You've no idea how sorry I am that it took me so long to update this story. I cannot remember the last time a week has been so awful for me and it's only Wednesday. Anyway, finally here's the new chapter and I hope you enjoy it!
Thank you again for the many reviews! You guys are the best readers I could ever ask for!
For a couple of seconds both Miss Peregrine and Millard simply stared at the scene that was unfolding in front of them. Those monsters around cheered at the boy who held the battered looking bird captive. As is if there was not enough cruelty, pain and terror in the world, Alma thought to herself. Millard looked at his headmistress. By living with her for over sixty years he had gotten to know the way her posture stiffened and her cheeks became a powerful shade of red just seconds before she exploded. She looked at the invisible spot where Millard was standing.
"Wait over there" She hissed and nodded towards the entrance to a little shop. Millard knew better than to disrespect her orders when his headmistress was in that kind of mood. Quickly Millard hurried away using more force while blazing his way through the crowd than would have actually been necessary. Miss Peregrine took a deep breath. She could feel a strong headache coming. Her whole body still hurt, there were bruises everywhere, she was worried about her children beyond believe, her mother of sorts might be caught in a net being mistreated by a disrespectful young man and the roaring of the crowd around her was not making it any better. It was time that this violation ended!
Miss Peregrine took a step forward towards the boy. At first the boy did not pay her any attention. She got closer and closer and slowly the boy started to notice her.
"Ey, what do you want?!" He barked at her and kicked some dirt in her direction.
"Young man" Miss Peregrine said calmly resisting the urge to shout at him. "Did no one ever tell you that animals are to be treated with respect?"
The boy only laughed and spit on the ground. "I don't care about those bloody animals. I want to have some fun!"
"Well, it doesn't look like she is having a lot of fun" Miss P said and pointed at the screeching bird. "Please hand over the net."
"Or you are going to do what?" The boy waved the net in front of her face teasingly. It was in moments like this that Miss Peregrine wished to be slightly taller. It was much harder being intimidating when she was a lot smaller than the other person.
Miss Peregrine considered her options. Using violence against children was no option. No one should endure any sort of physical or psychological violence, this boy being no exception to that rule even if he did not share this belief himself. In the end she settled on the most obvious of choices. With a strong motion she ripped the net from the boy's hand.
"Ey!" He shouted angrily. The crowd started shouting angrily as well.
"What do you think you are doin'" A man with a deep voice asked from behind her. Slowly she turned around. The man standing now in front of her looked like a giant. He was at least one head taller than her and three times as broad. He looked as if he was able to tear trees from the ground.
Miss Peregrine put both her hands on her waist. "And who exactly are you?" She tried to keep an indifferent posture.
"This is my son you've just stolen from" He growled.
"Stolen? Pardon me, this bird is no possession of your son. Birds are meant to be free and not being held captive in a net"
"Stolen" He repeated again. He frowned. He was not used to back-talk, especially not by a woman. The giant took a step towards her. She remained where she was although her senses were screaming at her to turn around and run. But she would not give in that easily. "I am giving you one last chance to give it back."
Then Alma laughed. "Or you are going to do what?" She mimicked the young boy's voice. The man's face turned into a grimace. He was just about to grab her upper arm when she took a step back and he missed his target.
"One might think a grown man has enough respect to treat a lady well but apparently I am mistaken. Unfortunately I have no time right now to teach you some manners. I will go now." Miss Peregrine said and turned her back towards the man. But the crowd had closed the circle around them making a quick getaway impossible. But Miss Peregrine only shrugged and grinned. Quickly she opened the net and in mere seconds the avocet flew off into the sky. The crowd got nearer and nearer.
Just in the moment when the first people started to launch at her she turned into a bird and followed the avocet into the sky. The people stopped midmotion and looked around in surprise. They could not believe what they had just seen. The only proof that they had not imagined this encounter was Miss Peregrine's dress that was now lying on the ground.