"My parents are not my real parents. But, I wasn't exactly adopted either. I'm a fairy, and sometimes when fey children are born they can be sick or dying. I was one of those babies. My fey parents swapped me with a human infant so they could have a healthy child. They put glamour on me to appear as if I were a rosy pink baby and left me in the cradle in her room. My human parents were not supposed to ever know the difference and I would die from what seemed like natural causes. No one would be the wiser," she explained, her eyes were far away like she was picturing everything as she said it.
"How do you know this?" I asked her. Surely she couldn’t really remember when she was that young.
"Well, I don't know for sure, but I’ve been researching this almost my whole life. That’s what fairies do. It explains everything. Mom and Dad did have a newborn child before I came into the mix, and I was sick when I was a baby," she continued. "But they wouldn't give up on me. They had been trying for years to have a baby with a lot of failed attempts. When they finally managed to have one, my Mom nearly died in child birth and the doctors told her she could never have babies again.
So, when I became sick, they did everything in their power to make me better. Dad had the best doctors in the country looking at me. But nothing worked. I had a terrible cough, ear infections, the whole works. I was ill for well over a year, when my Mom finally went to extreme measures. She found this witch doctor guy and had him come to the house. After examining me, he told them that I was allergic to metal and that I needed lots of plants in the house to cleanse the air," she laughed to herself at that part.
"He knew what I was of course, but he didn't tell them in fear that they wouldn't want me anymore. Mom and Dad got rid of the almost all of the metal objects in the house and filled it with plants and flowers, my nursery looked like a greenhouse."
"That’s why you had to have the apartment this way," I realized, looking around at all of the plants that nearly filled the apartment. "So, your parents, they still don't know?" I asked.
"Oh, no, they know now. Remember that summer when we were twelve?" she asked me.
"Yeah, the only summer we ever spent apart. You went to camp." But, as I said it, I realized that it was obviously a lie.
"I was in the back yard one day, lying in the sun, when I dropped my glamour somehow. I didn't even know until my Mom looked out the window and saw me. She started screaming and ran out to get me. At first she was freaked out, but Dad calmed her down. They sat with me in the living room, just staring at me and whispering to each other. They decided to call that witch doctor again to see if he could help. And he did. They sent me away with him for the summer and he taught me to control my glamour and to even change it to how I wanted it to look. He was a fairy of course, a troll actually. He was banished from Faerie and lived as a solitary fey here in Iron World disguised as a medicine doctor. He treated humans and fairies alike and he was the only fairy I had ever known, until now." She smiled and looked at Lattie.
"Wow. So, that explains how when you came back from camp it was like you had matured years over just one summer," I pointed out. "You just made yourself look like that?"
Julie just nodded.
"You say he disguises himself as a medicine doctor?" Lattie asked.
"Yeah, but I don't know where he is now. He may not even be alive anymore for all I know," Julie replied.
Lattie smiled a big smile. "No, I think he is very much alive."
"What do you mean?" I asked. "Do you know a troll who lives in Iron World as a doctor?"
"Yes, I do. And so do you," she said, matter-of-factly. "He saved your life last night."
"Oliver, the same troll that saved me last night, saved Julie when she was a baby?" I looked to Julie then and she shrugged her shoulders.
"This is a strange coincidence," I thought out loud. "But it explains how he knew CPR. I mean, that can't be something that fairies usually know, right?" I asked.
"It's true; fairies don't need to know things like that," Julie confirmed. "But back on the topic of us. Avery, are you totally freaked out by this? I'll move out if you think it will be a problem."
"God, no, Jules, this is your apartment. If anyone moves out it will be me," I insisted. Her face fell when I talked about moving out. "But, I’m not going to. You're still the same Julie that I have known and loved my entire life. So now you're a fairy, big deal. Besides, it's not like I am new to this," I said and looked at Lattie. She smiled and beamed proudly from the upside down cup that she sat on.
"Yeah, about that," Julie replied. "I can't believe that you have been housing a sprite and didn't tell me! She's adorable."
