by Riana Lucas
Instead of giving in to my urge, I walk calmly and slowly over to Reed, who watches every step I take. When I reach the rock he rests on, he moves over to make room for me. I begin to climb up, but Reed extends his hand for me to take.
I look at his outreached hand for a moment. It is tan and strong, so much larger than my own. His fingers are extended toward me, his palm facing heavenward, and it is sure and steady. I place my own pale hand in his and am surprised at how delicate it looks there. The word delicate is not one that has ever been used when describing myself, but for the first time, I feel that way.
Delicate.
Fragile.
Breakable.
All words I have never used, but somehow feel describe me right now.
Reed’s grip tightens as he pulls me up next to him. I allow my previous thoughts to drift away as I look out at the glittering pond. Reed and I are both quiet as the wind blows across the pond, gently caressing us with its cool breeze. Reed’s arm settles heavier onto mine, and I lean in closer, seeking his warmth and strength. We sit like this for a long while, time having no concept in the dream world. But just like all dreams, we all wake up eventually, and it must come to an end.
Reed and I both feel the subtle change, indicating that our time is drawing to an end. His soft voice reaches my ear as the wind begins to die down, and the sun begins to set on our dream. “But it doesn’t.”
I look at him, confused by his words.
“The dream. It doesn’t have to end. We can be this way in the real world, too.”
I shake my head in denial. “No. We cannot. There are dangers out there. We cannot be this comfortable and let our guards down like this, ever. Not out there.”
“But we can. If we’re together. We can do anything if we stay together.”
“That will only make us more vulnerable. You know that as well as I do. We are at war, and now is not the time to relax. Now is not the time to bring your mother into this either.” He is shaking his head in denial, but I do not allow him to speak. “Reed, you know I am right. It is not safe. Your mother must be protected, and she must be kept away from the Faery world. It is not safe there for humans. You, of all people, should know that.”
“No. I’m sorry, Poppy. I don’t agree, and you aren’t going to change my mind.” I begin to protest, but his voice grows louder and he talks over me. “If you don’t want to be like this with me in the real world, then that’s fine. I can’t force you.” The look in his eyes when he speaks those words breaks my heart, but he is not finished. “But I will take my mother back to the Faery Land, and I will continue to fight the war with you. I won’t be left behind.” With his final words, he stands up, and the scenery around us begins to shimmer.
Everything blends together and slowly fades away.
My eyes pop open, and I slowly sit up in the bed. It is still dark outside, but I can feel the sun beginning to rise. I rub my hands over my eyes and then back into my hair. After glancing around to make sure I am alone, I let out a loud sigh and fall back into the pillow.
Reed’s mother could not have been more wrong. Things are definitely not going to get better today. In fact, I have a feeling they are only going to get worse.
Chapter Eighteen
As I lay there in the couch bed, the light begins to brighten outside, and the room fills with morning sunlight. The soothing sounds of the birds chirping and singing outside remind me of the whimsical sounds in Faery Land. Eventually I hear shuffling and mumbling coming from the front of the house, indicating that Reed and his mother are both awake as well. After a few more moments, the heavenly smell of freshly baked pastries weaves its way to my nose. My stomach lets out an involuntary rumble, reminding me that I am hungry and that I cannot hide in this room all day.
Pulling the blanket off, I sit up before swinging my legs over the edge of the bed, stretching my toes, and wiggling the sleep out of each one. Arms above my head, I straighten my back, stretching it as well. I am pleasantly surprised that I slept so well. After sleeping all night indoors and in a human bed, I had expected to be up all night and uncomfortable. My gaze sweeps the room, looking for nothing in particular. I am stalling because I do not wish to face Reed this morning. Lately it seems that we cannot end a conversation without an argument. The last thing I want is to start our morning with another one.
Knowing this is only wishful thinking, I let out a loud sigh and heave myself from the comforts of the warm bed. I fold the bed back into the couch and place the cushions back into their places. After folding the blanket and sheets and placing them on one side of the couch, I set the pillows on top. Once that task is complete, I grab my satchel and double-check to make sure the few items I brought with me are still there. Pulling the change of clothes and a toothbrush from the bag, I go to the bathroom to freshen up and change. Stuffing my dirty clothes back into my bag, I then place my daggers in their proper places. Looking around once again, there is nothing else for me to do. I can no longer delay the inevitable.
Letting out another sigh, I throw my bag over my shoulder, turn around, and slam into the warm solid body of Reed. His hands come up to steady me, but then he lets go and takes a step back.
“Breakfast is ready. Mom wanted me to tell you,” he announces then turns to leave, but I stop him.
“Reed.” My voice is soft and pleading. Although it stops his retreat, he does not turn back around to face me or to speak.
“I do not like to fight with you. I…you are…I…” I shrug helplessly, even though he cannot see me. I do not know what to say or how to make things better. This is all so new to me, and I am lost.
Reed sighs softly and his shoulders drop just a bit from the tense stance he had just a moment before.
“Say something, please?” I whisper softly.
“I don’t know what to say, Poppy.” He pauses and I squeeze my eyes shut, hoping he says something that will make things better. “I just —”
“Kids? Come and get it while it’s still hot and fresh!” Although her voice carries cheerfully down the hall, I can hear the strain in it. She too is aware that things are not better today.
