Wings

Chapter Thirty

Joy scolded me for running off in the middle of the night, in the pouring rain. She told me that the next time I had a problem, I should just talk to her about it or something like that, I wasn't really listening. I was mostly focusing on what the Palace nurse was doing to my shoulder.

"Kat, are you even listening," Joy asks putting her hands on her hips.

"No, not really," I answer.

Joy sits next to me on the bed and stares at me. I know she's expecting me to open up to her and talk to her about how I'm feeling but I can't; I won't.

"What happened to your shoulder," Joy asks instead.

"I can't remember," I say, not making eye contact with her.

The nurse finally stands and removes her gloves. "That should do it. Just try to take it easy, Princess."

"Ok," I mumble. "Thanks." The nurse before heading out the door.

When the nurse leaves the room, Joy turns toward me, grabs my chin, and turns my face to her so we look eye to eye. I could see that I was scaring her; the way I've been acting, the way I'm not opening up to her about how I was feeling even though she could read my mind.

It reminds me of when I was back on Earth with Mom. She could tell there was something wrong but whenever she would ask, I wouldn't say anything to refrain from worrying her.

I wish that no one cared. I wish I didn't even exist; or I could just disappear without anyone knowing.

"Don't think like that, Katheryn," Joy says.

I turn away from her and examine the bandage on my shoulder. "Sorry."

"I know what will make you feel better," Joy says suddenly. "My birthday!"

"How is you getting older going to make me feel better," I ask unamused.

"Well I am the headmaster. Which means there is going to be a party here in the Palace. Not as big as yours would've been but a party's a party."

"Oh no, Joy," I start to complain. "No parties. No people. Me no like people."

"Oh c'mon," Joy begs. "You have to come. First off, You're the Princess. Secondly, you're my friend."

"I don't know. I'm just really not in the mood to be around other Wings at the moment." I gesture to my face and body. "And look at me. I'm absolutely not presentable in any way."

My hair was beginning to lose its vibrant red color; it now looks like a mild orange, and the dark circles under my eyes are just so unsightly. I can't go to a party looking like a haggard witch.

"The ladies can just make you up," Joy says. "Come one. You have to go. I'm making you come."

I exhale a loud exaggerated sigh and Joy claps her hands happily. "Fine," I answer. "I'll do it for you."

"Besides," Joy says with a smile. "It's just a party. What could go wrong?"

***

The week that lead up to Joy's birthday party flew by in an instant. The next moment I knew, I was in a pretty dress, greeting people and welcoming them to the Palace.

Unsurprisingly, many Wings attended Joy's party. They smiled, brought food and gifts, and danced to the lively music the musicians were playing.

I jump softly when I feel a light tap on my shoulders. I relax a bit when I see who it is.

"You came," I say, a smile threatening to peek through.

"Of course." Jason stuffs his hands in his pockets. "You think I miss my best friend's birthday party?"