Hidden Wings

Morning of confusion

I woke up at two in the morning, drenched in sweat. This nightmare was different from the others. Shivering, I rubbed my arms, and after a few short, ragged breaths, I got out of bed to wash my face. My eyes drifted to the artwork I’d brought home. If I want to keep him safe, even if it’s from nothing, and I’m just losing my mind, I have to finish it—make sure there’s no reason for us to be together anymore, just in case my crazy dreams are real.

"Finally done." I stretched my arms over my head and glanced at the clock: 5:56 a.m. "Well, I might as well make some coffee," I muttered. Heading down the back stairs that lead straight into the kitchen, I was halfway down when I heard Isaac’s voice.

"… Yes, but has she said anything?… No, she’s turning seventeen this year… I know, but they said eighteen… No… Just one more year… She… But… No… Wait—ugh, damn it, Alzir, let me talk!" he half-shouted into the phone. "Tell the old hag I’ll go to the damn meeting in her place. She isn’t ready. She didn’t know anything about this, and I’m not throwing my baby sister under the bus… No, Alzir, it’s an expression—people don’t actually do that." He sighed. "Yes, I’ll meet you there after her birthday… No, I won’t come sooner… Because then I’d miss her birthday, and I’m not leaving her alone on that day… Yes, the day after, no later." The call ended, and I heard him pull a chair out before letting out another sigh. "How am I going to explain this to Ivey?" He sounded tired, even a little angry. My chest ached; my brother had always kept his cool when it came to work. Something was wrong. I stayed frozen in place for what felt like forever, until my alarm went off at 6:15 a.m. I fumbled to turn it off, but my fingers wouldn’t cooperate, groaning internally and nearly smacking my forehead just as Isaac said my name.

"Ivey? Are you up?" I step the rest of the way down the stairs, leaving my hiding spot and heading into the kitchen. He looked exhausted, his face pale with dark circles under his eyes that made him seem almost blue.

"Yeah, more like didn’t sleep." I gave a small, awkward laugh, the kind that hides something.

"Oh, well, I guess I’ll make some coffee." I nodded and began gathering things to make cereal.

"When did you wake up?" I asked, sitting down to change the subject.

"A little while ago. Someone from work called," he replied tensely.

"Oh." That was all I managed to say as I started eating my cereal, letting the silence settle between us while the machine gurgled as it brewed.

"I’ve noticed you haven’t been drinking your milk like you used to. It’s been going bad." I shrugged.

"Just not feeling it." I finished my food, muttering to Isaac—who was staring at me intently—that I was going to take a shower. As the water poured over me, I kept replaying Isaac’s phone call in my mind.

‘What was he talking about? I know I was involved, but how? What did he mean I was too young? Young for what? I know I’m too young for a lot of things—hell, I’m too young for everything. Maybe he’s doing something illegal?’ I shook my head. ‘No, it’s Issacs, he’s a good person; he could never do anything wrong. Maybe he was talking about someone else, or maybe it’s a family thing.’ ‘A little piece of home.’ Why did that just pop into my head? I glanced over at my bracelet on the shower shelf. It was like my uncle had said it—I could hear his voice. I sighed. ‘It’s nothing, just nothing,’ I told myself, closing my eyes, taking a deep breath, and quickly finishing my shower. I got ready as usual, making sure I had both my bracelet and necklace on. Looking in the mirror, something about my appearance seemed different. I couldn’t quite tell what it was—my hair, in two long braids, looked darker, not the dark red from water, but a deep crimson. And my eyes seemed to have taken on more of a mossy hue.

"Uncle Anthony, am I thinking too much?" I silently asked the sky outside my window. Glancing at the clock, I grabbed my bag and headed downstairs where Ashton was waiting. A heavy weight settled in my stomach, like stones pulling me down—worry. I went down the front stairs, and as I stepped out the door, I called, "I'm going to school, see you later." I was about to shut the door when Isaac shouted, "Wait!" I stopped.

"Hey, I need to talk to you." I nodded, giving him as much attention as I could without meeting his eyes.

"Yeah?"

"It seems like I have to leave the day after your birthday for a week for work." I nodded.

"Okay, sounds fine." He looked confused.

"Really?" I nod, glancing at Ashton's car again. If I can figure out how to get Ashton away from me, then I’ll worry about him—just not now.

"I have to go to school," I mutter, my hands tightening around the strap of my bag. He nods.

"Be careful." I nodded again and walked to Ashton's car. Closing the door, I let out a deep sigh. Ashton looks over at me.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, just have a lot on my mind," I reply, glancing his way. He’s covered in blood. I almost screamed and jumped out of the car, but instead I froze for a moment, cleared my throat, and settled back into my seat. I stare out the window as he drives off.

"What’s wrong?" he asks.

“I…” I begin, then stop, biting my lip before shaking my head. “I had an early morning, so I’m just tired.” He gives me a small smile and gently takes my hand, holding it softly. My heart lurches as both happiness and sadness stir within me. I close my eyes, then glance back at the sky, now turning oddly grey. I sigh.