When I was done, I meandered down to the kitchen where my parents waited for me.
“So, now you don’t even bother texting us that you’ll be late for dinner?” Mom demanded. “Where have you been?”
“Honey.” Dad patted Mom’s shoulder then sat at the table.
I was startled by her unexpected outburst, but she was right. I’d been a little ... distracted.
“I’m sorry. I got caught up with a new game simulator at Kieran’s house. I lost track of time.”
She sighed and pulled me into a tight hug. “Zoe, I worry about you. When you don’t call, I get all these bad ideas in my mind. I mean, have you seen the news lately? I’m sorry I snapped, but please call or text one of us and let us know you’re okay and where you are.”
I kissed her cheek. “Sorry, Mom. You’re right.”
“Spending more time at his house these days, huh?” Dad said. “I remember when you kids were little and played leaf houses in the backyard for hours.” He shook his head. “Where does the time go? It seems like only yesterday you were a baby. But now, you’ve grown into a somewhat responsible adult.”
“I have? I mean ... I am.” From behind, I wrapped my arms around my dad’s shoulders. “I love you guys. I can still go to Sidelle’s this weekend, right?”
“Yes,” Mom said. “But remember to keep your phone on so we can reach you.”
“Okay. Thanks.” I grabbed my backpack, kissed them both, and headed out the front door.
Kieran waited in the driveway, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel. As I neared, my chest pounded along with the bass of the stereo. When I opened the door, classical music blared from the speakers. Not what I’d expected. I knew Kieran listened to all sorts of music, but even for him this was rather odd.
“Hi,” Kieran said, turning down the volume. “You ready?”
“Yep. Let’s go. Last day before a long weekend.” I shut the door and tossed my bag in the back seat.
“You ready for that, too?” He backed out of the driveway and glanced in the rearview mirror at Aiden’s house.
I shrugged. “I’ve kinda grown used to just rolling with the punches and not expect anything.”
“Not a bad plan.”
“Is Shay ... He’s probably resting today, right?”
“Yes, he’ll go back to school next week. He seems pretty much healed, but he’s probably being stubborn and lying about the pain. He wants to come with us this weekend.”
“What do you think? He has to be one hundred percent just in case—”
“I know. I told him that, but he still insists on going with us.”
I’d seen a little of that stubbornness last night before I’d gone home. He was determined to be with me, and while I wanted that more than anything, it was more important that he recovered first. “Let’s see how he is by this afternoon,” I said. “At the rate he heals, maybe he really is fine.”
Kieran pulled into an open parking spot at Coffee Grind. “Speaking of Shay’s healing ...”
I’d been wondering if he was going to ask. “Yes?” I stepped out of the car, needing a few extra seconds to gather my thoughts.
“Anything you want to share about that?”
Busted. “Well, actually, I tried using my Angel Light on him.” I twisted my hands together, oddly nervous. “Sidelle had me practice angel stuff instead of doing the Silico, so I thought I might as well try it on Shay. Oh, hey. I forgot to show you. Look!” I turned my palm up, so he could see the silver Mark.
He grinned, looking impressed. “Congratulations. Did you get wings, too?”
“Bo wings, yet, but it was so cool how I got the tat. There was this white light pulsing in my body, and then it shot out my fingers and darted all over the room. I was scared it would escape, so I trapped it.”
Kieran laughed as he held the glass door to the shop open.
“What’s so funny?” I stared at his profile.
“It can’t escape. It’s a part of you.”
I frowned. “Well, I didn’t know that, and you weren’t there to tell me about it. And I still did just fine.” I inhaled the buttery aroma of freshly baked treats inside, lowering my voice. “Anyway, the light shot back into my wrist, and then this appeared. We were working on telekinesis when we heard you guys in the kitchen.”
“Telekinesis? Why that?”
“It’s just something I wanted to try.”
