A Blue Jay Named Jayden

A Blue Jay Named Jayden

Lord Jayden, his human friends call him “J” for short. Jayden is a blue jay, who lived as a pet to a family of royalties. One day, Jayden’s human brother decided it is time for Jayden to fly away and be on his own. So, the little boy took Jayden out of its cage and allow him to fly out through the open window; never to return.

Jayden flew nonstop until he found a nice branch to sit on to rest his wings. He looked around his surroundings and realized he has flown into the deepest part of the forest. With his keen eyes, he can see from a great distance a village not far away. But first, he wanted to rest awhile before moving on.

Time passed, and Jayden’s belly grumbled. He looked around and noticed other birds were eating berries. Jayden flew over to where the others were feasting. He tried his first berry. It was delicious. Now his belly is full and ready to continue with his flight over to the nearby village.

Jayden landed in someone’s beautiful garden. The garden had tall trees, flowers, and a vegetable garden. The garden is full of color, with different aromas from flowers. He noticed other animals and birds like himself. But Jayden has a secret. He wasn’t an ordinary blue jay. He’s a unique bird, magical, and wise; he has mystic powers. Jayden realizes he gave affection and attention to the wrong people. Jayden hopes he finds a new home soon because it is getting dark outside and too cool for his taste. He will have to find a human who he can trust.

It didn’t take long before someone entered the garden. Jayden turned his attention to the old man who is tending his garden. Jayden flew closer to get this man’s attention. Jayden sitting on a lower branch sang a song from his tiny heart. The old man picked his head up to find where the chirping is coming from. He saw Jayden and smiled. The old man chirped back at Jayden. Jayden laughed out loud. The old man looked at Jayden with astonishment then went back to pulling weeds.

Jayden asked the old man. “Do you really chirp back to birds?” The old man jumped out of his sit. He couldn’t believe that a beautiful blue jay spoke words. The old man laughed at the thought. Jayden spoke again. “Why did you jump from your seat, sir?” The old man scurried back inside his house. Jayden followed him. The old man wasn’t fast enough because Jayden made it through the doors before, he could close them. The old man went into a different room to sit down. Jayden followed him in there.

The old man spoke out loud. “Did a bird just spoke words to me? Can’t be, I’m hearing things. I know that I’m getting senile but not to this extent.” Jayden replied. “You heard me talk, sir. My name is Lord Jayden, but you can call me Jay for short. I am a rare avian breed of bird. For centuries, the royals have procreated talking blue jays.” The old man’s jaw dropped.

The old man replied. “You came from royals? Why did you pick me? I can’t believe I am talking to a blue jay.” Jayden laughed and replied. “I chose you because I know I can trust you. I lost my original home with the royals because their little boy didn’t want me anymore. I have done nothing wrong, sir. I have no home and nowhere to go.”

The old man replied. “My name is Alfred. You have a home. You live here now Jay. My home is your home now, welcome.” Jayden answered. “Thank you, sir! I was getting worried. Honestly, I can’t stay in your garden after a certain time because I’m not used to it and it gets too cool outside. Being warm is more my thing. I hope you don’t mind.”

The old man replied. “No, I don’t little fella. You must be hungry.” Jayden answered. “Yes, I’m starving. But I must tell you, sir, no one other than yourself should know that I can talk.” Alfred asked. “What happens if someone else finds out?” Jayden answered. “I will lose all of my mystical powers; including the ability to talk.”

Alfred and Jayden were inseparable together. They did everything together. One afternoon, on a warm summer day. Alfred needed supplies from the only market in his village. As Alfred loaded his wagon, Jayden perched himself on top of the seat watching. Jayden loved going places with Alfred, it was so exciting. Alfred checked his pockets to make sure he had his grocery list and his gold pieces. He saw Jayden ready and smiled.

It took about one hour and a half to reach the market. It was a nice distance from his house. When they arrived; Alfred greeted the owner and handed him his grocery list. The owner grabbed a potato sack and filled the bag with Alfred’s order. While waiting for their groceries, someone entered the market. Jayden knew who he was. He didn’t see him for three years since he allowed him to fly out the window.

However, the little boy who didn’t want Jayden anymore grew up some. He saw the bird happily perched on Alfred’s shoulder and wanted to say something but kept it to himself. He looked like he was going to have an outburst. So, Alfred paid for his sack of groceries; walked towards his wagon. Alfred and Jayden were on their way home.

In the end, Jayden decided not to hold any grudges against the little Prince because he gave him the best gift he could ask for… Alfred. Someone who returns the affection and attention that a bird could ever ask for.