Chapter 14

Fran

I was at home. I didn't stay to watch any more of the nightmare unfolding in front of my eyes. Why were they having such a good time together? I wasn't that late, was I?

I put my face into my pillow and sighed heavily and intensely, almost like a scream but more depressed, I guess... I don't know. Anyways, today sucked.

That was supposed to be my moment with Steven. This is so frustrating. Why were there so many shadows out today? Ever since that Thorne girl came into town, things have been getting more cramped and busy. I guess that's why she came here... Ugh, why do I have to clean up this mess!?

"Why can't I just be normal?!"

Tap tap tap

Something was tapping on my window... What?

I looked, and there was a crow tapping on my window... Strange... I opened the latch and pushed open the window. The crow waddled on and stared right at me...

"Uhh, what's up?"

Screech!

The crow screamed at me for a short second and then closed its beak again. Haha, what a funny little creature.

"I don't suppose you have any advice on what I should do?"

Again, no real answer, but the crow tilted its head as if listening to me...

"Why did Steven do that? Why didn't they wait for me!? This is so unfair! I can't believe Steven is hanging out with Rebecca alone right now, what in the world!"

The crow pecked some of its feathers and then refocused on me.

"We are supposed to be together... Not them... Why is this happening...? I wish I didn't have to fight those stupid shadows, I wish I didn't have any powers anymore, and I could just be a normal girl for once!"

Caw caw The crow started to flap its wings.

"Do you mean it?"

A sly, smooth male voice came from the crow. I jumped and backed away.

"What are you?" I asked with a small sense of horror.

"Do not be afraid, Francine. I am but your humble servant. My name is Talon."

The crow bowed with its wings open.

"H-how are you talking like that?"

The crow turned its head sharply.

"I speak like a human, in the same way that you fly like a bird."

What the heck did that mean?

Caw caw!

"Enough chatter, Francine. Did you mean what you said? Do you really want to be normal? ...I may be able to grant you your wish."

A crow, granting wishes? Was this some fairy tale?

"Well, I wouldn't have to fight the shadows anymore..."

The crow walked a little closer.

"And what are you willing to give me in return?"

The crow stared at me with its black, beady eyes intently, almost hungrily. What could I give a crow?

"Um, bottle caps?"

Caw caw! Almost like the crow was laughing out loud.

"No, you silly girl. But perhaps something just as shiny. A locket of your hair, perhaps?"

Okay, we've entered fairy tale land now, but what could a crow do with my hair anyway?

"Sure, fine with me." I grabbed the scissors on my desk and cut the bottom of my long, golden blonde hair. I needed a haircut anyway. I tied a small ribbon around it and offered it to the crow.

Caw caw!!! The crow grabbed my hair and began to flap its wings. A mighty gust filled my room. I closed my eyes, and then the wind stopped. I slowly opened them again, and the crow had vanished, or I guess it just flew away.

"Hey, wait a minute, what about my wish!?"

I went to the window and hopped out onto the rooftop like I usually do when I take flight, then leapt off the roof.

Crash!