I ordered my usual chai and waited in the pick-up line with Kieran beside me. He was my anchor in life. We’d had our ups and downs these past weeks, especially when he declared his feelings for me a few weeks ago. But I’d explained to him the strange phenomenon that happened between Shay and me. Kieran said that it was because Shay and I were soul mates. And now as we stood in line at my favorite local spot, it felt good. As if all was right between us again. When we had our drinks in hand, he looked for a place to sit. We spotted Vash, Cali, and Jackson.
“Hey, guys,” I said, sitting with them. “You ready for the weekend?”
“It’ll be a learning experience,” Cali said. “And I’m up for it.” Vash looked unhappy, so she kissed his cheek. “Jackson will be great company. Besides, eventually I’ll live there with them, so I might as well get the swing of things now.”
It didn’t look like her kiss had helped him much. “I’m sorry, Cali,” I said. “I don’t mean to take Vash away from you. He could stay, and Jacks could come with us.”
Jackson’s eyes widened. “Yeah, I could go—”
“No,” Vash said. “It’ll be how I said. Cali and Jackson will be at the compound with Era, and I will escort you this weekend. I honor my promises. On the rare chance that DKs or Marqs break into the fairy realm, you’ll need a more experienced fighter with you since you can’t control your powers.”
“Thank you, but I’m just—”
Vash held up his hand.
“Okay,” I conceded. “Is Sidelle meeting us at school?”
“Yeah,” Jackson said. “She said something about double checking the conference stuff.”
“I see.” I didn’t miss the fact that he knew where Sidelle was. “Well, let’s get the day over with, so our mission can start.”
We filed out of the coffee shop and loaded into our respective vehicles. It was a somber drive to school since the gravity of the situation was really sinking in now. Leaning my head back against the car’s soft leather, I closed my eyes and said a silent prayer.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Zoe
The halls were alive with excitement about the long weekend. When Kieran and I arrived at my locker, Sidelle already stood there, looking spectacular in her signature stilettos, a black and white striped maxi skirt, and a sparkly black tank top.
“Who’s ready to par-tay?” she asked, beaming at us. “No school for four glorious days.”
“Morning, Zoe,” Aiden said, approaching us. “You got plans?”
“I’m going to Sidelle’s, so we can work on our English project.”
He looked disgusted. “Schoolwork the whole time? That blows.”
I nodded, shrugging.
“So we won’t get to have our evening chats?” he asked.
“Nope. I’m staying at her house.”
The familiar sound of Morgan’s clicking shoes echoed down the hall as she sidled up next to Aiden.
“Well, have fun with that,” he said to me. “I’ll be off looking for a good party to crash. Someone’s gotta have one.”
“Or we could find something else to do that’s fun,” Morgan purred. “We have four days to get to know each other better.” She skimmed a well-manicured fingernail down his chest.
“I’ll see you in first hour,” I mumbled, not wanting to hang around and witness any more.
I didn’t bother to tell Aiden that the person who normally hosted parties would be in Chanhassen, tending to pack business. As far as parties went, I wasn’t sure if anyone else would step up to the challenge or not. Maybe one of the senior
s.
The morning passed by in a blur. Teachers handed out assignments like they were going out of style. By lunch time, the staff was also looking forward to the extra days off. I overheard some of them talking about how they must have forgotten about the conference, and complaining that the topic wasn’t clear. It didn’t matter, because they all seemed united on the idea of going anywhere to get away from the students.
After school let out, we met at my locker, and we all headed out. Sidelle needed to drive her car home and then come to my house. Cali would drive to her house with Jackson, pack for the weekend, and continue to the compound. Vash planned to park his car at Kieran’s for the weekend. After all the logistics were handled, I hugged Cali and Jackson, because I didn’t know how long I’d be gone. I was bummed that I wasn’t able to say bye to Quinn or Rena.
When Kieran dropped me off in front of my house, he smiled. “Pack lighter than you did last weekend, okay? Whatever you forget, Sidelle can get for you anyway.”
“Should I bring food? I mean ... Can humans eat fairy foods? I’ll grab some protein bars and nonperishable stuff.” I answered my own question. “I suppose I should pack a dress or something, since I’m meeting royalty.”