"Thanks!" Lattie chirped.
This was all so strange, but it was better than this morning. I think can deal with this. At least now I don't have to hide Lattie.
"So, can you do any magic?" I asked
Julie blushed and snapped her fingers. Suddenly, my coffee began to twirl and rise up from my cup in front of my face like a tiny tornado. I watched in amazement as it swirled in the air before me, creating whimsical swishes until it poured itself back into my mug.
I stared into my coffee cup, not believing what I just saw. I could feel Julie’s unsure eyes watching me and waiting for my reaction.
"That is so cool!" I cried. "What else can you do?"
The three of us laughed and sat at the table for a few hours after that, just talking about magic and sipping coffee. I couldn't help but realize how bizarre my life really had become since I moved to the city. I had an impossible dream job and boss, my new roommate is a sugar addicted sprite and my best friend is an orphan fairy. Moving to the city, I thought that school, a new home and surroundings would be hard to adjust to and that I would miss my simple little life in the country. But it was the furthest thing from my mind, and I think that’s okay now. Everyone goes to college eventually, but not everyone can say they know real life mythical creatures.
Chapter Eighteen-Unveiling
The rest of my week flew by. I was busy getting things ready for the gallery that weekend. It was becoming second nature to see sparkly wings in my apartment each time I came home. Lattie had free range of the place and Julie no longer felt that she had to hide herself from me. Her appearance didn’t seem so scary now that I knew the truth. I found that the way she looked was the only thing that changed about her; she was still the same old Julie, still my best friend. I wondered if she would ever tell Will, since they were sort of dating now.
I stood in front of my mirror, modeling myself to make sure that I looked nice enough for the showing. I was so nervous. It was my first big show, and I was more involved in this one than any others that Celadine had directed. I sighed and told myself that I would be just as nervous no matter what I wore, so I grabbed my purse as I made my way out to the apartment.
"Avery, you look so pretty!" Lattie chirped in her childlike voice. Her wings fluttered in my ear as she came and sat on my shoulder. "I wish that I could come."
"I wish you could too, but there will be too many people there. I wouldn't be able to take care of you," I said guiltily, Lattie just wanted to be part of everything we did, she hated being left out. "How about we all go for a walk tomorrow down at the beach?" I offered.
"Okay, as long as you promise.”
“Sure,” I promised. She always insisted on me promising everything, as if it would bind me to the agreement the way it would for a fairy. Sometimes, I wondered if Lattie forgot that I’m only a human. Just then, Julie emerged from her bedroom all ready to go.
"Will said he's meeting us there," she told me. "You look awesome! Are you ready to go?"
I sighed. "Yep, ready as I’ll ever be I guess."
Julie threw her arm over my shoulder as we headed for the door. "Don't worry, tonight will be great. And Max will be jealous. It'll be fantastic!"
We laughed and said good bye to Lattie who
was rummaging through the cupboards for cookies.
I was so excited. I hadn't seen the gallery in days, Celadine wouldn't let me. She claimed that she was going to gage the level of work that she had done on my reaction. I don't know why she cares so much about my opinion, but she does. It's strange, actually, how she is someone whom I look up to and idolize so much. I look to her for inspiration and guidance and yet, in the end, she sometimes needs guidance herself.
We were nearing the gallery now. Julie and I decided to walk since it wasn’t far and the night was beautiful and warm. I glanced over at her walking next to me. She was so stunning, and I bet she didn't even realize it. Her platinum blonde hair was done in loose curls and trailed down her back. Her black, strapless dress was fitted to her body as if it was tailor made for her and the gold pumps finished the outfit. I wondered how much of it was glamour? She smiled at me and squeezed my hand.
"Are you excited?" she asked me.
"Yes, and nervous, I don't quite know what my role is. I know that Celadine will be hosting and doing most of the talking, so what do I do? Am I at work tonight or am I a guest? I'm freaking' out here!" Suddenly I was re-thinking my outfit after realizing how amazing Julie looked. I decided on a pair of white skinny jeans, black sequined top and black pumps. Maybe I have time to go back and change? No, that's ridiculous.
