A Strange New World

Chapter 15-Tired

After Fiona reassured everyone that she was okay for the millionth time, they turned their attention to you, asking all sorts of questions. "Alright, settle down, one question at a time please." You said, sitting on top of a rock and they spread out, sitting on blankets surrounding you. Even Alma sat near the back.

"How'd you learn how to fly?" Millard asked. "Doesn't it take practice? There's no way you changed and just suddenly knew how."

You glanced at Alma but looked back to the boy with a smile. "Miss Peregrine taught me. Though I'm not actually very good at it yet."

"Can you only turn into one type of bird, like Miss Peregrine? Or is it all types of birds?" Fiona asked.

"I've only ever changed twice and into birds. But I believe I can change into any animal. I'm not really sure of my limits."

"What other bird did you turn into?" Emma grinned.

"I could just demonstrate if you'd like?" They cheered and you changed into a peregrine falcon, using your wings like arms and taking a bow. Next you changed into a rabbit, wanting to try something that wasn't a bird, yet still wasn't every big. Then you changed back once again.

"That's so freaking cool!" Olive said, looking down at a couple pictures she'd taken.

Everyone continued to ask questions that you continued to answer until Alma spoke up. "It's time to go home, children." She'd already packed up the basket and folded the blankets. Enoch and Emma both grabbed the blankets as they walked by her, starting on the walk home as the younger kids ran off ahead. Once again, you reminded with Alma in the back of the group until Olive ran over and put your camera around your neck, shoving some pictures into your hands, before running off again. "What was that?" Alma asked.

"Oh nothing, she just gave me some pictures she took." You started looking at them. In one Hugh and Fiona could be seen making funny faces as Millard did a handstand in the background. The next picture held only Millard after he'd fallen out of the handstand and onto his face. There were pictures of just about everyone, even Alma unknowingly made an appearance.

You heard Alma tsk and looked up to find her looking over your shoulder at the pictures. "I didn't know she photographed me." She said, glaring at the picture.

"Hm well at least it looks nice, she got the hang of using the Polaroid quickly." You looked through more pictures and found one of Fiona standing and the edge, you tucked it away before Alma could see it. The next few showed you and Alma while you were still an argentavis magnificens. In one she appeared to be scolding you. In the other she was looking at you with an odd glint in her eye as she ran her hand over your wing. You figured it was one of thanks or admiration as you couldn't imagine what else that look would mean.

The last couple of photos consisted of you as different animals and more of the children. Olive probably used up all your film today, you'd have to remember to put more in the Polaroid later. You soon arrived back at the house, the children all rushed off to either complete chores or go play. You went straight to your room, dropping your stuff on your dresser as you walked by and face planting on your bed.

"Tired?" You lifted your head just enough to see Alma leaning against the door frame. You just hummed in response before laying your head back down. "Well that would make sense, you've been using your peculiarity all day and you're not very used to it." She walked into the room as she spoke, sitting on the side of your bed. "If you want you could take a nap."

"No I'm fine." You sat up next to her as you bit back a yawn. She sighed, draping her arm across your back and resting a hand on your shoulder. You leaned into her side, resting your head against her shoulder, closing your eyes.

"Not tired, huh?" She let out a small laugh to which you just hummed at. Wrapping your own arm around her waist. "Y/n-" You shushed her, though it didn't work. "Did you just shush me?"

"Nooo?"

"Get some sleep, Y/n. I need to go and make sure the children don't burn the house down." She stood, pulling away from you. "Good night, dear." She walked to the door, closing it as she left.

You wanted to listen to her, changing out of your day clothes and into the nightgown you'd taken from her, your only excuse being that it was comfy. You laid there, staring at the ceiling for what felt like forever, unable to fall asleep.

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This chapter is shorter than others, I'm tired, my coffee is failing me!