Chapter 4: New Feathers, Old Flames

I strolled around the estate, with Carter following closely. The staff bowed respectfully to Carter, but no one noticed me. I looked at my figure; I really didn’t look like the same bird as before.

I caught my reflection in a window and did a double take. No wonder they didn’t recognize me. I was taller, sleeker, almost regal. It was a strange feeling.

Suddenly, I spotted a familiar figure—Uncle Henry—at Aunt Victoria’s door, pleading, "Aunt Victoria, I was wrong, please let me in."

Uncle Henry, kicked out by Aunt Victoria, was now begging at her bedroom door. He knocked softly, voice pleading. Aunt Victoria ignored him, arms crossed.

I smiled, ready for my uncle’s affection, but he walked right past me to Carter. He barely glanced at me, making a beeline for Carter.

"Mr. Carter, what brings you out today? Haven’t seen Riley, have you?" Uncle Henry chatted with Carter, shaking his hand, chatting away like old friends.

My smile froze. I blinked, stunned. Did he really not recognize me? Even my favorite uncle didn’t recognize me. So love really does fade?

I squeezed in front of Carter, trying to get Uncle Henry’s attention. I flapped my wings, hoping he’d notice.

He glanced at me, his eyes lighting up. I thought he recognized me and nodded excitedly. I grinned, waiting for him to say my name. It’s me, Riley, your Riley. Uncle, say it!

I held my breath, waiting for the moment. Uncle Henry’s words were like cold water: "When did Carter get a bird mount? Isn’t Riley enough for you?" I gaped, speechless. A mount? Really?

Mount... I glared at Uncle Henry and dodged his hand as he tried to pet me. Carter couldn’t help but laugh, covering his mouth, trying to hide his amusement.

I turned to him. “Help me out here!” I mouthed. "Uncle Henry, this is Riley," Carter said, unable to hold back a smile. His eyes sparkled with mischief.

Uncle Henry looked at me suspiciously, squinting, leaning in for a closer look. "This is Riley? When did she get so big? Didn’t I just see her a few days ago?"

I put my wings on my hips, "Uncle Henry! How could you not recognize me!" I stomped my foot, pouting.

Hearing my familiar voice, Uncle Henry finally believed it, circling me and exclaiming that I’d grown up. He hugged me tight, tears in his eyes. “Look at you, all grown up!”

He was so moved he teared up, muttering nonstop, dabbing at his eyes with a handkerchief. “Riley’s grown up, really grown up.”

I looked at my uncle wiping his tears and pushed him away in disgust. “Alright, enough with the waterworks,” I grumbled, secretly touched.

"Uncle, did you get kicked out again?" I glanced at Aunt Victoria’s closed door, gloating. I couldn’t resist teasing him. He blushed, looking away. Serves you right for always acting high and mighty.

"Nonsense, I just came out for a walk." Uncle Henry denied it, hands behind his back, acting proud. He puffed out his chest, but I saw right through him.

"Oh, then we’ll be going." I pretended to leave with Carter, linking arms with him for show.

Uncle Henry panicked, pulling me back, "Riley, what’s the rush? Aunt Victoria hasn’t seen you grown up yet." He winked at me, wanting me to call Aunt Victoria out.

I rolled my eyes. Can’t even coax your own wife. So old, yet kicked out and crying. I’m really the glue of this family. Without me, it’d fall apart.

I shook my head, but obliged, scratching at the door with my wing. "Aunt Victoria, it’s me, Riley," I called out, voice bright.

In a blink, the door opened. Aunt Victoria hurried out, covering her mouth in delight at the sight of me. She hugged me tight, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Riley?" she asked uncertainly, brushing my hair back, searching my face for signs of the little girl she remembered.

"It’s me." I nodded obediently, grinning, happy to be recognized.

Aunt Victoria tried to take my hand, but Uncle Henry squeezed past me to hold hers. He elbowed me aside, desperate to make up with her.

I twitched my mouth. Uncle, is it really okay to use me and toss me aside? I shot him a look, but let it slide. Family was family, after all.

Aunt Victoria’s attention was instantly drawn to Uncle Henry, and she ignored him in a huff, turning away, arms crossed, pretending to be mad. Uncle Henry tried to coax her with a smile, whispering sweet nothings, hoping to win her over.

Carter stopped me from speaking, shaking his head, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder, signaling me to let them be. I fell silent and left with Carter.

We walked away quietly, giving them space to work things out. On the way home, we ran into an uninvited guest. I groaned inwardly. Couldn’t we catch a break?

The second boy, recovered from his injuries, was up to trouble again. He lounged against the gate, looking smug.

"Where did Carter get this bird?" He stroked his chin, looking at me with a strange expression. He eyed me up and down, clearly plotting something.

I narrowed my eyes. Last time, the scolding wasn’t enough. My mistake for letting him still stand here talking. I squared my shoulders, ready for round two.

Carter replied, "She’s not a pet." His voice was icy, brooking no argument.

The second boy reached out to touch me, but the air around Carter dropped several degrees, blocking him. He froze, hand in midair, suddenly unsure.

"Can’t I even touch?" He was dissatisfied, pouting as if he was the one being wronged.

Carter and I replied in unison, "No." Our voices overlapped, firm and final. We both paused, turning to look at each other. I grinned, feeling a surge of pride.

I smiled. Insulting people isn’t Carter’s style—leave it to me. I stepped forward, ready to put him in his place.

