The Fairy Tale

by Talia Haze

Kisses to the seraphs. When Angel left, Uncle Harrison thought there would be trouble with our benefactor. He was afraid that our income would stop because he lost one of us. Our benefactor, after all, knew we added another boy. But this time, the notes stayed the same. Our benefactor didn’t know; he stopped watching. So, Uncle Harrison could stop bring vigilant.

  A year after my sister vanished, Uncle Harrison increased our workload, decreased our leisure time, and raised voice and fist more often. He moved us from our spacious, upstairs rooms and into the draft and damp servant’s quarters below.

  I hated it down there. My upstairs room was so much nicer. I pushed open the window and chewed on my apple. Far beyond the pebbles of the avenue and the rolling hills, the towers of Castle Farlington glistened in the fading sunlight. Lights from the castle town below it illuminated intermittently as the townsfolk lit them in preparation of night.

  I stretched my arms out. My body finally felt so relaxed. The autumn leaves danced in the breeze. Some fluttered to the grass of the garden or landed on the small roof over the well.

  I did do a right fine job cleaning. The place never looked better. Still, Aunt Beth wouldn’t even protect me enough to have supper. The wind gusted, making a low whistling sound from the well. The well! That could be a wonderful place!

  The fair maiden Gabriella tumbled in somersaults into the well, finding a grand land. Mother Holle requested her to keep tidy the house, and the humble Gabriella did. The old woman was kind to the fair maiden Gabriella; she fed Gabriella meat every night, praised her for her industriousness and never once spoke a cruel word to her…

  I paused and leaned against the window. I couldn’t remember the last time I received a kind word from Aunt Beth. In the past week, her only words to me were commands and endless lists of more chores. A tear rolled down my cheek.

  Jessica’s words upset me more than I thought. She wasn’t near, but I swallowed my sobs anyway. I just wished Aunt Beth would pretend to love me. That would have been decent. What was the difference between Jessica and me? After fourteen years of care, Aunt Beth still couldn’t find it in her heart to accept me as her daughter instead of just her niece?

  I fought the hot tears that clouded my eyes. And why cry, fair maiden? Do you not know that crying changes nothing? I wiped my eyes and brushed my hair back with my hands. But my heart ached. My heart yearned for affection. I needed to cry.

  I wouldn’t cry.

  The sun vanished behind the horizon, awaking soft calls of the night and introducing a dark sky full of bright stars. I rose from my cushioned seat and walked through the dark room with arms outstretched as I made my way towards the door. It was time to sleep in my ‘own’ room. I rarely went to bed so early, but I felt so exhausted from the day’s grueling chores.

  I barely opened the door when a high, shrill voice summoned me.

  “Gabriella! Gabriella, come here!”

  I sighed wearily. How did she even know it was me? I set down my bowl and sulked down the hall into her room. Hannah, the eldest daughter of Uncle Harrison and Aunt Beth, had just turned twenty. She had become an elite socialite, gaining status by her beauty and her intellect.

  My eyes took a minute to adjust to the bright lights of her room. “I’m going to a party tonight,” she announced as I entered. Wonderful. So, I was only summoned to help her get ready for it.

  “Is this an invitation to come with you?” I asked, dryly. Hannah knew my tones; she understood me sometimes better than I understood myself. She spun around at my comment and stared reproachfully.

  “I have not seen you all day, Gabriella,” she said. “Come and help me. Let us just spend a few hours together before I leave.”

  I shrugged. At the very least it was an excuse if Uncle Harrison looked for me. I had never even seen him so much as raise his voice at Hannah; I wondered her secret. At least if I were with her, he wouldn’t be able to command me to do anything.

  Hannah treated me more like a confidant and lady-in-waiting than a mere, subservient cousin. She would take me on carriage rides, country outings and once, even to a formal ball once at Castle Farlington.

  So, I sat on a low stool as she stepped into the tub. “What are your plans for tomorrow?” she asked as she rested her head against the edge. I shrugged.

  “I am certain the house isn’t clean enough yet for Aunt Beth.”

  “Oh, her dinner party,” Hannah replied with a deep sigh. “And on your birthday, too!”

