The Pariah Child & the Ever-Giving Stone

by Natasha D Lane

  “Excuse me, class. I’ve left an assignment in the office. Everyone please continue to work.” The teacher rose from her desk and left the classroom. Sarah could feel her heart stop. What was left to protect her now? All eyes fell on her, and Sarah’s face became paler than what it already was. She had been captured, and her peers held her at gunpoint.

  “Hi, Freckle Face,” Elaine greeted Sarah from across the classroom. Her golden hair was done in two perfect shining braids, and her dress was pressed and cleaned. Sarah caught herself looking admiringly at that dress. It wasn’t homemade but instead bought in an actual store, and it matched perfectly with Elaine’s sky blue eyes.

  Sarah frowned and remained silent. They say that ignoring a bully will get them to leave their victims alone. Sarah thought that was a load of crap. It only energized Elaine. It was like she fed off her silence.

  Elaine walked across the classroom and sat next to Sarah. She tugged at her red hair.

  “You look like a tomato, ya know that?” Sarah pulled away yet Elaine held strong. “What’s wrong? Hearing voices again?”

  Sarah kept her gaze ahead. She was going to be tortured whether she spoke or not, so, what was the point of fighting.

  “Remember when Ms. Lewis caught you talking to the trees? Or, how about when you told everyone the fairies liked the light from the town fair? That’s when we all knew you were a basket case.”

  Elaine sighed. Sarah sat still and waited for the ordeal to end.

  “Your parents must be so sad having a crazy daughter,” she said. “But I guess that’s what happens to poor people.”

  Sarah grabbed the blonde’s hand and pulled it from her.“My parents are not poor. They’re much better off than you’ll ever be.”

  Elaine rolled her eyes. “Keep telling yourself that. Maybe you’re the reason they’re so poor. You know, gingers don’t have souls. You’re like a curse on them. I don’t know how they can look at your gross hair every morning.”

  Sarah balled her fists, the anger spreading through her.

  Elaine watched her with a smirk. “I guess the truth hurts. Your parents are too dumb to –”

  Sarah jumped to her feet and pushed Elaine from the chair that sat beside her own. The blonde went flying to the floor, and Sarah loomed over her like a giant.

  “Don’t ever talk about my parents. Everyone knows your family is nothing but a bunch of low-lives and scammers! My parents are good people, you cow.”

  The teacher’s shoes sounded outside in the hall. Students turned back to their work. Elaine stood up, dusted herself off and returned to her seat.

  She glared at Sarah from across the room. “I told y’all she was crazy!” Whispers of agreement spread through the class. Sarah fell into her chair and stared out the window.

  “Students I hope you all brought your rain coats. A sudden storm is moving in,” said the teacher as she returned to her seat.

  Sarah looked at the gray sky. She had forgotten her raincoat.

  Chapter 5

  The bell rang. Everyone grabbed their coats and ran outside onto the grassy field, except, Sarah. She stayed still until the room was empty. As the last student found their way outside, Sarah slumped in her seat. She would be alone, at least, for a little while.

  Enjoying the calm and quiet of the classroom all to herself, Sarah opened her book bag and took out her tin container. Her mouth watered at the thought of the special meal her mother packed for her. This was the only good thing about the first day of school. Every mother wanted their child to be determined and focused on their first day and so, the containers were always packed with the best treats. This included Sarah’s mother, as well.

  Sarah opened the tin lid and took out her egg tomato sandwich with a small slice of cheese. She smiled and took her first bite. The sandwich was still warm, and the yolk melted in her mouth. She had to savor this moment because after tomorrow the lunches would steadily decline. From nice stuffed sandwiches to plain old PB&J to some strips of meat and cheese. Once there was nothing at all.

  She took another bite of her sandwich and eyed the container. There was also an apple and small piece of chocolate cake from the bakery. Her mother must have gotten up especially early for the slim slice. Sarah smiled. She did love her.

  “Mind if I join?” Jacob stepped into the classroom.

  Sarah became motionless. She said nothing and only watched him. Still, he sat down beside her.

