by Julia Crane
I pictured all the dresses that were at Azura’s house. Any one of them would be perfect. Too bad her house wasn’t closer. I looked in my closet with disgust. Nothing would do. Everything was old. I needed a new dress.
I couldn’t believe I was doing it, but I picked up my phone and called Azura. She must have been in our realm, because she picked up on the second ring.
“Hey, I hate to bother you, but I have a dance tonight and nothing to wear.”
“Say no more. I know the perfect dress. I’ll be there shortly.” The excitement was evident in her voice.
I felt a little guilty enlisting Azura’s help, so I yelled down the stairs for my mom.
She came up the stairs a minute later. “What’s wrong, sweetie?”
“There’s a dance tonight.”
“Oh, how neat!” Mom beamed.
“I want my hair to be curly. Can you do it?”
“Can I? Rylie, I’d love to!”
I sat down at my desk and handed her the curling iron. “Azura is bringing me a dress.”
“Oh.” Mom’s face fell.
“I didn’t have anything to wear and she has a lot of dresses for me at her place,” I rushed to explain.
“I see. Well, it’s a great idea. She obviously has good taste. Let’s get busy on your hair.”
I could tell that it bothered her, and it made me feel horrible. It wasn’t easy trying to please everyone.
Just as Mom pulled the curling iron down and the last curl sprang into place, the doorbell rang.
“That must be Azura. I’ll go let her in. You look amazing, sweetie.” My mom smiled and slipped out the door.
A few moments later, Azura glided into the room with a garment bag draped on her forearm. She pulled out a simple, sage-green chiffon dress. I grabbed it from her and shooed both her and my mother out of the bathroom.
I tossed off my clothes and stepped into the dress. It had spaghetti straps and a sweetheart neckline. Three off-white ribbons wrapped just under my chest and the bottom was gauzy and flowed when I walked. It was breathtaking. It looked like something a Greek goddess would wear. My mother was right; Azura had great taste. I spun around and stared at myself in the full-length mirror. The color even complemented my wings.
“Let us see,” my mom called.
I pushed the door open and walked into my bedroom. Both of my mothers covered their mouths. They stood oohing and aahing over me like I was a princess or something. The attention was nice, and I had to admit, I was glad they were both there.
I twirled around the room and curtsied. “I love the dress. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Your mother and I were just saying how beautiful you are.” Azura grinned proudly.
I was surprised to hear her say “your mother.” I smiled back. “I’m pretty lucky to have two mothers.”
Azura had tears in her eyes, and my mom was beaming. Maybe this really could work out after all.
“Do I look okay?” I asked.
“Perfect,” Azura replied.
“I’d love to see how you really look,” Mom hinted.
I smiled nervously. “Really?”
She nodded. “Please.”
I dropped the glamour and allowed my mother to see me as a faery. Her face lit up. “You are so lovely! I wish the world could see you like this.”
“The world would freak out, Mom.”
The doorbell rang, and I heard Dad answer it. “Hey, Adam, come on in.”
“I’ll be down in a minute,” I called. I put the glamour back on, glanced in the mirror one more time, and with a final smile at my moms, I walked down the stairs.
Adam grinned as I came into view. “You look beautiful.”
“I’ll second that,” Dad said. “You’ll be the most beautiful girl at the dance.”
“Oh, stop.” I rolled my eyes and laced my arm through Adam’s. “Shall we?”
I kissed my parents goodbye and thanked Azura again. I wasn’t quite ready to hug or kiss her yet.
Adam swung open the door and led me out. After we were both in the car, he turned to me. “That lady has been here a lot lately.”
“Yeah.”
He started the truck. “So who exactly is she?”
My heart pounded. How was I supposed to answer this question without lying? “I don’t want to talk about it.”
He glanced over at me. “What?”
“It’s a long story, and I just don’t want to get into it right now.”
“You know you can tell me anything.”
