“C’mon Redding.” He chimed, his usual chipper self, “I have a surprise for you!”
I sat up in bed, my hair as messy as a haystack. Next to me Hawthorne yawned, his little teeth bearing as he did so.
“Surprise?” I called groggily.
“You bet!” Came Jack’s voice, “Are you decent? Hey, the doors unlocked-”
My eyes widened in horror, “Hold on!” I jumped from the bed, Hawthorne watching me with alarm. He knew at once what should be done. In an instant he replicated the colour of the sheets and scurried under the blankets. I ensured the bed was careful disarray as to not draw attention to the suspicious lump that was Hawthorne. I changed into my uniform at top speed. It was a light blue ankle-length dress that buttoned up to the neck at the top half, and had a tie at the back that could be tightened accordingly. I quickly slipped my shoes on and ran a hand through my hair, trying to get it to stay flat.
Clearing my throat nervously I called, “Okay. I’m decent.”
Jack popped his head in through the door and smiled at me, “Charles has a special request of us today.”
“Come in Jack.” I offered.
Once Jack was inside my room he put his hands in his pockets and rocked on the balls of his feet happily, “Seeing as you don’t get out often, I offered to take you with me on an errand today.”
“Oh. Wonderful.” I smiled nervously, “But I have work to do here, don’t I?”
“All you need to do is light the fires this morning. Someone else is taking care of Master Forsythe’s bath for you at Charles’ request.”
“Oh, that was nice.”
“So I’m off to attend to one of our chefs now. Gave herself a nasty burn last night and it needs to be healed, then I need to head on over to the stables so Cam can show me a rash one of the Pegasi seems to be developing. While I’m doing that you go and hurry with the fires. Once you’re done come to the stables, and I’ll take you into the city.”
I nodded, “Sure.” I said in a small voice.
“Don’t keep me waiting.” Jack waved and exited.
I wrung my hands nervously and saw that Hawthorne had emerged. His coat was a depressing grey, and I knew he was restless again.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” I groaned.
A plan formed in my head. I would go and light the fires like I was told, and while I went to meet Jack in the stables I would release Hawthorne outside. I didn’t even need to tell Jack about him. But would Hawthorne object? I wasn’t sure. I hoped it would make him happy to have a day of freedom.
The morning passed in a blur, but the time came when I reentered my room, hoisted Hawthorn into my arms and carried him under my coat through the kitchen and to the back door. The sun was just rising now, casting an orange glow across the clouds.
I put him down onto the ground where he bounced away instantly, almost invisible against the snow, to do his business. After a few minutes of bouncing around happily he came back to me, his startling blue eyes expectant.
“I’m going into the city today.” I told him; though I had a feeling he already knew perfectly what was going on. “I want you to stay hidden and out of sight. Don’t let anyone see you.”
Hawthorne’s head cocked to the side, his ears pricked up. I smiled, “Don’t look at me like that, just do it.” I now kneeled next to him, my brow furrowed as I decided what was best. “I don’t think I’ll be able to look after you much longer. You’re supposed to be free, not couped up.”
Hawthorne’s tiny wings seemed to droop as I spoke. I felt awful.
“I’m glad I rescued you from Jefferson, Hawthorne.” I petted him, “But you can’t stay with me forever. I’ll lose my job, or worse, they’ll find you and do something horrible.”
Hawthorne whimpered and tried to clamber back into my arms. He stood on his hind legs and placed his front paws on my knees, trying to reach my face to lick me. I gave him a hug and stood up straight. “Until the day comes when we have to say goodbye, I’ll make the most of the time we have together.”
Hawthorn whined and although I felt guilty it needed to be done. I knew from the beginning that I couldn’t keep him. I just wondered when the say would came that I would need to say goodbye.
“For now I want you to enjoy a whole day outside.” I smiled at him, “I’ll come and get you tonight, okay? Just stay safe and hidden. Go and play in the forest.”
Hawthorne did as he was instructed and bounded out of sight. He blended in with the snow around him now. Quite convenient. I made my way to the stables and saw Jack just emerging from them.
I smiled and waved when he noticed me approaching.
“Ready?” He asked.