by E K Woodcock
She literally growls at me. "I don't want to play with you!"
If she were standing, she would have stomped her feet too, I'm sure of it. I put the doll away but stay in the sitting position I’m in. At this point, my plan is to annoy her into talking to me.
"Honey… why don't we put some Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on, and I'll make us some pancakes?"
She gets a menacing look in her eyes. "Nooooo, I wanna go to Grandma's. Her pancakes are better."
I smile at that. "Oh, yes, they sure are. But these pancakes come with lots of maple syrup and maybe a candy or two after."
"Grandma always gives me candy," she counters easily.
I realize I'm not going to win this by playing nice. Time to grab the adult card back and make her listen to me. "All right, young lady, let's go. It's breakfast time."
She recognizes the tone change right away and realizes she may have pushed her luck a little too much. "But I still get syrup and candy?” she asks with a defeated look on her face.
We go to the kitchen together. She loves helping me cook, so I let her break the eggs and whisk them in the bowl. The first order of business is scrambled eggs, our favorite breakfast. Before long, we have the music on, and we’re working in full harmony. She giggles at the way I flip pancakes in the pan and wiggle my butt along with the music. Finally, we’re ready to eat.
She runs to the table, turns Mickeys Clubhouse on, and gets settled. While she wasn't looking, I snuck in a cookie cutter in the shape of a heart and made her a heart pancake. I get her plate and put the pancake on it and add strawberry syrup on it to make it look like an actual heart.
She looks at it and smiles at me. "I love you, Daddy! And I love pancakes. But I’m still mad at you."
I can do nothing but smile at her, my smart, beautiful girl. "Doesn't matter how badly I've messed up last night, you are still not getting a pony."
This earns me another giggle. "No, not a pony. I just want to wear my necklace,” she says with sadness in her eyes. “I hid it after you got mad."
Oh, the guilt trip a three-year-old can serve… I feel it right where it hurts. "Of course, you can wear it. In fact, I need your help with something today, and I definitely need you to wear it tonight for the light up."
"Awesome!" she yells and does a little dance move that shakes her entire body.
"All right, you still need to help me with a plan to win Skylar back and to apologize."
"Daddy, I have the bestest idea!" she shrieks.
"Let's hear it then…"
"You know when we met, she found my shoe…"
Listening to her and humming to encourage her to continue, I understand where she’s going with this line of thinking and it’s genius.
I grab her by the cheeks and give her a big kiss on the forehead. "Let's go, pretty girl. We need all hands on deck for this plan to work."
"But, Daddy, I wasn’t done telling my idea."
"Oh, but I know exactly what we need to do. You gave me a great idea, sweetheart. Now first things first, we need to go and talk to Auntie Bridget."
Her eyes get as big as saucers with excitement. "Let's go."
In a few minutes, we’re upstairs talking to Bridget. I tell her the idea Everly and I came up with, and she beams with excitement.
"Oh, Carter, this is perfect. She's going to love it. Now what do you need me to do?"
"I need to know Jen's schedule and need to somehow talk to her. Can you get me in the same room as her and come with me as a bodyguard?" I give her a sheepish smile.
"Oh, she's harmless, but if you’re really that worried, I'll come with you. Maybe instead of me, take Everly with you. She'll be a better buffer." She nods, as if agreeing with herself.
"Perfect, let's do this."
A few minutes later, Bridget lets me know everything is arranged. Jen’s going to meet me at the coffee shop in an hour. I jump up and fist pump the air.
I order myself an Americano and a hot chocolate for Everly, and we sit down at a table by the window. Jen arrives a few minutes after we sit down. I lift a hand up in a small wave. She nods and orders her coffee before joining us.
"Let's hear this elaborate plan of yours," she says as she sits down across from me.
I point to Everly. "She actually gave me the idea and I think it's going to work out."
"All right, lay it on me." There’s still distrust in her voice, and I understand why and respect it wholly.