Right. I was sure if I told him I was a freaking faery, he’d be cool with it and we’d go to the dance like nothing happened. “I know. I’d really like to just go to the dance and forget about my family for a while.”
His jaw clenched, and he stared at me for a minute before answering. “Fine.”
I could tell his feelings were hurt, but I had no idea how to tell him about Azura without spilling the whole truth. Maybe I should tell him that I was switched at birth, and Azura was my birth mother. That was the truth. It just left out the faery part. But I didn’t feel ready and certainly didn’t want to do it before a dance. It was just too much to deal with.
When we pulled up to the school, Adam turned to me like he had more to say, but I stopped him before he even started. I tilted my head and smiled at him. “Please, let’s just have a good time tonight. I’ll tell you about it some other time.”
His face softened. “Okay.” He opened his door, hurried around the side of the truck, and extended his hand for me to get down. Hand in hand, we walked into school.
The theme was secret gardens, and they did a wonderful job. Of course, it didn’t come close to the faery world, but they tried.
We walked over a small white wooden bridge into the gymnasium, which was filled with colorful balloons, fake clouds, cardboard trees, and brightly colored paper flowers. The lights were dim and a flashing beam made its way around the large room. The dance floor was almost empty, but it was early.
To the left, people were lining up to get their photographs taken. I pulled Adam over to the line. I’d never hear the end of it from my parents if I didn’t get my photo taken. I also loved seeing myself in my human form, and a photo was the only way I still could. I used to be camera shy, but since becoming a full-fledged faery, I allowed myself to be photographed whenever the chance allowed. It was a way to document myself as a human girl without the wings and promises.
We stood in front of the cloud background and smiled when the cameraman pulled out a stuffed monkey from his back—even though we knew it was coming after watching couples that went before us.
Laughing, we made our way towards the refreshments. I caught sight of Sierra and she beckoned to us.
“Over here!”
When we joined her, she introduced us to her date, Brett. He was from one of the neighboring schools. I laughed to myself. She went from Ian, who was considered “goth” with his dyed black hair and piercings, to a blond-haired, blue-eyed “All-American” boy.
The four of us walked over to get a glass of punch. A large DJ booth had been set up next to the stand. One of Sierra’s favorite songs came on, and she pulled us out onto the dance floor. The music pulsed through my body. I swayed to the rhythm and grinned up at Adam. He wasn’t much of a dancer, but he always humored me anyway. Glitter covered the floors and the strobe lights made it look like a field of diamonds. The song came to an end and a slow tune filled the air.
Adam took me in his arms and I pressed my body to his. Resting my head on his chest, I listened to the steady beat of his heart. As the song came to an end, I looked up into Adam’s eyes and felt comfort and love. Our lips met and I closed my eyes. It felt right being with Adam. We were so comfortable together. We broke apart and out of the corner of my eye, I saw sparkly teal wings pushed back against the wall, trying not to be seen.
Kallan. He was watching me.
“Bathroom break!” I announced loudly, grabbing Sierra.
&
nbsp; Adam raised an eyebrow but didn’t protest.
I pulled Sierra to the bathroom, and as soon as the door cut off the music, I groaned. “Kallan’s here.”
“So? He goes to school with us, you know. Pretty much everyone is here.”
My shoulders slumped. She was right, of course. He was allowed to be here, and I was overreacting. Making a big deal out of nothing. “He’s watching me.”
“From what you’ve told me, he’s in love with you, so yeah, he probably is.” She handed me her lip-gloss. I didn’t really need it, but put it on anyway.
“This is all so confusing.”
“What? Having two guys in love with you?” She sounded a bit annoyed.
“Yes. You try it,” I snapped.
“I wouldn’t mind. Look at Brett. Easy on the eyes, but boring as hell.”
I couldn’t help but laugh.
She smiled. “Let’s get back out there. Did you see Ian is here with Morgan?”
