by Riley Walker
Unfortunately, she is right, but I am not willing to give an inch here. I pick up my menu and huff, “Let’s just order. All this drama has made me hungry.”
Ready to do just that, I drop the laminated sheets to the table and catch my two best friends doubled over. Asswipes! They’re laughing freely, with tears streaming down their faces. Well, fine. Let’s see how uncomfortable I can make them.
“Hey, Colton, are you excited to finally introduce us to the mystery girl?”
I have been goading him all week about this Ashley person he has started dating recently. It’s the perfect revenge. Every time I mention her, he blushes to the roots of his hair and this time it is no different.
“Why are we meeting her at a bowling alley anyways? That’s kind of high school, don’t you think?”
Shelby’s choice of words has me raising my eyebrows with at WTH look on my face. She looks at him sheepishly.
“I’m sorry, Colton. I didn’t mean it like that. I’ve just had a long day and the filter is gone.”
“It’s fine, Shelby. She’s actually there with some of her sorority sisters.” He shrugs, “I figured it would be a good place for all of you to meet.”
The bowling alley is perfectly positioned between the campus and diner. An especially good thing this evening, seeing as how no one drove. When we arrive, Colton holds the door open for me and Shelby. He tips his chin and I follow its direction, finding three girls, two sitting and one ready to launch a heavy-looking ball at some spindly pins. I already know which one is Ashley based on Colton’s non-stop gushing. She is about my height, brown hair, brown eyes. Plain. She is very plain. Especially in her black leggings and red shirt. That’s really the best way I can describe her. She doesn’t exactly exude the same vibe as Colton who is so outgoing. The way he talks about her, I was totally expecting more. Someone who matched him in looks, personality, and temperament but she is not similar to him at all. Even from here I can tell she is not going to be as laid-back a person as he is. While the other two blonde girls with her are laughing and enjoying themselves, Ashley looks like she would rather been anywhere else.
Shelby and I follow him over to the group and he makes the introductions, “Franchesca, Shelby, this is Ashley. The other two are her sorority sisters, Sara and Rachel.”
I wave at the two other girls, then turn towards Ashley.
“Hi Ashley! It’s so nice to finally meet you. Colton has been talking about you all week.”
“It’s nice to meet you, too. He has told me a lot about the both of you as well.”
I look at Shelby, willing her to speak.
“Sup.”
Well. That’s neither what I was hoping for or expected, but at least she spoke. I wonder what is up with her tonight.
“Come on, Frannie. Let’s go find some balls to sling.”
Shelby grabs my arm and roughly pulls me away.
“What is your problem? I know you said you were tired, but it’s more than that. Shelby, what is going on?”
Shelby rolls her eyes to the ceiling, looking put out. But then her head lowers and she glances back at the group, specifically at Colton, before looking back at me. Oh. My. Word.
“No. Please tell me you are not serious. Crap on a cracker! You’ve got feelings for Colton?!”
“I can’t help it! I mean, he’s hot as hell and we’ve spent practically every day together for the last year. It wasn’t intentional, it just happened. You know I’ve dated other people and I’ve tried to only see him as a friend, but…,” she trails off, lifting one of her shoulders dejectedly.
“Why don’t you tell him how you feel?”
“I can’t do that! We’re all best friends. You guys are the only family I have, I could never do anything that might ruin that. Having him in my life as a friend is more important than trying to have more and it not working out.”
I pull her close and hug her. I understand all too well what she means, knowing exactly how you can feel something for someone, something deep, and what it means when they don’t feel the same way.
“I am so sorry, Shelby. I am here if you ever need to talk. About anything. You know that, right?”
She nods and we finally make it back to the rack of bowling balls. Shelby picks a lime green horror and I find a beautiful pink one with glitter in the paint. I wonder if I can take this thing home?
After we get back to the group, everyone breaks off into teams of two. Sara and Rachel aren’t bad bowlers, but they don’t stay focused on the game because two lanes over are a group of guys that have caught their attention. Mostly they are just walking up to the line, flipping their hair, and striking seductive poses before tossing their balls. Which means, as bad as Shelby and I are, and that’s pretty bad, we are still beating them by fifty pins. Of course, Colton and Ashley are beating us all. While I am mostly focused on him as he throws three strikes in a row, I am also sneaking glances at Ashley. She is just sitting there. No emotion on her face at all. I am beginning to think this girl is a robot. What is Colton even doing with her?
After our fourth and final game, thank goodness, the blonde Barbies leave with the guys from a few lanes over while the rest of us head back to the university. I tried to tell Colton we could find our own way back to the dorms while he stayed with Ashley, but he wouldn’t hear it. He said something about how two girls shouldn’t be out by themselves, especially at night. What a worry wart. So, Shelby and I are walking a few steps behind Colton and Ashley, noting they are both acting a little tense. We reach Ashley’s place first and Colton walks her to her door. When he leans down to speak to her, she shakes her head and goes inside. How odd.
My curiosity gets the best of me, “What is the deal with you and Ashley? She was kind of stand-offish and you didn’t seem too thrilled to be around her either.”
