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There was something about a shining sun and the smell of grass and wildflowers that I simply loved. It was even better when I could slip off my sandals and feel the grass between my toes. I was doing just that as I leaned back on my elbows and let the sun warm my face.

"I swear you're like the original nature child." Chase laughed as he tugged on a section of my hair. I scowled as I wiggled my toes in the soft grass. At least I was enjoying the day and the setting and the outing. Chase was reading, again. It wasn't even like he was reading something fun, like CL Stone or Amy Sumida or Lane Whitt. Oh no, not my Chase. Here we were, on a weekend, able to just enjoy ourselves in this pretty little park we'd found and what was Chase doing? He was reading about theories on space travel or some other sciencey crap like that. At least it wasn't one of his weird Space Opera type books with a bunch of made up science that set my head to spinning. I love him dearly, but I did not understand his obsession with Theoretical Science. I was pretty sure he'd taken every science course our school had to offer and this year, he'd dual enrolled at the local community college, so he could take more advanced science courses.

Chase was a year younger than me, just barely 16 a couple weeks ago, and he was already on course to graduate at the same time as me. He was too smart for his own good, though you'd never know that the heart of a die hard geek lay behind that exterior. With his bright, brassy red hair, easy grin and casual, even ordinary, clothes you'd think he was just another teenage boy. Nope. My best friend had to be a bordering-on-nerd level geek. Just one more reason we'd never have worked as a couple if he was straight.

We'd come out to the park just to hang today. I hadn't wanted to be cooped up inside, so I'd made a picnic lunch, ran next door, dragged Chase out of bed, and made him accompany me to the park. I suppose I should be glad he hadn't dragged a computer or tablet with him, rather than a book. Oh well, we were here and I wasn't about to let anything destroy my current happy.

Caw! Caw!

I looked up at the sound, my head jerking around to locate the source. No, no, no. As long as it wasn't near me, I'd be fine. Someday I was gonna kill Johnny for letting me watch that stupid movie when I was six.

Caw! Caw!

Oh dear christ, it was getting closer. Where the hell was it coming from? I scrambled to sitting, my head jerking frantically and probably looking like something from the Exorcist. Fucking winged demon, it better stay the hell away from me.

"Manda?"

I could hear the concern in Chase's voice but I was too busy trying to locate a crazed demon to answer him.

Caw! Caw!

Fucking hell! Where was the thing? I still couldn't see it. I scrambled to standing, pivoting on my feet, grateful for once to have inherited my mother's grace and talent for dancing. Why the hell couldn't I find the demon?

A black blur shot in my direction and I screamed, my hands flying to my face to protect it. I crouched as the damn demon bird swooped low, desperate to get out of it's way. Tears ran down my face as I continued to scream. From next to me the sound of laughter erupted and I knew it was Chase. I didn't blame him. I'd done this freak out often enough on him that I'm sure it was old hat by now.

"What the fuck?!" Oh god, that voice was vaguely familiar. "Are you okay?"

There was some shooing noises and a rush of air or two. I didn't want to take my hands from my face though. I knew who was there, I just knew it. It was just my luck. I could still hear Chase's laughter as the voice sounded again.

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