  I looked up with smile. I assumed the only reason she asked was because she wanted me to do something else for her. I hung my head again. Jessica’s teasing still echoed in my ears. A part of me hoped that Aunt Beth would remember as well, but I tried so hard to remain indifferent. I didn’t want to jinx it. Hannah silently read my face.

  “We are family, Gabriella,” she finally said. “I know Father is a hard man. He just makes Mother timid; he makes all of us timid. But she does care about you, and so do I.”

  “At least you show it,” I blurted. Hannah nodded and leaned back into the tub, staring off. She sought the words to say, but she knew my helplessness, and could find none. I reached for her scrub brush. After few minutes of silence, she continued.

  “Would you like to wear my blue frock for the occasion? It would look so divine on you.”

  That would be nice. I smiled in spite of myself. “I still don’t have anywhere to parade it,” I replied, quickly glancing at her face. Did she plan a surprise outing for us?

  No. Hannah didn’t react to my hint. “You should still look nice for the day,” she answered. “Even without spectators.”

  I nodded slowly and we finished the task in silence. As she dried herself off, I gathered the things she needed. It took another hour to get her oiled, perfumed, her hair dressed, and into her gown. I yawned as I pulled the laces on her corset.

  “I apologize, Gabby, but I will not be here for your birthday.” I tried to cover my disappointment with a shrug. “John has promised to take me sailing.” John was the son of a duke. “And then we will be at the palace tomorrow night for the ball. But I will leave something for you.”

  “Thank you.”

  She was finally ready to go. I walked her down the stairs before John met me halfway. Hannah turned and gently hugged me. “Have a wonderful birthday tomorrow and have a good night.” She took his arm and together, they entered the coach. I collapsed on the step and sighed.

  The coach looked so pretty, all lit up among the trees and under the deep blue, starry sky. The two waved at me as the coach slowly pulled down the avenue and disappeared around the bend. I felt in no mood for a party, but I was still sad that I didn’t get to go. It was always so lovely to even just pretend. A fitted gown, my hair tucked just right…I wished she offered to take me to the ball the next day. Imagine! A ball on my birthday!

  My room in the servant’s quarters was already lit and the bed ready. It wasn’t a ball, but still a very thoughtful gesture. The boys must have come looking for me after dinner. I closed the door behind me and washed my hands and face in the small basin by the tiny window. The trunk with my few garments inside stood near the edge of my bed, and I sat on it as I brushed out my long hair. I hated it so long, but Aunt Beth refused to let me cut it. Perhaps I needed it long anyway, should Uncle Harrison ever banish me to a tower.

  The door handle rattled quickly, and I jumped to my feet.

  “Gabby!”

  Sean. I relaxed, and so did he. “We missed you tonight. What happened?”

  “Jessica happened,” I responded as he stood before me. He seemed to grow taller every day. Was I always only at his chest? “Then Hannah had a party to get ready for.”

  Sean nodded with a wide smile. “I see. I am glad you’re back safe. We were worried.” He leaned over and gently kissed my cheek. “From me.” He kissed my other cheek. “From Ryan. Goodnight, Gabriella.”

  “Goodnight.”

  He closed my door and I donned my nightgown. We felt so strongly about biddi
ng each other goodnight, every night since Angel left. The boys were probably worried to death when they couldn’t find me, afraid that I had followed in the footsteps of my sister and disappeared.

  I couldn’t leave. I would never leave. I wasn’t nearly as courageous as my twin.

  I shivered as the drafts blew through the tiny stone room. I kept the heavy blanket Anna made for me years ago hidden under my bed, and pulled it out, brushing off the dirt. I remained on my knees, bowing my head in silent prayer.

  Soon after, I stood, arranged the blanket and crawled into bed. My pipe lay under my pillow. I licked my lips and blew a few notes before bursting into lively song. I usually played by the tiny window at night, but the day had left me so weary and the night was so cold that I remained where I was.

  So, the woodland sprite, Gabriella, played a soft melody to lull the flowers to sleep. Her enchanting music could sooth any fiend…from angriest of giants to the cruelest of goblins. Any ear that caught the sound would become instantly charmed…

  Chapter Two

  To Market, To Market

  “Oh, wonderful, Gabriella, you’re awake.”

