“We can talk when we get home,” I said, not knowing whether that would be enough time or not. But I had to say something to get him off my back.
“All right, I’ll hold you to that,” he said.
I ignored his comment and walked ahead.
***
Stellan didn’t try talking to me again. Instead, he walked a few paces behind me. Addison and Zora led the way back home. By noon, we had reached the field right before the city.
A short time later we walked through Birchwood City’s gates. I sighed with relief at the familiar sights and smells. Although I had spent only a short time here, I knew it was my home. It had always been my home. Now I could share it with my sister. I smiled as I thought of having family in the house. I wouldn’t be alone any longer.
Zora came over and gave me a hug. “We’re home!” she cried.
“I know,” I said, though I wasn’t quite as enthusiastic.
I was upset and confused about the choices I would have to make soon. I wanted to rejoice with my sister but couldn’t summon the energy.
We walked through the busy dirt streets. As we passed, elves shouted congratulations and welcomed Zora home. A few elves even came up and talked with us for a while. Some hugged Zora and said they were glad she was safe. The sun was shining and everything was right…except for one thing. I would have to deal with that later.
Elves everywhere cheered and praised me for rescuing my sister. I finally felt welcome somewhere. I belonged. These elves were proud of me. I was accepted. And I didn’t have to hide my ears anymore. This was truly my home. I felt a little of my despair ebb away.
Then I remembered my human family back in Wisconsin, and a wave of melancholy came over me. I hadn’t thought about my old life much since coming here. I didn’t miss them as much as I thought I should. But I knew it wasn’t because I never cared for my human family. I had just been too preoccupied with my new life and the challenges it presented. I wondered how often I would think of my parents, Dina, and Carmen in the time ahead. However, I knew no matter how much things changed for me, for better or worse, my old life would be with me, in the back of my mind and in a place in my heart. I would never forget what led me here.
Zora and I stopped by Aaron’s shop on the way. As welcome-home presents, he gave both Zora and I a beautiful gold and silver interlaced chain necklace. We thanked him and went into the streets again. Stellan and Addison had gone ahead to see Aaliyah before us. Enjoying the time away from Stellan, I walked happily down the roads with my sister.
We were tired from our journey when we finally arrived at Aaliyah’s house. We needed to see her before we could rest. When we walked through the door, she ran over and hugged us both. Tears fell as she embraced us. I smiled the whole time, relishing the sweetness of the reunion. I had brought my sister home. I made many elves happy with her return. I felt elated by this accomplishment.
“Welcome home, Zora,” Aaliyah said through her happy tears.
We all hugged and rejoiced together, and Addison joined in as well. We had lunch after the tears dried, then Zora and I went home. We put our things away, including our dragon eggs, which we placed beside our beds. Then we spent the remainder of the afternoon talking and finally getting to know each other.
I told Zora everything about life in the Human Realm. I told her how hard it was, about my loving adopted family, my ditzy sister, and my best friend, Carmen. She told me she would talk about her life another day, because it involved the one elf I didn’t want to discuss. I agreed.
Addison wrote through Zora that a welcome-home party was on the schedule for us tonight. The elves wanted to celebrate Zora’s rescue from the fairies. They also wanted to officially welcome me to the home and the city of my birth. I was home at last.
And here to stay, I thought to myself happily.
I dressed in the red velvet gown Brielle had purchased for me in Tarlore. I hadn’t had a chance to wear it to dinner, so I decided now would be the perfect time. The dress had beautiful black lace at the bottom and across the waist, very elegant and regal. I paired it with my pearl necklace, earrings, and bracelet from Aaron’s store.
Zora wore a deep blue dress with a green band around the waist. She paired the dress with black shoes similar to mine and a sapphire necklace, bracelet, and earrings. We left the house feeling elegant and festive.
The party had already begun in the town center. I hadn’t noticed the open area around the big fountain before tonight. We could hear music playing and the laughter and celebration of elves. We looked around in awe at the wondrous place. Candles lit the entire area with a beautiful glow of flame. The fountain spouted clear water, shining under the full moon. Everyone looked regal and happy. Elves sure love to party, I thought to myself. And this was a time of celebration. I wished the Stellan problem would disappear for a while so I could feel happy too.
Zora left me to greet old friends, and I decided to look around for someone I knew as well. The first friend I spotted was Blaire. She wore a lovely green dress with brown lace trim. I ran over to her.
“Hey!” I greeted.
She turned around and smiled. “I heard you were home! Welcome back, and congratulations on rescuing your sister.”
“I couldn’t have done it without you, Blaire. The Mood Diamond helped a lot,” I said over the roar of the music. I left out the part about my near-death experiences with it. It wouldn’t be appropriate conversation for a party.
“I’m glad,” she said.
We parted ways when I caught sight of another friend, sitting on a chair and listening to the music, his small legs swinging to the sounds.
“Mac, what are you doing here?” I asked. “I thought you had gone to the Flower Fairy Realm.”
“I did!” he replied. “But when I heard word that a brave elfen and her friends had rescued her sister from Element fairies, I had to return!”
“Thank you for coming! And may I say, you look quite handsome in your suit,” I complimented.
