Aurora : Temptress Of The Dusk

Chapter 8

The memory of that god-aweful conversation with that guy is still very fresh in my mind. That was definitely not a normal way of conversing. He was basically prattling. As I reach the porch of my house and take a step forward, a soft thud brings my attention to the ground. A small blue jay is lying on the ground behind me. She is really small and that's how I know the gender of this bird. Male blue jays are larger compared to females, but that's not the only way to differentiate them. Their courtship and nesting behaviour helps in telling them apart. Blue jays are abundant in Maine and most of North America, so being a native, it's easier to identify. The little bird is barely moving and I think she's injured. I step off of the porch and pick her up in my palm. She fits in just right. Her right wing is brutally ruptured. She was probably attacked by a large bird. The beautiful blue feathers look dull on her and the bird is barely even breathing through her nares. She seems to be as good as dead. The only thing I can do is hold her in my palms and provide some warmth in her final moments. If a Blue jays visits you, it means you're loyal and trustworthy. But what does it mean if a blue jay dies in your hands? Blue jay symbolizes long-lasting friendships and relationships. They tend to have only one mate for life which shows endurance, loyalty and patience. They also stand for truthfulness, solidarity and faithfulness. Spiritually speaking, blue jay indicates clarity and vision. But in this moment, I am anything but clear. As I close my palm over her, a sudden tickle spreads throughout my palm and I feel it travelling into my hands. Eventually, I can feel it in my chest, limbs and head. I am in absolute solitary.

Another tickle brings be back. Did I just black out? The tickle grows stronger in my palm and as I open my hands expecting to see the little bird as a cadaver, I am otherwise astonished. The little blue jay chirps in my hands and waves her right wing as though trying to wave a 'hello'. I open my palm broad enough for her to breath and go free and she happily obliges. She flies above my head, fluttering her wings, she looks bright and brand new. She takes a few more round flights above my head and then soars away. My face probably looks stupid due to the broad grin I'm wearing. This was so beautiful and magical. How did it happen though? I remember what I saw. The wing was ruptured badly and the bird was in no shape to fly. How can this be? This day is getting really uncanny in ways I can't even describe. I am way too confused but also very hungry to think straight. Maybe the injury was only external. I step into the house and search for food.

*        *        *

I scan the entire kitchen cabinet and there's nothing to eat. There are chips and cookies and swiss rolls but nothing to actually eat! I'm hungry and I need real food not fast food. As I dip half my head in the freezer looking for some frozen meat or patty, I hear Evelyn.

"Hey Sherlock, whatcha hunting in there?" She looks amused at my current state and walks towards the kitchen.

"I am sooo hungry Evelyn! There's nothing to eat here." I practically whine.

"Relax snorlax, I ordered a pizza. It's in the oven waiting for you to heat it and eat it." She uses poor Pokémon pun and points out to the oven. She's right, I can see the plate in there. I am famished and I don't really care for warm pizza. I grab the plate and stuff half of it in my mouth. Evelyn gives me an apologetic smile and gets me a glass of water as I choke on my very first bite. After about 3 large slices of pepperoni and cheese pizza, I feel satiated. Evelyn asks me about my day and I dive in telling her everything that happened today. The eerie encounter with that guy at school and the mystifying bird incident. As I mention the possibility of me blacking out, Evelyn freezes. Her expressions turn to stone and she looks like a mannequin. Before I can point it out, she recovers and pretends to act all shocked. I can see it on her face but I choose to let go. She asks me about the guy and teases me for getting 'rejected', her words not mine. I now regret telling her because she is pestering me about the guy.

But that reminds me of the bonfire registration. I have already registered my name and I have to go now. But at the same time, I don't want to go alone.

"Evelyn, will you please come to the bonfire with me tomorrow?" I make my cutest puppy face and ask her.

"No way sissy!" She smirks heavily and shrugs it off.

"Please Evelyn. I already registered and now I have to go. But I don't want to go alone." I plead in a low voice. I know she won't be able to say no. The look on her face tells me that she is melting with every word.

"First off, I need to pee. I can't make such decisions with a full bladder. Let me empty this pressure first." She runs towards the washroom leaving her wierd joke hanging in the air awkwardly. When she comes back, she takes her own sweet time in saying yes.

"I'm coming this time, but you owe me one sister!" She smiles at me.

I radiate her smile with equal energy. I won't be alone tomorrow. This day ended up pretty well considering the eventful morning I had. 

(Author's note: Hey guys! I've been working on a past reveal sequence so it's gonna take some time. For the rest of the month I'll be updating once a week so please bear with me. I love you. Also vote!!! XO )