“She is in a few of my classes and always nice. I thought I liked her. I guess I was trying to make something out of nothing, though. I hoped maybe if we went out some… I don’t know. Ugh! But I just told her I didn’t think it was working and she agreed. I guess she wasn’t feeling me either.”
We reach our dorms and say good night to Colton. As soon as Shelby closes the door to our room, she lets out a big breath, “Well, that ended fast.”
We look at each other and bust out laughing.
8
Knight Returns
Frannie, come on! We’re going to be late for Colton’s graduation. I swear, you are going to be late to your own funeral.”
I look over at my best friend and I cannot believe how much time has passed. I certainly would have never survived in the Earth Realm without her and Colton. Movie nights, a disastrous cooking class we will not mention, MMA ass-kicking, study sessions… we have been through so much together. Colton has promised to come back and visit us here at the university, but we are going to miss him so much. Things will definitely be different from here on out.
“Shelby, do you want to run ahead and grab us good seats? I just need a minute to collect myself. I will be right behind you.”
She gives me a sad smile, nods her head, and walks out.
Over the last three years, Shelby and Colton have become my family, my rock. Unbeknownst to them, they are the ones that helped me get over the betrayal of seeing Bianca with Winston. Not having my Knight by my side throughout this experience has been difficult, but Shelby and Colton have made it more bearable. With Colton graduating and accepting a job at his dads engineering firm, our late night trips to the diner will not happen as often.
Last weekend he moved out of the fraternity house and into an apartment downtown. His parents treated us to dinner afterwards and I couldn't help but think back over all the moments the three of us have shared. I glance over at my desk, smiling at the sight of my favorite possession, my iPod they gave me for my nineteenth birthday. Colton said the other day he was surprised it still works.
Enough going down memory lane. I have to get ready so I can cheer on one of my best friends.
I am staring at myself in the mirror. Unlike previous times, I now see a grown woman looking back at me. The martial arts classes I have taken has given me a toned figure. There is not an ounce of baby fat that can be seen anymore. These years on my own have provided me with a sense of pride and self-worth. Even my wardrobe has matured. For Colton’s graduation I am wearing a modest, but sleeveless, crimson dress with a favored pair of brown, knee-high boots. My golden hair is shorter now, falling just to my shoulders. My makeup is simple; mascara, a dash of blush, and soft pink lip gloss.
I wish Edrik could see me now.
Just as I am about to leave, there is a knock on the door. I open it, about to ask Shelby if she forgot her key, when I look up into a familiar set of eyes.
Deep, chocolate brown eyes that have haunted my dreams for three years.
9
Bite Me, Eddie
I. Am. Speechless.
What is he doing here? Why now? Of all times, why now?! My gaze takes him all in, roaming his body from head to toe. My Knight is here, in the Earth Realm?
Edrik looks familiar, yet different. The man in front of me has the same dark brown hair, but it is longer and unkempt, like he’s been running his fingers through it. His beautiful brown eyes still have those golden flecks that have always pulled me in, but there is something harsher, or maybe more mysterious about them. His muscles are more pronounced, his olive skin darker, and what used to be a dusting of hair on his chiseled face is now a complete beard.
As I stare, I can’t help but wonder, do I look different to him? Does he see the changes in me? Does he see a woman staring back at him instead of the girl that he was once sworn to protect?
“Princess,” his deep voice resonates throughout my whole body.
I guess that answers that question. Irked by his apparent indifference after three years, three torturous years of being apart, I quirk a brow at him.
“Eddie,” I respond.
My time here has forced me to grow up in many ways. I have honed my verbal jabs as much as the ones I can now physically throw. I can’t imagine he will enjoy this cutesy, shortened form of his strong name.
“Chess,” he defers with a lift of his own brow. “May I come in?”
I step back, allowing him into my dorm.
“Please. Can I get you something to drink? Coffee, water…,” I ask him as I head straight for the Keurig to prepare myself a giant cup of coffee to ease my nerves. As it begins to brew, I turn around and clutch my hand to my chest.
“For fu–! Edrik, you scared me to death.”
He is standing so close, I can feel his hot breath on my face.
“What is that, Princess?”
I grab my finished cup of coffee and show him. Since it has been part of my daily ritual for years, I had forgotten there is no coffee in the Fey Realm.
“Here, try it,” I offer him a sip of my nirvana.
I watch his lips on my coffee cup as he takes a hesitant sip. “That is quite good. What did you say this drink is called?”
I lick my lips, then direct his attention towards the coffee pods to explain my favorite drink. The picture of his lips on my cup stays with me the entire time.
“Why are you here?” I ask him, as I take a seat on the dorm’s small couch. He sits on the opposite end and our knees brush against one another.
“I have come to bring you home. It is not safe for you in the Earth Realm any longer. Your parents have allowed you the freedom you wanted for as long as possible, but now you are needed. Your people need you, Franchesca.”
“My parents? What do you mean they allowed me to be here?” I stand up, pissed. “They always knew where I was and no one bothered to come see me? No one cared to check in on me?” I realize I am fairly shouting at this point.
