I did the dishes after having breakfast with Brooke and Thomas. Since I'm having a day off from the fish workshop today, I might as well do the dishes for them.

As I put the last cleaned plate in the cabinet, my mind is back to what happened yesterday. I smirked a bit to myself.

I can't believe it, and I still can't. Brooke who has become a mother figure to me, knows who I am and not to mention she actually got to meet Ben for the first time. She didn't treat him any different at all, which I'm proud of her for that. Well I did tell her that Ben is a hero and so am I, so why would she treat him differently? 

Also too, to my surprise, my family friend has actually found me living in Southport. Talk about a small world we live in. I don't know how it was really possible. Here of all places, Clifford has found me and Ben.

God it really has been such a long time since I last seen him and it was around when mom and dad were alive.

After they did die, I wanted to find him and let him hug me and comfort me, while I was crying in pain and sorrow. Clifford is family too, and I know that he would feel bad for me and Ben. I already shed enough tears with Ben around that time.

But I couldn't find Clifford, I couldn't get in contact with him. But now after six long years, me and Ben finally reconnected with him. And honestly, it does feel like the old days, the old days when mom and dad were still alive.

But this time, they weren't, but that's okay, having Cliff around, alive and well is good enough for me.

And oh boy, he really is surprised that me and Ben wondered all the way from New York to North Carolina after everything that happened. And he was also surprised that I'm actually trying to make a living here.

I would've been too, if I was in his shoes. But I haven't fully regained my whole life yet, I still have a long way to go.

I want to get myself a driver's license and I want to get a GED for myself as well. I know I can do it, with Brooke's help I know I can.

When I walked to the living room, Brooke and Thomas were sitting in the living room together, Thomas's arm is curled behind Brooke's neck and his hand is over her shoulder. And they're watching the lifetime channel on TV.

I took a glance at the TV screen and asked them, "What's this one about?"

Thomas giggled and said, "It's about this nanny who is plotting her revenge against this couple who've accidentally killed her child in a car accident."

Brooke shrugged her shoulders, Thomas's hand still over her shoulder, "Yeah, and it looks like the nanny is pretty manipulating and devious. I wouldn't want her to work at my house."

I nodded in agreement, "I couldn't agree with you more. Sounds like she's crazy."

Both Thomas and Brooke laughed, and then Thomas asked, "You want to watch the show with us? There's plenty of room on the couch."

I nodded, "Sure, but at three o'clock I need to meet up with Emma. She said that her father has invited me to have dinner with them, at her house."

Brooke's face went wide with surprise and she asked, "No kidding, really? I thought that he didn't like you all that much."

I shrugged my arms, "I guess he wanted to make amends with me. After all, he did treat me kind of badly in jail. Well...I wasn't making things easier for him either."

Brooke removed Thomas's arm off her shoulder and said, "Well I'm thinking that your pretty girlfriend told him that you and his daughter are going out together. If I was her father, I would treat the boyfriend with some respect." She nodded to herself, "I know I would. But I'm would be the mom, not the father."

Thomas said, "Well I know that I would, knowing that you're just a good kid."

I smiled at him, "Thanks Thomas."

Thomas got up from the couch and said, "Hey Jason, can I talk to you alone?"

I frowned at him for a bit and then I just nodded, "Yeah, sure...I guess."

Thomas shook his head and gave me a bit of a grin, "It won't take long." Then he started to walk past me, to the kitchen and I followed him from behind.

We both entered the kitchen and he whirled around to face me when we were close to the counter.

I put on a grin and asked, "What's up?"

Thomas then had a solemn look and said, "Hey Jason...The other day when you told Brooke everything and all that. About who you really are, and how I thought that you were some kind of scam artist...I'm still sorry about that. I know I was in the wrong for doing it, but I was just-"

I shook my head, "I wouldn't worry about it. It's understandable. I mean...." I rubbed the back of my neck, "I guess I wasn't doing a good job at telling the truth to you guys while I had the chance. I mean, I lied to you guys about my name and how I was being a hero during the night. I know that I should've but I was afraid what you guys would think."

Thomas then smiled and said, "Well...I was the bad guy too. I misjudged you and I'm still sorry about that."

I chuckled, "Heheh, I'm still surprised that Brooke found out who I am through the internet and all that. Talk about weird timing."

Thomas chuckled with me, "Well, Brooke hardly gives up on those things. She's very determined."

I nodded, "Yep."

As I stared at him, I remembered that me and Brooke didn't tell him everything. We didn't tell him about Ben.

Brooke honestly wanted to introduce him to Ben the other day, but I told her it was probably a bad idea. Ben only knew that she was going to see him alone that day.

