In any case the decision was taken from me, because not a minute after I’d had the thought, Jack called. He wanted to know if Leif had left, and asked if I would go for a drive with him. He said he needed to talk and would pick me up in five minutes.
We drove to the beach in silence and when he had parked the car, switched the headlights off and turned in his seat to watch me—his face a shadowy mix of emotions that I couldn’t decipher the meaning of—it didn’t take me long to realise my friend had an awful lot on his mind.
Eventually I said, ‘What’s wrong, Jack?’
He frowned. ‘You’re going to pretend you don’t know?’
I didn’t know what to say.
Jack sighed. ‘I’m sorry—I probably don’t even have a right to . . . feel what I feel.’
‘No one can help what they feel.’
But Jack wasn’t paying attention and his face was twisted when he said, ‘I never in a million years thought this guy existed.’
‘But you said—’
‘Doesn’t matter what I said. I thought he was just some crazy dream. I mean, geez, Marla—a fairy, betrothed to you—how the hell am I meant to compete with that? How can any of this be real? It’s insane!’
‘I know,’ I agreed quietly.
‘This is going to make me sound full of myself, but I always thought . . . when I was ready to make my move you’d be there, you know . . . all waiting and wanting.’ He kept his eyes on the windscreen—either that or the crashing waves beyond.
The thing was, if Leif hadn’t come along, I would have been.
‘Did you really, Jack?’
‘You must have known I did.’ He sighed heavily. ‘I just took it for granted that one day we’d be together.’ He smiled and caught my eyes with his. ‘I’ve spent long nights imagining the moment I kissed you again—proved to you how much better it could be than that last time.’
‘How could it get any better? I loved that kiss—hidden away in your dad’s boat shed, almost breaking each other’s teeth.’
‘You tasted delicious.’
I laughed softly. ‘That’s because I was prepared. Hilary told me you planned to kiss me, so I raided Mum’s herb garden and scrubbed my teeth with mint leaves. I was so excited.’
‘Yeah, well, I’ve been looking forward to exciting you some more.’
‘I didn’t know that.’
‘Seriously?’
‘Seriously . . . I mean, I supposed I figured it out last night, but before that . . . not really.’
‘I’m an idiot.’
‘No, you’re not.’
‘Obviously I am, or I wouldn’t have left my move so late.’
‘Why did you?’
‘I wasn’t ready, I guess, and I didn’t know such ridiculous competition would come along. I knew I could lure you from Jason any time I wanted—or any other guy for that matter. But Leif . . . ’ He shook his head.
‘Oh, I see how it is—it’s all about your competitive streak.’ I smiled—an attempt to lighten the mood.
It didn’t work. Even the night shadows couldn’t hide his frown. ‘No, that’s not how it is. I just always thought there was plenty of time. No rush, you know? We’re young and I didn’t want it to be one of those stupid high school things. I wanted to wait for the perfect moment. Last night, if that idiot Jason hadn’t interrupted . . . I should have told him to get lost. I should have taken that kiss when I had the chance. I knew you wanted me.’
‘Jack . . . ’
He sighed. ‘I’m sorry. I don’t want it to be awkward between us. You’ll be with Leif now; I get it—born for each other and all that, and I’m happy for you, really.’ I could tell he meant it, but there was an edge to his voice.
‘Jack, you know that if Leif hadn’t come along . . . ’ I hesitated, wondered at the point of what I was about to say.
‘Go on.’
‘It would have been you . . . Only you.’ I felt myself blush as his eyes stayed locked on mine, but it was the truth and it was a relief to admit it to him.
‘I know . . . that’s what makes this so damned hard.’ He leaned close and kissed me—too soft and sweet for friendship. When he pulled away, he smiled and said, ‘And, Marla?’
‘Mmm?’
‘I got the first kiss.’
I smiled. ‘Yes you did, and I’ll remember it forever.’
‘That could be a long time for you.’
‘Do you mind so much, Jack?’
‘I’m going to try really hard not to. Seeing you with him today . . . anyone could tell you belong together.’
