Present Day

The sunlight was shining through my bedroom window, onto my eyes. I stirred myself awake and I slowly sat up on my bed and let out a yawn.

When I was done yawning, I smiled to myself. Remembering last night. I really had a fun time with Jason and Ben.

I got a chance to fly on Ben's back and enjoyed being up in the air. It was...Fun.

Jason really did make me feel better, after what Jared did to me. If it wasn't for Jason...I don't know what I would have felt. Depressed, most likely.

But Jason and Ben....They really made me so happy. I've never been more happier.

I sighed happily. So much air rushing at my face, it felt like a thrill ride. Only the ride was on a gryphon's back. I outa do that again sometime. Ask Jason to take me to Ben again. Or I'll ask Ben about it, I'm sure he would oblige.

I nodded to myself. Yeah...That would be great.

But first things first, I need to take a shower and go to work. I must have stayed up most of the night, before Jason took me home. I flew on Ben's back for a long time. I couldn't resist, I liked the thrill of it.

I uncovered myself and got out of bed. Heading to my bathroom to take a shower.

*****

I walked down the stairs, taking one step at a time. When I made it to the bottom step, I heard dad call out to me from the living room, "Emma?"

I stopped in my tracks and walked in the living room. What does he want?

I got in the room and saw dad sitting on his chair. I frowned at him when I took a few more steps toward him, "Dad? I thought you would be at work?"

Dad looked at me and said, "Told the deputies I'll be at the station in a few minutes."

I shrugged, "So what's up?"

Dad gave me a stern look and got up from his chair, "I want to talk with you."

I just stood there staring at him, "About what?"

Dad took a step toward me and said sternly, "Where did you go yesterday afternoon? And where have you been most of the night?"

I was surprised, but I didn't show it. I need to come up with a good explanation. I promised Jason and Ben I would keep their secret. I said, "I was...Having time to myself."

Dad nodded slowly and said, "Uh huh." I can tell he didn't believe me.

Dad said, "I know what you have been up to lately."

That time my eyes went wide and I asked, "What?"

"After you almost got raped, I sent a deputy a few times to watch you and he says you have been hanging out with the guy who supposedly robbed the gas station. Jonas? Is that right?"

I put on a glare and asked, "So?"

He shrugged, "So...Why are you hanging with him? You know I don't trust him."

I said, "Dad, there's no evidence that he robbed that gas station. There's nothing for you to worry about, he-"

He cut me off, "Oh really?" Then dad put two fingers to his forehead, "Emma, you can't hang out with people like that. He's a total stranger, and you don't know him that well. For all I know, he can still be a criminal."

I shook my head, "I highly doubt it." I know that Jason did steal from the gas station, but he did it for a good reason. Jason was living alone with Ben in the woods. But how can I convince dad that?

Dad pointed a finger at me, "I want you to stay away from that kid, you understand me? I DON'T TRUST HIM."

I crossed my arms, "I don't think you are in any position to tell me what to do anymore. I'm not a little girl."

Dad nodded, "You're right. But you're also living under my roof, so that means you follow my rules and boundaries."

I asked angrily, "What?"

"That means, you don't leave unless you tell me where you are going, and unless I say you can leave."

I whined, "But dad, it's not fair!"

He raised his voice, "I'm not kidding Emma! This has got to STOP."

I uncrossed my arms and said sternly, "You know what dad? You hardly ever pay attention to me. And now all of a sudden, you are. Well let me tell you something and it may come as a surprise to you, I'm can take care of myself."

He asked incredulously, "Oh really? Like when you were almost raped by several guys? Is that what you call taking care of yourself?"

I said to him, "They're not coming back father. They're in jail."

Dad said, "What you think that several guys are locked up and you think that's it? NO, because there are still more scum out there in the world."

I asked, "Like Jonas?"

Dad didn't answer that, he only stared.

I said, "Well Jonas is a good guy."

Dad argued, "But he's probably not a good guy."

I had an annoyed and angry scowl on my face, "I don't give a shit, if he is or not. He's different than you think. Maybe if you learned to look at someone on the inside, instead of the outside you would know. But all you care about is your job, not me or anyone in the family."

I turned around on him, "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to work. And if you send your deputy to spy on me again, I'm going to kick him in the balls." Then I looked over my shoulder and raised a finger, "Just to warn you about it." I turned my head straight and muttered angrily, "Have a good day." I walked away from him, taking fast strides to the front door.