Perhaps...One day Thomas would meet Ben at April's as well, but it's still a debate with me. I really don't know how Ben would take it.

Come to think of it, I don't know how Thomas would take seeing a big gryphon standing in front of him, but hey can't help but wonder huh?

Thomas then reached out his hand to give me a pat on my shoulder. He said, "I'm glad that you're not a scam artist Jason. I'm very glad you didn't hurt us. And I'm also glad that you're not some bad guy either."

I said, "Well, I guess when you live with someone for a while, the secret is bound to come out. Sooner or later."

Thomas giggled, "Well your secret wasn't as bad as I thought it was. And I glad it wasn't." Thomas then started to walk back to the living room and stopped for a second to glance back at me, "Alright, enough of this sob and happy stuff, we're missing the show."

I nodded and walked behind him to the living room, "Right, lets go. I want to see what the crazy nanny would do."

*****

I started to drool from my beak when I stared at the fish that April was holding in front of my face. Teasing me by swinging it back and forth in front of my eyes, "Oh my god April. That fish looks so damn good!"

April giggled as she still teased me, "Aw, does my vainest gryphon love to eat mister fishy?"

I narrowed my eyes at her, as she continued to swing the fish in front of me, "Don't tease me April. I love to eat fish!"

It was around at noon and here was April, showing off a fish that she bought today when she got off work today. Just on her way home from her early shift from work today. I'm just sitting on my haunches, waiting for her to stop teasing me about the freakin thing, I'm hungry!

April laughed when I narrowed my eyes at her. She grinned and teasingly said, "What's the magic word?"

I let out a growl in my throat, "You wouldn't dare play that game with the most dashing, cunning, handsomest gryphon of all damn time." Then I raised my head and added, "I will not be played for a fool!"

April raised one brow on her face, "You're a dork, and a molting crow. That's what you are. You are none of the things that you've described."

I squawked and glared down at her. My front paws clawing at the ground, "Why I outa-"

April lowered her hand with the fish to her side and nodded, "Alright then, I guess I'll just throw this away and-"

She whirled around and before she could leave my expression went to panic and I shook my head, "No wait!"

April whirled around back to face me and asked, "You gonna say the magic word now?"

I sighed in resignation, "....Yes."

She smiled and raised her arm with the fish still in her hand. She said, "Good, now what's the magic word?"

I nodded and said it, "Please?"

April nodded, "Good! Then get ready to catch it!" She lowered her hand, getting ready to toss the fish in the air.

I smiled and then I got my beak opened a bit, ready to have the tasty thing in my beak. Oh yeah, fish!

Then April tossed the fish high in the air, the fish flipping repeatedly in the air. When it came back down, I snatched the fish with my beak before it hit the ground. I hummed in delight as I ate it.

Cooked fish, not bad at all.

I mashed my beak onto the fish and started chewing it.

April looked in awe after my catch. She said, "Nice one big guy. I didn't know you can catch good like that."

I swallowed down the fish and let out a small burp. I waved a paw at her and said, "Excuse me." Then he let out a sigh and said, "Well, me and Jason used to play catch together. He used to throw a baseball softly at me and I've always catched it." I shrugged my wings and shoulders, "Guess, I haven't lost my touch after all these years. I haven't played catch with Jason for years. Not since he was...Twelve I think."

April walked toward me and put her hand to my chest. She smiled up at me, "Well I'm not surprised at all. You certainly never lost your touch."

I nodded as I lowered my head to her level, "No kidding about it." Then I put on a smug grin.

April playfully swatted my neck and said, "Do you always have to show off? I mean, can you talk to me in a normal conversation like a normal man would?"

I said, "But I'm not just a normal man, I'm a gryphon." I playfully cocked my head, "And why do you think I show off all the damn time? Because I liked to show off my looks to the most beautiful girl I've ever met."

April smiled and she reached up to my face and started to caress my feathers. She said, "You never really do cease to impress me. Bird brain."

I giggled a bit. I got my head closer to hers and nuzzled her cheek. April moved her head off of mine and planted her lips against my beak. I squawked a bit after the sudden romantic gesture, but then I regained my composure and kissed her back. My tongue entering her mouth.

April pulled back, gasping for air, after we've kissed for a long time. She started to giggled after that, "God, I wonder what Jason would think from a perspective view when he sees us kissing? Hell, I wonder what would Cassandra would think if she was here?"

My eyes glanced up for a bit and I hummed to myself, "Well I don't know about Jason. I know that he knows about us together, but I really don't know. As for Cassandra...I think she would be surprised that a girl like you would kiss me like that."

