Blackbird

Pitch Black

Forks, Washington

I was lounging on the front porch of my family's little house on a rather quiet street, drinking a cup of tea as I watched my surroundings get brighter. It was early morning, precisely six twenty-nine as I waited with the slightest bit of hope that he would return today. My protector. My friend. My blackbird.

I felt quite ridiculous doing such a thing, but I was determined that if I simply waited with patience, he would come back, circling our house twice before effortlessly landing by my bedroom window. Just sitting there, the fearless bird would watch me as I would gladly return the gesture. He symbolized safety and freedom. Yet, there was a dark side to him; his piercing black eyes told it all- so many secrets hidden and unrevealed. It was as if the bird had a secret message. Unfortunately, I never figured out what the message was.

I slowly looked down at my watch and blew out a sigh filled with disappointment. Six thirty. The blackbird never showed.

I never realized how much I grew attached to the bird. Ever since I was twelve, I grew out of the stage of being utterly terrified of such a strange species and became rather intrigued by them. As its been said, a black cat is known to symbolize bad luck. Now, where does a blackbird fit in? That's the thing- it doesn't fit in. It's something quite different.

"Aren't you cold?"

My mother came outside as she tightened her robe around herself. Her autumn hair was blowing in the light wind.

"I'm used to it."

I shrugged. My mother kissed the top of my head and greeted me with a 'Good Morning'. I gave her a soft smile and kept my eyes on the sky.

"What are you looking at? You come out here every morning, and I always wonder what can be so interesting, considering we live in a town of nothingness."

She chuckled as she stared at the sky along with me. She was right, Forks wasn't the most interesting of places to live. The sun rarely came out and the rain was endless. I have a soft spot for cloudy days though, they seem relaxing to me; therefore, I never had a problem with this little town.

"You're right, there's not much to look at,"

I forced a little laugh. I never told my mother about the blackbird or else she would think I am borderline weird. Let's face it, I've crossed the borderline. This isn't something that people would be interested in, and there's no doubt people would judge me for hoping that I would see the bird again.

Maybe it is time to give up. It's been two years since I've last seen the bird.

"I'm going to get ready for school."

I got up and gave the rest of my tea that maintained its warmth to my mother. As I was opening the front door, her voice stopped me.

"Are you okay, Jess? You know you can tell me anything, right?"

It's time to move on from something so silly. I was twelve. I am seventeen now and I should be worrying about colleges and SAT's and normal things teenagers worry about.

I smiled at my mother, "Yes mom, I'm okay."

She gave me a sweet smile and that was my cue to go inside and get ready for the day.

I didn't want my mother to worry about me and I didn't want to worry about anything that wasn't important. I think I finally realized that the blackbird had a liking to my bedroom window and that was it. It wasn't protecting me. I mean it is a bird after all.

I laughed at how long it took me to realize this.

I finished getting ready in twenty minutes, my simple outfit resulting in ripped jeans, Converse, and a Beatles t-shirt. I brushed my hair and applied a touch of makeup. I grabbed my belongings and was out the door.