I land on the porch and fold in my numb wings. I open the door, and three heads spin my way. Three? I freeze. My dad smiles.
"Tayler! This is Claire." He says, releasing her hand. A replacement. I step back, staring at my dad. I don't know what to think. He's replacing my mother...but she probably makes him happy...I inhale and step back into the house, staying calm.
"Hello." I give a half smile to Claire. She smiles at me and stands up with my father.
"You must be Taylor! You're fathers told me so much about you!" She says, walking towards me. I scratch my wing, awkwardly. She sees my wings and her smile fades faintly. I smile and walk into my bedroom. I don't care much for new mothers, let alone ones who will judge me for the freak show I am. Jack follows me and closes the door. I sigh.
"He's replacing-"
"It's making him happy, Taylor. It's been 10 years." He says before i finish. I plop onto my bed, ripping my hoodie off. He rubs my wings like he does when I'm stressed. I gently smack him with one to tell him to buzz off. I nod, and bite my lip.
"Yea, I'm realizing that. Besides, it's not my choice who he can love." I say. "Let's give the man some freedom." I decide, slowly. Jack smiles at me.
"I'm proud of you." He rubs my shoulder now, relaxing my tense muscles. I smack him again. He chuckles.
"Alright, alright." He says, dropping his hand into his lap. I grab my pillow and squeeze.
"If i hadn't lost control, he would be happy without Claire!" I screech. The house goes silent. Even in the kitchen, where Claire and my father sit. Jack wraps an arm around me.
"It's not you're fault." He says. I lean into his embrace and sigh. "I know you. My best friend could do no wrong." He says softly. I smile.
"Awe, knock it off, Jack." I say. He chuckles.
"No, I'm serious! You'll never be alone while I'm around, okay? And I'm not going anywhere."