  Aunt Beth didn’t even turn when she heard me enter the kitchen. She was busy digging through the pantry and Anna was nowhere in sight. “We’ve only four more days before the dinner party and I need you to go into town for the usual…” She turned to hand me a large basket, but paused, annoyed. “Gabriella! That is Hannah’s frock! How many times do I have to tell you not to take things that are not yours?”

  It was mine. Or at least, it was for the day. I smoothed out the velvety skirt. The frock I owned was made from old linen that had browned over the years. It rose to my calves and was so tight around the waist that several seams had ripped. Try as she might, Anna couldn’t repair it, so I just used my hair to cover my open back.

  I twisted my hips, enjoying the gentle sound that Hannah’s frock made. I wondered how I looked in a dress that actually fit me. Lovely, I hoped. I certainly felt lovely.

  “Gabriella!”

  I stood straight. Aunt Beth was so frustrated. “I do not have time for your daydreaming! You know how important this party is to me! I do not have many friends…your uncle…” She paused her random search to glare at me. “I just cannot believe you are behaving this way on such a day!”

  “On such a day…? Do you remember why today is important?”

  “Do you?” she responded, angrily turning. She handed me six bronze kypés. “I can finally have people here for a nice evening and you wish to play games! Can you for once stop being so selfish?”

  Her words cut deep. I knew she would forget, but I didn’t expect her reaction to be so hostile. I was ready to finish the chores; I knew they were unending. But she could have at least acknowledged me; she could have at least complimented me instead of scolding me. I just wanted to wear the frock for a little while…I never would have cleaned in it.

  “Oh, Gabriella.”

  My expressions must have given me away. They usually did. She had been glaring at me, but her face changed as she looked into mine. “My dear…”

  I would punish her the only way I knew how. I worked myself up into a fine passion and forced tears. “It’s fine, Aunt Beth. I am sorry for being so selfish. I will go to market.”

  I curtsied and spun on my heels, making sure the tears were seen before I turned to pick up the basket.

  “Gabriella, I’m so sorry!”

  I hoped she was. I pushed open the heavy door and dashed down the avenue, sobbing loudly. Aunt Beth called after me, but I didn’t stop running. I ran past the stables and to the giant tree in the park. Sean, Ryan, Angel and I built a small floor in its boughs when we were younger. I climbed up the ladder and sat on the floor, burying my head in my lap.

  “Hey! Gabriella!”

  Sean and Ryan stood far beneath me. “While you’re up there, might you see if we’ll be in for a storm?” Ryan called, tossing his shaggy brown hair from his eyes. I pinched my lips together, trying not to laugh. “Go on, then! Make yourself useful!”

  “Go away!” I sobbed, tossing the basket at them. How could I act upset with them here? I lay on the floor, staring up at the sky through the leaves as I continued to make ridiculous sobs.

  It was a nice day. Perhaps, after I returned from market, she would apologize by letting me spend the rest of the day at leisure. How long it had been since I had any respite! I cried out louder, though I knew she didn’t follow me that far.

  “Say, Ryan?” Sean sat next to me and I bolted to a sit. “The skies are clear! Warm sunshine and light winds! No storms today!” They laughed as Ryan climbed up.

  “Decent, Gabriella!” Ryan said as he sat by my side. “I believed for a moment you were truly crying!”

  Sean just rubbed his nose with the sleeve of his dirty white doublet shirt. “What’s wrong?”

  I shrugged. Nothing was wrong. I just shouldn’t have gotten my hopes up. Sleep had brought reason to me and Jessica’s words didn’t cut so badly any more.

  “Aunt Beth. So enthralled with her silly dinner party,” I replied. “I don’t know what I imagined, but I didn’t think that she would…”

  “Forget that you turned fourteen today?” Sean handed me a lumpy package, wrapped in burlap. “You’re beautiful, by the way; I love the new dress.”

  A present! I laughed in surprise. “Thank you, Sean!”

  “I didn’t get you a goose egg,” Ryan reported, fiddling with the laces to his collar.

  “And I wouldn’t have taken it if you had.”

  “He did too,” Sean corrected, glaring teasingly at Ryan. “We both got this for you.”