I opened the front door before he would probably say anything else and went out. I slammed the door behind me and let out a sigh.

Is he kidding me?! He hardly pays attention to me, and he sends his deputy to spy on me. He thinks Jason, well he knows him as Jonas is still a bad guy!

My dad is such an overprotective asshole. Well maybe he would do some real protection, if he noticed how upset I was about Jared hitting me.

But he wasn't home, so what's the point? He hardly does pay attention to me anyways.

Except...Jason and Ben. They have paid attention to me.

I put on a smile when I walked away from the house. I don't care what dad says. Jason is not a bad guy.

He's...Pretty nice and caring. He cares about my feelings. Knows how to make me feel better.

Ben may be a showoff, but he understands me as well. He never argued about taking me flying on his back.

They were really nice and I'm glad that they have done all that for me.

As I was walking to work, I was thinking about Jason a lot more than Ben. He's WAY different than Jared. He's...Pretty exciting in fact. More exciting than any other guy that I've known.

I stopped walking and had a surprised look on my face. I put a hand to my chest.

Wow...I think I'm...I'm...

I shook my head and chuckled a bit. Give yourself a break girl, get a hold of yourself.

He's cute, Jason is. But wow, you're already fallen over heels over him.

That's when a thought came to me. I guess that's why I like talking to him and why I wanted to help him because of his...Grief and loneliness.

I care about him. So much so in fact.

I sighed to myself happily. I guess I'll ask him out sometime. Maybe he'll give it a chance. I'm sure Jason won't mind it.

It would be just one date between friends. Yeah, it'll build up and...Well I guess I'll find out what happens afterwards.

I went back to walking to work. Still have Jason's face in my thoughts.

*****

Me and April went for a walk in the woods together. Thought me and her would have some time alone together.

April didn't have to go to work today, so that's why she's with me. Thought this walk me and her were having would give her something to do.

Well...For me, it's better than laying around in that old barn of hers outside her house. A time or two, I thought I heard mice in there.

Sometimes late at night, they wake me up from my sleep and I feel like I want to squish them with my paws.

I had a smile on my beak. I still remember what I've done last night. That I gave Jason a ride on my back along with Emma sitting behind him.

Honestly I haven't had two people ride on my back for a long time, since Alan and Cassandra.

I remember more than once before Jason was born, they would ride on my back together. Enjoying the flight.

I hummed at the memories. Such good times.

In fact...Even Jason and Emma, remind me of Alan and Cassandra. When I felt their weights on my back. Like Alan and Cassandra were riding me like before.

Now that I think about it...Maybe Jason and Emma....Could be the next Alan and Cassandra. Maybe they could be...Together as boyfriend and girlfriend.

Well I remember last night, when I landed after the flight, I saw how they looked at each other. That devotion in their eyes.

It was the same devotion that Alan and Cassandra had in their eyes.

I sighed. I guess time will tell about what they would do. After all I'm not planning to leave Southport and neither is Jason.

Ha, imagine my nephew having his first girlfriend in his life. I would be so proud of him.

His mother and father would be proud of him as well.

Then my thoughts went to Cassandra. And I had a glum look on my face.

I wonder about you Cassandra. I wonder about you a lot. That you really missed me, just as much as I have missed you.

I wonder if you know that...I still love you.

I still can't get her out of my head, and it's been six years already. How can I still think that way about her?

Because she's special to me, that's why. I mean...I know what I have almost done to her and I have lost control, but that never happened again like before.

We were always friends. Of course I still think that way about her.

Even with the guilt of not saving her in time and the fact that I still love her only made it worse.

What makes it more worse about it...Is...

Is that I never told Jason about it.

For six years, I never told him, never told him that I was in love with his mother. Ever since she died, I never told him.

I feel like I want to tell him, but how can I tell him that? Say that, 'yes I was in love with your mother and I also kissed her'. I mean, how could he take that from me?

He probably wouldn't take it well, I suppose.

Now that I think about it, since she and Alan died, she probably told him by now.

I wonder how Alan feels by the revelation?

I need to stop doing that to myself. I'll give myself a headache doing that. Not the first time that happened to me.

As I padded alongside April, she looked up at me and asked, "Hey Ben, did you hear me?"

I shook my head and looked down at her while I was walking, "What?"

April laughed and exclaimed, "Wow! Talk about being a space cadet. You haven't heard a word I said."

