My Love, My Dove

Chapter 10

A knock at the door almost made me jump out of my skin. Hawks was there looking bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, "Ready to go?"

"I just need my bag,"

I hurried to grab the rest of my stuff

It felt weird going to work with him. He seemed happy, though. He hummed to himself lightly, letting his fingers tap the wheel with his own rhythm.

I recognized the tune but I couldn't tell from where. I've heard it before I swear. I can't place it. At first, I think it's a song but as he continues I think on it. Having memory gaps can really change your perspective. You question things. It look me a year to feel confident in myself after the first one... I think.

It wasn't until he moved his hand to shift into park that I noticed his hand was on my thigh.

Heading into work with him was awkward. People didn't seem to care though. I can only guess this wasn't a first-time thing.

It wasn't till right before lunch that I saw Hawks again, "Hey Dove, can you come with me to the gym? Then we can have lunch?"

"Why?" I shook my head

"Well...I want to help you fly"

No. I can't fly. It's not an option. My wings are defective, "no"

"Dove...please?" He kneeled next to my chair, "for me?"

The puppy dog look in his eyes was hard to resist. I took a few deep breaths, "Hawks. I can't"

"Please. I promise I'll make sure nothing bad will happen if you fall I'll catch you... just trust me. I believe in you"

I haven't flown in years. I can't remember how. Flying seemed terrifying. Deep down something told me. Flying is wrong. My wings are wrong. I can't do this. His wings are amazing. They belong, unlike mine. He can't expect me to fly like him.

He hit such a soft spot with me though. I pressed my lips into a line but sighed giving in, "Fine. I have a half-hour break. I can back out any time though"

"Perfect" he smiled pulling me out of my chair in a sudden rush.

We got to the gym and he started flapping his wings excitedly.

"I wouldn't get too excited"

"Why not? We are going to get you to fly. It's going to be fun, later we could even go on a flight together!"

"Just... don't get your hopes up" I mumble.

He dragged me to the center of the room and spread out his wings motioning me to do the same.

"Flying inside is easy, no wind resistance or drifts. It's a good start for wings like ours"

"I don't think I can do this" I shake my head.

God, I'm even more scared now that I'm here. I felt prickles all along my wings. Stretching them out alone felt weird.

"I believe in you kid. You got this. It's all about creating enough wind to get off the ground. That's the hardest part. This should become muscle memory"

"Hawks, I haven't flown in years. There is no muscle memory"

"Even if there isn't I'm here to teach you. When we flap we move our wings kind of in circles it's a science-"

"And if I fall?"

"I'll catch you" he smiled widely. He flapped his wings lightly, "It takes a lot to take off. I'd say this is what's going to take the most energy but afterward, it gets easier, I promise"