Sorry that the next few chapters are late. It was supposed to be posted two to three days ago but I went into a mini block so I hadn't had it written. I knew I needed a day off so I took it and I've been busy since then. Finally, I've had time to sit down and write.
So, I will be uploading four chapters today in order to get semi back on track. I'm still a little behind. I have no idea how much longer the story is going to go on for, but it's starting to wrap up. Once I figure out how many more chapters will be needed to finish off the story, I'll let you guys know.
-Kath
Chapter Twenty Three: Pondering
IGGY'S POV
I didn't sleep last night, tossing and turning until I started sweating. So, finally, after several hours, I gave up, going for a late night flight until the sun rose above the horizon.
Now, sitting on the back porch with my coffee in hand and looking out as large waves crash against the beach, I take a deep breath, feeling the fatigue. The coffee hasn't kicked in yet even though this is my third cup.
I glance down at my watch. Goddamn. It's only seven thirty. Groaning, I slump in my seat, resting my head in my free hand. I smell the coffee, cinnamon and creamer filling my nostrils.
I hear the door open then moments later, slam shut as footsteps shuffle towards me. It's Fang's loud pounding and I smile tiredly as he sighs, taking a seat next to me.
"You look like hell." He says and I can hear the smile in his tone. He takes a sip of coffee, placing it on the table on the other side of him.
I nod, really starting to feel the fatigue. A lot has happened in the last several hours but oh how I wish I had slept at least an hour. No such luck, though, for the blind Avian-human hybrid.
A tired, blind Avian-human hybrid who also just discovered Max, alive and well, pretending to be someone else for who knows what reasons. I really need to find her. She owes me an explanation. She probably has questions as well, and I'll answer them as long as she answers mine.
I really don't know what to think of this discovery. On one hand, it's a relief to see Max. She seems healthy but when she touched my cheek, I felt worlds of sadness swirling inside her. She's been through a lot so there has to be a reason she is pretending to be another person. On the other hand, I'm sort of pissed off. She is alive and well. Why is she here? Why is she pretending to be another person? When did she escape the School and why didn't she come home afterwards?
Oh, she has so much explaining to do.
I chug down the rest of my coffee, hoping this cup is the key to having a little bit of energy to last me the day. "I'm going out for the day. Don' know when I'll be home."
I can tell he's looking at me funny, wondering why. He's still confused about the events of last night, wondering what went down. Of course, I won't tell him the truth until I speak with Max because there's the whole Fang cheating thing. And him being in love with Ivy.
Except, it appears their relationship might be strained after Ivy's strange new behavior. They'll need to talk it over, clear the air. But, of course, it's none of my business as Fang likes to tell me all the damn time.
"Alright." The confusion is clear in his tone but I know he won't push it. He trusts me. I nod, walking inside and placing my cup gently in the sink. Everyone in the Flock are still light sleepers from our running days and if I'm too loud, I'll wake them up and feel the wrath of grumpy preteens.
I put my sneakers on, grabbing a coat because the wind has started to pick up and windy days tend to make me grumpy if I get too cold.
As quietly as I can, I walk out of the front door, closing it almost silently before bouncing down the steps. Walking underneath a nearby palm tree, I look around making sure the coast is clear before spreading my wings and flapping them.
As I soar higher into the air, I smile because this is my true home. Flying high above the rest of the world. I know the Flock feels the same so if I am to find Max, it's up here where we are free to fly and free to enjoy it.