“Probably not a bad idea,” Kieran said. He got out of the car and walked me to my front door.
“I’ll bring this backpack just in case. It’s better for hauling my crap than a suitcase. It’s practical.” I knew I was rambling.
He grinned. “You’re nervous.” It wasn’t a question.
“A little bit.”
“It’ll be fine. One step at a time.”
“Do you know how we’re going to get into Fairyland?”
“No, but Sidelle will. So hurry and pack, so we can leave before your parents get home. Text me when you’re ready, so Vash and I can meet you here.”
“Okay. See you in a bit. I won’t be long.”
I unlocked the front door, pushed it open, and watched Kieran drive the short distance to his house. Vash’s vehicle was already parked in his driveway. I closed the door and sprinted up to my room, dumped my school supplies onto the bed, then remembered I’d told my parents I was doing a project. Not wanting to carry the thick books around with me in Fairyland, I stuffed some of them between the mattresses and a few others in drawers. I laid two pairs of yoga pants, a tank top, a T-shirt, and a hoodie on the bed, then headed into the bathroom for toiletries. When I emerged, Sidelle stood in front of the walk-in closet, shaking her head.
“What now?” I asked. Was she planning to pack for me again?
“You won’t need any of that. We need to travel light. Besides, Oberon doesn’t like human clothing. Actually, it’s the pants. He doesn’t like them on females.”
“Oh! I don’t want to disrespect him, so I’ll pack all dresses if—”
She shrugged, looking unhappy. “It’s not that.” She waved a hand. “Bring whatever you want. I’ll fashion anything else you might need.”
“Sid, what’s wrong?” I wrapped my arm around her shoulder. “I’ve never seen you like this before.”
She sighed. “I haven’t been home in a long time. I mean, I’ve been there, but it’s been a quick in and out visit. This is going to be different.”
“Are you nervous?”
“No. It’s my home, but ...” She looked at me. “Okay. Maybe a little.”
“It’s all right. I’m nervous, too. I have no idea what to expect. When I was at the pack’s compound, all my previous notions were shot out of the window.”
She took a deep breath. “Zoe, when we get there, you’re going to see things that you don’t see here. And ... you’ll see me as I truly am.”
“Sidelle, you’re my friend. I don’t care what you look like. Friends don’t judge each other.”
She smiled. “Okay. But I want you to be prepared. This hot body you see in front of you will not be the same once we’re there.” She swept her hand from head to toe. “Even though I’m still hot as a Summer fairy.”
“Even if your face was covered in warts or something ...” I frowned. “It’s not, is it? Because I say this now, but when I see them, I might have to take it all back.”
That seemed to lighten her mood, so I got back to packing. I folded the yoga pants and tops, tucked my undergarments between them and stuffed everything into the backpack. I grabbed extra socks, took out my purple Converses from the closet, and exchanged my footwear. Finally, I selected a pair of black sandals and added them to the bag. I left Sidelle sitting on my bed, staring into space, and ran to the kitchen. Throwing cupboards open, I rummaged through and grabbed as many granola and protein bars as my arms could carry. I tossed the whole lot into the backpack’s side zipper pocket.
My cell buzzed, so I swiped my finger over the screen and read the message.
Kieran: U ready?
Me: Yes. Come on over.
Kieran: OK
A few minutes later, the doorbell chimed. I opened the front door, and there stood my three glorious-looking boys: Shay, Vash, and Kieran.
“I hope it’s okay I brought your boyfriend with us,” Vash said with a smirk. “He wouldn’t take no for an answer.”
I was secretly overjoyed to see him there. “If he thinks he’s up to it, he can join us.” I stepped forward and hugged Shay. “You know your body the best.”
“I’m fine.” Shay lifted his black T-shirt, and I was shocked not to see an X marring his skin. He tugged on the collar to show his healed shoulder. “See? Now let’s get going. Is Sidelle here?”
“Upstairs.”
I led the boys to my room, and they waited in the hallway. I grabbed my backpack, zipped it up, and we all headed downstairs.