  “What are you having?” He peeked in at her lunch. She remained silent and stared down at her food, her appetite vanishing.

  “Is that chocolate cake?” He leaned over and examined the frosty dessert. She didn’t move. The sandwich was still clasped tightly in her hands. Jacob looked at Sarah, then, looked back the piece of cake.

  “Tell you what,” he said. “It doesn’t look like you have a raincoat, so I’ll trade you my raincoat for your piece of cake. Deal? Deal.”

  He reached for the dessert. Sarah had stuffed it in her mouth before his hand had even made contact. The chocolate bliss melted on her tongue and went down her throat smooth like milk. She smiled as the last bit of chocolate tingled her taste buds.

  “Mmmm,” she said in a temporary heaven as Jacob’s howling laughter brought her back to reality. She turned to him, her cheeks flushed. He had done that three times now.

  “I’m sorry. Chocolate is my favorite.” She looked down.

  Jacob shook his head. “You don’t have to apologize. I wanted to get a reaction out of you. Now will you talk?”

  She nodded.

  “That’s not talking,” he said.

  “Right,” Sarah answered with a shaky voice.

  Jacob grabbed his own tin container and unpacked its contents. The main course was a ham and cheese sandwich that made Sarah drool...again. He looked at her, and she looked away, trying to focus on her own food. She took a bite of her sandwich that had now lost its zing. Jacob watched her.

  “You want a bite of mine?” He offered her the large sandwich, a thick slice of ham hanging from the side.

  She shook her head. “No, thanks. I have my own. Plus, I didn’t share with you so it wouldn’t be fair.”

  “Just take a bite.” He placed the sandwich in front of her. “Next time, you’ll owe me. Okay?”

  Sarah thought about it for a minute. Then, she ripped the sandwich in half, giving him the bigger side. “Is this all right?” she asked.

  He nodded and took his half. “I had a big breakfast so I’m not too hungry. What did you eat?”

  “Eggs, bacon and flap jacks.”

  “And you’re still hungry?”

  She bit into his sandwich, allowing the greasy blend of ham and cheese to intoxicate her.

  “My Daddy says I’m a farm girl, so I have a farm girl appetite.” It was as simple as that.

  “How did you find me?” she asked.

  He had begun to eat his own lunch. “I asked where the eighth grade class was. It’s only one house.”

  She nodded. “Oh, well, what I really meant to ask was why were you looking for me?”

  “I said I would have lunch with you,” he replied.

  “You didn’t say that.”

  Jacob stopped eating and looked at the ceiling. “I didn’t?” He turned to her and she shook her head.

  He shrugged. “Well, I’m saying it now. Okay?” A warm grin spread across his face.

  Sarah turned away from him and forced her mouth into a straight line.

  “You don’t have to do that. You can go with everyone else. I don’t need pity,” she replied taking a huge bite of an apple.

  Jacob raised his eyebrows.

  “Pity? I don –”

  “How long since you moved to town?” Sarah asked, slamming her apple into the tin. Jacob froze, clearly shocked by the sting in her voice.

  “Well,” he tripped over his words, “I think it’s only been a few weeks. Maybe a month.”

  Sarah glared at him with narrowed eyes and clenched fists held at her
sides. “That gives you enough time to meet everyone in town and listen to all the hogwash they have to say.” She rose from her seat. “My family may not be rich but we’re good people, and I don’t need the new boy feeling sorry for me. Becoming friends with the sad lonely poor girl to try and make her day. If that is your plan, Sire, you can march your butt right on outside with the other crows!” Sarah huffed, crossed her arms, tapped her foot and stared him down.

  Jacob’s eyes had doubled in size. He looked at the ground, eyes moving right and left.

  Sarah bit her lip. “I knew that was the only reason you were speaking to me. No one ever wants to speak to the crazy unless they have a reason. Hmph, I’ll finish my lunch in another classroom.”

  She began to gather her things. Jacob was quiet. She tossed her books, pencils and the tin container into her bag and stood to leave.

