Each Bird That Sings

Chapter 1

Staring up at the leaves of the trees, I know that this will probably be my last peaceful moment for the rest of the week. I "only" managed to come in with a B minus for English, and knowing my parents, this will be blown way out of proportion.
Yeah, okay, so from the audience point of view my life may seem like it was torn right out of a movie. My family has bright, radiating smiles, straight A's and an over-sized house with a perfectly manicured lawn.

But then there's me.

I'm the downfall, the family disappointment.
The one who can only handle B minuses, the one who runs barefoot through the back creek, returning muddy and bruised. I'm the one who shamelessly wears jeans and converse. I'm the one with the golden hair, freckles and faltering smile in that picture perfect, stolen-from-a-movie-scene family.

The sound of my phone vibrating on the rock brings me out of my trance. Glancing down at the screen, I realize it's only Hannah.

"Hello?"

"Claire? I've called you 3 times already! Where are you!"

"Oh sorry, I was down by the creek and left my phone at the house," I lie, hoping she hasn't already tried the house phone.

"Liar. I already called and your mom picked up," Oh no. "She said she hasn't see you since this morning. I don't know what you did but she's mad."

"I know." I reply lamely.

"Claire, most likely, it's not your fault. Tell me where you are. I'm coming over. Now."

She's determined, but when is she not? "Han..." I try, but she cuts me off.

"Don't even, Claire. I need to talk to you anyway."

Knowing its pointless to argue, I sigh, "Stokholm Wood. Follow the blue markers and I'm in the closest clearing."

I hear rustling on the other end, "I'm brining a blanket. See you in 15." And the line goes dead.

"Uhhhggg." I sigh and lay back down, now acutely aware of all the dirt, sticks and stones under my back. Mom is going to be even more mad because I'm dirty. I don't get her. Closing my eyes, I hear the wind gently blowing through the leaves overhead and the soft whistles of the birds.

Listening to their chirping patters, I quietly join in. First, I follow the loudest bird, copying the range of vocals. Soon I'm able to anticipate their next note, and I begin to harmonize.

The soft song takes away my worries, allowing me to focus solely on harmonizing with them, creating my own music. My ears begin to pick up multiple birds that have joined us, responding the the deep and light tones.
I hear a slight rustle and a distinct snap behind me, and my eyes gently flutter open.
"Wow." I see Hannah gaping at me, eyes wide. "That was dramatically amazing."
"Gee, thanks." I say, with slight sadness for losing my peaceful world.

"No. I mean it." She smiles warmly, "It was like you were in some sort of 'one with nature' mode."

I laugh quietly and glance up at the trees, wishing I could fly away with the birds.

"So, dinner?" She says, pulling out a blanket, 2 sandwiches, a bottle of Sunkist, and gummy worms.
Until now, I didn't realize how hungry I was.
"Han, you didn't have to do this." I smile.

"Uh, yeah, I did. No way was I gonna let you go back to your house and let your self esteem get trampled without dinner." She shrugs and smiles, settling down on the blanket.

I lower myself to the ground, brushing my hands on my pants.
"Why are you so good to me?"

" I think the world needs a little good."