  I pulled anxiously at the burlap. The boys had of course made gifts before, but never worked on anything together. Ryan laughed as I struggled. Certainly, he was the one to wrap it. He had twisted and knotted it in so much burlap that it took me another minute to get through it all.

  “It’s a book!” I turned it over, reading the title. “A book of fairy tales!” I gasped as I flipped through the pages. How could they…? There were even a few tales within that I had never even heard before. How did they…?

  Ryan laughed, patting Sean’s shoulder. “Well, Dragonboy, I daresay she likes it.”

  “I love it!” I wrapped my arms around them. “I love it so much! It’s so perfect! Thank you!”

  “And here’s something else, Bittersweet,” Ryan said, handing me a bouquet. Within were lilacs, daisies of all colors, dahlias, roses, and apple blossoms…all my favorite flowers. They must have torn up the countryside to find them still in bloom so late in the year.

  “They are beautiful! You two are wonderful!”

  “Yes, well,” Ryan rubbed the back of his head. “I was actually hoping you were allergic to them.”

  “Ryan, I will see if you can fly, if you keep this up,” I answered nudging him with my shoulder as he laughed. “And just for that, you are coming with me to market.” We climbed down the ladder and I picked up the large basket, putting my new presents inside.

  It took a little more than an hour to walk to the castle town’s opened fort gates. We joined the throng and walked in waddling steps as we drew closer to the gate. I closed my eyes, breathing in the smells of baked bread and drying meats.

  It could be a good day. It would be a good day. Even if Aunt Beth were to confine me to the house, it would be a good day.

  The vendor shouts grew louder as we walked through the high gates. Once we passed, the large crowed thinned. Ryan reached to the nearest stall, grabbing two reed baskets.

  “You best pay for those!” the plump lady behind the cart demanded.

  “We’ll bring them back,” Ryan answered over his shoulder. He threw one of the baskets to Sean, and I split the kypés. We lined our feet alongside each other and behind the large crack.

  “Ready?” Sean called. “Go!”

  At his call, we ran through the marketplace. I stopped at the fruit stall and quickly picked out Aunt Beth’s f
avorites. I looked over my shoulder. Sean was paying the baker and Ryan had finished already with the fishmonger.

  I almost didn’t wait for the butcher to finish wrapping the meats before pulling them from his hands and running towards the fountain in the square, dodging around the townsfolk and ducking between vendor stalls.

  Sean reached the fountain first and Ryan second. I collapsed on the rim of the fountain breathlessly. I always came last.

  “I swear you’re flying,” Ryan mumbled as he glared at Sean. Sean shook his head and twirled his cap on his finger.

  “I’m just fast,” he smirked.

  “Why do we do this anyway? It’s odd…”

  “It’s fun!” Sean and I protested.

  “You say…”

  “Well, did we at least get everything?” I asked. Ryan and Sean nodded as they emptied their baskets into my big one.

  “Bother if we didn’t!” Ryan complained. “If she wants something other than what we got, she can come get it herself…”

  “Gabriella!” The guard clad in a blue uniform and a red neckerchief called. He stood before us annoyed, one hand on his hilt and the other bunched at his side. “Pray! What this time sends you running through the market?” He waved his hand behind him and I looked over his shoulder. People I had run into and knocked over were picking up their belongings and setting carts right. “Wizards? Witches?”

  “Ogres,” I replied, rocking on my heels. The guard rolled his eyes and huffed. “A whole herd of them, just beyond the walls!”

  “Yes, a terrifying scene, that,” agreed Ryan. “You really ought to tell the king to fortify his defenses…”

  “Certainly! Perhaps the entire palace will be overrun by nightfall…”

  “Enough of your tales, Gabriella,” the guard interrupted. Ryan and I laughed, but the guard was far from amused. “You know better than to run through the market. I won’t tell you again. Next time, I really will put you in irons. Return those baskets, Ryan!”

  “Aw, the lad’s no fun,” Ryan teased as he did as he was told. Sean shook his head as we started down the cobblestone road for home. The guard suddenly grabbed my hand. I opened it to find three bronze kypés in my palm. “Happy birthday, Gabby.”