‘Thanks, Jack, I’d hate for me and him to get in the way of me and you.’
‘It never would. Surely you don’t think I’m that pathetic. The world is full of beautiful women—I just never thought I’d have to pay much attention.’
We went for a walk on the beach after that—a dark moonlit walk on the beach. Jack held my hand and to anyone watching we could have only looked like lovers. And I couldn’t deny the little corner of my heart that ached because we never would be.
My family were home when I returned and as soon as I walked in, Mum said, ‘What’s this I hear about you having a new boyfriend? What happened to the other one?’
‘Jason wasn’t my boyfriend,’ I said, cringing at the thought of it before turning to glare at Ashleigh.
‘So tell us about—Leif, is it? Where did you meet him?’
‘It’s kind of hard to explain.’
‘Try,’ she insisted and I knew by the way she stood—unmoving, with her arms folded across her chest—that she wouldn’t be put off.
‘It’s quite a story,’ I said with a nervous laugh, wondering where to start and how much to tell. Did I just come straight out with it? I’m a Fae being, destined for immortality, betrothed to a prince. They would think I was insane. But, there was no other way.
So after asking my father to join us and when the four of us were all seated on the lounge, I told them the story, gently, starting from when I first heard Leif’s name whispered into my mind and easing them to the conclusion slowly. I told them of meeting Leif in my sleep and how he had led me to the knowledge of my birth parents. I explained that until the night before when he arrived at the dance, I had believed he and all he had told me were nothing but dreams and delusions. I told them everything, even the part about Leif’s father, the king of Telophy, having a grudge against me. I stopped short of telling them that he’d wished me never born, owning only that he had banished me from Faera as punishment to my birth mother.
After a long silence, my mother looked at my father. ‘It’s not April first, is it?’ she asked.
‘No,’ he said, looking seriously concerned, and then a moment later, ‘Amy love, what’s going on? You’ve never been one to invent stories.’
My parents didn’t believe me. They thought I was mental.
Before I could open my mouth to defend my bizarre tale, Ashleigh did it for me. ‘It’s true, Dad. I’ve been flying with her. We went out on the balcony and Leif picked us up and he had these enormous glittery wings that popped out of his back like magic and then we were flying through the air. It didn’t even take a minute to get to the beach!’
My father looked from me to Ashleigh and back again. ‘You girls must have been awfully bored today to dream up such a story.’
My parents didn’t believe one single word I’d told them.
‘I’ve seen the evidence with my own eyes!’ Ashleigh cried.
‘Fairies—of all things! Confess now, girls: you’re having a good old lend of your mum and dad, but that’s enough now.’ Mum stood and turned towards the kitchen.
I grabbed her arm. ‘Mum, I swear, I’m not making it up. I know how it sounds, but it really is true.’
She hesitated. ‘So you seriously expect us to believe that you and your new boyfriend are fairies, Amy.’
‘I know it sounds crazy but—’ I pulled my hair back, ‘—look at my ears! Tell me you haven’t wondered a
bout these ears.’
‘Well, of course I have, but a fairy! I mean, really, anyone can see they’re pixie ears.’ She had a good laugh at her own joke.
‘But Mum . . . ’
She put her hand up to stop me. ‘Enough,’ she said, all traces of humour gone. I released my grip on her arm. ‘You are both being ridiculous and you’re far too old for this kind of nonsense. I honestly don’t know what’s got into the pair of you!’
Ashleigh opened her mouth. I gave her a look and shook my head. She took the hint. Persevering would only make our parents angry—and for what? They would discover the truth soon enough anyway.
