“I haven’t seen the mama bird in a while. Have you?” a middle aged woman asked as we walked out onto a small dark green deck. Her strawberry blonde hair was frizzy and messily pulled back into a pony tail and I giggled at her character.
We approached a divvy looking grill, the top propped open slightly allowing entry. Inside was a nest of baby birds, last I had seen of them was when they just hatched, their pink bodies without a single feather. I had sat by the window listening to their song just yesterday.
“I saw the mom yesterday. She left the nest, I guess to get food.” I spoke as mom lifted the lid of the grill slowly, careful not to disturb anything. I peered in before her and my body stiffened.
Quickly, I turned away but the image of little legs in the air and feathers swarmed in an abundance of ants had already burned into my memory. The area now reeked of death and I covered my mouth and nose.
“They’re dead.” I groaned and headed for the door.
“You’re kidding.” The woman absorbed my serious aura, “Amy, are you okay? Amy? AMY?”
“Amy, wake up. Amy, come on get up beautiful.”
I jumped up nearly flying out of bed. My heart pounded rapidly and sweat beaded on my forehead. Light poured through cracks in the windows and I rubbed my eyes ridding the crust that had formed. A hand brushed a lock of my blonde curly mess behind my ear and I looked up to see who had woken me from my slumber.
It was the man with dirty blonde hair. He sat on his knees beside the mattress gazing at me with intense hazel eyes. His attire was casual: simple T-shirt, basketball shorts, and socks. The man obviously knew me but he was just a stranger and my heart thundered at his presence.
“Who are you?” I questioned boldly or at least in attempt to sound confident.
With a sigh he responded, “Jacob.” His once strong gaze softened and drifted toward the ground.
“I-I’m sorry that I can’t remember you.” I chuckled awkwardly, “So let’s start over! Hi I’m Amy.” I held out my hand, he smirked and shook it.
“We are all having breakfast, come on.” He rose and tightened his grip on my hand, pulling me along with him.
Soon we were all crowded around at a circular table with a few candles lit around the room so we could see the fruits that had been scooped into bowls. Hayley was first in line, pushing Gavin out of the way to get there. Then there was Evelyn, some strange guy with a buzz cut and strong features (he was only in his underwear), another guy who was the stereotypical “tall, dark, and handsome” with his dark unkempt hair and mysterious look about him, and lastly me and Jacob.
“You go ahead and get in front of me.” Jacob gestured me to get in front of him in line. I didn’t understand why we were in a line. Why couldn’t we just grab a bowl and go?
“Good morning Amy!” Evelyn called to me, “Want to get in front of me in line?” I don’t know how she looked so perfect already but her makeup was done up splendid and her outfit chosen to accent her curvy figure. Flattered she’d invited me up toward the front; I shot Jacob a dismissive smile and darted up to join Evelyn.
“Good morning to you as well,” I grinned widely as I grabbed a bowl.
“Sorry all we have is fruit after fruit. Soon we’ll be heading to the store to gather up some more necessities. It’s just such a hassle to make it back alive.” She sighed…an angel couldn’t have sighed more beautifully.
