Winged

3: Over the rainbow

I dreamt of bluejays and cardinals, pine trees and mayflowers... And I'm pretty sure there was a dancing cookie or two in there as well. I opened my eyes at 6 o'clock exact, woken by the sun shining through my curtains. I'd formed a habit of waking up with the sun ever since my traumatic experience with alarm clocks. How anyone can wake up to a screeching spawn of hell itself, I'll never understand. It probably explains most people's bad moods.

I threw my covers off and swung my legs over the side of my bed, hesitating with my feet inches from the ground as I remembered all today held in store for me. I took a deep breath and stood up. I could do it. Today is the day I conquer my fear of humans once and for all! Eh, who am I kidding. Maybe I'll at least survive. That's asking a lot in itself.

I dressed for school and went out to the kitchen, where my dad was already sitting with a book in hand. Sometimes I felt like he was the only one that understood that part of me. I made us both some coffee and scrambled some eggs for breakfast. I brought the plates over and sat down across from my dad. Only when I pushed his plate toward him did he notice my presence.

"Good morning, girlie! How'd you sleep?"

"Pretty good. Some odd dreams, though. You?"

He nodded before his gaze was drawn back to the pages of his book. His hands subconsciously fed him, his mind completely devoted to the words before him. I smiled as I ate the food in front of me.

***

The day dragged by quite uneventfully. I only had English my last period, so I easily avoided contact with the world for the first six hours. Then came the trip to the torture room where the torturer was waiting with the torture instrument. Sigh.

I walked as slow as I could to the classroom, but unfortunately my good reputation didn't allow me to be late. At least I didn't have to worry about him trying to talk to me before class. I took my seat just as the bell rang, and immediately pulled a book out. This time I placed it on top of my desk, in open sight of all. After all, it's not like Miss Jeffery could tell me to put it away; I agreed to her silly plan. As the lesson began I did check to see if it was new work, though. It wasn't. So I completely turned off for the rest of the period. I was totally absorbed in the world of Maestro Brown, where there was no potentially dangerous meeting with a boy to be thinking about, no teachers that threatened you into doing something against your will, no mocking teenagers who would never understand you. Life was so much simpler when it wasn't your own.

Just as I was relaxing on the tire swing by the river with Maestro, the shrill bell shattered my daydream. Back to the real world, where I did have a meeting that I was forced into by a threatening teacher, and where all the mocking teenagers were flooding out the door.

I guess this was it. I placed all my things back in my bag, taking as long as I could. No way was I going to rush this. Soon I ran out of things to put into my bag, rearrange and neaten. Most of the class had already left, one or two stragglers still hanging behind, discussing their weekend plans. I took a deep breath and stood up. The moment I lifted my eyes, my breath caught. How was I going to do this? Toby was waiting by the door, half sitting on one of the desks. He looked over as I stood, and he rose as well. He tossed his bag over his shoulder and motioned for me to lead the way. I pulled a smile as I passed, but it probably looked more like a grimace. Eh, I could work with that.

We walked in silence until we got to the gate of the school.

"So where do you want to go?" He spoke up first.

"I don't know... Somewhere over the rainbow?"

"Only if you're a bluebird." He winked. "I guess we could go to the Commons. We can grab some brain food."

"Sounds great. Hey, you don't mind if I call my dad real quick, do you?"

"Of course not. Go right ahead."

I dialed my dad's number and waited for him to pick up. Not surprisingly, he didn't answer. I waited five seconds then called again.

"Sorry, hon. I was under the truck. What can I do for you?"

"I just wanted to tell you I'm headed to the Commons," I decided not to tell him I was with someone. That might freak him out a bit too much. "There's leftover lasagna in the fridge for lunch. I'll be home in time for dinner."

"Oh, thanks girlie! I probably should be eating soon, shouldn't I? Hmmm, yes. Well, I'll see you when you get back."

"Sure, Dad. Love you-"

"-To the moon and back. Bye hon."

With that I ended the call.

"To the Commons?"

"The Commons it is."