April said, "Well I think she didn't know what she was missing. Because she sure has missed out a lot coming from you!" Then we both laughed.

My thoughts went to Cassandra when she brought it up. Yeah...She really has missed out a lot.

I raised my head high from her level and said, "So April...Do you plan on spending the whole afternoon with me? Or are you going to go take a nap in the house?"

April let out a big yawn and said, "Yeah I'm pretty tired. I woke up early today, trying to go to work." She nodded to me, "I need to get some shut eye." Then she put on a smile for me, "Then me and you can go flying tonight in the dark, if that's okay?"

I nodded, "Sure! I love to." Then my beak gave her a devious grin, "Then maybe after our flight together, we can go to my barn and do some naughty things while we're at it."

Her eyes went wide by the suggestion, then she grinned back, "Dirty bird."

I giggled and shot back, "Dirty farm girl."

April laughed and shrugged her arms, "Well we're both dirty, so...So what's the damn difference?"

I nodded, "Exactly! What's the difference?" Then we both laughed, and I got off of my haunches, standing on all fours, "Well while you're going to nap for god knows how long, I'm going to take a long walk in the woods. I feel like I haven't got enough exercise since I lived in that barn. I feel FAT!"

April nodded, "Well alright, big guy." Then she grinned and teasingly said, "Just don't let any angry squirrels come attack you in the woods. I hate to see a gryphon like you get attacked by one."

I groaned and rolled my eyes, "Now why did you have to say THAT?"

April raised her eyebrows, "Just to tease you again." She giggled.

I narrowed my eyes, "Well you did a good job!" I whirled around on her, looked over my shoulder, and wiggled my haunches at her, "How about I tell you to kiss my ass and then we'll see what a tease I am!"

April shot back, "Just don't tell those squirrels to kiss your furry lion ass. I heard the squirrels are horny during this season." She laughed hard after that.

I frowned at her, "How do you know that?"

April laughed hard again, this time holding her ribs, "Oh my god, you are such a card!" She chuckled some more.

I smiled as I looked over my shoulder at her, "Well I need to get my long exercise in. So be back tonight good looking." And with that I looked ahead and started walking to the woods near her house.

April called out, "Hey Ben!"

I stopped in my tracks and looked over my shoulder, "What?"

April smirked and said, "I love you."

I put on a smile again and said to her back, "I love you too." I turned to face the woods and started walking again. Ready to get my exercise in.

I thought about her as I walked to the trees. I really am glad I've found a girl like you.

Because there wouldn't be any girl like you. Not in the whole world.

I love you too, April. I love you too.

*****

Me and Emma are walking to her house, after I picked her up from work.

Soon after that, she told me the reason why her father wanted me to come to her house for dinner today.

Is because, he knows that me and her are boyfriend and girlfriend and that's not the only thing.

His deputy have watched us have sex the other night and he even knew that I've assaulted Jared the other day as well. It turned out sometimes after I threw one punch at him and kicked him once on the ground, he called the cops on me.

But there wasn't enough evidence, so that's why I haven't been arrested.

Turns out, he and Emma got into a big fight about me and that's when Emma finally told him that I was the one who saved her life from those rapists that night.

The sheriff now finally knew how wrong he was about me and so that's the reason why he invited me to have dinner with his family. I'm just glad he doesn't want to kill me for having sex with his daughter on the football field. I mean, I love her and yeah it just...Happened. We were both doing it out of love, nothing more.

At least he won't shoot me for that. He's the freakin sheriff!

Emma's voice interrupted my thoughts, "Hey handsome, you thinking about something?"

I looked at her while we walked side by side and I said, "Yeah, I was thinking about you."

Emma gave me a smile and said, "Well I thought you would be thinking about my dad, after what I just said to you."

I nodded, "Well there's that too. And you haven't told me that yesterday."

Emma shrugged as she walked, "Well it's because we were talking to your family friend the other day. I just didn't think about it, until dad brought up the idea of having you over for dinner."

She sighed in content, "I think dad's finally starting to like you now. He doesn't exactly hate you anymore since I told him one part of the truth."

I nodded and said, "Yeah, considering that I saved your life." Then I added, "I'm just glad that you didn't tell your dad about Ben. I'm afraid what he would do to Ben if he met him."

Emma shook her head, "I wouldn't try that. My dad can be totally paranoid and trigger happy. He wouldn't understand Ben at all. Dad would think of him as a scary looking monster."

I sighed and we both kept on walking, "Yep, true." Then I raised my finger and added, "But Ben saved your life too, just like me."

