Gazzy

A blonde mop of hair slunk its way down the stairway, headed for the living room. Skipping the last two steps he came to a loud stop at its end. Already knowing where his father would be the young boy took a deep breath.

"Da-a-d! I'm hungry!" He shouted, jumping toward the couch where his father sat with a computer in his lap, a football game muted on the television. Not facing his son, the older man immediately began to pretending he was sleeping. In return Gazzy began poking and pulling at the older man's face. "You're not asleep!"

Shaking his head and laughing with his son the man tossed aside his laptop. "Alright, alright, you got me!" Hopping back Gazzy beamed at his father.

"How does spaghetti and two gourmet," the man winked good naturedly, "omelets?"

"Yeah, yeah!" Gazzy exclaimed, already knowing what was on tonight's menu. It was Saturday after all. A combination of their ultimate favorite foods, as per usual Saturday nights went.

"Okay, Gasman." His dad agreed as he started for the kitchen, his gait casual and unhurried.

Life had been like this since Gazzy's mother's death, three years ago. Everyday the little boy still fervently wished to see his mother's smiling face, but every day proved no different than the last. Her death had left him more docile than he had been in years, the worry and fear it had brought was staggering. Her death had not been something that had come and gone before they could understand what had come to pass. Rather, it had been Leukemia.

It had been horrible watching what it had done to his cheerful mother. The changes brought about by the radiation treatment, and later the sickness itself. Throughout the ordeal he had been lost, and even now he had not entirely found himself. It was impossible to describe, knowing when his mother would die, and counting the days, the weeks, and ultimately that months that passed until his mother finally passed away.

Since then it had just been him and his dad. At first things had been awkward, both unable to ignore the drastic change that had been forced upon both of them. Unable to talk to one another, although both felt the same things. What had truly made the situation so awkward was the fact, his father was actually new to the family. Not really his biological father, but rather his step father. As far as he knew, his real father had left when he was very young, and Gazzy had no memories of the man. Over time things had changed with his step father, and finally the two had found a rhythm that matched them both.

Gazzy took a moment to relish in the fact school was out for another week. Summer break had been wonderful, together he and his father had gone to a water park, and for a few weeks, Disney. It had been awesome, all the roller coasters, food, and shops. Gazzy had even ripped the head off one of the costumed people who walked around as Disney characters. It had been hilarious.

Like most kids, Gazzy held no liking for school, where all you did was sit in a desk and work meticulously on boring things, and listen to boring teachers. Regardless, that didn't mean he wasn't a good students. At least, when he wasn't bugging his teachers with questions of quantum physics.

"Gazzy," His father called for the young boy's attention as he was setting the food onto the table, and Gazzy grabbed at his share, cocking his head to the side, indicating he was listening. "I got a call from school today." The young boy stopped spooning food onto his plate, glancing up with worry. His dad laughed. "Nothing like that, this time."

"Your school is taking part in an exchange program, with a school all the way out in Colorado." The man explained, and Gazzy kept his full attention on what his father said, this was news to him. "It's a boarding school, and you've been nominated as the school's nominee. An all expense-paid trip to attend for the entire school year." His father mused, clearly proud.

"I've decided you'll be going." Gazzy blinked. Going to a school states away? He looked at his father, would he not be able to see him for an entire year? His face was easily read, and his dad shook his head, explaining. "I'll be able to visit, although I'm sure once you get into the swing of things you'll hardly notice I'm gone." The young boy looked unconvinced.

"Hey," His father reassured, "This is the chance of a lifetime. You know I'll just be a call away, and I think you can really benefit from this. I know things have been difficult since Sherry died, and I think this is a step in the right direction."

"I don't want to go." Gazzy replied adamantly, it might make him sound like a child, but the idea of being away from his father for so long, away from everyone and everything he knew...scared him. "I mean, what about my wings?" Even more important, what was he supposed to do with the six foot pair of wings on his back? It wasn't exactly something he went around showing everyone, they'd flip.

"Someone's been informed of everything, and they'll be sure to look after you." At the mention of his wings, the graying man smiled triumphantly.

"What? What is it?" His father grinned, leaning down and whispering, as though someone else might hear.

"It's supposed to be a secret, but, I've heard, there's someone else down there, with wings too."