Chapter 9

I flew for at least two hours. I was sure I'd missed dessert. Certain my mom was tired and went to bed. Certain everyone else had turned in. And I was absolutely, positively sure that Fang would be waiting up for me when I returned.

However, as I eased through the patio door at the back of our safe house at half past way too late, I was a little surprised to see my mom waiting at the sofa for me.

I embraced her immediately. It was so good to see her. So good to see her alive and full of color. When we had pulled her out of the dome at the bottom of the ocean, she was practically on her death bed. She was in the hospital for at least a week – just under observation mostly. But it took another two months for her to get completely back to normal. Or as normal as one can get for having a daughter who has wings.

"Want to tell me what's bothering you?" she asked gingerly. We cozied up on the couch, digging into tubs of Ben and Jerry's Chunky Monkey, one of my favorites. I was actually spooning out gobs of my second pint after practically inhaling my first one.

"What makes you think something's bothering me?" I said through a big chunk of fudge. Her ensuing smile warmed my heart.

"Oh, I don't know. Let's see. I arrive. You're out for a solo flight. Everyone's wondering where you are except for Fang who brooded and didn't say two words on the whole matter."

"Fang's always brooding and reserved." This time we both chuckled.

"True."

My mom waited a superfluous moment for me to speak while I jabbed at some walnuts with my spoon. Finally, I caved.

"I'm a little nervous about my… um… relationship with Fang." I quickly buried my eyes in my banana ice cream.

My mom pulled me into her side, kissed my temple.

"Tell me about it," she said.

"Well… we're doing fine. More than fine." Ugh. I hated talks like this. "And… well…"

My mom waited another patient minute.

"And well, I just don't think I'm ready to – you know – get married and have a flock of bird kids!" I huffed, then sank down into the couch pillows as far as possible.

My mother stroked my hair, then turned me to face her.

"Max, you're only fifteen. There's no rush on anything," she paused before continuing. "Have you felt pressured to… advance your relationship?"

I shook my head. I didn't really want to tell her what Fang almost did earlier. And that I think I might have liked it.

"Well, then maybe you're just putting too much pressure on things." She sat back into a corner of the couch. "How do you feel about Fang?"

Oh crap. I had never actually discussed my feelings for Fang… out loud.

"I… we… well, we're just meant for each other. You know – soul mates."

"Yes, but how do you feel about him?"

My eyes were on everything but my mother. I hated conversations like this.

"Well, I'd pretty much take a bullet for him." My mom cocked her head and shot her eyebrows to the top of her head. "And… I… I'm…. uh pretty sure I love him." My face got hot. I felt so, so stupid right about now.

"Then, I think you just need to relax, go with the flow. See where this ship takes you." She hesitated, stroked my hair again. "But… uh… when you two do decide to – you know – take things a little further, would you talk to me about it first. I don't think you're quite ready for a little flock of Max and Fangs either."

Okay – now my face was the color of a kickball. My mom grinned at my embarrassment.

"Hmmm. I wonder if they make specific birth control for kids with avian DNA," she teased. I looked up at her and couldn't help but smile. Seriously had the coolest mom in the world. I mean – who jokes with their kid about baby bird prevention?

My mom rose, took my empty carton from my hands, walked toward the kitchen.

"I'm beat. We'll catch up more tomorrow. On our way to Los Angeles."

"Los Angeles?"

"Yes. Starlight Productions has started casting. Wants CSM input on their choices. And yours too."

Great. Another fabulous day in sunny California mingling with the rich and famous. Ugh. At least I'd get to spend it with my mom.

"You should probably get some rest too. We'll get an early start," my mom added. "But I think someone's been waiting to talk with you."

She motioned to the front of the house and I knew exactly who was waiting for me. And where.

Great.

Might as well get this over with.