“Come on, Poppy. My mom is waiting.” Reed’s shoulders are tense once again, and he is already moving down the hall away from me without another word.
I sag in defeat and slowly follow behind, wondering what I can do to get things back the way they were before.
Anna is cheerful and pleasant when we both enter the kitchen, trying hard to lighten the mood. I give her a weak smile, but that is not enough for her. She walks over and engulfs me in a tight hug. I squeeze her back, not realizing how much I needed this morning hug.
“Good morning, Poppy. Did you sleep okay, honey?”
“Good morning. Yes, I did. Thank you Ms.…umm, I mean Anna.” I smile softly at her when she pulls back to look at me.
“Good girl.” She releases me completely with a soft chuckle and begins to move around the kitchen once again. Pulling dishes and glasses from the cabinets, she sets them on the kitchen counter. Then she pulls out two pot holders to remove the pastries from the oven. My thoughts become momentarily derailed when the wonderful smell reaches my nose once again.
Anna notices my interest, and her smile becomes less forced and bit more natural. “I made apple streusel and blueberry muffins. All the ingredients are fresh and organic. I also have some fresh-squeezed orange juice. I hope that’ll be okay.”
“That sounds wonderful. I am sure it will be more than perfect.” I give her my first genuine smile as well.
“Mom’s muffins and streusel are to die for. Everyone in the neighborhood is always begging her to make some for them.” Reed's voice is a bit more relaxed when he tells me this, and I sigh in relief. Hopefully breakfast will not be as bad as dinner was last night.
“Oh, you! I wouldn’t go that far.” Anna waves her hand in denial toward Reed, but a slight blush creeps into her cheeks, betraying her pleasure at his words.
“I would.�
� Reed walks up behind his mother and kisses her loudly on the cheek. “Best pastries for miles.” When she turns to thank him, he snakes his arm around her other side to quickly swipe a blueberry muffin. Without even breaking eye contact, her arm lashes out and she swats his hand playfully, making him drop the muffin back onto the serving plate.
“Ow!” he yelps playfully as he grins down at her playful eyes.
“Do you really think you can pull one over on me, mister? I have been your mother long enough to know when you’re up to no good.”
Reed places his hand over his chest and pouts playfully. “Aww, Mom! You wound me. I can’t believe you think I would ever be up to no good.” There is a small smile playing at his lips, and a wicked glimmer in his eyes. Anna’s face matches his own.
Their playfulness is refreshing and so normal for them. Reed and his mother have a very close relationship and love each other dearly. I could stand here all day and watch them together. It is a nice reprieve from all of the tension and awkwardness over the last two days. Reed looks up and sees me watching them. He winks at me and then leans down to kiss his mother on the cheek once more before taking the serving dishes from her to carry them over to the kitchen table.
There is no mistaking the shadow that passed over his face, though. Although he is putting on a good front for his mother, Reed is still angry with me. I sigh inwardly, not knowing what to do. He cannot take his mother to Faery Land. My mother has been very understanding in our need to return here for a short time, but there was never any mention of returning with a human. I am sure that my mother would not approve.
Humans are only brought to Faery Land as slaves and servants. They are not looked upon well at all by any Fae, even those of the Seelie Court. Humans belong in the human world, not in Faery Land. A shiver runs up my spine at the thought of bringing Anna to Faery Land and her being harmed by a Fae.
Besides that, I am not even sure if I can physically bring her back with us. I have only transported Halflings between the two worlds. Some Fae have been successful in doing so, but I do not know if there is some sort of extra magic that has to be used. Worst of all, I do not know if Anna would survive shimmering to Faery Land. The possibility that I could be the one to harm her is unthinkable.
Surely once I told him, Reed would understand all of this and would agree the risk is too great. He would never knowingly allow any harm to come to his mother. I will tell him this information and wish them both good-bye. Then I will return to Faery Land and my duties. Having a solid plan in mind, I relax just a bit and make my way to the kitchen table to join Reed and his mother for breakfast.
The kitchen table is smaller and much more intimate than the dining table we ate at last night. It is wedged in the corner of the kitchen with a big bay window beside it. The view from the window is of the back yard and the ocean beyond. It is lovely. The sun shines through the open window, helping make the atmosphere livelier. The table is so small there is barely enough room for all of the food and our dishes. Although cluttered and a bit chaotic, it is refreshing, and I like it very much.
Anna pours the fresh-squeezed orange juice into each of our glasses. Before she’s even finished pouring, I am picking it up and sipping it. I close my eyes for just a moment to savor the wonderful taste. When I open them once again I realize what I did and peek around in embarrassment, hoping no one was watching me. Thankfully, Reed is busy savoring his own food, and Anna is too busy still filling our plates. There is so much food on my plate that I am not sure I will be able to finish it, but I intend to try.
Starting with the blueberry muffin, I reach for it and break it apart, releasing steam that rises to my nose. Taking a deep breath, I inhale the fresh and sweet aroma. I break off a small piece of the warm bread and place it on my tongue. My eyes close again at the heavenly taste. The bread is perfectly moist, and the fresh blueberries melt in my mouth.