  “Sarah.”

  She spun on her heels. “What?”

  He sighed. “I don’t know if I gave you the wrong impression but pity’s not the reason I want to be friends.” He paused and stared at her.

  She still stood in a defensive stance, hands on hips, nose in the air.

  “You were actually the first person around my age I met since moving. Plus, we’re neighbors. That’s the reason I wanted to be your friend,” he said.

  Sarah’s shoulders slacked. Her eyes lost their fire.

  Jacob grabbed his things. “The other night when I met you, you seemed funny and interesting. People saw us walking to school together, and in class they told me things, but I honestly didn’t care. You seemed fine to me.”

  He stood and hung his bag on his shoulder. “If everything I say is going to get you upset, then maybe we shouldn’t be friends. I’ll leave you alone.” He left the room.

  Sarah swung her arms from side-to-side, unsure of what to do. Every stalling second, Jacob was getting farther away. She clenched, unclenched and re-clenched her hands before running out into the hall.

  “Jake!” she called, but he was already gone. She had finally made a friend and managed to lose him in one day. Perfect.

  The bell rang and Sarah ran outside to find Jacob. She saw him in front of the school talking to two other boys in his grade. She paused and stepped back, waiting for the conversation to end. They didn’t even glance in her direction.

  Jacob waved goodbye to his new friends and began to walk away from the school, toward the bus. It had stopped raining, but more dark clouds were moving in. Sarah walked slowly at a distance behind him, not sure how to start the conversation. The words “I’m sorry” seemed overrated. To her surprise, Jacob walked past the bus and down the road. She stopped at the open bus doors.

  The driver looked at her, tapping his finger on the steering wheel. “Are you going to get on or not?”

  Sarah looked at Jacob walking along the dirt road. She looked back at the bus driver and shook her head. The driver shrugged, closed the doors and drove away. Sarah ran behind Jacob and grabbed his shoulder as the bus came whizzing by them.

  “Yeah?” he said.

  “I want to walk home with you,” she replied her heart racing partly from the running and partly from nerves.

  “Oh.” He looked straight ahead and started to walk faster.

  Sarah ran up and walked beside him.

  “And why is that?” he asked when she had caught up.

  “Because we’re friends and friends walk home together, right?” She turned to him, hopeful.

  His eyes were fixed ahead of him. “So, we’re really friends?”

  “Yes! What I said before...I’m not used to people liking me. People in town always talk bad about my family, so I got defensive.”

  He glanced at her, then turned away and nudged her arm. “Well, I like you, so don’t be so mean to me, okay?”

  She grinned. “I won’t. First and last time, I promise.” She placed a hand over her heart.

  “Good. I thought I had lost my first real friend in town.”

  “Nope, as my Mama says I’m not easy to get rid of,” she chuckled.

  Jacob nodded and half smiled at her comment. “Well, neither am I,” he said and briefly grabbed her hand as it began to rain.

  Chapter 6

  Outside her bedroom window, Sarah could still see Jacob walking across her yard. They had walked from school together, and he had demanded she wear his raincoat even if it meant him getting drenched. She watched him until he faded into the shadows of the trees, a smile plastered on her face.

  “I never thought I’d see the day,” said her mother, her voice high and cheery. “But seems to me you’ve got yourself a crush.”

  Sarah whirled around and immediately turned her attention away from the window to the floor.

  “He walked me home is all.”

  Her mother smiled. Her round cheeks were a rosy red as she wiggled her finger at Sarah.

  “That’s how it was with your father, too. He would walk me home from school every day up until I had to leave to help Mama and Papa, of course. Still, even then, he’d arrive in the evening for a short stroll.” The woman’s eyes glazed over. “I remember those walks. They were so...nice.”

  Sarah looked at her mother, and she imagined her parents- young, happy, and taking walks under the moonlight.

  “You two should go on walks more often,” Sarah said.

  Her mother shook her head. “No, we’re not young like we used to be. Love is a young people’s thing, ya know. You try to keep him around, okay? Seems like he likes you, too, if he’s willing to get all wet for ya.”