"Hey, don't worry Ave," she assured me. "You look amazing and you are amazing. We’re going to go in there; I’ll mosey around while you go do your thing. Go find Celadine right away and see what she wants you to do, piece of cake." Julie was always so good at making me see clearly, even over the silliest things. She bent down and picked up a loose flower from the sidewalk. I eyed her curiously as she took my hand and kissed my wrist and then the flower too.
Suddenly, the flower began to twist and grow like a vine around my wrist. I stood there in astonishment as I stared at what was now a beautiful woven bracelet that matched the one Tess gave me.
"Thank you," I said in awe. “You know, this magic best friend thing is pretty cool.”
“Yeah, I know,” Julie kidded.
As we approached the curb in front of the gallery, we both stopped and gawked in amazement. The large front lawn had enormous stone fountains on either side of the walkway that divided it. Lining each side of the walkway were huge white spheres the size of beach balls that hung from a clear line to give the impression that they were floating. The spheres were covered in feathers or something, and each one had a white light inside that illuminated the walkway leading up to the grand entrance which was framed by two large white marble pillars. A couple of the musicians that I had booked were off to the side playing a harp and piano to classical music.
"Wow," said Julie. "I feel like I’m in a dream or heaven or something."
"Yeah, totally," I agreed, looking around with my jaw wide open. "Celadine really out did herself."
When we entered the gallery there was so much more to be seen. Celadine had used the black silk fabric that I bought to drape the walls and create a background for each art piece. About a dozen round tables were covered in white linens and loaded with exotic fruits and other fancy foods I didn't know. Some more of the feathery spheres dangled from the cathedral ceilings at different lengths and the other musicians played in the corner. I felt as if I were at a fancy ball or something. Everyone was dressed for the part. Suits and ties with evening gowns surrounded us as I searched for Celadine.
"Hey, I’m going to head over to the fruit table," Julie whispered. "You gonna be okay?"
"Yeah, I think I see her over there. I'll come find you after."
I made my way over to the main exhibit where Celadine was standing talking to a few very rich looking people. She wore a thin, silky white dress that flowed down her body like water and pooled on the floor. It contrasted with her long black dread locks beautifully. As I approached, she looked me in the eyes, waiting for my reaction. I just smiled the biggest goofy smile that I could and gave her thumbs up. She laughed and waved for me to come over, and as I did, I passed by a group of people from my class.
"Hey guys!" I greeted. "Welcome to the gallery, enjoy the showing and help yourselves to any of the drinks or food." They thanked me and dispersed around to the food tables. The only one who didn't leave was Max.
"Oh, hi," I said flatly. "Are you having a good time?"
"Yeah, it's not so bad. Your boss can really pull a show together. Everything looks amazing," Max replied. "Obviously you never had much to do with it."
I’ve never had to literally fight the urge to slap another human being in my life, but Max has come dangerously close way too many times. I was about to throw an insult her way when someone laid a chilly hand on my shoulder.
"Avery, darling, there you are!" Celadine cried and gave me a peck on the cheek. She had her group of rich clients with her. "This girl right here is my pride and joy. She picked out the entire decor you know? And she arranged this beautiful music and the delicious food and drinks," she bragged to everyone, but I knew she meant it for Max.
"Avery darling, make your way around and meet people. Have some fun!" she insisted as she handed me a glass of champagne. She gave me a quick wink and I gave her a thankful smile and went on my way without even looking back at Max. I'm sure she was the prettiest shade of red though.
I made my way through the crowd, shaking hands and making small chit chat. The exhibit seemed to be a hit. Then I spotted Julie and Will standing by a black and white painting, looking at it curiously.
"It's a portrait of a woman," I told them.
"Oh, we thought it was a bunch of ghosts," admitted Will innocently.