“So how are we getting into Fairyland?” I asked as we passed the living room.
“We’re going into your backyard,” Sidelle said, opening the sliding glass door.
“Uh, okay.”
“You’ll see.” We stepped out onto the cement slab patio, made our way around the Adirondack chairs and a bistro-style table, then onto the lawn. “Over this way.”
Sidelle lead the group to the little flower garden in the back corner of the yard. Little solar lights lit the garden’s sprouting wildflowers, as if highlighting its inhabitants: a pair of calico-colored porcelain cat statues. A white picket fence surrounded two sides with a stone pathway leading to a two-person marble bench. Handmade cedar arbor encased the seating area. I remembered when my dad had made the arbor. I’d been about three or four that summer, and he’d been on a woodworking kick. He’d come home from work and started making birdhouses and lawn decorations, and then this arbor was constructed. It took him the whole weekend to build, assemble, and stain it, but the end product was breathtaking. My mom had absolutely loved it. The next day, green morning glories had grown on both sides. Neither of my parents ever owned up to planting them.
“And here we are.” Sidelle stopped on the last paver leading to the bench. “This is a porta.”
“A what?”
“Entrance.”
“Where?” I asked, looking around.
“Here.” She pointed to the ground then rested one hand on the cedar trim. “Beyond this archway is one of the ways into Fairyland.”
I inspected the arbor for anything that might seem to be out of place, for anything that might shed light on the process, but I came up empty. “So, how do we go through?”
“Just walk under the arch.”
“But I’ve walked under this many times, and so have my parents. How come we’ve never been zapped to Fairyland accidently?”
“You need a fairy with you, silly. Now ... your first time might be a little disorienting. You know that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach you get on a roller coaster when it drops? It’s like that, kinda.” Sidelle smiled, waving us forward. “Who’s going first?”
“Where exactly in Fairyland does this lead to?” Kieran asked. “Should we be ready to do battle against Winter fairies or some beast from the Mist?”
“No,” Sidelle said, scowling at him. “I wouldn’t do that. That would be something a Winter fairy might do. This’ll lead to the outskirts of Summer.”
“I’ll go first,” Shay said. “Then you guys quickly follow, so we don’t get separated. Sidelle, you go last, in case something happens on this side of the porta.” He held out a hand toward me. “Ready, Zoe?”
“I am.” I reached for his hand and squeezed it. He stepped forward, releasing our fingers, and disappeared from my view. It was a shocking thing to see, even after all the shocking things I’d already seen. With him gone again, I could barely stand still. “Okay, I’ll go next.” I took a deep breath, gripped the straps of my backpack, and walked under the arch.
Darkness enveloped me, and the ground was gone. I lost all sense of direction, free falling into Fairyland, and when I tried to scream, no sound came from my mouth. My hands grasped at anything to anchor me, but my fingers found nothing. A wave of intense heat blanketed me, and a second later I caught a hint of lilies and honey. Light pooled below me, and I landed with a thud on soft green grass, my breath shoved from my lungs. I fought to breathe normally as I adjusted my vision to the sudden brightness of the sun.
“Are you okay?” Shay asked. I nodded, still catching my breath. “That was interesting, huh?”
“The others should ... should be here soon,” I puffed. Shay extended his hand, and I got to my feet. “I can’t believe it was that simple. And right in my own backyard.”
“There’s a reason for that, silly,” Sidelle said when she appeared beside me with Kieran. I’d been expecting her, but I still jumped. She needs a cat bell around her neck.
“We thought it’d make great garden art for your family, plus it served a purpose for us. Easy access. Now look around. Welcome to Fairyland!”
The landscape before us was spectacular. Waist-high, rolling green prairie grass tickled my skin, and vivid yellow birds flew over our heads. In the distance I saw a pond, and every once in a while something splashed on the surface. But everything was too bright. It was like I needed sunglasses to look at it. The colors in the Ordinary world were so muted compared to the blue of this sky, the white of these clouds, and the brown of these tree trunks.
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