“Of course they always knew where you were, Chess. Your father has always been aware of your restlessness and they wanted to give you an opportunity for some semblance of normalcy before you took on the role as Queen. The time has come for you to return.” I don’t bring up the nickname he’s just slipped again, opting to shoot him a loaded look, one that speaks volumes.
“The threats from the Renegades are getting worse. Your parents have begun to receive daily photos of you, here in the Earth Realm. It is no longer safe to stay. I am sorry, but we need to leave immediately.”
I can’t believe what he is telling me. I have to leave? No. Just… no. I am not even sure I want to go back yet. What about Shelby and Colton? I am not sure I can just leave, let alone do so without seeing them. I try to stress the importance of my new friends, and especially what this day means to one of them, but he will not listen. Either that, or he just doesn’t care to.
“You do not understand! This is Colton’s big day. I just can’t miss it. He will get worried, and I refuse to leave without saying goodbye. And Shelby! She is my best friend, and she is all alone in this world. I will not abandon her.” I argue with him.
“Enough! Princess, we have to leave. I promise I will bring you back to see your boy and this Shelby. Just please, pack your bags and write them a letter. We need to get going.”
I grab my bags, cursing him under my breath the entire time, and start tossing in clothes, shoes, and personal items. Basically everything I can get my hands on, especially all my pictures of the three of us. I allow Edrik to carry my bags outside, affording me a moment’s peace to grab a pen and a piece of paper. Writing directly to Shelby, I explain there is a family emergency and I have to leave immediately. I promise to call and return as soon as I possibly can. I also ask her to please let Colton know how sorry I am to miss out on his day and to let him know I will be in touch when I am able.
I put the letter in an envelope, along with my debit card and all the money I have on me. I may not be here for her physically for a while, but I can make sure she is taken care of in the meantime. I place everything on her pillow and close the door to a life I love dearly and plan on returning to as quickly as I can.
Edrik is right outside the front door, waiting by a car. I watch as the driver’s door opens and Gerald steps out.
“Gerald?!”
“I am so sorry Franchesca, but it is imperative you return home. I am going to drive you and Edrik to the closest portal.”
I watch as my bags go into the trunk, then I yell, “Hold on a moment!” I run back in and grab my iPod. I refuse to leave this behind.
I crawl into the back seat once I return to the car, and sit in stoney silence for the entire half hour it takes to reach the portal. In fact, not a single one of us speaks. I still cannot fathom that my parents knew all along where I was and never made any contact. I have so many questions about everything, but anytime I ask Edrik he just responds by telling me the answers await me at home.
When we arrive at the portal, Gerald pulls me off to the side while Edrik unloads the car.
“Do not be too hard on him, Princess. He and your parents did what they thought was best for you. What they have allowed you in the Earth Realm is much more than they were ever given.”
He gives me a tight hug and whispers in my ear, “Don’t be a stranger. Mary will miss you and wants to have another Girl’s Day Out soon.”
I step away from him and blink my eyes, trying to keep the threatening tears from falling.
“Thank you Gerald. Please tell Mary thank you for everything she has done for me. I promise to return soon!”
I turn around and head towards the waiting Knight. Ignoring his outstretched hand, I walk side-by-side with him through the portal.
My “portal technique” is just as graceless as the first time I traveled, and I land back in the Fey Realm ass over end. The world is spinning and I wait for it to stop with my eyes tightly scrunched closed.
Once I do open them, a certain smirking face fills my vision.
Leaning over me, the Knight asks, “What is the matter, Princess? Having trouble handling a short portal hop?”
I raise my hand, still fighting not
to lose my lunch everywhere, and promptly lift my middle finger.
“Bite me, Eddie.”
“Since when are we on a nickname basis, Chess?” he asks smugly.
Oh, since the moment you reappeared, acting like a jackass. But knowing my nickname bothers him more than the one he has assigned bothers me, I don’t dare say it aloud. I ignore him as I stand on wobbly legs, wipe off the dirt from my tumble, and take a good look at my home.
It is a home I no longer recognize.
10
Coming Home
Everywhere I look there are signs of war.
Trees are burned. Royal guard posts are torn down. What truly terrifies me though, is the deep, forest-green flag gently swaying above my head. The Light Fey’s crest is emblazoned across it, denoting its royal significance. It is only raised in times of war, warning our people of imminent danger.
“What has happened here?” I whisper.
“I told you, Princess. The Renegades have waged war and begun attacking both Kingdoms.”
“You did not mention all of this. There is so much destruction.”
“They have challenged the Dark and Light Kingdoms, to both our detriments. It is not safe standing out in the open like this. We need to move.”
He picks up my bags, takes one of my limp hands in his free one, and proceeds to drag me down the path towards the castle. We are greeted by Gretchen who pulls me into her arms.
“Oh, my darling! I have missed you so.”
I hug her back, whispering in her ear, “I have missed you too. Gerald and Mary send their love.”
She pulls back with a knowing smile on her face and grabs me by the shoulders. Looking me over, she exclaims, “You have lost so much weight! Let’s get you settled inside and I will put together something to eat. We cannot have you wasting away.”