I did an assortment of morphs that included my parents and a perfect replica of her too. “I can do other things too, Grandma.”
“Such as?”
“I can talk to animals using telepathy, plus I can morph into an animal.”
If you can talk to animals, let’s run a test and see if you can read my thoughts. Tell me what I’m thinking at this very moment.”
Pauline’s thoughts came through loud and clear. “You’re thinking of buying a red Buick with leather interior.”
Pauline smiled. “It’s obvious you can read minds. Let me see you turn into an animal.”
I was wearing a devilish grin as I turned into a tiger. Pauline was so startled she gasped. “Let me hear a big roar,” she said.
“Meow.”
I returned to my normal shape and Pauline burst out laughing. “That meow was the funniest thing I’ve ever heard. It also shows you have complete control over the tiger.”
Pauline pulled me down next to her on the sofa. “The transformation you’ve gone through is truly amazing. What’s even more amazing is that you may even acquire additional powers in the weeks to come.”
“You’re kidding?”
“No I’m not. Have you tried using telekinesis?”
“No.”
“See if you can move one of the pictures on the wall.”
I concentrated as hard as I could, but nothing happened. “It didn’t work, Grandma.”
“Maybe it will later. I have a feeling your powers are just developing.”
“What does it all mean, Grandma?”
“In my opinion, you’re developing into an Ivarr.”
“An Ivarr! But why me? I’m not special.
“No one can answer that question. It may have something to do with your innocence, plus you never shirk from responsibilities and you’re honest to the core. I’ve always felt I’d been blessed to have you for a granddaughter.”
“Jeez, Grandma, I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything. The only important thing at this moment is to try to figure out why you’ve been given these gifts. I personally believe you’re being prepared for a great task. Everything I’ve discovered about Ivarrs tells me they were great warriors. This could be the first stage of grooming, perhaps to fight some kind of impending disaster.”
That last statement left me speechless. As hard as I tried, I just couldn’t see myself as a great warrior. “I’ve never even been in a fight before, Grandma, so that’s a lot to comprehend. What do I do now?”
“Go on being yourself and try to enjoy life. You’re only sixteen and it may be a long time before you find out why you are being given these powers.”
“What do I tell my parents?”
“I wouldn’t say anything right now. What I’ve told you is only my opinion and I may be completely off track.”
“So I should just bide my time and see what happens?”
“That’s what I’d recommend. You may find out more in the near future. Like I said, try to be yourself and enjoy life.”
“I’ll try. Right now I’m having trouble catching my breath.”
“One last thing before I go. Don’t be too hard on your friends. It won’t be easy, but try to keep your mischievous streak in check.”
I winked at Grandma. “I’ll do my best.”
CHAPTER 5
I’d just finished setting the dining room table when I heard my parents’ car pull into the driveway. I rushed to the front door and open it to see Dad carrying the pizzas. Mom was right behind him carrying my birthday cake. “Happy Birthday!” they shouted.
Everyone was in a festive mood as we sat down at the dining room table. “Your Dad bought two pizzas, so we’ll probably have pizza left over.”
“You’ve got to be kidding, Mom. The last time we had two large pizzas, Dad and I were fighting over the last slice.”
Dad held up his fork as if he were challenging me. “I’m the best fork fighter in Charlotte, but I’ll give up the last piece of the pizza because it’s your birthday.”
“That’s really big of you, Dad.”
“Don’t let your father’s generosity fool you,” said my mother. “He’ll probably insist on an extra piece of cake.” Everyone laughed, with my laughter being the loudest.
We were having cake and ice cream when my mother turned to my dad. “I think Janis is going is really like her birthday present. It’s really special.”
“Jeez, Mom, you guys didn’t have to buy me a me a new Cadillac. I know I’m a wonderful daughter, but I don’t expect you to spoil me.”
My dad chimed in. “When you’re finished with your cake and ice cream, Janis, we’ll take a walk to the garage. I think you’re going to love your present.”
I jumped up from the table. “I’m ready to go right now.”
I followed my parents to the garage area and got the biggest shock of my life. Sitting in the driveway was a two-year old two-door Plymouth Belvedere. The 1958 Belvedere was a sharp-looking car and this one was solid black. I was expecting something special, but I never dreamed I’d actually get a car.
I walked around the car very slowly as I ran my hand over the beautiful paint job. I couldn’t hold back the tears when I hugged my parents. “You are the greatest. I don’t deserve parents like you.”
“Let’s all go from a ride,” said my mom.
“I second that,” said my dad.
I had my learner’s permit, so I climbed in behind the wheel and started the engine. I looked for the gear shift, but I couldn’t find it.
“It’s to your left on the dashboard,” said my dad. “It’s a push button drive.”
I pushed the “R” on the dashboard and we began backing up. My dad was in the back seat with his hands over his eyes, pretending like he was afraid for his life.
I will always remember my sixteenth birthday as being really special. I had wonderful parents and I was a very lucky young lady.
