Flutter

Flutter: Trois

Nora woke up early Sunday morning. Normally, she would've slept in, getting up only when her brother pestered her to wake up and make pancakes. However, today wasn't a regular day and Nora knew that her life would never be regular again.

 At the crack of dawn Nora rolled out of bed and sneaked out of her house, wanting to admire Wicks one last time. She strolled slowly, taking her time to look at all the houses and stores.  There on the corner was a rock she'd hit while biking to school. She tumbled over the handlebars and scuffed herself pretty well. Mrs. Wren, a sweet, elderly lady, gave Nora the first roses to bloom in her garden every spring.  She thought about her neighbors and friends that she had here, living their simple lives. Just a few days ago, that had been Nora, easily blending into the background. Now, her life was front and center. 

Nora eventually reached the woods and she made her way through the bushes and bramble to the clearing she knew so well. The early morning light bathed the clearing, making the dew drops on the grass sparkle like someone had taken their time to sprinkle diamonds just for her.  Birds chirped happily, singing their daily tune. All was at peace. At the base of a large tree Nora's mother rested, long gone from the world. Nora walked nimbly toward the grave site and placed a small bouquet of wild flower that she'd picked. Nora felt that now she needed her mother most If she were here Nora would be able to fall into her arms and weep for ages. There would be no talk of duty, or tradition. Her mother would just allow her the right to feel sorry for herself. Nora threw herself upon the ground, and remained there not moving. She stared at the grass beneath her limbs and the small creatures that made their home in the dirt. The calm atmosphere soothed her and she let her mind go to float up, up, and away. 

Nora felt something wet and smooth moving about her face. Nora jerked awake and realized that it was a tongue that had been licking her. The tongue belonged to an average sized wolf with a light gray coloring. Nora recognized that it was her brother. James was tugging on her clothing, careful not harm her with his sharp tea. Nora finally realized what had happened. She'd fallen asleep and so she sprang up. James was already off, running into the woods and Nora followed, running as fast her legs could allow her. The sun was high in the sky and Nora prayed that it was not already noon when the pick up was scheduled. Soon she reached the outskirts of the town and ran past the houses and buildings that she had seen along her way. 

Nora finally stopped when she reached the crowd of people around the sheriff's office. They all turned when they saw her, James at the head. Nora stood hunched over and gasping for air. 

Her father pushed through the crowd and walked to where she stood.

"Where were you?" Edward said with irritation evident in his voice.

"I was visiting mother...I'm sorry. I fell asleep." Nora said quietly. Hearing her declaration, Edward softened.

"I understand that but you should've told someone. People thought we were trying to make a run for it. Come on then, it's past eleven and you need to get ready."

Nora hurried to her house and ran up the steps to the bathroom. She quickly showered before choosing what to wear. Nora picked her fanciest dress, a simple blush pink which was a simple blush pink chiffon dress with white buttons and ruffles on the hem. To go along with the dress she wore a white knitted cardigan and white flats. Her outfit wasn't very glamorous and hardly fitting to be in the presence of a beta. Nora didn't have anything else, though. Here in Wicks there was never a need to wear impressive clothing. Most of the time she was in denim, more proper to wear around a farm town. Nora sighed at her appearance but moved on, combing through her hair and tying it back with a white ribbon. When she was down she glanced at the clock, figuring that she best go outside. The car would be coming to get her anytime now. Nora went down the steps and saw James and her father in the living room. They were carrying out her bags, just two suitcases, and bringing them to the front porch.  Nora followed them outside.