I laughed as well, "Sorry about that girl. I was having a lot on my mind this morning."

She grinned at me, "Still thinking about last night? When you gave your nephew and Emma a ride on your back?"

I nodded, "Oh yes. For the first time in a long time, Jason was riding with someone else on my back. He hasn't done that since he was a little boy."

I smiled to myself at the memories, "I remember more than once when he was little, he along with his parents would ride on my back. I could never forget the weight."

April nodded, "I could imagine. I still wonder what it would be like if I had wings." Then she playfully swatted at me, "For the record, you should have woke me up last night. I would have gone riding with you guys as well!"

I squawked and made a remark, "Aw come on, you were sleeping!"

She rolled her eyes, "Lame excuse."

I rolled my eyes as well, "Fine, but next time if I did wake you up from your nightly nap, don't pull a feather off of me."

April pointed a finger at me, "And next time, don't leave me behind when you go flying with Jason and Emma. I don't want to miss it."

I nodded and grinned at her, "Deal." Then we both giggled.

When continued to walk until I suggested, "Lets take a break. My feet are killing me right now."

April nodded and pointed a rock for her to sit on. Both of us went to it and I laid down on my stomach beside it and she just sat down on the rock.

Both of us sat down in silence very content. April sighed and I looked at her. I broke the silence by asking, "You alright?"

She nodded and looked at me, "Yeah, I'm fine. I was...Thinking about something."

I cocked my head at her, "About what?"

She shrugged her shoulders, "Nothing much. Just my family. My life. All that."

I lowered my head to her level and muttered, "You still haven't talked about your family yet. Ever since I started living near your house, you still haven't talked about them."

April closed her eyes and let out a sigh, "It's a very touchy subject."

I exclaimed, "Touchy? Well I have been around for a long time, and I know what a touchy subject is. It's not new to me."

April laughed, opened her eyes and she reached up to my face and stroked my feathers, "I knew you would know." After a second she put her hand down and looked down at her lap, "But it's still a touchy subject."

I asked with a my eyes full of concern, "You want to talk about it?"

She shook her head, "Not really. I...I have been through a lot in my years."

I nodded, "I can understand that." Then I raised my head and looked at the trees. Poor girl, must have lost her family. They probably did die.

April decided to change the subject and asked, "Hey Ben, can I ask you something?"

I took my gaze down at her, "What?"

"For a long time, for six years, why do you and Jason....Fight crime and save people?"

I smiled at her, "Because we were doing that to honor his family. After his parents died and all that. After we left, me and him decided to do good in this world and we have for six years."

I nodded to myself and went on, "Travelling from town to town, place to place, state to state, doing so much good in this world. At least, that's what would his parents would have wanted."

April hummed and said, "Well still, having Jason not go to school and all that stuff by travelling a lot, don't you think he should have graduated and went to college? I mean you did say he was...Fifteen when it happened."

I nodded, "Yes I did. But in all honesty, I wish he did have a normal life like before. With his parents. We were all so happy together."

April had a pity look on her face and reached out to touch my leg, "Look I'm not trying to hurt you or anything, but...How did they die?"

I sighed, "Well....They died in a car crash. Of course they were still alive when it happened. Jason was in the car when it happened. Jason was hardly ever hurt. But....Alan died in the explosion of the car and as for Cassandra..." I took a deep breath and muttered, "She was bleeding to death, and she died in my paw."

She was rubbing her hand on my leg, comforting me, "I'm sorry Ben."

I waved her off with my paw, "No it's okay. I guess no matter how long you live, you can't just forget about it."

April just stared at me and I frowned at her, "What?"

April didn't say anything and she said, "You know Ben...You really are pretty strange."

I cocked my head at her, "Excuse me?"

She said, "I can't quite figure it, I don't think you're telling me everything. Especially Cassandra. It's just when you bring her up, you have that look in your eyes."

I shrugged, "Well I did say she was my best friend, and we have hung out together a lot."

April replied, "Yes, you did say that." Then she shook her head, "But now I think there is something more to it than THAT."

I frowned at her, "What are you getting at girl?"

She nodded, took a deep breath and answered, "Ben...The way you have that look. I think you feel more than just being friends with her." Then she said softly, "I'm starting to think you....LIKED HER."

My eyes went wide and pulled my leg away from her hand. April still stared at me and muttered, "You do...Don't you? You liked Cassandra?"

