Feathers, page 16
I felt myself blush slightly as I pulled away. “I don’t need them anymore. That’s all.” I said.
“I see. Though you were just as pretty with them. I suppose this will take me some getting used to.” Sean said, smiling slightly. It was gentle, just like before.
“Yeah. I am too.” I admitted, forcing myself to look back at him.
“Why don’t we go ahead in now? I’d imagine they have homeroom posted now.” Sean said.
It felt a bit funny to be walking beside him again. Yet, it was nice too. He was back, and he was talking to me again. But there was something that was still nagging at me. Well, two somethings. “Hey Sean, are you sure you were okay then? It looked like you were hurt pretty bad.” I said softly.
Sean looked back at me with a bit of surprise. But his eyes softened again just as quickly. “You really were that worried?” he asked.
“Of course I was! I saw that thing, and I saw what she did to you. And then you disappeared on me. Why wouldn’t I be worried?” I retorted.
Sean was quiet for a moment. Then he pulled me close and hugged me. I internally jumped a little at it. My back was still a little sensitive from my wings, and even little touches still affected that. Thankfully I’d learned to completely control them now. Right after I’d gotten them, it had been hard to make them stay in when my back was touched. But Sean didn’t seem to notice this. If he did, he didn’t say anything. Instead, he sounded almost thoughtful. “I’m sorry, but I honestly wouldn’t have thought you’d worry that much. And I wasn’t trying to run away or anything. I was just taking care of myself in my own way.” He told me.
“What do you mean?” I asked, finally forcing myself to pull back and look at him.
“Why don’t we talk about it later? Right now, it seems we have our first class together. Let’s go there and find the rest of our schedules.” Sean said.
Okay, so he was good at avoiding things when he wanted to. I’d later learn that he was just as good as Michael at that when he wanted to be. But I didn’t find it in me to argue with him. Instead, a sudden realization had hit me. I had my first class with him. That meant I would see him for at least an hour every week day. How lucky was that?
As it turned out, I had all but one of my classes with Sean. It was an interesting turn for me. Of course, Raziel hadn’t been too happy when he heard it at lunch. He’d thought it was like some cosmic joke. Anna was thrilled though. By then, I was kind of used to her with everything. She was convinced that the connection Sean and I seemed to share wasn’t a coincidence. And really, in the end, I wanted to believe that too.
Sitting in our last class together, which was English, I couldn’t help but reflect on my luck with this. I wanted to talk to Michael about it this evening too. By now, I really was considering testing the waters with Sean Morrison. He had protected me, and claimed he loved me. If Michael would agree, maybe I could get him to ask me out. I’d never been on a real date before, though I supposed that the Prom a few months before could count. I wouldn’t want too much out of one. Just maybe seeing a movie and having dinner at some fast food place. That would’ve made me happy, as long as I could be with him.
The feeling of a note being gently pushed under my arm made me snap back to attention. I looked down to realize that it had been passed from beside me. I’ll admit Sean could keep a good poker face in class for this. But I saw him glance over at me with his eyes and smile slightly. I smiled a little back, and opened the note in my notebook, trying to make it look like I was just doing more work.
Don’t worry too much about this getting caught. Ms. Keen doesn’t care much unless it’s disruptive. But I’m getting bored now. How about you?
Sounded just like Sean to say something like that. I’d concede to that thought. Quietly, I wrote back. Maybe this would open a door.
Very bored. I’ve read all the Shakespeare stuff before on my own.
I quietly slid the paper back to him as Ms. Keen droned on. I saw him look at it, then write something back.
I wanted to ask you something. Do you think Michael would allow you to do something with me this evening?
I almost couldn’t believe my luck, and I had to reread it again. Here was my chance. He’d just opened the door. And I think I knew that Michael wouldn’t object to this now. Sean had saved my life before. Michael had admitted then that he would trust him with me for that. My father tended to be very protective, and when he wasn’t around, it had usually fallen to Raziel to take his place. Perhaps now the honor was beginning to go to Sean.
