Fledgling by Natasha Brown Page B

involuntary laugh ripped from Ana’s painful lungs as she wiped the tears from her face, knowing it was splotchy. It felt like she was wearing a neon sign that said, I’ve been crying . She hated drawing attention to herself, which is why she never got so upset.
    “By the way, Baby… this is really nice. No wonder you spend so much time out here. I’ll see you inside-take your time. I won’t let anyone know. I love you.” Melissa started walking back down the trail to continue her dinner preparations.
    Ana sat for a few more minutes hoping her inflamed eyes would fade so she wouldn’t need to explain anything.
    As she walked back she smelled the fish on the grill. The house was stirring with activity. Eva was setting the table and Aunt Tera was uncovering her potato salad. Melissa was finishing up the odd orange dish she was trying out.
    Chance appeared trapped. He looked like he wanted to jump ship, attached by an invisible rope to Uncle Jace. When Chance spotted Ana he tried to move toward her, but Jace started in with another anecdote.
    “That’s enough, Jace, let the boy go. Come and check the fish would you?” Aunt Tera interjected, clearly to Chance’s relief.
     
    He was happy to see Ana again and noticed how bright her eyes were, sensing she had been crying. He wanted to comfort her, but had seen how sensitive and proud she was. He moved near and allowed the warmth from her closeness to satisfy his need to soothe her. It would be enough.
    Ana swayed on her feet, and leaned against him for support. Chance squeezed her hand. When she met his eyes he looked at her with concern.
    Jace appeared with a platter of fish and boisterously exclaimed, “Prepare yourselves for the best thing on earth.” The platter was set at the center of the table with an extra flourish.
    Tera rolled her eyes. “I don’t see what the fuss is about. I myself like a good steak… why don’t you take up hunting, Hon?”
    Uncle Jace’s face lit up at the idea, Ana smiled weakly at his boyish expression. Tera seemed to sense she had just created a new hobby to complain about and jarred her husband out of his reverie by asking him to serve the fish.
    Ana seemed to be struggling to keep her eyes open while she ate. Chance kept his eye on her throughout dinner. An unsettled feeling grew in him as he watched her, noticing her lavender fingers and lips. Unsure what was wrong, he sensed he should protect her, but from what, he didn’t know. All he wanted to do was keep her safe and happy. He wondered how easy that would be.
    After dinner Tera and Jace gathered their things to go. Melissa attempted to send the fish leftovers home with her sister, who laughed at her when she tried, “Are you kidding, Mel? I have enough fish in my freezer to repopulate the Great Lakes.”
    Everyone hugged before they left. Uncle Jace waved and led Aunt Tera outside as she continued chatting to her sister until Jace shut her car door with a satisfied grin. Melissa shook her head and laughed, before sealing out the cool night air.
    “Well…you look tired. I think I should leave too.” Chance said eyeing the door.
    “It’s only eight o’clock though,” Ana said discouraged. “How about watching a movie on the couch?”
    Without waiting for an answer she grabbed his hand and led him to the sofa. Putting on a comedy, she settled in beside him.
    Eva joined them, while Melissa went upstairs to gather a load of laundry. Ten minutes later, she came into the living room with a basket of clean clothes.
    “Make yourself useful, Eva. Can you fold these for me?” Melissa had dark bags under her eyes but hadn’t lost the spark that kept her moving. She disappeared into the kitchen and soon the sound of water running and clanging dishes was heard throughout the house.
    Eva dragged herself off the couch to start folding the mish-mash of white laundry sticking out of the battered blue basket.
    Chance felt the weight of Ana’s head resting on his shoulder and