Read Indigo Incite (The Indigo Trilogy) for Free Online Page B

overflowed with brown paper packages of all shapes and sizes.
When he set them on the table, Liliana’s nose told her that, along with the
vendors he visited for herbs and plants, he had also visited the fish market.
    He
peered over her shoulder. “What do you have here, my granddaughter?”
    She
responded in his native language. “It flew into the window. Its wing was broken,
but I think I might have healed it. I was going to let it rest for a minute and
then see if it’s okay.”
    She
carried the sparrow to the balcony and her grandfather followed to open the
door. After she set it outside, they stood together in the doorway to watch. It
sat for a moment and twisted its head sideways to look up at her. Then it
stood, took flight, and landed on the power line. Two other sparrows flew in
and landed beside it. The birds remained on the line for a few moments, and
then Liliana and her grandfather watched as they flew away in unison.
    As they
continued to look out the window, he put an arm around her shoulders. “You
know, my dear child, our culture holds value and symbolism behind birds. They
are seen as messengers.”
    Liliana
looked up at her grandfather, who stood just a few inches taller than her own
height of five foot one. “You think the bird was sent as a messenger?”
    He
looked down at his granddaughter. “I would not take this event lightly. Why do
you think this bird came to you? It was not a coincidence. You have given this
bird a second chance at life. Remember what I have always said. What you put
out into the world will come back to you. This bird could represent a life-changing
event. Stay aware and good things will come your way.”
    Liliana
smiled. She had been born in America and loved the American culture and all
that it had to offer, but she also valued her Chinese culture and always took
heed to what her grandfather had to say. Good things will come your way ,
he had said. She repeated his words to herself, as she headed out the door for
school, and wondered at their meaning. When she stepped out to the sidewalk,
the damp wind chilled her to the bone. She tightened her coat and headed to the
corner to wait for the bus, optimistic and open to the day that awaited her.
     
    *****
    Liliana
and Aimee shared their last class of the day, English Writing, and after the
final bell, they made their way downstairs. With hats and gloves donned, they
were immediately assaulted by the frigid wind when they exited the double doors
and stood atop the concrete steps of the old brick building. The day had become
slightly overcast, and there was no doubt that the temperature had dropped to
below freezing.
    “Hey, I
see my mom parked down there,” Aimee said. “Do you want a ride home?”
    “No,
that’s okay. It’s out of the way. I don’t want to inconvenience her. I’ll walk
down with you though.”
    When her
mother saw their approach, she got out of the car and walked around to the
sidewalk to give Liliana a hug. “Hi, Liliana. Did Aimee tell you that you’re
welcome to stay with us, while your parents are gone?”
    “She
did. Thanks for the offer. I told her that I’d talk with my grandfather about
it, when I get home. I’ll give you guys a call tonight and let you know what he
says.”
    “Great!
We’re having spaghetti tonight, so if you’re interested, we’d love to have you!
I’d be happy to stop by and pick you up.”
    “Thanks
so much, I really appreciate the offer.” Her mom got back in the car and
Liliana turned to Aimee. “I’ll give you call in a little bit.”
    Her
friend opened the car door and climbed in. “Okay. Ask him right when you get
home, all right? See ya!” She waved and then closed the door against the cold.
    Liliana
waved goodbye and then turned to head for the bus stop. She stopped when a car,
parked across the street, caught her attention. Just as she looked over, two
guys stepped out of the vehicle. They closed their doors and seemed to stare
directly at her.
    At