I quickly wrote back.
Sounds fun, and I don’t think he’d mind. What were you thinking?
I saw the slight smile cross Sean’s face as he read this. After a moment, he wrote back.
It’s nothing much. I thought maybe we’d get some dinner somewhere and stop by a place I know. You would trust me that I wouldn’t let anything happen, right?
To be completely honest, I still felt a bit unsure looking at those words. After all that had happened, it felt like I tended to put a lot of trust in this fox. Even before what had happened at St. Andrews. I should’ve been scared stupid of him after I’d broken him when he’d tried to attack me, but instead, I’d always felt bad whenever I thought of him. Even when we’d first met, I’d felt some attraction to him. There was something about Sean that always felt so familiar to me. I just wished I could understand it.
But, be as it may, I knew I had to answer honestly. And my words back to him were three simple ones.
I trust you.
I had the distinct feeling that Sean was surprised when he read that. But he didn’t write back. Instead, he waited until the class was over to speak to me. I sat still as he turned a little to face me. “I’m a little surprised by that last one. I didn’t think you’d agree so easily.” He admitted quietly.
“I know. But I want to go. I told you before that I wanted to know you, and this would be a good way to start, wouldn’t it?” I reasoned, giving the best smile I could manage.
He smiled back, standing and helping me up. I felt the eyes on us again. Really, it had been like this all day now. No doubt most of the guys there had noticed my looks had changed just slightly. And if they weren’t looking before, they were definitely looking now. I’d seen Raziel shoot some looks to some of them, but it hadn’t stopped at least two from catching up to me in the halls and trying to weasel their way in. Guess not all of them feared Raziel after all. But they quickly backed off when Sean stepped up. The second incident with that after lunch had been almost funny, considering the guys actually seemed intimidated by the looks he gave them. Anna swore up and down in our next class together that Sean had been jealous. That would be interesting if he really was. At least, that was my thought of it all.
“So where did you want to go?” I asked as we walked to the lockers after our last classes were over.
“It’s nothing too special. We could go to Casanova and get something.” Sean said. He actually sounded rather happy now. I must have made his afternoon.
“Go to Casanova when?” I heard Raziel say. Oh yeah. I had forgotten that I probably should tell him what was about to be going on. But I’d been so happy over finally getting the date with my fox that I’d forgotten.
I looked over to see him standing near Sean, giving him his personal tell-me-or-I’ll-maim-you look. “It’s nothing too special. I just invited Mia out for the afternoon. I trust you’re not objecting?” Sean replied in a matter of fact tone.
“You know you’re treading thin ice here Morrison. I said I’d give you a shot, not that I trust you yet.” Raziel said.
“I know. But then, you could let me prove it. Or did my life not mean enough?” Sean asked.
Raziel just stifled a frustrated cough, shaking his head. Obviously, he wanted to say a lot more then he could there with others around us. “Look, I don’t have to like this. And you know what’s going to happen if you let anything happen to her now. I know you’re not that stupid.” He said.
“Of course. And I won’t allow anything to happen. Tell Michael that I promise to have her back by dusk, and he can call my cell or hers if he gets worried.” Sean assured him.
I looked over at Raziel. “You said you’d try.” I reminded him.
“All right.” Raziel agreed with a sigh. “But I mean it. If something happens to her, I’ll personally kill you.”
“You don’t have to worry about that. I know you understand what I mean.” Sean replied, walking over beside me.
In all honesty, I was kind of glad to be walking away from this. But before we left, I decided to reassure Raziel myself. I met him out by his car. I had the distinct feeling that he’d been waiting for me too. No surprise there. Raziel wasn’t letting this go without getting his two cents in.
“You know I don’t like this Mia. Even if you did change, he’s still dangerous.” Raziel said quietly as we stood there.