I closed my eyes and hung my head in shame. I muttered, "You really have figured it out, huh?"

She shrugged, "Well...I guess so. I remember on the first night when you came to my house and how I said that you have soft feathers. I saw that look in your eyes, and I know that Cassandra said that to you. But you...Took it more than that."

I sighed without looking at her, "Look...I know how this looks...But...." I looked at her and said, "I did love her back then. Before and after Jason was born."

She asked, "What do you mean?"

"I mean, basically one day when I met first Cassandra, she really seemed different than my brother and my father. She seemed so nice to me."

She still stared at me and I went on, "You see, me and her we have always hung out together. We talked to each other about everything. I guess I thought she understood me more than Alan and father did. You would have liked her."

April asked, "So when did you realize that you...Liked her?"

I nodded, "It was one day, a few years after I've met her, outside her house near my cave. I found her crying all alone in the woods. So I comforted her while she was crying. I...I never wanted to see her cry."

April then softened her gaze while she listened and I went on, "Cassandra and Alan had a fight, and it was about having a kid. Cassandra was pregnant with Jason around that time. She and Alan were afraid to have one, because of their jobs. But I told her there was nothing to worry about, they would have been great parents."

She smiled at me and I said, "We talked to each other for a while." Then I giggled to myself, "She brought up the fact that I was like Superman to her. When I take her flying on my back. How she knows how caring I was to her and all that."

April giggled as well, "Superman? Well you do fly a lot, so I can see why she would think that way."

I giggled again, "Yeah and she also said she was like Lois Lane as well." I put a paw to my chest, "I remember when I was little, my father bought Superman comics and I read them. I still cannot believe she would call me Superman. Comparing us as Superman and Lois Lane. Pretty odd, if you ask me." Then I had a glum look on my face.

April asked, "Is that when you know you've loved her?"

I shook my head, "Well she did say I was like a hero to her, but no that wasn't it. I took her flying afterwards and that's when I realized I liked her. She's...She's so kind."

April looked down and only muttered, "Oh." Then she looked at me and asked, "Did you...Ever tell her?"

I stared at her and finally said, "About eleven years after Jason was born...I did tell her."

"What happened?"

I answered, "Lets just say that she and I both knew it wouldn't work out. She cared about me, but she loved Alan. And I never wanted to put her through all that." I looked away and said, "No, that's not all." I looked at her and said, "I...I tried to kiss her and she didn't want it."

April's eyes went wide, and I nodded, "I know, I know, it was wrong. But at first I didn't care, but afterward I felt pretty guilty. Me and her were still friends after that."

April softened her expression and I went on, "She told me that someone will find me one day. Someone else that I'll love. But how can that be possible? I hardly ever talk to other people because of what I am. No one wouldn't understand me. Not like you and Emma."

April started to feel sorry for me and I said, "When Cassandra died...It felt like I have killed her. I wanted to help her, but I couldn't. And when she died, another part in me died as well." I shut my eyes tight, trying not to cry, "The only person that I have ever loved has died six years ago and I couldn't save her."

April shook her head, "It's not your fault. It was just an accident. Accidents happen in cars."

I opened my eyes and took a deep breath, "But even I still feel guilty. And Jason lost his mother because of it. Even the way I loved her made me more guilty. I...I still can't get her out of my head. I didn't become Superman and save her, April. And even it's my fault when I tried to kiss her."

April gave me a comforting smile, "It's all in the past now."

I sighed, "I guess."

April asked, "Is that really why you left years ago with Jason? I mean...Is that why you don't talk to people afterward?"

I only muttered, "I didn't trust anybody, after we left our only home."

She shrugged, "Why?"

I tried to form words, but I couldn't. I wanted to tell her about what happened after Alan and Cassandra died. That some people in suits tried to kill us. But for some reason, I couldn't.

I guess, there are some things you really don't want to talk about. Especially about my feelings toward Cassandra. But I did tell her that, but I don't want to tell he another reason why me and Jason left.

April nodded getting the picture, "I take the silence means you don't want to talk about it."

I shook my head, "I...I'll tell you about it later. Just not now."

She nodded again, "Alright." Then she got up from the rock and stood in front of me, "I'm sorry you went through all that. I don't think it was fair for you and Jason."

I let out a long sigh, "I know." Then I asked her, "You...You don't really mind that I fell in love with Cassandra? You don't find this...Wrong?"