CHAPTER TEN
The first fingers of sunlight poked me awake early the next morning. Usually I would throw the covers back for my morning sun soak. But not today—Leif would be arriving soon. Grinning, I sprang out of bed to get ready for him. After a quick breakfast I went to the bathroom to make myself beautiful. With the rest of my family fast asleep and likely to stay that way for at least another hour I knew there was no hurry. I stepped into the shower, singing happily and wishing more than ever that I could use Ashleigh’s shower products. I examined the labels: juicy strawberry and vanilla bean. I wondered which Leif would prefer, they both sounded delicious. In too good a mood to mind, I reached for my Fae-friendly, fragrance-free body wash. I paid extra attention to my hair, combing every tangle as I washed, wanting to look ravishing for Leif, my man, my prince. The very thought of him brought a grin to my face and a shiver to my body. I sang as I dried myself off and, wrapping my towel around my body, sang some more as I spent the best part of an hour styling my hair.
When I was finished I took a couple of steps back to examine my efforts. ‘Not bad,’ I told my reflection with a grin before I returned to my room to dress.
Ashleigh was just waking as I slipped my new dress over my head. She rolled over to face me. ‘You look pretty,’ she said in a sleepy voice.
‘Thanks.’ I twirled before the wardrobe mirror door.
‘That’s the dress Leif’s grandmother made isn’t it?’
‘Yes,’ I answered unable to take the smile off my face.
‘It’s really nice.’
‘I know.’
She raised herself onto one elbow. ‘It’s like there’s rainbows trapped inside . . . It’s very low in the back, though, isn’t it? I can see your butt crack.’
‘Don’t be so disgusting.’
‘Well, I can.’
‘You cannot,’ I argued, but turned my back to the mirror to check for myself. ‘Are you getting up?’ I asked.
She gave me a very Ashleigh snarky look. ‘It’s not like I’ve got a hot guy coming for me. All I’ve got to look forward to is church and Sunday lunch.’
‘Well, say your prayers and who knows what’s around the corner?’ I told her with a grin.
Ashleigh responded by throwing a stuffed toy at my head.
‘Hey, watch the hair,’ I cried.
‘Oh, go wait for your prince out there. You’re keeping me up.’ She pulled her pillow over her face.
I sat carefully on the lounge so as not to crease my dress and waited. At eight thirty my parents got up.
‘Are you coming to church today?’ my father asked.
‘Can’t, Dad, Leif’s coming, remember?’
‘Ah yes,’ he said, giving me the kind of look that made me want to convince him of my honesty. But I stayed silent and after a moment, he added, ‘Come next week though, will you? It’s been a while.’
‘Okay.’
‘Can you duck in and check if Ashleigh’s coming?’
I went to check. ‘She said she’s too tired,’ I told my father when I returned.
He frowned and shook his head. I switched the television on to distract myself.
By nine forty-five my parents had left and still Leif had not appeared. I was becoming more and more agitated as the seconds ticked by. At ten thirty, Ashleigh finally dragged herself out of bed.
‘Where’s Leif?’ she asked, looking around.
‘I don’t know. I was sure he would have been here by now.’
‘I hope he hasn’t stood you up,’ she said with a mean little grin.
‘Oh, shut up!’ I snapped. I might have been dressed like a dainty little faery but my mood was fast becoming fire-breathing dragon.
‘I’m only saying.’
‘Well don’t!’ This new relationship with Leif felt way too precarious. The fear that he actually mightn’t turn up had fed every one of my insecurities for the past hour and left me feeling fragile.
‘Geez, relax,’ she said and left me alone with my stress.
Moments later, to my immense relief, there was a knock on the door. Still I couldn’t completely relax until I was sure it was him. I jumped up and raced to answer it, threw the door wide and there he stood. Somehow I managed to refrain from launching myself at him but when he opened his arms, I refrained no longer.
‘Leif,’ I whispered as I fell into his embrace. I could feel his heart beating fast beneath my cheek—the mirror of mine. He held me for a moment and then—probably realising we would be standing in the doorway all day if it were up to me—said, ‘I think we’d better go inside unless you want your neighbours to see us.’
‘I don’t care,’ I said but pulled away from him. I took his hand and brought him inside. ‘You’re wearing a shirt.’
He smiled a dazzling smile. ‘Do you like it?’