* * *
It was Saturday, the twenty-third of January, the day after my birthday. It was nine o’clock in the morning and the first thing on my agenda today was to call Sherri Brown, my best friend since grade school. Sherri belonged to the Dunstan Clan, the only other Changeling Clan I knew of in the Charlotte area. She was a pretty blonde with a super personality, but she wasn’t the smartest girl in town. She was always the first one to fall for a stupid joke, but she was a really sweet kid. If the world had more Sherri Browns, it would be a lot better place to live in.
“It’s your dime,” Sherri said when she answered the phone.
I giggled because Sherri was such a clown. “Hi, Sherri, it’s Janis.”
“Hi there, birthday girl. Did you get a lot of nice goodies?”
“I got a telephone for my bedroom, but the big news is we’ve got wheels.”
“Really? That is good news. What kind of a car did you get?”
“A solid black 1958 Plymouth Belvedere.”
“Wow! That’s a great car. Does it have a stick shift?”
“No, it’s an automatic.”
“That’ll do. Well, do you have anything planned for today?”
“If you’re interested, I thought we’d run down to Baker’s Dairy Bar for a soda later.”
“How can I refuse an offer to be chauffeured to the best dairy bar in Charlotte? What time are you picking me up?”
“How about one o’clock?”
“Perfect. I’ll see you then.”
“See ya, Sherri.”
I was in a really good mood after I hung up the phone. I remembered Grandma Pauline telling me that I might inherit the power of telekinesis, so I decided to give it a try. I tried to move a glass on the table, but nothing happened. I couldn’t think of anything else, so I decided to have breakfast and go for a walk. I loved the brisk morning air this time of year.
I smiled at Missy as I was getting dressed. I haven’t forgotten about getting you a playmate. I’ll mention it to Mom again after brea
kfast.
Thanks for thinking of me. I’m really lucky to have you for an owner.
Don’t think of me as your owner, think of me as your friend. Actually, you’re more than a friend because you’re part of the family...and a very important part too.
Missy followed me downstairs as I made my way to the kitchen. I fixed her a dish of cat food and helped myself to a bowl of Shredded Wheat. Mom walked into the kitchen with her usual big smile. “What’s on your schedule today?” she asked.
“I’m going go for a walk after breakfast and then I’m picking up Sherri at one o’clock. We’re going to Baker’s Dairy Bar for a soda.”
“That sounds like an ambitious plan.”
“While I’m thinking about it, Mom, let’s not forget about getting Missy a playmate.”
“We’ll do it early next week.”
I looked over at Missy. I knew she was going to be a happy kitty when we brought home a playmate for her.
The cool morning air was delicious. We’d had a light snow fall, but it melted right away. I wondered what it would be like to have a big snow storm, but I was living in the wrong part of the country. When I saw the snowstorms on television in places like New York, I was perfectly content to be right here in Charlotte.
I was walking along the street when I picked up a strange scent. I was positive I was in the presence of someone who belonged to a Clan. I looked a short distance ahead and saw a young guy leaving the Wilson house. My senses were working overtime because they told me he was a Witch.
I continued walking at a steady pace until we practically ran into each other. We both stopped and stared at each other. “Witch,” I said.
“Changeling,” he said. We both laughed as we stood in the middle of the sidewalk staring at each other.
“My name’s Wade Wilson and I belong to the Zandar Clan. I just moved here from San Francisco.”
“My name’s Janis French and I belong to the Vascadon Clan. I live a couple of houses down the block.”
Wade was a little over six feet tall with black wavy hair, beautiful blue eyes, and a wonderful smile. When you added his slim waist and broad shoulders to the mix, he was an extremely good-looking guy. I felt drawn to him, but it was more than a physical attraction. I don’t know why, but my senses told me we were destined to meet.
“Are you related to Miss Wilson?” I asked.
“Yes, Mildred Wilson is my aunt. My father is being transferred out of the country and I’m going to be living here in Charlotte for the next two years.”
“Is your mom living with you?”
“No, my mom died when I was born.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. What grade are you in?”
“Tenth grade.”
“Me too! I just turned sixteen yesterday.”
“I turned sixteen on the fifteenth.”
“You’re a whole week older than I am. That makes you an old man.”
“If I’m an old man, then that makes you a little girl.”
I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something special between us. My senses had been magnified a hundredfold and I was positive this was not a chance meeting. My gut reaction was that Wade had something to do with my being an Ivarr. I’d just have to play it by ear.
“Where were you headed?” I asked.
“I was just going out for a walk.”
“So was I. Want to walk together?”
“I’ve never walked with a Changeling before.”
“And I’ve never walked with a Witch. We’ll be breaking new ground and setting an example.”
Wade grinned. “How can I refuse an offer from a pretty girl?”
I think I was blushing, but I didn’t care. I decided I wanted to get to know Wade better.
The first thing I found out was that Wade’s father was a chemist. He was being transferred to England for two years, so it was decided that Wade would live with his aunt.
“A chemist,” I said. “That’s an unusual occupation for a Witch.”
“I love your sense of humor. I’ve got some good Changeling jokes, but I don’t think you want to hear them.”
“I’ll tell your right up front, Wade Wilson that you are not the type of person who offends people. My senses tell me you’re an extremely sensitive person.”
