Chapter 2

The next day started early for the family of Blue macaws. For tonight was New Years Eve. Everyone was getting ready. Tiago went to help his friends prepare fireworks, Carla left prepare a performance with Nico, Pedro and Rafael who had come to visit and Bia went to gather the Spix Macaw tribe to help in the preparations and celebration tonight. As for Jewel and Angel, they woke a bit later to go and join Lilian on a girls day out. Lilian was alright with it since Cody was helping Tiago with the fireworks. "So, what is our plan for today, Jewel?" asked Angel. Jewel had planned the whole day, or at least the parts where they were going to be together. "Let's see. Well, first I thought we could have breakfast, then fly around the forest about, maybe visit that small club Nico and Pedro set up nearby for the celebration, then come back here for lunch and talk about some stuff. What do you think?" Lilian and Angel nodded in agreement. "That sounds good. What about you Angel. You agree?" Angel looked Lilian with a face of agreement. "Yes, that sounds fine. As long as it's just us."

"Of course it's just us. Just us girls, going wherever life takes us." They left through the window, not wanting to raise suspicion of them not helping in the preparations. They flew towards a small mango grove, which had them everywhere. They landed on a branch and began gathering food. Lilian and Angel got one each, while Jewel, who was already savagely eating into them, had three. "Jewel, why do you have three?" She looked up, her mouth fool of mango. She mumbled something they couldn't understand. "Pardon?" She gulped down the food and spoke again. "Because I really like them. They are my favourite food. I always have them, besides the occasional berry and nut." She began digging into it again as they watched. "I'd hate to be a mango right now, eh Angel?" She noticed she was in a trance, looking at the mango in front of her. "Angel, you okay?" Angel came back to reality when Lilian waved a wing in her face. "Oh, sorry dearie, just an old bird moment, remembering life." Lilian was glad she was alright. "That's good, are you going to eat that?" She gestured to the mango, which Angel grasped and began taking small bites. "Guess that answers my question." She began eating her mango, which was extremely.

After they finished breakfast, they took off once more. Their next stop was the place where Cody confirmed his feelings for Lilian. Jewel thought about going there because of the view, and it was a memory of the peaceful times before that tragic day. They reached the location and landed to see the sky. It was still a little bit early in the morning, so they could see the sunrise. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" Jewel stared at the sunrise, and became lost in it's colors. She remembered how Blu and her had found this place.

Flashback

They were flying through the forest after returning from Rio. "Isn't it just amazing in the morning?" Blu looked at her with a confused look. "What is?" She rolled her eyes at his question. "The forest, silly. It's just so beautiful."

"I know something more beautiful"he said as he moved closer. She knew what he meant, but acted like she didn't. She smiled slightly as she asked. "And what would that be?" They were next to eachother now. "Why, the Jewel of the forest, which is you." They locked beaks, not noticing the large clump of leaves ahead. Blu opened his eye a little, and saw it. "Look out!" He pushed Jewel away, but was not quick enough to dodge it himself. He went flying through them, disappearing from Jewel's sight. "Blu? Are you okay?"

"Yeah, just a little sore from this big branch I landed on. Then again, I guess I'm glad, because it is a long way down from here." Jewel found an opening and went through to see her mate on the branch, lying down. She helped him up, then stood beside him, noticing the sunset. "Look at that Blu. Isn't it wonderful?" They looked at eachother, and got lost in eachothers eyes. "Yes it is." They moved closer, sharing a long kiss as their beaks met.

Present Time

She held the memory very close to her heart as she began to cry quietly, hoping the others wouldn't notice. Oh Blu, I wish you were here. She wiped her tears away and thought about the time. "I think we should head for the club now, don't you?" They looked at her and nodded in agreement. Without another word, they took off once more to continue their day.