"Before I tell you the plan, I also wanted to talk to you.” Apologies have always been awkward for me, but the key to a good, lasting relationship usually stays in the hands of the best friend. I need to convince Jen I’m not actually an idiot, just a poor soul who made a mistake.
“Listen, last night was a big misunderstanding, and I know that now. I know whatever I say won't be enough to make you trust me but give me a chance to prove myself," I plead.
"It's not that I don't trust you, I don't really know you and what happened yesterday… I haven't seen Skylar that upset in a while." She sighs. Her eyes burn with disdain toward me and I can see she wants to say so much more but is holding herself back for Everly's sake. But Everly is absorbed in the show she's watching on my phone.
"I know I've made a mess of things and you had to clean it up. I want to thank you for that. Only a true friend would do what you've done."
With an eye roll and a smile, she says, "You're good with words, aren't you, lover boy? All right, come on. Tell me about this plan."
I don't stall anymore and dive right into it. "When Everly and I first met Skylar, it was at the mall. Ev was wearing sparkly purple rain boots that were a little too big on her, so when I pulled her out of the car seat, she lost one."
Jen folds her hands under her chin and gets a dreamy look on her face. "Oh, yes, I know this story. When Skylar first told me about it, I couldn't believe it, especially about the father who took one of his shoes off and walked around the mall with one shoe on for his daughter."
I smile at the memory. It's only been a few short months since that day, but a lot has changed since then, including my heart. And the realization hits me hard, but my heart and soul now only belong to one woman. Willow will always be a part of me, but my today and tomorrow are with Skylar.
"I'd do anything for Everly.” I take a sip of my warm coffee and add, “And now Skylar. I haven’t felt this way for a woman since Willow, my wife, and it took me a long time to realize where my heart lies. I'm in love with Skylar, and like I said, I'll do anything to get her back."
Jen smiles at me. "Count me in on your scheming. I love a good romantic gesture, and sparkly purple boots are my favorite."
Everly looks up from my phone just at that moment and chimes in, “Mine, too!”
Jen and I share a chuckle on her behalf. “Listen, so here’s the plan.” I reach into the bag and take out the boot that started it all.
At home, I start getting ready to go to The Best Draft. I wet my wild hair and blow-dry it. After, I pull out one of my little black dresses, along with a pair of sparkly nylons, black pumps, and start putting my look together.
My mother walks in my room and looks at my outfit. "Good picks, sweetie."
“Thanks, Mom. What's up, do you need anything?" I ask while applying mascara.
"Not at all. I just wanted to check up on you. Jen will be here to drive us to the opening in twenty minutes. Is that enough time to put your face on?"
My mom has never agreed with my idea of staying natural and not wearing makeup, so when I say, "My face is already on," I get an eye roll and eye shadow thrown at me.
"This'll match your outfit. It's not too much. In fact, it’s a very natural look."
I have to agree with her choice. It's a light tan color with a little shimmer to it.
I cave. "All right, I'll put it on."
"That's my girl." She smiles and leaves my room. My mom and her antics, I wouldn't know what to do without her.
/> As promised, within twenty minutes, I hear Mr. Mustachio throwing himself at the front door and purring like he's been deprived of affection for centuries. There's only one person he acts this way around and that person is standing in the doorway of my room, staring at me.
"Wow, Jen, creepy much." I shake my head
"Yup! That was my intention, creeping you out... And of course, to check on you to see if you're in any sort of desperate need for help with that makeup you're struggling with."
"Ugh… I hate makeup. Just get in here and put it on for me. I'm just too nervous to deal with this right now."
Jen, being the best friend a girl could ask for, does exactly as I've asked. She grabs the color pallet from me, along with all the brushes, and gets to work. Ten minutes later, I don't even recognize myself. Gone is the girl with red puffy eyes and drool stuck to her cheek from earlier, and here I stand, a beautiful and strong business owner.
The four of us pile into the car, and the energy radiating off everyone is charged with anticipation, almost like everyone is waiting for the other shoe to drop and for me to finally lose it.
