Define Normal...

2) Another Year

For once in my life I didn't wake up to Harley jumping on my bed. She was probably downstairs getting ready. I got up and opened the window. Almost immediately a robin flew in, a small letter attached to it's leg. Moving swiftly, I undid the string and the bird flew up landing atop my wardrobe. I placed the letter on my bed side table. The robin chirped looking expectantly at me.

"I'll get you some bread in a minute. Now turn around. I'm changing." I said. The robin turned to face the wall. After a few quick decisions I was dressed for the day. "Okay. Do you still want some food?" Chirping happily the bird landed on the floor. I gave the robin some of the bread crumbs I kept in my room for when I did get mail. As I was brushing (more like abusing) my ginger hair, in an attempt to make it lay flat, a crash echoed from downstairs followed by voices.

"Dad! We can't have Elliot waking up early!"

"Sorry little hare. I'm not as good at this as you are."

Harley's laughter filled the house. How I loved that little girl. The robin chirped again as if asking a question.

"You know I can't understand you," I said, "I'm not like them." The bird flew out the still open window. I grabbed the letter and sat down. On the outside of the envelope written with swirling letters read: Elliot. I tore open the parchment as neatly as I could, which isn't saying much. The letter was written in the same beautiful handwriting. 

Dear Elliot,

Happy sixteenth birthday! Wow time flies. I hope your day is a good one. I was able to convince my father to let me return early, so I could celebrate with you. Can't wait to see you!

-Osanna

I let a small smile spread across my face as I read the letter. I knew it would be from her. If she was in town, she'd already be over helping Harley and Papa. And also her family delivery bird is a robin. It was the only bird that would ever deliver mail to me. I wasn't exactly liked to say the least. There was a knock at the door.

"Can I come In?" It didn't matter that she was asking. Harley was already walking in. Her hair was sort and looked like rainbow, she had dyed it last night. She spotted me in my chair and proceeded to tackle me in a bear hug. "Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday!" she sang. For an eleven-year old, she had quite the voice.

"Okay. Okay. Okay. Calm down." I said placing my hand on her head. That always was a cue for her to stop. She sat on my lap before pulling out a sleep-mask and forcing it over my head. "Hey! What gives?" 

"Surprise Breakfast," She cheered as she lead me downstairs. Laughing, I followed. After almost falling down the stairs (twice), I was seated at the table. I heard a few others sit down with me. "Come on Elliot. Take off the blindfold." Wanting to eat already, I tore off the sleep-mask. Next to me was Harley, and Papa was on the other side of the table. Before each of us were plates with pancakes. My favorite.

 After an uneventful breakfast, Papa had to leave to prepare for the start of school next week. Harley still had plenty planned for the day. Playing games (many of which I'm horrible at) and doing all sorts of crafts. Around noon Osanna arrived. She'd let her dirty blond hair grow out. Her skin was tan from traveling for so long. Her father was a traveling merchant and she was always accompanying him on trips.

Lunch was always my favorite and least favorite part of the day. Harley always refused to come with us.

"Come on Elli. She'll be fine, we do this every year." Osanna always knew what to say to convince me.

"We'll be back around dinner time." I called to Harley, and Osanna and I began the walk to the lake. "So, um. What's new with you?" I asked trying to make small talk.

"Well, as we were traveling I heard the Txori would be choosing new students for their school. But they have to pass a test before being accepted."

"Great. Something else I can't do."

"Well, technically you can participate. You just may not get in."

"Yes, and once I fail, everyone at school will have an excuse to pick on me."

"Elli, you know that won't happen. Most people are actually scared of you. Whenever I bring up knowing a human--I never tell them your name--most people start going on rants about how dangerous you are." We looked at each other before busting up laughing. I was in no way 'dangerous'. I could hardly use a bow-staff and that was about it. Me vs someone with magic. I think it's evident as to which would win.

The lake was still. I climbed into the small row boat followed by Osanna. We caught up some more on the ride over. It wasn't long, but boy, rowing a boat isn't easy. Osanna had offered to use magic to propel the boat, but I liked doing it myself. We spent the rest of the afternoon on the small island in the center of the lake. The willow tree was still engraved with my parents initials. That was all I had to remember them. I came to the island every year on my birthday so I could spend it with them. This was the beginning of another year. Hopefully it was decently normal.