Flight of the Eagle novel (Chap. 8-9)

CHAPTER EIGHT

 

Adam couldn’t wait to share his weekend news. But, on Monday morning his school chums weren’t very excited about eagle stories.

“You should’ve seen the fantastic sights I saw,” Adam kept saying. He had never seen eagles in Ontario. And here, well…they seemed in plentiful supply.

“That’s the problem,” his best friend Paul said at recess. “They’re flying around all the time here. So why say, ‘Ooh-la-la’ every time we spot one?”

“But they’re different,” Adam answered. “I mean, I saw them up really close. They weren’t just dots in the sky. They did tricks, and…I was almost close enough to touch one.”

“Tricks, huh? Like bungee jumping for fish?  Paul asked in a mocking tone. “Give me a break,” he said then headed back at the ring of the school bell.

“You don’t understand,” Adam called after his departing friend. “They were awesome. The way they danced in the sky. It was beautiful,” he whispered.

Adam knew everyone was staring.

Some might think he was weird or something. Comments about him began before his grandparents took him on their “eagle watch” trip to Sheffield Mills. It wasn’t his fault the teacher said nice things about his eagle project last month.

He deserved it. Especially after all the research he had done.

When he brought home a 1^st Place red ribbon, everyone was proud.

“You did it,” grandma said, giving him a motherly hug.

“Great work, son,” dad added. “I didn’t think you had it in you.”

“Copycat,” Melanie said with a smile. She had won in the same category several years before.

“Did you win money?” Colin had asked.

“NOOO. You don’t win money for that,” Adam answered.

“Just glory,” mom and dad said with pride.

When Paul realized Adam was serious about eagles, they became good friends. And he asked his parents if Adam could come to see their eagle nest. It was on their ten-acre property beside Economy River.

“This is better than eating chocolate ice cream,” Adam said. The nest was massive.

“It’s much larger than when my mom and dad first brought me,” Paul said.

The nest was about nine feet across and five feet high. Some branches were three feet long. Paul said the inside was lined with green foliage.

“I got that information at the library,” he said.

“So you do research on eagles too,” Adam said quickly. It was neat to see how the nest snuggled into the crook of a huge spruce. Massive branches spread out as two thick fingers. One kept brushing against the side of a sheer cliff.

“Their location is really cool,” he said.

Unknown to both boys, a huge male bald eagle was observing them. He was on his own eagle tree perch a little further down the valley. Piercing eyes could detect the slightest movement even from that distance.

Adam learned much about eagles, from his friendship with Paul. But right now he could see two young eagles poking heads from the nest.

He wished he had the courage to climb up and look inside. Maybe even pat one of them. Now that would be the story of a lifetime. Just thinking about it gave him goose bumps.

Eagles had become Adam’s special bird of the forest. And Paul’s family property was his favorite eagle-watching place.

Mother eagle observed them carefully. And sensed the boys would never harm her babies.

After a period of time, Adam became a familiar figure to the eagles. He was easy to see, with his yellow backpack slung over his shoulders. 

He wished his brother and sister would come and see these sights.

“I don’t like the bugs,” Melanie answered. Colin preferred to stay home and play with his friends.

 “Are you coming, Adam?” intruded into his thoughts. It meant the end of another trip in the woods with his friend. A supper of baked beans and Johnnycake was waiting at Paul’s home.

Adam wished he could watch the eagle nest longer. But he reluctantly followed his friend. “Race you back!” was a hearty challenge no boy could resist. Their parents were waiting by the road at five o’clock as promised.

“Did you have fun, boys?” they asked.

“YESSS!” returned as one voice. It was nice being trusted to spend a few hours by the river. The boys were of the same age, and responsible enough to be left alone for a few hours. 

After that hearty run Adam was glad it was suppertime. He didn’t mind when Paul won the race.

There was always the next time.

 

 

CHAPTER NINE

 

By now Adam’s name was on everyone’s lips at school. When he first arrived as “the new boy” last September, he had to prove himself.

Stories of his weekend’s adventure had made the rounds. He had finally gained a place within the circles of conversation.

His new Honor Roll included a nickname. “Hey, ‘Eagle-boy,’ “ was first used with chuckles. Then it became just another name. To be honest, Adam rather liked it.

            Others were jealous of his newfound status. And they made sure he knew it. Those who called him “Birdie” or “Bird-brain” intended to be nasty. There was a bit of jealousy against this Ontario kid who had moved here. 

            At first the serious teasing bothered him. “Mom? Dad? Why are they calling me those names?” he asked.

            “You’ll get over it,” dad said.

            “When they grow more mature they’ll stop being so silly,” mom added.

            “Everyone at school gets called some kind of name,” Grandma Esther added. “Even nasty ones like “Birdie-brain,” she smiled.

            “So, what do you think Colin? Everyone has an opinion. What’s yours?” Dad asked.

Colin didn’t have anything to say right away. But he did think about it while lying in bed. And the next morning at breakfast, he gave his opinion.

“Tell them about your eagle collection,” Colin said.

Dad spilled his coffee.

Grandma and grandpa laughed loudly.

The others were unable to say a word. Colin’s suggestion was the best advice everyone had heard on the subject of bullying.

            “Great idea!” Adam shouted. “Grandma? OK if I invite some of my friends over after school?”

            “Sure, Adam.”

            “Okay with us,” mom and dad joined in.

Breakfast was soon finished and everyone prepared to head off in different directions. Mom had to go shopping. Grandma needed to do some baking. And dad was anxious to review his store plans.

Grandpa planned to stay home and read.

            “Colin? I’ll walk you to school, OK?” Adam said shyly. “Dad doesn’t have to drive you, today.”

            Everyone watched in amazement. It looked like the beginning of a new bond of friendship between two brothers.

            “I wish I had thought of that idea,” Melanie said.“ Oh well, friends were waiting. Her new pair of jeans should catch their attention.

            From a large window in the living room, adults watched Adam. He had his hand on his little brother’s shoulder as they strolled along. If only they could have seen the sparkle in Colin’s eyes.

The younger boy tilted his head upwards proud of a brother like Adam.

Later that same night…

“Hey man. These eagle feathers all yours? LOOKIT the size of them, WILLYA?” Adam’s classmates, Tim and Ryan were fascinated.

A variety of eagle photographs were in multi-colored frames. And plastic models and eagle footprint tracks were in moulds. They all hung or sat in various places in Adam’s room.

            His small library also had a variety of books on eagles. He proudly showed his friends each part of his collection. There were badges and stamps from other countries as well as cloth patches depicting eagles.

He even had a picture of President Bill Clinton, with the presidential seal of an eagle behind him.

            The boys made plans to go hiking on Saturday in search of more eagle sightings. Adam was pleased to see his friends so interested in his hobby.

            Ryan and Tim were to ask each of their parents to consider driving them. “Maybe they could take turns. Someone to bring us and someone to come get us,” suggested Tim.

“Nah, no adults. Let’s just go for a walk. Very far Adam?” Ryan asked.

“We could take our bikes up to Dyke Lake,” Adam suggested. “It’s only about half a kilometer. Our neighbor, Mr. Williams owns a cottage there. Maybe have a swim after checking on the eagles.”

“Sounds okay.” the boys answered.

Plans were made, a food list drawn up and excited voices talked about future trips together. “Don’t forget the bathing suits!” someone shouted. Their planned trip created a stronger link between friends.

Adam was sure things were going to be a lot better in school.