“I knew I would! Now go and enjoy the party with your friends. We will talk again soon, and you can tell me all about your travels.”
“All right, I’ll see you soon!” I called as I walked away.
As I turned to survey the area, I realized that I didn’t see Stellan anywhere. Had he come to the party at all? Or had he remained home because of me? I felt oddly guilty.
I walked around in search of something to do. I didn’t really feel like dancing, and I didn’t even feel like visiting with friends. I had no interest in reliving my travels just yet. The stories would always end with the remembrance of what Stellan did.
Instead of joining the party, I took a seat on a small wooden bench. I hadn’t really wanted to come to the party, but I had agreed for Zora’s benefit. I had to support and welcome her home the right way.
Sighing, I looked up at the beautiful stars in the sky. Each star twinkled brightly in the clear night. The sight was mesmerizing and soothing as I gazed upward. Lost in thought, I wasn’t aware of the music becoming a great deal slower. I was holding on to the deep power of the sky’s comforting palette.
A shadow appeared before me, distracting me from the beauty of the sky. My eyes widened in shock as I gazed upon a different form of beauty.
The Stranger held out his hand.
“Would you like to dance with me?” he asked, with his emerald eyes and their sparkling silver slashes dancing in the moonlight.
Should I? Stellan’s image flashed across my mind. I hadn’t decided yet what I would say to him. Maybe dancing with someone else would be inappropriate.
But as his eyes watched me, waiting for an answer, I realized it didn’t matter. I wanted to dance with him, and I wasn’t going to say no. I owed it to him, after all, because thinking of him had helped me through the last few days. It was only one dance; just one dance with this beautiful-eyed elf.
“Yes,” I said, breathlessly.
I took his hand in mine. Being careful not to al
low both of my hands in his, I followed him to the fountain. I didn’t want to see any memories tonight, especially from someone I hardly knew, even though the idea was tempting.
I placed my arms around his neck and he placed his around my waist, holding me close. At first, I could barely breathe. His nearness threw me into a whirlwind of emotions. I looked into his eyes, and he smiled, just slightly. And suddenly, I felt completely at ease with him as we glided together. I felt warm.
We danced slowly for one song, and neither of us seemed to notice when the next song began. I never took my eyes off his. He kept his emerald gaze locked on mine.
Dancing with him was heavenly, an experience I wished would never end. I finally found the relief I needed; all the tension seemed to slip away. For the few moments I was in his arms, everything was pure bliss. I didn’t have worries. I didn’t have anything else to think about but dancing with him. He was so…refreshing, and so unlike anyone else in my life. He was different.
Another song came and then another. We didn’t notice the time pass. We didn’t speak. We just swayed to the music. The comfort he exerted was so precious, and I was afraid that at any moment it would all slip away. I found myself leaning in, resting my head on his shoulder so his cheek touched mine. I felt my face redden, making me glad that he wasn’t able to see.
His grip on me tightened, and I did the same. It was like we were both fighting to stay together, and not allowing anything to ruin this moment between us. My breathing quickened as I realized how close we were. I was all too aware of his hands resting on my lower back, their imprints like sweet flames that seemed to go through the thin fabric of my dress and onto my skin.
I wanted to say something to him. I wanted to tell him all I felt just now, but I couldn’t find the words. A jumble of phrases clouded my mind, making me unable to form coherent sentences. I exhaled deeply; I didn’t know whether it was from the frustration I felt at not being able to speak, or the relief I felt at being in his arms.
A new, faster song began, and it seemed the enchantment between us began to ebb. I looked up at him, not knowing how to proceed. His fingertips brushed a strand of hair from my face that covered my eyes. He watched me for a moment, and the beauty of his gaze mesmerized me. We were still close, and the connection we shared was impeccably intimate. Still, no words were spoken between us. But that didn’t matter. We didn’t need words. All that needed to be said was found in our eyes.
In that moment, I forgot Stellan. I forgot the kisses we had shared. I forgot the butterflies I felt whenever he held my hand or called me beautiful. I forgot that he told me he was falling for me, feeling things he had never felt before. I forgot him, and instead, I focused on the Stranger. I remembered every detail of our previous encounters: The way his eyes seemed to penetrate my every emotion; the way I lost all traces of normal speaking function when he was near; the way just the thought of him gave me a balance; and the way it felt to be held by him, every part of me alive and feeling sensations I didn’t know existed until now.
Then I wondered, what if?
What if he kissed me? What if he told me I was beautiful? What if he told me he loved me?
What would I say in return?
Before I could think of an answer, he backed away from me, bowed slightly, and walked away into the crowd. I watched as he looked back and smiled at me one last time before he faded among the elves.
Suddenly, I felt strangely empty, as though he took something of mine along with him as he went. I didn’t know what it was, or what exactly had just happened. I hadn’t even learned his name.
He was still the Stranger to me.
***
My head was still whirling from the party as I walked back home. I had danced with the Stranger. Time had seemed to pass quickly…but it had been incredible. During that short time with him, I questioned whether or not I would throw away Stellan for him, if he asked.
But he hadn’t. He had walked away, leaving me breathless and confused.