"Didn’t you learn from your last beating, Second Boy?" I raised an eyebrow, daring him to try anything.

At my words, his face changed dramatically. He paled, backing away. "Riley!" he sputtered, voice trembling.

He glared at me, nervously touching his still-unhealed bruises. He rubbed his side, wincing. Looks like I left a deep psychological scar; he could recognize my voice even if I was ashes.

I smirked, enjoying his discomfort. "Don’t block the path, Second Boy. Move, please." I made a perfunctory gesture.

He clenched his fists, staring at me, looking ready to explode, but didn’t dare make a move. Afraid he’d attack, I hid behind Carter before continuing, "Don’t you understand?"

I peeked out from behind Carter’s shoulder, grinning. "You!" The second boy raised his hand and took a step forward, hesitating, glancing at Carter’s steely gaze.

Carter’s eyes darkened as he stepped forward, blocking his view of me, standing tall, a silent warning in his posture.

"Riley is still young. Please forgive her, Second Boy." He spoke calmly, but there was steel in his voice.

"She’s over thirty—still young?" The second boy was incredulous, snorting, clearly unimpressed.

Carter looked into the distance, keeping me behind him, ignoring the boy, focusing on the horizon. The second boy trembled with anger, but fearing Carter’s strength, he glared at me and left, stomping off, muttering curses under his breath.

I sat at the desk, so sleepy my head kept drooping, almost hitting the table. I yawned, eyelids heavy, struggling to stay awake. Carter came over and gently tapped my head with his book, smiling, eyes twinkling. “No napping during lessons, Riley.”

I immediately sat up straight and continued practicing my penmanship, gripping the pen tightly, determined to impress him.

Suddenly there was chaos outside. My attention was drawn, and I craned my neck to see what was happening. I heard shouts and laughter, the sound of people gathering in the yard.

Carter coughed lightly, clearing his throat, signaling me to focus. "Stay humble and patient," his voice was gentle, but firm. I nodded, trying to concentrate.

Unwillingly, I turned back and continued scribbling with my claw, sighing, wishing I could join the fun outside.

I didn’t know why Carter insisted on teaching me lately. He seemed determined to help me catch up, as if he knew I needed it.

But since my bird form made writing difficult, I never practiced as a child, only reading, not writing. My handwriting was a mess, but Carter never complained.

"Does Riley have any wishes?" Carter put down his book and looked at me gently, his eyes soft, inviting me to share.

"Yes!" I perked up, excited to talk about my dreams. Mentioning this woke me right up. I started counting on my wings.

I ticked off each wish, one by one. "Hmm... I want to transform, see the mountains and rivers of the world, and find someone to love for life and never part..." I blushed, glancing at Carter. He smiled, encouraging me to continue.

Just like my parents, and Uncle Henry and Aunt Victoria—one partner for life! I wanted a love that lasted, something real and true.

Carter nodded, reaching over, squeezing my hand. He spoke firmly and seriously: "Yes, all of Riley’s wishes will come true." His voice was full of promise. My heart skipped a beat.

I smiled too. I’ve believed that for decades. I closed my eyes, making a silent wish.

Noisy voices came from outside. The commotion grew louder, curiosity pulling at me.

Usually, Carter’s house was remote and rarely visited, with no big commotion. It was always quiet, almost eerily so.

But lately, many people came with gifts and smiles. The driveway was lined with cars, and the front porch was stacked with boxes. Strange.

I’d never seen anything like it. A maid knocked and entered, bowing slightly, holding a tray of tea, eyes downcast.

"Mr. Carter, an honored guest has arrived," her voice respectful, almost reverent.

Carter responded and told me to practice and not wander, giving me a stern look, but I could see the hint of a smile. I agreed quickly, but my mind was already racing with plans.

But as soon as Carter left, I followed him out, tiptoeing down the hall, careful not to make a sound. Practicing penmanship? I’d rather die.

I stuck my tongue out at the stack of papers, slipping out the door, with a blade of grass in my mouth, strolling out, chewing on it thoughtfully, pretending to be casual.

I ran into the oldest and second boys sneaking around. They ducked behind a bush, whispering furiously. I immediately turned to leave, curling up.

I hunched my shoulders, hoping they wouldn’t see me. Damn, were they lying in wait to attack me? I scanned the yard for an escape route.

"Riley!" The second boy spotted me and came over, jogging over, a sly grin on his face. I quickly shouted behind them, "Carter!" My voice rang out, loud and clear.

They instinctively turned, and I took the chance to escape, darting past them, sprinting for the house. Ignoring the second boy’s shouts, I rushed to the front room, slamming the door behind me, heart pounding.

I met my parents and Carter, all staring at each other. They looked up, surprised to see me.

"Dad, mom, why are you here?" I blinked, trying to sound casual, but my nerves showed.

Carter sighed when he saw me—supposed to be in my room—suddenly appear, with those boys trailing me. He shook his head, a fond smile on his lips. Really, such a handful.

He muttered it under his breath, but I heard him. My mom pulled me over, clicking her tongue at my sudden growth, praising Carter’s care.

She fussed over my hair, beaming with pride. "Mr. Carter really knows how to raise children. Our Riley has changed so much." She winked at Carter, who looked embarrassed.

Carter smiled and accepted the praise, nodding politely, but I could see the blush on his cheeks.