“I know you don’t think that Raziel. If you did, you wouldn’t be giving him this chance. And he did save my life.” I replied.
Raziel sighed, glancing back over at Sean, who was waiting by his Jeep patiently. “Just listen. If anything happens, fly away from there. It’s not just Sean you’d have to worry about. Sometimes things just show up too. And he’s only a half breed. I’m holding him to protecting you, but there’s only so much he can do in the end too.” He explained.
“You sound like you really know now.” I noted.
“Call it having a dad who knows most of it. And really, we’re more powerful then him too. I don’t think Sean’s up to something now, but after all of this, I just want to be safe. Please, just use that pretty little head that God gave you.” Raziel said.
“Wow, thanks. You’re calling me a moron.” I said, rolling my eyes. These exchanges were very normal between the two of us. It actually broke the ice a little.
Raziel smiled, laughing slightly. “I know how you get. And I know what you’ve been thinking. Just be careful, okay?” he said, patting my head playfully.
“I will. I’ll give you a call when I get back.” I promised.
It was shortly after that when I dropped my car off at my house and hopped in the Jeep with Sean. To say I wasn’t a little nervous would’ve been a big lie. But I was trying hard to keep myself in check. I was getting my wish now. Hopefully all would go well for a first real date.
“I guess Raziel trusts me more then he wants to admit.” Sean commented as he backed the Jeep out.
“Just give him some time. I think he’s just nervous about everything that’s been happening.” I told him.
“It certainly has been active for him since you came to live here. Although I’ll admit I was a little surprised myself that first day. I’d heard that you only came here during the summer. And hearing that your mother and grandmother had basically kicked you out was pretty surprising for me to hear as well.” Sean asked.
I looked down, suddenly feel the embarrassment hit. Of course that would be brought up again. I knew that I couldn’t change things, but I’d admit that it still bothered me, even in knowing some of the truth now. “I know. But nothing can change that now. And maybe it was a good thing in the end.” I said.
“I see. I’m sorry if I’ve hit a sore spot.” Sean apologized.
“It’s okay. Mom wasn’t exactly that good with me anyways. She had a lot of problems.” I told him. I shivered a little as I remembered some things before I’d been able to see Michael again. There were things I’d never told him about how Mom was down there. Even my grandmother feared her a little. Mom hadn’t been right for a long time. A part of me often wondered if maybe, just maybe, Grand mom was saving my life when she’d suddenly thrown me out. Maybe she feared what Mom would really do once I got my wings. Even if she didn’t like me, she’d try to save what family she had left from the law being involved. That much I knew.
I tried not to think about it too much though. I’d tried to call my mother several months before, but had gotten no answer. I’d done my part for now. I needed to focus on where I was, and who I was finally getting to be with.
The restaurant itself wasn’t too crowded, and the two of us took seats near the window. Our dinner actually went by very nicely. I was learning a lot about Sean in that time. And the thing was, we actually felt normal. I liked having that feeling. I don’t think I’d ever had it much in my life.
Afterwards, we got back into the Jeep and headed out to where Sean said he wanted to take me. It turned out to be a place in the woods near his house. To my surprise, I got the distinct feeling that there was something else out there. Sean parked the Jeep and looked around. “It’s okay. It’s just an old friend.” He assured me as he hopped out and came over to my door.
“An old friend?” I asked as he helped me out.
“Yes. He must have stayed around because he got curious. Don’t worry. He’d never think of harming you.” Sean promised. I saw him look over at the nearby bushes. “You really must have been curious after all, Manake.”
At that, a large black fox that looked the size of a man came out. He had golden eyes, and seemed to regard us quietly for a moment. “I was wondering if you’d show up with your company today.” He commented thru telepathy. His voice sounded very old and wise. I also noted that he had multiple tails.
“This is Manake. He’s an old friend of my father’s. Manake, this is Mia Renaldi. She’s Michael’s daughter, and the one I’ve told you about.” Sean introduced us.