"No you thought it were a bunch of ghosts, I thought it was a garden...or something," Julie said, unsure.
I laughed at my friends. "It’s abstract, everyone sees it differently. Are you guys having a good time?" I asked. "Will, you clean up real nice!" He was wearing a black suit with no tie and fancy black shoes. His messy hair was slicked back and neat. I eyed Julie who was beaming with excitement. I guess she agreed. Will blushed and turned to Julie.
"What do you think?" he asked shyly.
She blushed herself, smiled and shrugged. "Eh, you're alright."
Just then, I noticed a face through the crowd behind my two friends. I hadn't seen this face at all tonight so I wondered who she was. No one else seemed to notice her. Her dark scary eyes were fixated on me and she began to slowly move towards us through the crowd. I couldn't quite tell for sure why, but I had a feeling that this chick was bad news, and absolutely positive she was fey. I could see her glamour vibrating around her like a creepy glow. I began to get extremely scared, and panicky. My eyes couldn’t break away from hers, it's like I was frozen in a trance and all I could hear was the sound of my heart beating like crazy.
"Hey are you okay?" Will shook my shoulder. "You’re kind of turning white." I looked at him and Julie as I snapped back into reality. All of the panic I was feeling went just as fast, like it was sucked out of me. I glanced back for the woman but she was gone.
"Uh, yeah, I’m fine. I think I just need some air," I replied. "Excuse me." I scurried towards the back exit and practically ran through the doors.
Once outside, I realized that Celadine had set things up out there as well. The old wooden gazebo was lined with little white lights and had one of the artists’ sculptures in it. The classical music carried its way outside from the gallery and created a subtle quiet atmosphere.
I went over to the gazebo and sat down as I thought about that chick that I saw. Who was she? Why did I feel like that when I saw her coming towards me? Maybe I was beginning to become a paranoid city person. No, I know that she was there for reasons other than to look at art. She was there for me, I just didn't know why. Maybe the woman was someone from the High Seelie Court, here to take Lattie. Just then, someone came up from behind and touched my arm, making me scream and
jump off the bench.
"Geez, lighten up. Why so jumpy?"
"I should have known it was you. Jack, you're the only person I know who sneaks up on me like a crazy stalker," I accused. "Why can't you make your presence known like a normal person? Like coming up in front of me and saying hello?" I stood there with my arms crossed waiting for an answer.
He looked surprised. "What the hell is your problem? It feels as if I am apologizing each time I’m around you," he stated. "Am I that bad or are you just easily annoyed?"
I didn't know what to say to that. Maybe I was easily annoyed, with him anyways. I liked him, a lot. I didn't know how to act around him and he seemed to know how to push my buttons.
"No, I'm sorry," I apologized. "I just can't help it. But you don't help much you know. You're so hot and cold with me. And you just show up whenever you like. That’s not fair." I took a step towards him. For a moment he had that sweet face that I saw that day in the mall.
"I’ll try to make it a little easier on you from now on, if you will give me the chance," he replied.
"So, does that mean you still want to get to know me? Sorry, I mean become 'acquaintances'?" I added jokingly.
"I'm sorry about the other day in the mall. Sometimes I can be a little...selfish, you could say." There seemed to be something behind what he was saying, something that I didn't know about. A strand of his perfect black hair fell in front of his eye and he brushed it aside as he came towards me, leaving only breathing space between us. I looked up into his dark blue eyes and, for a moment, I thought he was going to kiss me. But a voice shouted at us from behind me, interrupting us. I turned to see who it was and unexpectedly found Celadine. Only, she wasn't calling to us, she was calling to Jack. I looked at him to see if he recognized her, he quickly glanced at me with a guilty look and dropped his eyes to the ground.
"Jack! What are you doing?!" She looked furious. Why was she furious? Oh no! Maybe Celadine had a boyfriend that I didn't know about. Maybe it was Jack. I suddenly felt like a complete fool.
Iron & Wine (The Iron World Series) Page 11