Let It Fly

CHAPTER 1

It was getting dark and already her hands were going numb...She had told me this a while ago, but I ignored her. She was my sister, and we were running away from the lab. We were still walking in the woods, deciding it was too risky to start flying.

 After so many years of being tortured in that place, we escaped. The place we were created as test tube babies, hence the wings. We were genetically altered with avian DNA. I was anxious and worried and tired.

We still needed a place to sleep. But Darren should be right behind us, keeping watch along with Alex. There was four of us in all, 16 year old me, Darren was 18, Alex was 13, and my 6 year old sister, Florence. We were the only real siblings, but I saw the boys as my brothers, too. Darren, believe it or not, worked with the lab even at his incredibly young age, and helped us plot and escape.

Except, my whole body was going numb now, I can’t imagine how Flor feels. “Hey, come here.” I said softly to my little sister. She was a tough cookie, but she was shivering and her teeth were chattering. A light snow was falling, and the sun has finally gone away, being replaced with the bright moon.

Since we were obviously already different, we possessed other abilities as well, we were extremely strong, our senses were delicate and we were very immune. It was absolutely freezing if I’m actually getting cold. Flor is so small and light, that I have no trouble carrying her. I pulled out the old phone in my pocket to check on the guys.

 “Hey” I started breathlessly. “Hey, we’re still behind you, I can see you. There’s a hotel a couple miles up, we’ll be hitting the hay soon.”Darren replied. Finally. I know I said I saw the guys as brothers, but that was more for Alex. I couldn’t help but feel the tension and awkwardness when we’re alone.

I also haven’t mentioned this, but Darren is absolutely gorgeous. With his fine, squared jawline, bright blue eyes, and dark, messy hair. His 15 feet-long wingspan was definitely bigger, stronger than mine. They were pure plack. Everything about him was so mesmerizing, I couldn’t help it. But most of the time I ignored thoughts like these, I knew he didn’t feel a fraction of what I did.

It was then when I finally spotted the lights, meaning we were very close to the city. Flor was in my arms, asleep. I myself was feeling very tired and I knew I couldn’t hold her for long. I was about to call Darren to urge him to catch up, when I received a text message.

 “You and your friends have gotten away, but not for long. We’re going to get you back.” The number was blocked and I gaped at the message. How could they have known? How did they find out? A million worries landed on top of my shoulders.  But I would do everything to keep us safe for the rest of our lives. I quickly dialed Darren’s number and immediately told him to catch up.

It was almost funny how fast he was back by my side with Alex. We were at the edge of the woods. I handed Flor to Alex quickly and buried my head into Darren’s chest, wrapping my arms around his back.  I know he sensed something was wrong, I could feel his muscles tense up. “What’s wrong?” he asked softly while running a hand through my hair, the other resting on my back. “Something- someone. Texted me.” I said out of breath.

 He looked confused so I handed him the phone. He stared at it blankly, pacing his eyes back and fourth from me and the screen. “They couldn’t have found out. Impossible. I double checked and there’s no way.” He  said after a while. All I wanted to do was stay in his arms forever, safe. He only hugged me back because he was being nice. He had no interest in me, I was younger, and frankly, I don’t believe I’m very pretty either.

We started walking, faster and faster, anxious to get some food and rest. “We should fly.” I said. “This is so slow and I’m exhausted. Alex- think you’ll be able to?” I asked Alex. He  nodded and smiled at me. Tough kid. We  were all tough kids. Except Darren, he was an adult. It was his job to be tough and strong. “Alright, let’s go then.” Darren said.

I let out my wings, eager to fly and eat and rest. I started running, eventually getting warmer, I jumped up and with one powerful stroke, I was up in the air. I looked back to check if the boys were there, and just like I expected, they were right behind me. Flor was in Darren’s arms, still asleep. I was going to do everything it took to keep my family safe.