"Cut it out, everyone. I'm fine. Just nervous about the opening," I blurt out, fidgeting with my jacket zipper.
"What are you talking about? Nobody's even said a word…" my mother says in a confused voice.
"You can cut the tension in this car with a knife. All your weird auras are freaking me out!" I snap.
"We’re just excited for you," Jen chimes in. Is that a wink I see thrown over the rear-view mirror to my mother…? I’m completely losing it.
"Okay, complete silence it is. Just contain yourselves and stop secretly smiling and winking at each other. I might be an airhead but I'm not blind.” I’m so amped up, I’m ready to explode without looking at who’s in my path.
"Calm down. We’re almost there," Jen says, reaching over to pat my knee. "Let's listen to our song and chill on the way there."
Once we stop at the red light around the corner from my store, she pulls out her playlist and hits play on the one song that's always been able to get my spirits up. Keith Urban's "Somebody Like You" comes on and we forget the rest of the world as we break into the song.
Once we get to the store, I'm feeling airy and relaxed. Jen always knows how to calm my nerves. I unlock the store and the memories of last night come rushing back. The excitement, the happiness, the fun and then the end… but I made a promise to myself that I won't let it get to me and ruin tonight either. I push all the resurfacing feelings of loss and sadness out of my head and take a deep breath. Sadness has no business where Santa is.
Within a few minutes, Angie and her crew arrive along with an adorable Santa. I would bet anything, in real life, this guy could probably be mistaken for the real deal. The guy probably makes millions in the month of December and doesn't have to work a lick for the rest of the eleven months. The thought makes me giggle.
I welcome them to The Best Draft and direct him to the chair he'll be sitting on. "Do you need anything, Santa? I'll have water coming to you throughout the night. It'll be a crazy house in an hour or so."
"I don't need anything, dear.” He gives me a smile and motions to the seat next to him. “Why don't you come sit next to me and tell me what you wish for?"
Hmmm, a little creepy Santa, I think to myself. "Oh, I'm too old for wishes, Santa," I say out loud with a smile.
"No one’s ever too old for wishes and dreams. All you need for dreams to come true is a bit of willpower and dedication. All you need for wishes to come true is hard work."
I'm shocked. This Santa is insightful. "Wow, I've never thought of it that way. You know what, you’re right, but my wish is a fairy tale and a happily ever after I know won’t happen…"
"Well, it's a magical night, my dear. Maybe Cinderella will find Prince Charming after all." He laughs at his own joke as I stare at him with my mouth hanging open.
"Magical it is," I concur and walk toward my bar in wonder.
It's a crisp evening, promising to get even colder as the night grows. Ev and I are bundled up to go to the light up. The town closed the main street to traffic earlier in the day for vendors to set up for the festival. I've been bringing Everly out for this festival since she was tiny. It's full of the magic and joy I want her to fall in love with it.
Today is no different. Even before the sky is fully dark, we can see the fully decorated storefronts. The street lights are decorated with hollies and different light fixtures. The trees that have said goodbye to fall and have shed all their leaves are covered in little fairy lights. The atmosphere is pure magic.
We start walking down the main street hand in hand and greet the sponsoring vendors while passing by. Some of them are preparing the fire barrels for warming up, some of them are setting up tents for hot chocolate and hot dogs, and some of them are setting up the face painting and children's area.
Finally, we arrive in front of the majestic pine tree that will light up the town this evening. It’s decorated from top to bottom, but the lights aren’t turned on yet. At the top is an angel watching over the entire town.
Although everything is magical, there's still a part of me that feels sad and lost. I look away from the tree and realize we’re almost to Skylar's storefront. It shines like the North Star, guiding me to my own happy ending. I smile at Everly as my mom and Bridget approach us on the other end of the street.
"It’s time for you to meet Santa, pretty princes."
"Yay! Santa!" She jumps up and down.