April thought about it by looking up at the tree branches. Finally she looked down and said, "Well....I guess it's understandable. You haven't talked to a lot of people and not to mention there aren't a lot of gryphons other than you to talk to as well. You told her how you've felt because she was the only girl you've talked to."

I slowly nodded, "Yes, and she's dead." Then I looked away from her, "I never told Jason all this, only you. You are the only person that I have told this to. And I can be honest...I feel more guilty by not telling him the truth about me and his mother."

April nodded and said, "You're afraid he wouldn't like the idea that you had..." She trailed off, but I knew what she was getting at.

I nodded again, "Yes." I looked at her, "I want to tell him all that. But I'm afraid he wouldn't forgive me for thinking that way about his mother. Jason trusts me more than anything and I don't want to lose him. He...He would just think I'm just a big bird whose also a freak."

She shook her head, "You're not a freak, you're just like us. You have feelings too."

I sighed, "So what am I suppose to do then? Tell him or just let it go?"

April got real close to me and put her hand on my chest, she said, "Well....I think you should tell him. You at least owe him the truth."

"And what if he doesn't like the truth?"

April rubbed her hand on my chest, "I don't know. But it's your choice when you have to tell him what happened between you and his mom. You care about him, don't you?"

I nodded and she went on, "Well I still think you should tell him. Be a uncle to him and at least tell him the truth. Don't feel guilty about it anymore." She backed away from my chest and said, "I honestly am happy that you had the courage that you told Cassandra how you've felt and I'm sorry for your loss." She gave me a smile, "No matter how different you are, you still told her. I think she was happy you did as well."

I closed my eyes and muttered, "She was happy I did tell her, let it all out. I love her April. I love Cassandra." Then a few tears started to fall out of my eyes.

April nodded, "I know and she knows that as well. And she also knows that it's not your fault that you didn't save her. She wouldn't want you to beat yourself up over her death and feel guilty about it."

I nodded, my voice trembling, "I...I know." I tried to hold back a sob.

April got close to me and she beckoned her hand down, "Lower your head, Ben."

I opened my eyes and lowered my head to her level. April slowly wrapped her arms around my head and me close to her chest. Her right hand stroking my face, "It's okay Ben. Let it out. I'm your friend now. I won't tell anyone this. Not even Jason."

Finally that drove me to the edge and I shut my eyes tight and cried into her chest. Sobbing loudly.

She comforted me by stroking my face still, cradling my head in her arms.

Her shirt was getting wet from all the tears. Finally after a long time I pulled my head away from her and looked at her face. She gave me a comforting smile and assured, "It's not your fault, Ben. It's not."

I stared at her until a smile formed at my beak. I said, "Thank you April."

April nodded and stroked my face again, "Anytime, you handsome gryphon."

I chucked and nuzzled her chest in return. I pulled away and she said, "And you know something Ben....You really are Superman. You may not have saved Cassandra, but you have saved countless lives for six years, including Emma. I think she would be very proud of you."

I nodded, "Thank you."

She backed away and sighed, "Well lets head back to the house and remember what I said. It wasn't your fault that Cassandra died, and you can tell Jason about your feelings towards his mother. Don't let the guilt bother you anymore."

I sighed, "I'll try, but no promises."

She nodded, "I know and just remember, I will always be your friend."

She whirled around and I said, "April." She stopped and I went on, "One day you can tell me about your family. Why are you alone and all that."

April sighed and looked over her shoulder, "I'll try, but no promises."

I laughed and she kept on walking. I got up on all fours and trotted behind her. As I walked behind her, I was just watching her.

Watching her curves, the way she walked.

Then I shook my head and kept my feelings under control.

Now hold on Ben, don't jump the gun yet. Just because she reminds you have Cassandra, doesn't mean you can go and develop an infatuation toward her.

Or can I?

I stopped in my tracks, wondering what am I thinking.

What am I doing? I can't think that way about her! Not after...What happened with me and Cassandra.

April said she would be my friend, but what would happen if she knew I was...Starting to like her?

Then a thought popped in my brain. Cassandra had told me once that someone else will come around and love me one day. That the person would find me one day.

Could...Could April be that person?

Well the other night after I took her on her first flight on my back, I did picture her as Cassandra in her place and she does remind me of her.

Maybe....

Maybe I should give it some time. I don't want to rush things.

Time will tell, time will tell.