  She placed a warm hand on Sarah’s back before leaving the room and closing the door.

  Sarah watched her mother go. “I think love is for anybody,” she whispered.

  She lied down on her bed and stared at the ceiling. She pulled the stone from her pocket and held it close to her chest.

  “Do you like Jacob?” Sarah asked. “I do. He’s my first friend.” She closed her eyes and smoothed the stone against her palm, hoping it would give her a response. When the stone remained silent, Sarah opened her eyes and stared at it.

  “I wonder how you got in the well. I don’t think anyone would throw something like you away.” Sarah turned on her side, so she was facing her bedroom door. She glanced from her door to the stone.

  “I need you to do it again,” she said. “I need you to squirt water like you did before because...I’m afraid it was all in my head and –”

  “Sarafina!” a tiny voice called to her. She shot up and looked around the empty room.

  “Sarafina!” The voice came again. She looked out her window and took a sharp breath. There was a fairy knocking at her window.

  “Please, open up.” The fairy shivered outside the window. She had glittery wings and a golden shimmer like the ones Sarah had played with as a child—the ones she imagined. The rain picked up, and the fairy struggled to keep her footing.

  Darn it! Sarah placed the stone in her pocket, rose from her bed and rushed to open the window. The fairy came speeding in. Sarah slammed the window shut and raced to lock her bedroom door.

  The little fae zoomed around the room, shaking fairy dust on the floor when she sneezed and coughed. Sarah turned on the lamp placed on her nightstand.

  “Come sit here,” she said. The fairy sneezed once more and landed under the lamp’s warm light. She had short black hair and long glittery wings that matched her light eyes. Her ears were pointed, which contrasted against her round face.

  “You are Sarafina, yes?” The fairy shivered.

  “Sarah,” she corrected. “How do you know me?”

  “I am Nettle. I’ve come here to tell you, you must prepare to leave.”

  “What? Why would I leave?”

  “You must. Unless you want more enemies to come after you.” Nettle placed her tiny hands on her tiny hips.

  “And where am I supposed to go?” Sarah asked, her brow raised in skepticism.

  “To the land of Lyrica, of course.”

 
She narrowed her eyes and searched her mind for the name. “Lyrica? I've never heard –”

  “It’s the world where all magical creatures live, separate from Earth.”

  “A magical world?” A bit of excitement rose in Sarah. She shook it away. “The wolves are gone. I took care of them last night or at least I think I did...if they were even real.”

  The scars are real though. And the bite on my leg but maybe I did that to myself. Maybe I had an episode like Mama says.

  Nettle laughed. “That was only a few of an entire pack. More than wolves will come if you don't go to Lyrica and return the stone.”

  Sarah thought about the beautifully colored stone and how it gave her an overwhelming sense of calm. How it felt like it belonged with her, to her.

  “This is ridiculous,” she huffed. “It’s just a stone. Why would anyone want an old stone?”

  Nettle sighed. She looked across Sarah’s face. “I think you and I both know this isn’t just an old stone.”

  The fairy was right. Sarah knew the stone was something more, but she swallowed the knowledge away so that it rested at the pit of her stomach, far from her mind.

  “If it’s so special, why don’t you or the gnome take it?” she asked, checking her pocket to ensure it was still there.

  Nettle shook her head. “No. You are the only one. You're special, Sarafina.”

  “I don't want to be special,” she retorted. “I want to be normal and now I’m seeing things again.” She ran her hands through her hair and pulled at the strands. “I’m not sure what’s real anymore. I’m –”

  “Humans are so unaccepting,” said the fairy in a raised tone. “You are what you are. Accept your fate and leave.”

  “No!” Sarah said shooting from her bed and walking across the room.

  “Tonight,” Nettle snapped. “You can’t waste any more time, or your parents will be in danger, too.”

  Sarah took in a deep breath. Her whole body had gone cold. “This is all in my head. You’re not real. None of this is.”

  “Are you willing to take that chance?” Nettle asked. “Are you willing to risk your family?”