• Chapter One
    “Iggy?” there was a hint of complaint in Nudge’s voice as she squeezed his hand gently. “Mm?” Iggy replied. “Did Max give you any money? I’m staaarving.” A groan following. Yep, typical Nudge. Iggy let out a nearly inaudible sigh then opened his mouth to reply when Nudge cut him off. “Look! There’s a vendor up ahead!” She was pointing excitedly across the busy Manhattan street. She spun around to look at Iggy, a big, high-hoped smile on her face. If Iggy could see he would have been glaring at her, instead there was a sour look on his face. “No, I can’t look.” Nudge’s smile slowly faded. “Oh…right…sorry…I forgot. I just got really excited. Point is, it’s up ahead and selling food. Did Max give you any money?” A worry filled her big eyes like she would die if she didn’t get some food that instant. Iggy sighed and stuck his hand in his pocket, digging around. After what seemed like a life time for Nudge he pulled out some cash and handed her a ten dollar bill. “Put it in your pocket so you don’t lose it on the way.” Nudge’s expression became confused. “Aren’t you coming too?” “I’m a bit worn out. I was gonna have you find me a place to sit while you went over and bought some food.” Nudge squeezed his hand, “But what if something happens?” Iggy chuckled, “Well then I hope you come back for me.” Nudge laughed a bit with him. “Kay. There’s a place over here.” She guided him over to the handrail on a set of steps in front of a business-looking building. “Do you want anything, Iggy?” Nudge inquired. He gently shook his head, his stringy, orangish blondish hair swaying with the motion. “Okay, I’ll be right back. Stay here!” He nodded his head once as she skipped away.

    Chapter Two
    Iggy was lost in a world of his own, indulging himself in all the new sounds of the city. His incredible hearing let him decipher each and every passing sound: taxi cab, pedestrian footsteps, the mindless chatter of passersby, a pigeon flying above him, cooing. It was so amazing; it was like the symphony of the city. He was so caught up in it all that he didn’t realize someone was scooching over next to him. “Umm, excuse me?” Iggy jumped, startled, sucking in a quick breath of air. “Oh! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to startle you!” It was coming from his right. It was definitely a girl’s voice, perhaps around 13 or 14. Her apology sounded sincere. Iggy laughed nervously, “I-it’s fine. Don’t worry about it.” The girl frowned as he kept his gaze straight ahead. “I’m Madi.” She smiled big as she held out her hand. Iggy smiled, relieved to meet someone outside of the flock who wasn’t ready to tear him limb from limb or drag him back to the School. “Iggy, I’m Iggy.” He smiled as he turned his unseeing gaze downward. Madi frowned again and hesitantly waved her hand in front of Iggy’s face. Nothing. Frowning even more she waved her hand more vigorously. Still nothing. She took a deep breath slowly, knowing exactly what she wanted to ask but felt afraid and ashamed to do so. Feeling her tension he answered for her, “Yeah, I’m blind. Sorry for the disappointment.” He sounded a bit down figuring she would think he was weird. The girl was nervous but curious to know, “W-were you born blind?” Iggy shifted a bit amazed she hadn’t booked it by now. “No, ermm,” he didn’t want to tell her the truth or she really would have been gone, “uhh, ch-childhood accident.” He grimaced hoping she bought it. “Oh, I’m sorry,” there was a pause, “Say, why are you out here alone?” Iggy smiled, “Nope. I told you something about me. It’s your turn. Why are you out here?” “Well,” Madi scooted closer as Iggy tensed feeling slightly shy, “I’m on my own…err more like I’ve been on my own for about a month now.” Iggy turned his head slightly, in her direction. Seeing almost all his face, Madi turned away her cheeks alighting bright pink. He was really cute. “Why are you on your own? If you don’t mind me asking.” Madi smiled, happy someone wanted to listen, “Well, actually I ran away. I lived in a foster home and my foster parents were holding me back. I was expected to be somebody I’m not. I felt trapped, so I left.” Madi shrugged seeming indifferent about it. “might I ask why you were in a foster home? No, wait…don’t answer that I’m being intrusive.” Iggy quickly shut his mouth feeling embarrassed. “No, don’t feel that way. You’re curious and you want to know.” Madi smiled, daring a quick peek at his face, “Please, let me tell you.” Iggy smiled, “Well if you really want to. I’m all ears.” Madi smiled at his response, tucking a lock of her dark blonde hair behind her ear, “Well…”
    Nudge suddenly appeared, a box of popcorn in her hand. She looked from the girl to Iggy then from Iggy to the girl. Shoving a handful of popcorn in her mouth she asked, “Iggy, who’s this?” Excitement filled her eyes with the thought of a new friend. “I’m Madi.” Madi quickly held out her hand which Nudge took in her own shaking it. “I’m Nudge How do you know Iggy?” You could just feel the excitement rolling off of her. Madi took back her hand which Nudge had still been holding on to. “Actually, I just met him and how do you know Iggy?” Iggy shifted around a bit, remaining silent as he listened to the girls’ conversation. Nudge moved over and plopped down on the step next to Madi, her body half turned so she could see both the girl and Iggy. “Well, I’m kinda like his little sister. There’s more we consider our family. We’re just out looking for a reliable food store.” Nudge smiled as Madi looked at Iggy then Nudge. “Where are your guys’s parents?” Nudge quickly replied, “Mines is in Arizona!—“ Iggy swiftly corrected her, “We’re not sure.” Madi played with the hem on her shirt, “I’m sorry.” She lowered her head sympathetically. Iggy, with his amazing senses, place his hand on her knee and squeezed it gently, “Don’t worry about it.” He turned his head in her direction, smiling with reassurance. She stared at his hand on her knee and flushed a crimson red. His hand was so warm. Nudge quickly brought her back to reality, “Hey Madi, do you know what time it is?” Madi looked at the watch on her wrist as Iggy removed his hand from her knee. “4:06” she announced. Iggy muttered a cuss word under his breath. “Nudge, we gotta go.” Nudge looked over at Iggy, “But what about Madi?” Madi held her hands up in opposition, “Oh, I’m fine. Please don’t worry about me.” Iggy had been standing up already. After remembering she had no home he placed his hand on her shoulder, “Come with us. I insist. It’s always nice to have friends you can depend on.” He smiled in her direction making her blush. “Well..if you insist and it’s really no trouble. I could use some friends.” “None at all.” He held out his hand for her to take and she did.