Emma smiled and nodded, "Yep that's right." She shook her head again, "But I still wouldn't tell him about Ben though. I just don't want to I guess."

I waved her off with my hand, "It's okay, you don't have to. It's best that some people don't know about Ben at all."

Emma reached to my hand and held it as we walked, "I couldn't agree more. And...I'm glad you agreed to come to my house for dinner. Let dad get to know you a little bit."

I said as I held onto her hand, "Well he only knows my fake name and it's Jonas. So does mean I should tell him my real name?"

She shook her head, "You can if you want. But I wouldn't want him to think of you as a faker. He's just starting to like you now, so better not do that."

I nodded, "Yeah I guess so."

Me and Emma walked until we both saw her house in the distance. We both walked on her porch and went through the front door.

Me and Emma entered her house and Emma hollered, "Dad, mom, I'm home!" I closed the door behind us.

Emma turned her gaze to me and said, "You can take your shoes off right here. Dad doesn't like it when someone walks in the house with their shoes on."

I took my shoes off after that and said, "Wouldn't want to get his floor dirty."

That's when I saw Emma's mom coming and she smiled at me, "Oh, you must be Emma's new boyfriend, Jonas."

I nodded and smiled back, "Yes I am and you must be Emma's mom."

She nodded and came to me, "Yes I am, dear. My name's Dolores."

That's when I saw Emma's father, the sheriff coming up beside her and saw me. He came to me and said, "Jonas...You made it." He put on a shy smile.

I guess he feels kinda embarrassed about how he treated me in jail. Not to mention how he totally misjudged me after jail. I can't blame him at all. I smiled at him. "I did. And...Thanks for inviting me to your house for dinner."

He held out a hand to me and I grabbed it to shake his hand. After we were done, the sheriff said, "You're welcome. It's the least I could do for treating you like crap. I...I really owe you for saving my daughter's life."

I waved him off with my hand, "You don't owe me anything. I was just being a good Samaritan. And saving your daughter was me doing some good."

Dolores nodded, "Well we're both glad you saved our daughter's life. We wouldn't know how to live if she died."

I nodded at both of them. I get the feeling all to well. I know I would protect her, but I wouldn't know how to live if she died as well.

I would be myself again, that's what would happen to me after she dies.

Well I'll make sure that'll never happen to her.

The sheriff beckoned me to follow them to the dining room, "Well come on Jonas. Dinner's ready."

I said as I followed them, "Thank you sheriff."

The sheriff said without looking back at me, "Call me Dean, kid."

I said when we entered the dining room, "Thank you...Dean."

Well...This isn't going as bad as I thought so far.

Better act polite and be cool. I'm having dinner with my girlfriend's parents.

Well...Here I go.

*****

The sun was already out as I walked back to April's house on a dirt trail in the woods, the night sky filled with stars. I let out a whoosh of air, as I padded on the trail on all four of my paws. The tuft of my tail swishing back and forth behind me as I walked.

Boy I've walked most of the afternoon in those woods. I think I had enough exercise for a month's worth.

I'm heading back to April's now, don't want to keep my beautiful girlfriend waiting for the vainest gryphon in the world. She's probably done taking her nap and she's waiting for me.

I grinned as I walked back to her house. Boy, how lucky can a gryphon get? I maybe the only gryphon in the world and I may not have a female gryphon for a girlfriend, but at least I have a girlfriend now and it's April.

She really is my Lois Lane, just like I wanted Cassandra to be.

My thoughts went back to Cassandra as I walked. Back then, I sometimes wonder what would've been like if Cassandra was with me that way. But I don't have to wonder anymore.

Because April is with me and she always will be.

Thanks to you Cassandra, you told me that a girl would find me and it was her.

I think I am glad that we weren't together that way back then. Because if you did die while we were together...I don't know how I would feel right now. How I would feel differently if you've died while we were together. I wouldn't feel like...Ben I guess.

I wouldn't have the strength to take care of Jason, I suppose.

I shook my head and kept on walking. Well there's no need to dwell on the past. About what would happen differently. Because the past is in the past. So get over it, bird brain.

As I continued to walk, I could hear the crickets and an owl hooting in the distance. I sighed to myself. I know I probably should have flew back to her house, but I didn't want to tire out my wings. She said she wanted to go flying with me.

Well I won't deny that request. I'm giving my girl what she wants. After all might as well be Superman to her again. I giggled to myself.

When I continued to walk, I could see a glow over the trees and it's not far away. My eyes went into a frown, "Huh? What's that?"

What could be glowing over the trees?

Then my beak picked up a scent and I sniffed. Hmmm.....Smoke? Something's burning.

