On the Horizon: Where the Wind Blows

Chapter Six

When I told my parents, the whole island went into war mode.

The next day I threw on some black leggings, a long sleeved sweater, a blue hoodie, and my Converse, as usual.

I flew back to Nate's house with my gift this time.

When I rang the doorbell, Mrs. Lark answered this time. "He didn't think you were coming." She smiles.

I laugh. "I told him I would."

When I get inside, Nate skids into the hallway and hugs me. "You okay?" he asks, grabbing my arms and looking at me with worry.

"Just fine." I promise, and hand him his gift. "This is for you."

He smiles, and hugs me again. "Let's go." he says, grabbing my hand and leading me into the living room.

I put my wings away, but when I walk in everyone stares at me like I have them out.

"You can take them out," Nate tells me. "I explained last night."

I do, shyly, and step closer to Nate.

"Are you an Angel?" Jeanie asks me.

I laugh, my nervousness settling. Nate laughs too. "Yes, Jeanie, she's an angel."

I glance at Nate, but he doesn't. I feel my heart lurch when he calls me an angel again.

"So you have a crush on an angel Nate?" Katie asks. "Wow you're lucky."

Nate grows bright red. "What? No. I don't. And it doesn't work like that-"

"Whatever." Katie rolls her eyes, and her and Jeanie go play with some toys.

"Nate," Emily laughs finally. "How many times have you quoted that comercial?"

Nate grins and turns to me. "Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?"

I laugh, flushing pink, but grin. "Yeah, a heck lot." Nate and his family laugh.

"I also told them the real story of how we met," Nate adds.

"I'm surprised you can all see me." I comment.

"It made sense once my mom explained." Nate's dad says.

"He also said you're some sort of ninja angel," Emily adds.

"Well, you kinda saw proof." I shrug.

"Yeah it was awesome!" Kyle grins.

"Best Christmas ever." Laura laughs.

"Open your gift," I nudge Nate.

He lets go of my hand, and opens the big box. He looks up and laughs. "Seriously?"

I nod, snickering.

He pulls out an iron Captain America shield.

"Made by our armory." I say. "It was also expensive, so you won't be getting another gift for a while." I add.

Nate laughs and hugs me. "Goes right along with what I got you." he grins, and hands me a box of my own.

I tear it open, and grin as I take out an aviator jacket. Nate and I take out our shades at the same time, and he raises his shield, and I hover just above the ground.

"Avengers... assemble!" Nate yelps.

I laugh and fall.

We chill like this for a few hours.

It's nice doing something different. Of course there is a part of me that wishes I could spend Christmas with my parents, but they need them more than ever now.

It's until hours later I realized that Nate and I were holding hands, and I kinda loved it.

Mrs. Lark steps out of the kitchen and calls for lunch, everyone gets up, chatting happily and walks into the dining room. Nate guides me there, but then my phone rings.

I take it out, and answer.

"Hello, this is Arwen Ozone," I answer.

"Captain Ozone, this is Lieutenant Goyle speaking, I tried your house but you weren't there so I called your cell, we have an emergency."

I feel myself make a stern expression. "What's wrong?" I ask.

"There's a major cold front coming down, and fast. The weather channels are stumped and I would've never have believed it before but after your report last night, the General and President Hawkens are positive it's the North Winds. I need you and a gun at Tradition Landing in five minutes."

"Yes sir." I answer, dropping Nate's hand.

In a kinder voice, Lieutenant says, "Sorry to ruin your Christmas, Captain, but it's an emergency."

"You know my Christmas isn't usually busy anyways." I argue.

"Ruthie said you were at the Lark Household."

"That is true sir."

"I'm sorry Arwen, merry Christmas?"

I laugh. "Sir it's not very merry so far."

He laughs. "Get out there Captain." then he hangs up.

I hang up, and frown at Nate. "Emergency," I tell him. "I have to go."

Nate nods. "I understand, I'll walk you out."

He stops me before the door though, grabbing my hand. "Stay safe, okay?" he asks.

I sigh. "Knowing me, there's a fat chance of that."

"Promise me?" Nate asks, locking my eyes with his. His storms make my heart lurch and twist.

Then I realize I might not see him after this. He told me earlier he was leaving the day after Christmas.

The thought sinks in of how long it may be after this moment that I'll see my hero again. The boy that saved my life.

So I do something totally insane.

I grab Nate's face in my hands and kiss him. At first he's shocked, but then he leans into it, his hand moving up my arm and to my neck, his other at my waist.

After a moment he leans back, out of breath. "Go." he pants, and nudges me toward the door. "But promise me first, promise me you'll be safe, and that you'll see me again?"

I let go of his hand and step into the frigid wind. "I don't promise," I say sternly, "I swear on my life, Nate Lark, I'm coming back to you."

Then I spread my wings and take to the sky.