When they arrived, they saw no one outside, but did hear someone singing. "Jewel, isn't that Carla?" Jewel listened a bit more, and realised it was. "What's Carla doing here, Jewel?" Jewel turned with a smile. "It was supposed to be a surprise, but she's preparing a song. Sounds like it is going well." They walked in to see Carla singing with Nico and Pedro watching her from off the stage. When they began wondering where Rafael was, he appeared in front of them, about to stop them. "Stop, you are not-" He stopped when he saw who it was. "Oh Jewel. You are of course welcome. But why are they here?"

"We are having a women's day. We thought we could just come here for some peace and quiet. And I also wanted to see how Carla was doing." He nodded slowly, understanding. "Of course you may watch. But watch from a far corner. She might feel, you know, weak knees if she sees you watching her." They quietly walked over to a far corner and listened to her. Every now and then Nico and Pedro would give her some advice like 'a bit higher' or 'slow down a bit at that part'. Jewel thought that she was perfect, and with their help, she would be the best on that night. Rafael later came over with drinks. "Thought you might be thirsty. I will get some small snacks. Enjoy." Jewel looked down at her drink. "Ooh, mango juice." She grasped the cup in her talon and gulped the entire thing quickly. "Wow, she really does like mangoes." She overheard Lilian whisper to Angel and responded. "And I'm proud of it. What's your favourite food?" Lilian tapped her beak, trying to remember. "Let's see...ah, yes. Blue berries. Angel, what's yours?" Angel didn't hesitate at all for her answer. "Papaya. They are so delicious." Rafael must have overheard, because what he brought was two mangoes, two papaya and some blueberries. "I see why Eva is so into you now. Such a gentleman. Thank you Rafi" thanked Lilian. "Of course. Anything for you young ladies." They all blushed, especially Angel. "Hey, that's nice of you to lie, but not all of us are young. I mean, look at me. I am very old. I got grey feathers already." She lifted her wings to show grey on the tips. They heard flying coming from the stage, and Jewel knew who it was. "Rafael, who are you talking to?" Carla came into view and saw them. "Oh, hello Angel, hello Lilian, hello...wait, Mom? What are you doing here?"

"I just came to see how you were doing. You see, me and the girls here are having a women's day." She saw what time it was, and decided it was time to leave. "We better go. I'll see you later darling." They took off towards Jewel's room to end their day.

They arrived some time later, and decided to just talk. "So Lilian, how is your love hawk going?" She looked away slightly, pretending to not have heard. "Pardon, I didn't hear you." Jewel sat her down, preventing any escape. "How is Cody?" She blushed a little, showing she was hiding something. "Well, about a week ago, something happened." The two others leaned in closer. "We sort of, how would I say this, um, bonded." They knew exactly what he meant. "Only a week ago, and how long have you been together?" Lilian blushed more. "You see, it wasn't the first time. The first time was on the night of our honeymoon." They were shocked because she hadn't told them. "And you never told us. That is something to be proud of. Who knows, you might have little ones by now." Lilian became slightly happy. "Really?"

"Of course. I know who can find out as well. Remember that human Linda. She can find out for you. We can leave tomorrow if you like." Lilian nodded very quickly. "I would love that. Oh, I can't wait." She hugged Jewel in thanks. "It's okay, friends help friends." Jewel looked to Angle who was looking a bit down. "Angel, what's wrong?" She continued to look down. "Well, it's time I confess something. You know how me and Kyle haven't being talking much?" She turned her head and moved her cheek feathers. Lilian and Jewel couldn't stop themselves from gasping. "He did this in an outburst, about a week after Blu's death. We blamed eachother, and in a rage he struck me, not knowing that he had his claws out. Lilian knew I was struck, but I didn't tell her how. I just told her it was an accident. I need help. Should I forgive him?" Jewel couldn't stop staring at the scar till she asked for advice. "Angel, I think you should. One thing I learned from being with Blu is that you never have to say sorry. If you truly love him, then be with him." Angel thought about it, then answered. "I will tonight. Hopefully he will listen." Jewel patted her on the back a bit. "That's good. I think it's we should begin getting ready." They agreed and said their goodbyes before separating, preparing for the big night to come.