The Bird and the Bee

Chapter 12

Miss Honey didn't sleep at all that night. She didn't go to rest in the guest room, instead going downstairs to sit in the chair located in the parlor. Why was she so upset? Alma was right on all points, why would she say that? Why would she do that? Agatha may have been a liar on a few things, but her being an idiot may not have been one of them. Her eyes stayed on the fire that was burning in the fireplace, watching each flame crackle, reflecting in her brown irises that seemed to shine golden in the dim light, glazed over with the tears that hadn't escaped her just yet. The woman ran her hand through her hair, stopping with a grimace when she felt the stitches rub against her bandage and dropped her hand once more with an exhausted sigh.

Why did she do that? She was so tired of thinking, it wasn't doing anyone there good.

Jenny stood from the chair, a hint of frustration blending with her tears before she shifted into the Honeyguide. She paced the floor, determined to try and learn how to fly, needing to know how to. It was one of the basics of being an ymbryne, it may be important too despite Alma not using hers often. And the brunette didn't think she'd be learning anything else from the ravenette for a while.

Raising her wings, she attempted lifting herself off the ground, but her talons only lifted for a moment before she fell back down. Was she flapping too fast? Was there some specific way to do it? Miss Honey tried once more, spreading her wings and taking off about an inch off the ground, but let out a startled chirp when she fell once more against the carpet. Whether it was from her frustration that she had slightly with the older woman or her fear, Jenny was determined to learn how to do so. The Honeyguide slowly stepped over to the sofa, using her talons and beak to climb up onto the cushion before shaking her wings off. The woman looked off the edge that seemed awfully high now that she was smaller but shook it off, focusing on the position of her wings and talons. Her gaze straight towards the chair she was previously at and went running to take off, spreading her wings and jumping. Jenny felt her heart beat incredibly fast when she felt herself stay afloat for a moment, when she suddenly dropped to the floor once more and let out a frustrated chirp. Jenny shifted back, heading over to the couch and sat down, resting her head in her hands as her tears finally fell.

~~~

"Jenny?"

The woman woke up, her eyes slowly opening when she felt the sunlight beaming through the parlor window. She must have fallen asleep downstairs. Looking over she seen Alma, the ymbrynes eyes watching her closely as she slowly sat up, biting back a yawn. She met her eyes for a moment, seeing the faint red around the woman's eyes but Alma quickly glanced down when Matilda came from out of the kitchen.

"Mom, you're awake!" Miss Honey felt any previous drowsiness leave when the girl ran into her arms, Jenny sending her a smile as she hugged her tight.

"What time is it?" The brunette asks, noticing Miss Peregrine take her pocket watch out.

"9:43."

"Oh, I slept in a little more than usual." Jenny comments before abruptly standing, Alma going to pull her aside when Matilda spoke up.

"What time should we leave?"

"I'm not sure." Jenny says, having just woken up and her mind too jumbled with everything else. She has to figure out how to close down the school, though it shouldn't be hard considering its summer break. But she has to also pack at least some things from her fathers home as well. Agatha being gone should limit the issue though, but Jenny scolded herself for thinking like that.

"Miss Honey?"

Jenny looked over and seen Matilda looking at her confused, Alma raising an eyebrow at her.