A Starling's Awakening

My New Normal

When we returned to school, I was wearing my new blue sweater. I had wanted to wear my tan one, but Raina convinced me the blue went better with my outfit.

Those from my old society still ignored us. It was like we had ceased to exist. I didn't even catch any sideways glances from them. At the beginning of lunch, Raina asked Bret and I to join her and her friends.

"This is Elise Torgason, my new big sister." I was introduced to several of her friends. We all shook hands, and they all wanted to know what life had been like as a starling. They seemed to enjoy hearing about Raina's and my friendship.

That afternoon, Raina and two of her friends went home with Bret and me. We did homework together, and talked about different teachers. The freshmen wanted to know about the teachers they hadn't had yet.

The next day at lunch, Bret's friends gave us a hard time about our hanging out with freshmen. It was only good natured ribbing. We spent the afternoon with our usual study group.

Raina's Birthday fell on Wednesday of the following week. She wanted to celebrate at a water park. She'd outgrown her swimsuit, and I didn't have one, so Ruby took us shopping the Saturday before.

"Elise, didn't you tell me you had designer swimwear?"

"I used to. It was for hanging around by the pool, looking fabulous. None of it was appropriate for swimming."

"And did you look fabulous in it?"

"Most boys thought so."

We went to a sporting goods store, and looked at one-piece suits. Ruby held one up.

"What do you think, girls? Is it me?"

"Mom, that's a grandmother's swimsuit." Raina looked embarrassed.

I added, "You don't need one of those, yet. You won't until after Bret and I are married."

"I'm glad you two are waiting."

Raina asked, "Elise, are there any designer swimsuits like you used to have?"

"Thankfully, no. These are all intended to be used for swimming."

"Did you used to have a favorite?"

"There was one. It was a shiny silver-metallic monokini. It was designed to show off... I mean, it would have been entirely inappropriate for a day at the water park."

I chose one that faded from sky blue to aqua.

Raina stated, "Bret is going to love you in that one."

"Bret's love doesn't depend on what I'm wearing."

"I just meant that he'll be, I mean he will, that is, his reaction...."

Ruby said, "Raina, please don't go there."

Raina selected a burgundy-red one-piece. Ruby picked one that had several shades of blue, and wouldn't embarrass Raina.

Wednesday evening, we celebrated Raina's birthday at home. There was a cake with candles, and we sang to her.

I asked, "Do you always celebrate birthdays like this?"

Barney answered, "This is the traditional way. Doesn't your family do it this way?"

"Those in my old society never have. At least, not that I'm aware of. To celebrate someone's birthday would be bad for one's status, because it would be elevating the other person's status above one's own, if only for the moment." Raina hugged me.

"Real families celebrate their members. Wait until your birthday comes. We'll throw you a party you will always remember."

When we arrived at the water park on Saturday morning, we were met by Robert, Helen, and the boys. There was a girl with them. She and Josh were holding hands. Josh introduced her. His voice was beginning to change, so it cracked.

"This is Shannon."

"How long have you two been a couple?"

"Since kindergarten."

"What?"

Robert said, "Believe it or not."

Shannon had long, straight black hair, and radiant, emerald green eyes. She was skinny, and gangly. It was obvious the awkward stage was hitting her hard, and her pale yellow one-piece didn't help. We had a conversation in the locker room.

She stated, "Josh told me you're a starling."

"I used to be."

"What do you mean, used to be?"

"My starling life ended the instant I accepted Bret's marriage proposal."

"All you starlings are teasers, and liars. Why should I believe you?"

"Shannon, I know trust has to be earned. Please, allow me to earn yours?"

"Trust a starling?"

"I'm not a starling anymore. All I'm asking is that you give me a chance to prove it to you, and to Josh."

We walked out of the locker room. Bret and I spotted each other. My heart sped up. All he was wearing was a pair of khaki colored board shorts. I couldn't breathe. I have to confess, I had some very impure thoughts.

The water slides were exciting, and at times a little bit scary. In the pool at the bottom of each one, Bret and I splashed each-other. I felt like a little girl, flirting and giggling.

There was a specially designed pool with a perpetual wave for surfing. The pool was only three feet deep. Bret tried to teach me, but I couldn't seem to stay up. Every time I fell off, Bret caught me.