"Hi, Mom, Bridge. Let's do this, shall we?" They both smile at me. I've been working for this moment all day and now it's time to put the plan into action. We watch as Mr. Aveyard, Everly's daycare principal, goes into Skylar's store dressed as Santa. I swear, this guy can be the real deal and no one would know the difference, and it's all a go from there.
About half an hour after going into the store, Mr. Aveyard messages me and lights a spark of hope within me. Skylar’s wish for this magical night: a fairy tale and a happily ever after.
The bell on the door hasn't stopped ringing since the festival started. There's a line outside the door to sit on Santa's lap. While the children patiently stand in the line, the parents come into The Best Draft and look around. Some order beers to waste time; some admire the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
At one point, one of the parents points to a little black velvet box on the counter of the bar. It has a little red bow on it and an envelope under it. "I guess you have a secret admirer."
I smile at his comment and lift my eyebrows in wonder. "It appears so."
I grab the box and open it to find a pair of diamond stud earrings. They sparkle as brightly as the lights on the Christmas tree. Surprised, I open the envelope.
"One of twelve gifts for a true princess on a magical night. Follow the clues on the back of the card."
I flip the card over to find a map of my store. Number one is clearly marked with a red X and number two is circled with a blue pen. I follow the map to the library section of the store.
"Who's behind this?" I think out loud. I look around the library and see a single rose sticking out from the second shelf, up on the twelfth row, in between the pages of one of my favorite fairy tales, Beauty and the Beast.
All right, I think to myself and start climbing the sliding ladder. I pull myself with the rod and feel as if I'm actually Belle from Beauty and the Beast, especially when I have to reach over, on my tippy toes, to the book with the rose in it, one hand holding on for dear life while the other reaches over my head to grab the book.
Once I seize the book, I open it to find my next clue. My clue was placed on the exact same page as the illustration of Belle in Beast's library and this makes me smile. I grab my rose and my envelope, put the book back, and climb down from the ladder.
"Two of twelve. There's no beauty like your beauty and the way you shine tonight."
All right, we've got a romantic on our ha
nds. At this point, my little scavenger hunt has grabbed the attention of a few people as they watch my every move. Some people have cameras out, videotaping my very own Belle moment. Some are watching with dreamy looks on their faces.
"Open the clue!" someone in the crowd yells.
I try to find the face that belongs to the voice, but there are too many faces and too many phones covering each face. I’m used to being in the spotlight with my clumsiness usually, but this time is different. It's not because I slipped and fell flat on my face, or forgot to doublecheck that my skirt wasn't stuck in my leggings, or because I clubbed my boyfriend with a plastic baseball bat…
No, this time I'm the center of attention because that same boyfriend I clubbed in the head has arranged this perfect scavenger hunt, and I'm overcome by emotion.
The hopeless romantic in me yearns to see him with a clue, but he's nowhere to be seen. So, I listen to the crowd and flip the card over to reach the map that leads me to clue number three. I follow the map to the entrance of the store, and there, stuck on the handle of the door, I find another envelope. I open the envelope and find the sweetest poem.
"Three of twelve:
On a night where there are no stars in the sky
When I need a shining star, you are my North Star
Guiding me through life
When I am lost and scared, you are there to hold my hand
When I need a forever friend, you are there with your smiling heart."
I'm so absorbed and overwhelmed, at first I don’t realize someone stuck a phone in my face, capturing all my emotions to immortalize them.
"Excuse me, can you please get that out of my face?"
"Oh, I'm so sorry," the intruder says, "but there's a skylarsfairytale hashtag going viral right now. Everyone’s watching you go through this scavenger hunt."
"Wow, that is crazy and intense." I feel overwhelmed, but I have to see this for myself. Reaching over the counter, I pull out my phone, open my twitter account, and type in the hashtag. No word of a lie, this scavenger hunt has already gotten over a million people following it and tweeting and retweeting it. I try to keep my cool and go on to clue number four.
