Moon Angel

Chapter 3: Starting a New Life

Chapter 3: Starting a New Life

Mr Carter and I bonded almost instantly. He was kind, generous and funny. He made me feel relaxed, comfortable and safe, and his house began to truly feel like a home.

For the next year I lived with Mr Carter and our lives fell into a sort of routine. I would spend every morning with my tutor and most afternoons and evenings with Mr Carter. He taught me all sorts of things when I was with him, sharing his hobbies with me. He believed that a girl should be able to protect herself. He taught me the arts of Kendo and Archery, and I would join him when he went for runs around the property in the early morning to keep his fitness up.

He worked a lot, and would spend hours shut away in his study, but he always made time for me. Sometimes he would go on business trips for weeks but I didn't mind. There was plenty to do at the house and I had become used to my own company anyway. I would practice everything he had taught me so that he could teach me more when he came back.

Some afternoons when Mr Carter was busy or away, I would horse-ride. Mr Carter kept horses on the property that the land caretakers used to uphold the property. When I expressed my wish to ride, Mr Carter found me a tutor, but as I grew better, I would go riding by myself. On these rides I would go far into the countryside that surrounded Mr Carter's estate, and spend time by myself, where I could do anything that I wanted without caring about the rest of the world. 'Old habits die hard', as the saying goes, and hiding my wings had become a habit. I had never felt comfortable enough to tell Mr Carter about my wings so I continued to keep them secret. It was on these rides that I would dismount my horse, tether him to a tree to graze and throw off my coat. I would unfurl my wings and let the country wind rustle my feathers. I would lift off into the sky, stretching my wings, cherishing the feelings of strength and power they gave me. I would fly over beautiful landscapes that only the middle of nowhere has. It was only there that I could be away from everything, only there that I could be truly free. Those were some of the best days.

Another thing I did in my free time was swim. Mr Carter had a massive indoor swimming pool that was hardly used. I would use it whenever I could, if I wasn't horse riding. I liked the methodical patterns of swimming; being alone in the water, giving me time to think.

During dinner one evening, Mr Carter told me of a camp in a weeks time that was being run by a co-worker for children who were a little 'different' as Mr Carter put it. He thought that it would be something fun for me to do, where I could make some new friends and have a break from my studies. It sounded amazing. I couldn't wait to go.

***

The next week passed quickly. Before long I was packing a small bag with the things I needed for the trip. To be honest, I was excited. I had never been on a trip like this before. I couldn't wait to meet the other children, children who Mr Carter assured me I would fit in with. I wouldn't be a freak this time, or at least I hoped that would be the case.

***

I walked down the steps leading from the plane onto the tarmac. Bush surrounded the small landing strip on all sides. Mr Carter walked ahead of me, dressed in outdoor gear, ready to take part in the camp as well.

Seeing the environment I would be living in for the week, I was glad I hadn't been tempted to bring along a dress. The sweatshirts, t-shirts and track pants I had packed would suit me fine.

I followed Mr Carter over to a small wooden building on the edge of the landing strip. I was surprised to see a number of people standing inside. Other children stood dressed in similar outfits to me, with their bags sitting on the floor next to them. There were some adults there as well, also dressed like Mr Carter, ready to take part. I took my place among the other children there. For a change I didn't receive weird looks, but curious ones, trying to suss out who I was, not what I was.

A man I had never seen before grabbed everyone's attention, saying loudly, "Looks like we're all here."

He seemed to be the man in charge. "For those who don't know me, the name's Clive Cleaver, and I will be the Camp Leader for this week. I know most people start on a last name basis, but you can all call me Clive. If everyone is ready, we'll head off." Clive looked around everyone for confirmation before walking out the door. Everyone followed, picking up their bags and heading out the door.

Clive led the way up a small forest track that ran through the forest and up into the mountains that surrounded the area.

***

Our group emerged from the forest two hours later. It had been a quiet, subdued trip but it hadn't been unpleasant. The scenery had been beautiful.

We had arrived in a large, flat clearing that housed a campsite. In the middle sat a meeting hall. Beside it, one on either side, sat an eating hall and gymnasium. Small wooden cabins ran around the outskirts of the camp. Clive made his way to the meeting hall and went inside. Everyone followed.

Inside were rows of chairs set up in front of a raised platform that looked like it was used as a stage. Silently everyone took a seat. I copied their actions. Clive walked up onto the stage.

"Welcome to Camp," he said.