Was he kidding? The shirt was storm-cloud grey, formal but made casual by the way he wore it—top buttons undone and sleeves rolled up. It slipped over the contours of his body like it was created only for him and fell over the top of his tailored black pants, exposing just the buckle and a tiny bit of the leather of his belt. The whole look was windblown and entrancing and I had to run my hands down his chest. It was all warm silk and hard muscle under my fingers. ‘You look amazing, but what’s the occasion?’
‘I’m meeting your parents, am I not?’ I was touched by his consideration of them.
‘You’ve met Dad already,’ I reminded him.
‘But it was only a chance meeting and I had other things on my mind.’ He took both of my hands from his chest and held me away from him. I waited quietly while he looked me over. Finally he pulled me close and lifted my chin with his fingers. His eyes told me what he was thinking before he spoke. They were half closed and holding mine hostage. ‘Marla, you look enchanting.’ He pressed a hand to my back. ‘And ready to fly I see.’
I shivered as his heat came into me and a little sigh escaped my lips. He laughed at my weakness for him and I couldn’t have cared less. I just wrapped my arms around him and held on tight.
‘Morning, Leif,’ Ashleigh said, coming into the room. ‘Marla, you do realise Mum and Dad will be walking through the door in about five seconds don’t you?’ I watched her try to hide her awe as she looked Leif up and down.
‘Good morning, Ashleigh,’ Leif said, turning to face her. ‘It’s nice to see you again.’
‘Yeah, I bet it is. Sorry to interrupt such a tender moment.’
‘Don’t concern yourself with it. There will be many others.’
‘Barf,’ she said before returning to our bedroom, but she was blushing. Leif sat down on the lounge pulling me with him.
‘Do you want a drink or something?’ I asked.
‘Explain something,’ he said with a smile.
‘Something is whatever you want it to be,’ I told him and trailed my fingers from his shoulder to his wrist, tracing the veins on the underside of it once I got there.
He grinned and said, ‘I’m going to have to be very careful with you.’
‘Why?’
‘Hmm, never mind. I’ll have the black drink if you have it. It’s strangely appealing.’
I got up to get his Coke. He was confused by the can. He looked at it for a few moments. Amused, I watched as he assessed how he might get to the drink inside. After some consideration he thought he had the thing f
igured but the ring pull snapped off and the can remained closed. He looked bewildered and pinched his chin between his finger and thumb a few times before scratching his head. Then he turned to me.
‘You must think me a fool.’
‘Yeah, but you’re a cute one.’
He grinned and handed me the damaged can. I got him a replacement, showed him how to open it and gave it to him with a straw. He looked at the straw, turned it this way and that and then placed it on the coffee table.
‘What would happen to you, Marla, if you drank this?’
‘I snuck a can when I was little once. I was feeling cranky about something or other—can’t remember what. I only managed a couple of sips before my mouth started to swell up. I was in hospital for almost a week.’
He lifted a strand of my hair, weaving it in his fingers before cupping the back of my neck with his hand. ‘When you are immortal, my love, you will be able to come and go between Earth and Faera, eating and drinking as you please.’
Immortal—I had to take a deep breath. I held it for a short while, then let it out slowly.
‘Marla?’
‘It all seems such a fantasy, Leif.’
‘It will be reality. I have made plans.’
‘What plans?’ I asked. He opened his mouth to tell me, but the sound of a key in the front door silenced him. Leif untangled his fingers from my hair and stood to meet my parents.
I couldn’t remember ever seeing my mother blush, so the sight of the flood of crimson to her cheeks when Leif inclined his head to her had me choking on a chuckle. When he straightened and told her it was his honour and great pleasure to meet her, before granting her the kind of smile that would give any female palpitations, I think she actually began to tremble. My mother looked at her feet, mumbled something incoherent and dashed off to the kitchen. I looked over to my father, wondering if he’d noticed his wife’s behaviour. His face wore a kind of rare smirk. I left Leif chatting with Dad and Ashleigh and followed Mum to the kitchen.
‘Are you all right, Mum?’
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