“Wow, I don’t think anyone has ever told me that before. Are you always so direct?”
“I’m sorry if I offended you.”
“Not at all. I think it’s really nice to hear someone speak honestly for a change.” Wade suddenly grinned. “If you want to, you can say some more nice things about me.” I playfully slapped his arm and we both laughed.
I made an on-the-spot decision to invite Wade to have a soda with Sherri and me. “How would you like to have a soda with two good-looking girls this afternoon?”
“Are you serious?”
“I’m always serious. My best friend, Sherri and I are going to Baker’s Dairy Bar this afternoon. I’m inviting you to come with us.”
“I don’t have a car.”
“I do. I got a car for my birthday and I’m driving.”
“I must be dreaming. I meet a beautiful girl and now she’s asking me for a date.”
“It’s not a date and I’m not beautiful.”
“Okay, we’ll call it a get-together, but you are beautiful.”
“Am not.”
“Are too.”
I finally gave in. “Let’s drop the subject until you get some glasses.”
“What time are you picking me up?”
“Twelve forty-five.”
“I’ll be ready.”
“I’ll be driving a black Plymouth.”
CHAPTER 6
Wade was waiting in front of his house when I arrived.
“Nice car,” he said as he opened the passenger door. “Is this a 1958?”
“Yes and it’s in mint condition.”
“I can see that. What’s your girlfriend Sherri like?”
“She’s a pretty blonde with a great personality. I’m not going to tell her you’re a Witch because I don’t know how she’ll react.”
“Won’t her senses tell her I’m different?”
“No because Changelings don’t inherit their full powers until they reach the age of sixteen. Sherri’s birthday isn’t until March.”
“It’s pretty much the same for Witches. My aunt says the only reason there’s bad blood between some of our Clans is because we haven’t learned to respect each other. She said it’s easy to condemn someone when you don’t know anything about them.”
I nodded my head in agreement. “Your aunt is a very wise woman. I think we’re making progress because some of the Clans have integrated. We still have a long ways to go.”
* * *
I pulled up in front of Sherri’s house. She was wearing her usual bright smile as she came running out the front door. Wade got out of the car and held the door open.
Sherri nodded her head and said, “Thank you.” as she slid into the back seat.
Wade replied, “You’re welcome.”
“Sherri, this is Wade Wilson. He just moved in down the street from me, so I invited him to have a soda with us today.”
“Good idea, Jan.” Sherri leaned forward and extended her hand. “Glad to meet you, Wade Wilson. What grade will you be in next year?”
“I’ll be a junior.”
Sherri’s smile widened. “Just one big happy family.”
Sherri chatted on with her usual brand of humor and we laughed all the way to Baker’s. When we walked through the door, the juke box was going full blast. I saw several kids swing dancing to the beat of “Kansas City,” a big hit in 1959.
Baker’s Dairy was designed like the old fashion soda bars of the 1920s. The soda bar itself was lined with stools and it ran the entire length of the building. There were several booths against an adjacent wall and twelve tables spread around the room. There was a juke box and a small dance floor area that was rarely ever empt
y.
“This is a great place,” Wade remarked.
“Wait until you taste the goodies,” I said. “Baker’s has the best sodas, malts, shakes, and banana splits in Charlotte and the portions are humongous. I guarantee you’ll spoil your dinner if you stop here after school.”
We found an empty table and waited for the waitress. The dairy bar was always crowded on Saturdays, but it was a mad house after school.
“If you’re really hungry, try the Godzilla banana split,” said Sherri.
Wade smiled. “I think the name just scared me off. It’s really big, huh?”
Sherri leaned closer to Wade. “Five scoops of ice-cream piled with five different toppings, a large banana and whipped cream clear up to your nose. If you can eat two of them, the third one is free.”
Wade laughed. “I think I’ll pass on that one.”
Sherri and I ordered chocolate sodas and Wade had a strawberry shake. When Wade’s shake arrived, it was served in a large soda glass, topped off with a mountain of whipped cream and a cherry. The can the milkshake was mixed in was next to the soda glass. Wade looked into the can and smiled. “There’s enough in here to fill my glass again. Now this is a milkshake,” he said laughing.
It had turned into an enjoyable afternoon with the exception of the resident loudmouth seated on the opposite side of the room. “Who’s the jerk making all the noise?” Wade asked.
“That’s Bobby Sims,” I answered. “Just ignore him.”
“That’s easier said than done.”
“Do you swing dance?” Sherri asked.
Wade grinned. “Sure, I love swing dancing.”
The juke box was playing “What’d I Say” when Wade led Sherri led to the dance floor. Sherri was a terrific dancer, but she had trouble keeping up with Wade. He looked like he’d been born on a dance floor.
Things were going great until Bobby Sims almost knocked Sherri off her feet. “Watch where you’re going,” Sherri cried out.
I could see that Sherri was ticked when she returned to the table. “That stupid Sims is so uncoordinated he can’t walk down the sidewalk without tripping over a crack. Everyone laughed, but I noticed that Wade never took his eyes off Bobby.
The Changeling Princess Page 3
