I'm Starling

I was set down on a soft surface that felt like my heliscooter set so I knew that I must have been his ride. He sat down behind me and grabbed the handles of his ride and drove. I again tried not to doze off but failed.

I woke up in an elegant room with golden bed sheets and walls. I got up too fast and felt dizzy again, I was getting funnel vision. A wave of realization washed over me and I snapped fully awake. Where was I and what just happened? People would be looking for me! I thought for a minute at what I'd just thought and then remembered that no one would care. I calmed down at that thought. At least I was away from menacing people and stares.

I walked to the bathroom and rinsed my face with one hand. How long have I been here? I walked out of the bathroom and turned to the window. It was dark outside. I must have been out for a while. That's not good. I looked down at my bandaged hand; I never thanked the guy for helping me. As if on cue a someone knocked on the door to my current bedroom. I walked over and turned the knob.

"I see you're looking better." It was the same guy from before.

"Oh, um… thanks for helping me back there." I fumbled with my words.

"It was nothing. How's your hand?"

"Well… it's been better."

"It's pretty nasty… mind if I come in?"

"No."

I sat down on the bed and he sat on across from me. He looked at me for a few awkward minutes and then spoke.

"Starling?"

"Yes?" not meeting his eyes.

"What happened to you back in the forest?"

"I was just taking a ride when my heliscooter broke down." I tried to make it short and vague.

"And your hand?"

"I tried to fix it."

"Without proper tools?"

"Yeah…"

"I know, but I was desperate."

"You look a little young to be out here all by yourself. Weren't you supposed to be at school?'

"The school was closed for today." I lied, what would he think if I told him that I dropped out of school?

"Do you want to call your parents? They might be worried that you haven't shown up at home yet."

"No. It's okay."

He looked a little concerned at first but thought better to stay out of my business to say anymore.

"By the way, what's your name?" I asked.

"Griffin."

"Oh… And where am I?"

Griffin smiled. "You're at the Rex Guardians' house."

I was staying at the Rex Guardians' house? That was shocking. I must have had a very appalled look on my face because he asked me if I was okay after a long moment of silence.

"Yeah, I'm okay." I smiled.

"Are you hungry Starling?"

"A little I guess…"

"How would you like to dine with the Rex Guardians' tonight?"

"I'd love that!"

He chuckled. "I thought so."

"The maid will bring you some fresh clothes to wear; I'll come back for you in an hour."

He stood up and left. I lay down on the bed. It felt so cool and soft. This place had a warm feeling to it. It wasn't like at home where it doesn't feel a thing like home. These people here can't judge me so it was like restarting my life.

The maid came and gave me a pair of tan pants and a brown shirt. I took a short shower and got changed in my new clothes. I felt clean and more relaxed. I sat down on the gold bed and waited for Griffin's return. When he came back he offered to bandage my hand up again before going to diner.

He led me down grand white stairs to the dinning hall. There was a long wooden table with gold utensils and plates. He pulled a chair out for me, I sat down and he sat down on a chair beside me. A couple of people came filling in the room and sitting down. When everyone was present Griffin cleared his throat.

"Everyone may I have your attention?" Everyone's eyes darted towards him.

"Tonight a special guest will be with us. Her name is Starling. Please treat her with the same respect that you treat each other. Thank you." Griffin sat back down.

Waiters came rushing in with trolleys of food. I took small proportions not wanting to eat much. I don't eat that much anyways, I think it was from depression; but I still have a fit figure. After dinner Griffin led me back upstairs. We were at my door.

"Since it's late to be outside right now, and you do live quite far. I insist you stay here for the night and in the morning I'll drive you back to your house."

"Okay." I nodded.

"Well, goodnight Starling."

"Goodnight."

He walked down the hall out of sight, I then turned the door knob and walked into my room. In the bathroom were toiletries laid on the counter and a pair of sleep wear was hanging on a bar on the wall. The maid must have placed them here during dinner. I brushed my teeth and changed. I jumped onto my bed and lay eagle spread. It was so pleasant. I savoured every moment because tomorrow I would have to go back to the Waste Lands.