Charlie looks up and waves over to me as I glide down and land in the fort. <How was school today? I guess John and Frank are asking where I was?>
Shiners lands next to me, repeating it to Charlie. Charlie responds, ``Yeah. They were worried, so I told them you had the flu. They seem to have bought it for the moment, but I'm not sure how long it will work.'' I wince slightly. They're going to be tough. I want to tell them the truth, but I'm not sure I can yet.
I nod, sighing. <So what are we going to do about my parents? We should talk to them today, but I'm not sure if I'm ready. Also, where should we talk?> I give a small shiver and fluff my feathers, feeling colder than I should from panic. <Part of me thinks here, but you can't drive that close and it's a bit of a walk. Plus, if things don't go well, them knowing where I am may not be a good idea. Any ideas of where to meet them?> I try to calm down as my thoughts race, but I can't stop them. What if they hate me? What if they don't believe me?
Charlie seems to consider it as he scrunches his face, in concentration. ``Well, there's a campground near my house that no one really goes to this time of year. You could go there, and I can let your parents know to meet you there. I'll be there to help explain, and Shiners will be nearby, so don't worry.''
I look to Shiners as he tilts his head to the side before saying, ``This is up to you, Mike. Do you want to wait, or do this tonight?'' I want to wait, but I can't bring myself to. If I don't face this now, I'll just keep putting it off.
<If I'm truthful... neither. I kinda just want to go back to sleep and wake up human, or leave and never return. But I know neither is very realistic. So, let's try it tonight. You both will be there, and hopefully this will work. Maybe I can spend a bit more time trying to turn into a wolf before they show up.> My heart races at the thought, but I know it has to be done. <Let's meet there tonight. Shiners and I can fly there now. I think I know where it is, though I've never tried from the air.>
Shiners tilts his head up while looking at the sky. ``Can you describe it? I probably know the area and can bring our feather-brained friend here to it,'' he says.
I look insulted and am about to say something, then realize that, technically, I am now.
``It's about a mile up the coast, just north of town. There are two large islands nearby and a big willow tree out back. If you follow the coast, you should be able to find it,'' he says, pointing in the general direction. ``Mike knows the way, but then again, he only knows it from the ground.''
Shiners tilts his head, letting out a chuckle. ``I think I know the area. The campsite was good for food at times in the summer. There's a large cabin near the water where we can meet you. I'll make sure this chick doesn't get too lost,'' he says, nodding in my direction with his beak.
It sounds like we have a plan, though I shoot a glare at Shiners for that comment. I'm a full-grown eagle after all, or at least I think so. <Let's head there now, and I can try to meditate and shapeshift until they arrive.>
Charlie grins. ``That sounds good. Here, I got you a couple of hamburgers from the lunchroom,'' he says. ``Still not sure what you can or can't eat, but I figured I'd at least get some meat. Don't worry, no condiments, just the salt they already put on it.''
I pin it with my talons and tear off a small piece, marveling at how it somehow tastes both bland and good, a weird mix of flavors. I tilt my head slightly to the side. <I still find the taste of meat weird,> I say. It's weird... but still satisfying and good.
Charlie gives me a questioning look as he sits back. ``So, what do you mean by that? You guys eat a lot of meat, so wouldn't it taste good?''
I tilt my head to eye the meat before taking another bite. <It does, but it's both more nuanced and blander at the same time. I can't really explain it.>
Shiners glances between the two of us. ``Could just be that you're used to eating more variety than an eagle, which is almost entirely a meat eater.''
Charlie thinks for a moment. ``You know, maybe we should experiment with what kind of meat you like more. I'll also check the school or town library for more information about what you are. You look like a golden eagle, but not quite.'' He pauses. ``You're more the eagle expert. Maybe it'll help if we can narrow it down. Are there any eagles in the Americas other than golden that look like you?''
I nod and think, <Well, it's not North American or South American. I don't think I'd fit a European one, but I could be wrong. Might be a book of world animals you could look into.> I say, eating a bit more of the meat.
Charlie shivers, pulling his jacket back against him. ``I can do that. Definitely should head back before John and Frank start to wonder where I am,'' he says, getting up as I finish the burger, and adds, ``I'm glad you liked it. You owe me three dollars as soon as you can figure out how to get money, and no stealing.'' He aims the last part at Shiners as much as at me.
Shiners gives a small glare. ``I take offense to that. It's only taking unwanted items.''
I chuckle and shake my head. This has to be the weirdest thing I've ever experienced, but it somehow already feels natural. <Catch you back at your place after school,> I say.
