Free Fledgling by Natasha Brown Page B

that’s possible. What I really want to do is travel. Although, that isn’t exactly a profession.” Laughing, he moved the focus from himself and returned the question, “What about you-what do you want to do?”
    Unprepared to give and honest answer, she grappled at a quick reply that was true but unrealistic. “Well, I’d love to see the world, too. The drive from Colorado is the most I’ve ever done. I’d like to make it further…see things I’ve only seen in magazines.” Ana ran her fingers along the contours of the door, her excitement fading into sorrow.
    The scenery was changing. After leaving town they drove along a large lake, and then turned north, winding up into the mountains. The firs clustered here were similar to those surrounding her house and she knew they were close when he turned off on a gravel road and reduced his speed to a crawl. Evergreens filled her view until they passed a curve in the drive. Nestled in the trees, his home seemed to belong in the verdant growth. Tiny lights lined a rock pathway leading to the front door. The interior of the house glowed, pouring soft yellow light from the windows, illuminating elongated rectangles on the ground.
    Chance parked at the end of the drive next to a beige sedan and got out. Circling the truck his feet crunched on the crushed granite. He opened the passenger door and led Ana along the astral lit walkway down to a porch wrapping around the home in a grand welcoming gesture. It was unlit, except for what emanated from two long windows paralleling the large carved front door.
    “Nice place,” Ana murmured her eyes wide. Her house would look like a guest house compared to Chance’s.
    His cheeks reddened as he opened the door and ushered her past a stairway, and into a brightly lit living room. The open space was impressive and lifting her eyes upward she stared at the vaulted ceiling and skylights.
    “Niiice,” she whispered.
    On the inner most wall hung a large tapestry. An angular bird with wings outstretched was displayed at the center with intricate designs framing it, the woven earth tones blended with the rest of the decor of the house. Ana recognized the emblem immediately and peered down to her necklace. A Thunderbird.
    She noticed just past the living room was a dining table, set for five. An archway appeared to go to the kitchen, at least based on the noises and smells that were issuing from that direction.
    “Mom…Dad?” Chance called out.
    A moment later two figures emerged, one holding a dishtowel, the other a spatula.
    “You’re here. Welcome-you must be Ana. We’ve been looking forward to meeting you. I’m Aiyana.” She grinned cheerfully and Ana could see where Chance got his good looks. His mother was a graceful woman with long dark hair and chestnut skin. Soft hazel eyes crinkled when she spoke and her penetrating demeanor was layered with a melodic, almost musical voice that instantly captivated Ana.
    Chance’s father stepped forward, “Hi Ana, I’m Ben. I hope you’re hungry-we’ve been cooking a feast for you.” He gestured toward the archway and the elusive kitchen, laughing genially. His deep blue eyes shined behind his glasses and sandy brown hair frolicked in waves around his head.
    “Thanks-I’ve been eager to meet you, too.”
    “Ana, let me introduce my father to you,” Aiyana spoke, fixing her gaze behind Ana and walked forward. Ana turned in surprise, she hadn’t noticed anyone there when she entered the room; her attention had been focused ahead of her.
    An old man sat almost camouflaged in the padded chair where Aiyana had now perched herself. His eyes shone like reflective pools and as Ana moved closer she saw how soft his skin was. Deep creases lined his leathery face and long gray hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail at the base of his head. Kind eyes appraised her silently. Ana felt hollow suddenly, like he could see right through her.
    “Father?” Aiyana touched her father’s