Chapter 8: I'm Not Me

I was so happy, someone actually cared! As I looked into Gilligan's big blue eyes, I could see so many things. Protection, a sanctuary, friendship... and... something else. I knew Gilligan wouldn't ever let go, never abandon me, not for a second. He would protect me. And, in return, I would protect him. No one, human or mutant, could deny it.

Gilligan and I walked into the small village. I went reluctantly, but Gilligan told me the Professor wanted to talk. "He wants to explain why you got your wings, yanno?"

"Gilligan, I just don't... Trust him... It's like he wants to... see everything about me. I can't let that happen. I'd be risking too much. Ok?" I asked, trying my best to explain. I wanted him to know, he was the only one I could trust.

"Yah, I think so. I just don't wanna se anyone get hurt. I don't like getting beat up... It hurts!" That, I had to laugh at.

We were back, and I kept my head down. Whispers ran trough the village as the birds and I in the sky.

"Did you see her wings?"

"Oh my gosh, they were huge."

"She shouldn't be here."

"The nerve!"

At this point, I was crying. Was all the love they had shown been false? Did they want me as dead as the whitecoats? Was it all just a lie?

"Ah, Avian! I'm so glad you could come. I'll try to explain this as best as I can, alright?" It was the Professor, now. He was talking in the smooth voice had had when I first had met him.

"Professor, I don't want to be here."

"What? Why ever so?"

I motioned over to the villagers, peeking in through the windows. They immediately scurried away.

"Oh! I can assure you, Avian, they won't think anything else of you!" 'They would!' I wanted to scream. 'They are!' "They ar-"

"No! you don't understand, the hate me! They are going to hurt me! They're going to call the whitecoats and send me back! Just let me out!" At that moment, I could not control my actions. I pushed the Professor. I ran with such speed all I saw was blurs. I didn't know if it was because the tears or my speed. I ran out the door and jumped, bringing screams from the girls as I unfurled my wings and flew away. This time, to the mountains. No one was going to hurt me again.