XXIII. Smoke
So, may I ask why you're sitting in a tree outside of the bathroom? Daniel's voice cut into my thoughts and, if I wasn't in bird form, I would have fallen on my ass.
I mentally smirked and shrugged, hoping he could see it. No you may not. I'm kidding. I just needed thinking time.
Mind if I join? Without waiting for my response, a black hummingbird landed next to me and I knew it was him.
So, do all people in a family have the same animal? I realized then that this is what Alex was talking about.
Sometimes. It depends on the family.
Can you explain a connection to me? Like, why are we connected?
If I'm being completely honest, I have no idea.
I mentally sent an image of us in human form standing on the ground before flying down and shifting into my real form. I waited no more than a second for Daniel to appear then directed him into a more secluded spot. We sat on the grass and just stared out at the field for a while.
"How do I establish one with someone else?" I spoke quietly, not even giving him eye contact.
"Commonly, you have to just want it mutually. Most people hold hands and relax, focusing on matching the breathing pattern of the other person. Eventually you should sync into the same wavelength." Parts of his small explanation slipped in and out of verbal speech and mental speech.
I nodded and wiped my dry palms against the sides of my thighs. Standing up, I reached out a hand for my companion and led him towards the base of the tree we had met up on. He wrapped his arms around me tightly before kissing my forehead and taking off. I shifted and flew up to the bathroom window, checking to make sure it was empty before shifting back and walking out. Just as I stepped out the door, the bell rang signaling everyone to go to their third period. I hugged the strap of my bag closer to my body and made my way there.
I walked into the room and took my seat the back. I felt an odd sense of deja vu when I looked up and spotted a familiar face speaking to my teacher. With a flick of her wrist, Alex motioned me towards her and gave my teacher a kind smile.
"She'll be back soon." She led me out into the hall and gave me a tight look. I didn't know what to say so I didn't say anything.
"Where were you?" She raised an eye, her arms crossed tightly against her chest. I sighed and gave her a small innocent smile.
"My brother called and it was.. It was complicated. Look, Daniel explained to me how to do that connect crap. Can I just try that and show you?"
She gave me a doubtful look, but took my outstretched hands nonetheless. I briefly explained what he told me and we interlocked our fingers, balancing our breathing patterns. I felt an odd tingle run through my arms and for a moment, I could see myself through Alex's eyes. My hair was a mess rolling off my shoulders but my face looked peaceful and I wondered if that's the way she felt when she saw me; in awe.
