating as fast as I was flying. I didn't care if the pine needles dug into my arms on the descent, only one thing mattered. And that was getting these Erasers out of my hair once and for all. They needed to die in a hole.
I felt as if I could go faster, but my wings didn't budge no more. I landed on my feet with a thud. Every part of me was eager and ready to fight. The adrenaline pulsed rapidly through my mutant veins. But to my continuing luck, it was no pack of Erasers. Seriously, where are we getting all this random luck? I admit, I'm thankful for it and all, but I've lived long enough to realize that with all good comes some catch.
There, standing in front of me was a group of kids, which very oddly looked like my flock. The tallest one, who was seemingly the leader to me, was a dude. Great, even better. Just my luck, huh?