“Nice to meet you.” I managed. I was still in a bit of shock at seeing another fox, and more then likely a full blooded one at that. He felt like he was pretty powerful. Score one for being a Nephilim now.
“Charmed, my dear.” Manake said. He got up and moved over to the edge of the woods. “My apologies, but I need to get back now. I’ve meandered long enough. But I am happy to see the one who seems to have finally reigned in the renegade here. Perhaps we can speak more another time. I’ll look forward to that.”
With that, he disappeared back into the woods. I looked up at Sean as I stood beside him. “Where’s he going?” I asked.
“He’s going back home for now. Manake has his own to take care of, but he enjoys getting away and visiting with me whenever he can anymore. He’s actually an elder when it comes down to it.” Sean explained. He quietly reached over and took my hand. “Come on. Let’s go.”
I followed him down a hidden path. “So where are we going anyways? You still haven’t told me.” I said.
“It’s a surprise.” Sean replied, smiling at me.
I felt my heart beat a little harder with that smile. He really did look happy now. In fact, he’d seemed so happy in the last two hours that I was beginning to wonder if he was the same guy I’d thought I’d come to know. But when I really thought about it, I’d seen this before too. Back at the Prom. Sean had been in a very good mood that night. He’d claimed it was because he was able to be with me. I blushed a little to myself. I hadn’t dared think that he really loved me like he was claiming, but I knew that a lot of proof was there.
We ended up coming to a hidden clearing. I was amazed at what I saw. It was very beautiful there. The late afternoon sunlight filtered through the tops of the trees, illuminating the soft grasses below. “This is beautiful.” I heard myself say as we stepped out there.
“I’m glad you like it. This is my secret place. I come here often when I want time for myself. Actually, I believe you are the first other to ever step foot here.” Sean admitted. He walked over and quietly picked up a small branch that had fallen off of a nearby tree. To my surprise, it suddenly transformed into a large red rose.
“How did you…?” I started as he handed it to me.
“I have a talent for manipulating matter. It’s a fox trait really. That was how I was able to get past your father’s security systems before. I also use it with things such as plants to transform them into the kinds I want.” Sean explained.
“I see.” I said. I couldn’t help but smile down at the beautiful rose in my hands. What an amazing gift he had to make something this beautiful.
The two of us took a seat under a large willow tree near there. “So tell me Sean, why did you bring me here? Is it because you wanted me to see this?” I asked, still playing with the rose.
“Somewhat. But I also thought it would be appropriate to allow you to see some of what my world looks like. Like I said, I’ve never really been a bad person, or whatever I’m supposed to be. And I’m very grateful to you for what you did back then, though I wish it had been more of will then of desperation. I’ve never really been proud to be me, but ever since the day you came here, it’s felt like the meaning returned.” Sean explained.
“What do you mean?” I asked, not getting that one.
Sean just laughed slightly. “I’m sorry. I suppose I am speaking in riddles now. Forgive me. Sometimes I just find it hard to be what they’d call blunt when it comes to you.” He replied.
There it was. That elegant way of speaking that he was so good at. One would not have thought that Sean was only sixteen. In fact, I found it hard to believe myself. “Are you sure you’re only sixteen? Most guys I know don’t talk like you do.” I commented.
“I know.” Sean laughed. “I guess it’s a bad habit I picked up early in life. I am sixteen, but I had a father who was thousands of years old by the time I was born. I suppose I naturally took to his way of speaking in the end.”
“It’s pretty eloquent.” I admitted.
“Tell me something Mia. You have never met any other Nephilims before?” Sean asked.
I shook my head. “No. I didn’t even know I was one until you came along. Why?” I told him.
Sean looked puzzled for a moment. “It surprises me, that’s all. I’ve traveled with Manake since my father’s death, and I had always heard that there were the three clans. Yet, the only we have ever seen has been the Renaldis as well. And there was not a Pure with them. It’s odd.” He finally said.