“Really? She doesn’t seem his type.” I pushed the bathroom door open. The music was so loud I could feel it vibrate throughout my chest.
Adam was talking to his buddies. I stood by his side and waited for him to finish. I scanned the room for Kallan, but didn’t see him anywhere. Adam put his arm around me, and we chatted with the group for a few minutes.
“Can I steal you away for another dance?” I whispered to him as a slow song began.
He grinned. “Anytime.”
We rocked back and forth on the dance floor. I was trying to forget seeing Kallan and focus on my perfect boyfriend, but suddenly, Kallan was there.
He tapped Adam on the shoulder. “May I cut in?”
Adam’s expression went from shock to anger. “No. You may not.”
There was a beat, and then Kallan growled, “Shouldn’t you give her a chance to answer?”
Adam stood rooted to the spot, holding me firm. “I don’t know what kind of game you’re playing, but it’s not going to work. Rylie is mine.”
Kallan stared at me, eyebrow raised. “You can’t speak for yourself?”
“I-I’m with Adam,” I said, looking away as my cheeks flamed.
People had started to notice the confrontation. Couples around us stopped dancing to stare. I met Kallan’s eyes and sent him a look. For a moment, I wished I could talk to him in my mind. I debated using his power and making him go elsewhere, but I couldn’t do that to him. Once had been enough. I knew he wouldn’t do it to me.
Kallan must have understood my look, and he backed off. “Fair enough.”
Adam steered me away. “Can you believe that guy? Asking my girl to dance?”
This was not going to end well. Whatever happened...whatever my decision...it was going to destroy someone.
Later that evening, I lay in bed stuck in thoughts of Adam, Kallan, and what would happen if it came down to a fight. I shoved my face in the pillow, when I heard something hit the window. At first I thought I had imagined it until it happened twice more. I threw the blankets off and tentatively pushed the curtain to the side.
Kallan was standing outside my window. What was he doing here at this time of night? He’d lost his mind. Why couldn’t he be normal and call?
I held my finger up signaling one minute. I looked down at my purple plaid PJ pants and white cami. I should change, but I was lazy, so I grabbed a sweatshirt, made myself invisible, and hurried outside.
“Did I wake you?” Kallan asked.
“No, I couldn’t sleep,” I said honestly. “Too much on my mind. What’s so important you had to come? Haven’t you done enough tonight?” I took a few deep breaths to keep calm and not blow up at him.
“I’m sorry about the dance.”
“Kallan, you have to stop that. Adam was pissed.”
“I wasn’t too thrilled myself. So what? You’re not allowed to dance with anyone else? That’s pretty lame. I didn’t take you for the submissive type.”
“I’m not. I just didn’t want to stir things up. Things are bad enough as they are.” We walked towards the woods. “Why are you here?”
Kallan stopped and turned toward me. “You owe me a dance.”
“Are you serious? You came out here to dance with me?”
“You say that like you’re surprised. Let me tell you how it was for me. All night I had to watch the girl I love in someone else’s arms. The whole time wishing it were my arms you were in.”
I looked down at the ground and then back into his eyes. They glistened in the moonlight. He was right.
Before I could talk myself out of it, I closed the space between us and wrapped my arms around his neck. His arms encircled my waist, his warm palms settling comfortably on my lower back as he tugged me close. My heart felt like it might jump out of my chest. I knew it was wrong, but I couldn’t stop myself.
With my body pressed to his, there was no need for music. We moved together like we were floating on air. When I was with Kallan, it was as if the rest of the world didn’t exist. I finally understood what living in the moment meant. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.
“What were you thinking about when I came to your window?” Kallan asked softly.
I readjusted an arm, my hand resting on his strong shoulder. It wasn’t like I could tell him I’d been imagining worst-case scenarios of a showdown between him and my boyfriend, so I opted for the other thing that had been on my mind lately. “I think I want to try and find my biological father. Before he finds me. I…” I trailed off, trying to think of the best way to voice my feelings. “I think I need to understand why he was willing to give me up and not collect what was owed.”