I stopped in my tracks and started to think. Wait a minute...Isn't April's house in that direction?

Then I let out a gasp. Oh god...April!

I ran and started to flap my wings, until I flew off the ground over the woods.

I flapped them hard heading to April's house quick. Please don't let it be on fire. Please don't let it be on fire. Please don't-

I sucked in a hard breath when I saw that my fear came true.

April's house is on fire!

I shouted as I flew down to the ground near April's house, "No, NO!!!!!!"

I glided downward, until I trotted to the ground after I landed. I moved myself to the side as I faced the burning house. My face in total disbelief.

No...She can't be in there. She had to make it out.

I screamed for her name, "April!"

No answer but the sound of burning flame.

I called out again, "April! Where are you?!"

Still no answer.

I felt like I was going to break down in tears, but then m heart told me not to give up yet.

If she's alive in there and if she's trapped, I need to save her.

I had a determined look on my face. I've lost Cassandra and Alan. I'm not going to lose her too.

Hang on April. I'm coming for you!

I ran on my four feet toward the burning house. I ran to the front door, I know that I can't get through the front door because of my size, but I have to try. I ran to the front door, but that part of the house is in a blaze. I growled a bit to myself. I need to look through the windows. Maybe I can see April through the windows.

I ran to the side of the house, trying my best to peek through any window I could find. A couple of rooms that I peeked through were smoky, but I didn't see April.

My heart was thumping in my chest. I can't give up. Keep looking!

I ran to another window and it shows April's bedroom. I peeked through it and I gasped in shock and fright.

I saw April lying on her stomach on her bedroom floor. She doesn't appear to be moving.

I shouted through the window, "April!"

She didn't move and I tried again, this time my time with my paw pounding the window, "April! Wake up!!!"

She didn't move still and I shouted, "Damn it!"

What am I going to do? It's not like I...I can...

That's it! I have an idea!

I started to back away from the window. A far distance away from it. I crouched low to the ground, getting ready to make a running start toward the house.

I've got to do this, there's no other way.

I'm not letting her die.

I didn't save Cassandra in time, but I will save April.

I won't let this happen to me again.

I curled the wings on my back and I sprinted fast toward the house. Towards the window where April's room is at.

I screamed as I ran to it, "AHHHHH!!!!!!" I shut my eyes tight and I jumped straight toward the wall.

My body crashed through the wooden wall. The wood cracking as my frame went through it. I could hear glass breaking as well as the window broke in pieces. I landed hard on my stomach as I crashed myself through the wall.

I opened my eyes and saw that I made it through the weak wooden wall. A few parts of my body, including my leg ached with pain, but it wasn't too much pain. 

I moved my head and saw that April is still laying in the same spot on the floor. My eyes went wide when I saw her. I'm almost there!

I groaned when I slowly got up off the floor. A few debris from the wall fell off of my back as I got up on all fours.

I padded toward April. I could feel the heat and flames consuming the house. I have to get her out of here.

I moved my paw over April's body and I laid on her back, trying to shake her awake.

I said to her as I shook her, "April, April wake up! April!"

She wasn't moving, not even speaking to me.

I gasped. She must be unconscious.

What could have happened here? What started the fire?

I don't have time to wonder about that. I'm getting April out of here!

I moved my paw off her back and moved it under her body, to carry her out of here. The whole house sounds like it's going to collapse.

As I carried April in one paw, I hobbled to the opening of the wall that I just made with only three paws.

When me and April made it to the outside, a rush of cold air greeted us, as I carried her.

When I was at enough distance from the burning house, I laid April down slowly on the grass.

I let out breath after ragged breath and I took my gaze to the house as it collapsed because of the flames.

I covered my face with my wings as the heat went rushing at my face at the house went down in flames. I uncovered them about fifteen seconds later and said out loud, "Whoah."

That was intense.

I gasped when I realized that April is still on the ground. I took my gaze to her and I moved my paw over her and turned her on her back. Her eyes are closed.

She's still unconscious.

I laid my paw on her chest and shook her, "April? Come on, wake up!"

She didn't move or open her eyes.

My heart was being claimed by fear and despair. No! I can't give up yet! I can't!

I shook her again, harder this time, "April, Wake up! Wake up! Come on April, wake up!!"

Nothing happened after I shook her.

I sucked in a breath. And then my throat started to tighten and my beak started to quiver, "....No....Not you too..." I started to have tears form in my eyes.

No...You can't die too...

Don't leave me.

I have to save you. I have to.

I shook April again and shouted, "April! Wake up! APRIL!!!!"