“Lillian, don’t go anywhere. I have something I need to tell you; it’s very important.”
That was the phone call I got from Starla about a half hour ago. I was never very good at reading people, but I knew she had something on her mind; and I knew it couldn’t wait. So, I sat on the couch until she finally entered the door.
“Starla!” I said standing up. My roommate certainly looked nervous, as if she almost didn’t want to tell me. “Is something wrong?”
“Lillian,” Starla said, “I… I’m sorry, but I’ve kept a secret from you.”
“What? I thought we promised never to do that!” I shouted.
“I know, I know;” Starla said, “and I’m going to make up for it right now, if you’ll allow me.”
I at least owed her that much, seeing as how this was the first secret she’s withheld since our promise in second grade; and given her state, it must be significant. “Alright,” I said, “go ahead and tell me.”
“It’s something I have to show you.” Starla said before turning her back to me and removing her shirt. “Brace yourself, this may frighten you.”
I watched as Lillian winced and a pair of lumps started to form on her back, one on each shoulder blade. I collapsed back onto the couch as pinkish-white feathers covered the lengthening limbs. “Wings?” I thought to myself. As they grew off to her sides, I could make out the bend of two joints, which divided the wings into equal thirds. When they finally finished, I saw that the wingspan was easily one-and-a-half times her height.
Starla folded her wings up and turned around. I was still in shock. “I’m still me, just with a couple extra limbs.”
Finally I stood up “Are you… an angel?”
Starla shook her head. “I know I’m not an angel, but I’m not certain what to call myself.”
I walked over to her and gave her a hug. “I’ll still call you my friend if that’ll help.”
Starla hugged me back and wrapped her wings around me. “Thanks!” she said as she shed a tear.
“Still, why wait until now to show this to me?” I asked.