I could feel his body tense. “I don’t know if that is such a great idea. If my father can’t find him, what makes you think you could?”
I shrugged, the movement somehow pulling him even closer. His thumbs brushed over my sweatshirt hypnotically. “I feel like I should at least try. I have so many unanswered questions.”
“Then I’ll go with you.”
I smiled. “I’m not asking you to go with me. I just wanted to know what you thought of the idea.”
“I don’t like it. You don’t know your way around the faery world.”
“I thought you said he was in the human world.”
“I did. But to find him, you’d probably have to go through the faery world.”
“I’ll figure it out. I’m an Aurorian, remember? I have tools at my disposal.”
“Rylie! Stop being so obstinate and let me help you. I’d like to.”
“Okay.” I laughed. How had he lowered my guard? I felt easy and free dancing in his arms beneath the moonlight, no music, no worries. “If you want to come, then come. I’d like the company.”
His arms tightened around me. “When do you want to leave?”
“Well, we just started spring break, so as soon as possible.”
“Can you be ready by six?”
“A.M.?” I gawked at him.
His eyes sparkled. “Yes. Six in the morning.”
I groaned. That was earlier than I had to get up for school. “If I have to.”
“I’ll pick you up then. What are you going to tell your parents?”
I bit the side of my lip. I wasn’t sure whether or not I should tell my parents. I could either tell them and introduce them to Kallan, or I could just leave a note. They’d be upset either way. I had to figure out which one would be less upsetting. If I told them beforehand, they could try and stop me from going. Asking forgiveness is easier than asking for permission. But I didn’t like being secretive with them. Especially when I didn’t know how long I’d be gone. “I’m not sure. Do you think we can check in enough for them not to notice I’m gone?”
“I doubt it. You should tell them something. Of course, we have the advantage of time difference if we go to the faery realm.”
He was right. I couldn’t let them worry that something bad had happened to me. “I should get some sleep. Since we’re leaving so early.”
&nb
sp; “Thanks for letting me come with you,” Kallan murmured. He was so close, I thought he was going to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips, a sudden tension in his shoulders. His sweet scent was intoxicating.
I closed my eyes, equal parts of me wanting him to do it and begging for him not to. I didn’t think I could say no or stop it.
Instead, he let me go. When his arms left my body, I suddenly felt empty and alone. I was surprised to feel a twinge of disappointment.
“Thanks for the dance.” He squeezed my hand, and then turned and loped away.
I went back inside, my skin still tingling and my heart fluttering in my chest. I chided myself for even hoping for a kiss. This wasn’t like me at all.
How could he have such an effect on me? And what did that mean about my relationship with Adam?
“Way too early,” I muttered to myself, shutting off my alarm at five in the morning. I had showered the night before so I only had to get dressed and brush my hair. I had no idea what to pack, so I grabbed a small backpack out of the closet and stuffed a couple outfits and a brush inside.
Trying not to make a sound, I tiptoed down the stairs. My footsteps silent on the plush carpet, I cut up the hallway and into the dark kitchen. Dad had already left for the day, and Mom was still fast asleep. She always slept in on the weekend. I couldn’t leave without telling them something. They would be so worried. Especially after my last disappearance.
I looked at my watch and hurried over to the counter. I grabbed a pen and scribbled a quick note.
“Please don’t worry. I’m going to search for my biological father. I need some answers. I might have to go to the faery world, but I shouldn’t be gone too long in human time. If it takes longer than I expect I’ll find a way to call. Love, Rylie”
I grabbed a magnet and stuck the note to the fridge. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and headed towards the front door.
I stepped outside and saw Kallan waiting for me by the trees. I hoped he wasn’t coming with me for a different agenda. He didn’t seem crazy about the idea. Maybe he really did just want to make sure I was safe.