So where did that leave us? Nowhere. It would be nearly impossible for me to deny the connection we had, but there was one little problem. I didn’t know him. I didn’t know his name, where he lived, who he was. All I knew were his eyes, and that wasn’t enough for me…not yet.
But I did feel a new strength in me, a new confidence. Dancing with the Stranger was just what I had needed to get over the heartbreak of Stellan. Everything was clear to me now. I knew what I had to do, and the choices I must make.
I couldn’t stay upset or sad forever. If I did, I would miss out on life, miss out on the happiness that I deserved here, where I belonged. It was time to throw away my sorrows and face a new future. I couldn’t dwell in the past. I couldn’t let it hinder me. I couldn’t let it break me. It was time to start moving forward.
I didn’t return to the party after those last dances, and I hoped Zora didn’t notice, or mind my leaving. I couldn’t remain there after dancing with the Stranger, feeling so different from before. I was sure of myself now, confident in my decisions. But the feeling was foreign to me, and I didn’t know how I would use this new certainty.
Feeling alive and hopeful, I was about to open the door when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I knew who it was even before I turned to look at his face. Stellan took one of my hands and led me away from the door. I followed him without complaint. I had promised him we would talk. And now that I knew what to do, what to say, I was okay with speaking to him.
We went behind my house and stood in silence for some time. Then I sighed.
“Are we going to talk, Stellan, or can I go to bed? It’s been a very long day.”
It took him a while to reply. “I’m sorry, Ramsey.”
“I know,” I said.
“I’m so sorry.”
“I know,” I said again, wiping away newly fallen tears. I hadn’t wanted to cry tonight, especially after the wonderful evening with the Stranger. I couldn’t help thinking of him, even with Stellan standing right in front of me.
“I never meant to hurt you,” he told me.
“I know.”
“What I did was terrible and senseless.”
“I know,” I repeated.
“I was telling the truth when I said what I had with Zora was nothing more than a few dates and a necklace. We were friends for years, much like she and Addison were, so we decided to give being together a chance. I thought it might go somewhere, but now I see it couldn’t have. Not after meeting you,” he told me.
“I know.”
“I love you, Ramsey.”
“You what?” I looked at him, completely surprised.
He shook his head. “I can’t say for certain if it’s love or not. We’ve only known each other for a short time. It’s just that when I met you, everything I thought I was certain of disappeared. You unraveled me. What I say to you, I want to be perfect. Instead of worrying about myself, I worry about you. Whenever I walk, my feet lead me to you. Even my ability wants to take me to you, which makes it really hard to get to work, by the way.”
I stifled a laugh. My heart was so heavy, but with what emotions, I didn’t know.
Stellan shook his head, like he was struggling for a way to express his every thought and feeling. “And just the thought of losing you drives me crazy. I can’t lose you, Ramsey, because without you, I’ll just keep unraveling until there is nothing left of me.”
I couldn’t say anything back to him. I didn’t know what to say. Part of me felt the same way. It didn’t matter how long we had known each other, and it didn’t matter what he had done. But I wasn’t sure I wanted to love him. And I wasn’t sure I could really forgive him.
I wanted to move on with my life. But did that “moving on” include or exclude Stellan? Could things ever be the same between us after all that had happened?
“Ramsey, please say something. Anything,” he pleaded.
I breathed in deeply, choosing my words carefully. “I can’t say it, Stellan. I can’t give you the
answer you want,” I told him straight out.
He looked down. I saw his heart break in that instant. But I had to tell the truth. He started to walk away, but I stopped him.
“I can’t say I love you, Stellan, because I haven’t said I forgive you yet.”
“Please say it,” he said, as he turned back toward me. He made sure to only take one of my hands, a new light in his eyes.
“I forgive you,” I said.
“Thank you,” he replied, pulling me close. “I promise, I –”
“No more promises, Stellan. We’ll deal with the rest another time. Just…make me forget that you hurt me,” I told him.
His hands went around my waist, and he pulled my body toward his until we were barely an inch apart. I looked into his eyes. I put my arms around his neck and stood as tall as I could to reach his face.
“I love you, Elf Girl,” he said.
I smiled and leaned my head forward so my lips were close to his left ear. Before we shared our most magical kiss, I whispered the words he wanted to hear.
“I love you too, Stellan.”
~23~
Only Until the End of Summer
It was July seventh, one month after my sixteenth birthday, one month after I rescued Zora, and the date of Stellan’s eighteenth birthday. Was this a coincidence? By now I believed there were no such things as coincidences when it came to magic. I didn’t think Stellan’s birthday being exactly one month after mine had extreme importance. It was just a cool thing to think about.
Walking the short distance from my home to Aaliyah’s, and clutching Stellan’s present in my hands, I took time to reflect on just how far I had come in the last several weeks. I went from being an awkward human girl with weird ears to an elfen with a magical ability, a big secret, and a great-looking boyfriend to boot. I had come a long way.
However, I knew I still had a long way to go before I truly found myself, the deep inside self. That couldn’t happen until I knew my secret. For now, I was finally enjoying my new life, and that was enough.
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