“Mmmmm.”
“Ohhhhhh.”
“Yummmm.”
These are the only sounds that are heard around the small kitchen table for the first few minutes of our meal. Reed and I are both so caught up in the delicious meal that we do not even notice that Anna is not eating. She is sitting back, enjoying our utter bliss in the food she has prepared for us.
Finally, I take a break from devouring breakfast and look up to see Anna with a bright smile on her face. Embarrassment sets in once again. “Sorry,” I mumble around a bite of apple streusel. My cheeks heat, but I do not stop eating the delicious food.
“Told you,” Reed mumbles around a mouthful of his own food, and I cannot help the giggle that escapes my lips.
Reed stops chewing and stares at me for a moment, blinking more than usual. My embarrassment grows under his gaze, my face flushing further and my palms growing damp with sweat. The way he looks at me makes me uncomfortable. It is as if he sees more of me than anyone else. I do not know what to say to him when he looks at me this way.
Thankfully, Anna saves me from having to come up with something. “It is so nice to hear you both are enjoying your breakfast. And it’s very nice to hear you laugh, Poppy. It’s a very pleasant sound.”
I frown at her words. “Why?” I ask, completely confused.
“Oh…umm…I’m sorry, dear. It’s just that you seem so serious all the time, and it’s nice to see you acting like the young girl that you are.”
“Oh.” I am not sure what to say to that. I tried, but it is just so difficult to be carefree and fun when there is so much danger.
“I’m sorry, Poppy. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. It’s just that, from a mother’s perspective, it’s nice to see you smile. That’s all.”
“I know. I just thought I was doing better.” I frown again, looking down at my almost empty plate.
“What do you mean, dear?” Anna asks softly.
“Well…” I glance up at Reed, who is also watching me. He and I just had this conversation yesterday, but now I feel even more vulnerable after all of the arguing.
A soft hand takes mine, and I glance back over to Anna. “Yes?” she asks expectantly.
“It is very difficult for me. I have always been one way, and now I am expected to be another. I was raised as an Unseelie Fae in that horrible Court. I did not trust anyone other than Rho, and now she is gone. I did not like it there, but it is all I have known. Now I have been thrown into a whole other reality. I am not who I thought I was. I am a mix of two Courts and the princess of both, therefore not wholly belonging to either. I have only just met my mother, but for some reason feel so close to her. I have very few friends and do not understand the feelings I have for them or how to express them. I also am terrified of losing another person that I love to this war that is my fault.”
Once the flood gates opened, I let it all out. I had not intended to reveal so much, but having Anna there made it so easy. When I finish and look up, her eyes are filled with compassion. Before I can say anything more, I feel the warmth of another behind me. Although I am aware of who it is, I glance up to see Reed standing over me.
He crouches down beside my chair and slowly reaches up to take my hands. I move around in my chair to face him better as he pulls my hands to him. “Why didn’t you tell me, Poppy? I knew you had a lot going on, but you can always talk to me.”
“I am so confused. I do not know the right words.”
“You did okay just then.” He grins up at me.
“I do not know what just happened. It just all came rushing out.” I shrug, barely able to remember what I said.
“Well that was a nice start. When we get home, we can talk more. I can help you. Okay?”
I begin to shake my head, and Reed stiffens. “No, Reed. I am so sorry, but you cannot help me. You must stay here with your mother. Where you can keep her safe.”
Reed closes his eyes, as if for strength, then opens them slowly again. “I am taking my mother to Faery Land, Poppy, and that’s final.”
“No, Reed, it is not. I cannot take her th
ere. Shimmering her out of the human world and into Faery Land may kill her. I will not take that risk. I am sorry. You will have to stay here, and I will go back alone. It is the only way.”
I watch as the realization hits Reed. We probably will not see each other again, and I can see the pain is just as bad for him as it is for me. He pulls me into a tight hug and whispers the word no over and over again while holding me tight against his chest.
Chapter Nineteen
“That’s not true.”
The soft but stern words take a moment to penetrate the pain and sadness, but when they do I pull back from Reed’s embrace. Blinking back the unshed tears, I look over toward Anna. Her face is also sad, but there is determination as well.
“That is not true, Poppy,” she says again, louder and more forceful this time.
“What is not true?” I shake my head to try to clear the confusion.
“What you said about taking a human to Faery Land.”
“What do you mean? How could you know?” Before she can answer, I already know. The small pieces of her story she has shared play back through my head once more. She has far too much knowledge about the Faery world for a human. Her sadness and wistfulness at the different things she revealed were far too personal for them to have been just a story told to her by another.
“You’ve been there?” Reed’s question mirrors my own thoughts. He has pulled back farther from me, but is still crouched down on the ground with his hands resting on mine, having only turned his body slightly so he may see his mother better. The look of horror on his face tells me all I need to know about what he is thinking. His thoughts mirror mine.
My imagination begins to run wild with various thoughts and questions. Was she brought to Faery Land as a slave or a servant? What did they want with her? Did she endure horrible things while there? And finally, how did she manage to get back to the human world seemingly unharmed?