Chapter 15

"Jeb, can we please stay to watch the fireworks? Please, please, please?" Nudge begged, jumping up and down.

Jeb smiled. "Of course." While he went to go buy us some popcorn, we sat down on a bench, waiting for the fireworks to start.

We'd been at Disneyland for the entire day so far, and now it was nighttime. Up and down the street, the little shops and restaurants were lit up with brightly colored lights.

Suddenly, all the lights dimmed and music began playing. Angel, who was sitting on Fang's lap, stared in wonder as fireworks lit up the sky. Nudge and Gazzy were also frozen in awe. Even Fang looked like he was enjoying himself.

Then there was Iggy. Once again, he was missing out on something.

I bit my lip. "Uh, hey, Iggy."

Ever since his, um, declaration of love earlier today, I'd kind of been avoiding Iggy, trying to sit next to Nudge and Gazzy whenever I could. But now, he was right next to me.

"Hey," he muttered. His head was tilted downward, his hands in his lap.

"Um… you're not really missing much," I said, trying to make him feel better. "It's not all that impressive."

Iggy didn't say anything.

"Iggy?" I asked, peering at him. "Are you okay?"

His head shot up. "No. I'm not! Everyone is always saying, "Look at that!" or "Did you see that?" I never get to see anything! I don't get to experience things like the rest of you!"

My eyes widened. "Iggy, I'm really sorry-"

Iggy put his hand in front of my face, palm facing towards me. "No. Just stop. I don't want to hear it." He pulled his knees up to his chest, wrapping his arms around his legs.

I looked at him. "Iggy…" I whispered, but I didn't really know what to say.

I reached out and took his hand. "Hey, Iggy. Listen."

He looked up in surprise. "What?"

I took a deep breath. "Okay. Listen. Don't you ever think that you're different than the rest of us just because you can't see. I mean, you can do plenty of awesome stuff. You're a great fighter. And a really good cook. And most of all, a really great friend. And without you being the way you are…well, the flock just wouldn't be the same."

A hint of a smile played on his lips. "You…you think so?"

I grinned. "I know so." I paused, thinking. "Iggy, I'll always be here for you. No matter what, I'll never leave you. Ever. I'm here for you, Iggy. Maybe you don't need sight because…well, because I can be your eyes for you."

I looked away quickly, frowning. Had that sounded too stupid? But when I looked back at Iggy, he was smiling. "Thank you, Max," he whispered.

I started smiling too, just as the fireworks ended and everyone started standing up to leave.

I suddenly realized I was still holding his hand. I let go quickly, then remembered what I had said to Iggy.

I'll always be here for you. No matter what, I'll never leave you.

Despite my blushing, I reached out to take his hand once again.

~~::~~

"The beach again?" Fang complained as Jeb drove towards the beach. "Do we have to?"

Nudge and Gazzy started booing him.

"I love the beach!" Nudge proclaimed.

"Then why don't you marry it?" Gazzy asked her, snickering. Nudge made an appalled expression – apparently, that was the worst insult ever when you were in second grade.

I rolled my eyes. "Okay, guys. Settle down."

"You settle down!" Gazzy yelled.

I stuck my tongue out at him. "Make me, dumbo."

"Well…." Gazzy trailed off. "Make me!"

Jeb sighed. "Okay, okay. We're here," he murmured as he pulled into the parking lot, obviously exasperated.

"Yay!" Nudge squealed. "The beach!"

"Boo," Fang muttered. "The beach."

I laughed, elbowing him. "What? Mr. Dark and Depressing doesn't like the beach?"

He gave me a death glare. "Don't call me that."

"O-kay then," I muttered, climbing out of the car behind everybody else.

"Race you guys!" Gazzy yelled, dashing towards the water. I laughed, then looked over my shoulder for Iggy.

"Hey, come on!" I said, grabbing his arm. "You don't wanna miss all the fun, do you?"

He shook his head, smiling. "Nope. Let's go."