by penny watson
Mr. Brockman lifted his hand in the air and opened his palm. A small misty cloud formed above his fingers, and the sparkling castle of Glasdorf appeared inside. “That’s what it looks like, Trish.”
Trish’s mouth hung open. “Holy Macarena. All that time you were talking about auras and stuff I just figured you were… well… a little bit kooky, Mr. Brockman.” She gazed at him with wonder. “But you’re not really kooky at all, are you?”
He shook his head. “No. Not many people can open their hearts to the magik.”
Kiana stifled a cry. “I don’t want to talk about the magik! A stupid spell got my heartbroken.” She told Trish and Mr. B about Ingo’s spell and the battle with Wiebe, finding Gabi and falling in love with Oskar.
“The spell was supposed to be over on January eleventh, but I don’t feel any better! I can’t stop thinking about Oskar.” Her voice broke on a sob. “I never thought I would trust anyone again after the whole debacle with Tom. But Oskar was different. It felt so real! I can’t believe it was all a lie.” She rubbed her nose. “And I miss Gabi, too. She is such a little honeybee.” Tears tracked down her cheeks and Trish leaned over to give her a hug.
Mr. Brockman shook his head. “You need to listen to your heart, Kiana. Regardless of this spell, which frankly I doubt was kast correctly, you must learn to trust your own emotions.” He narrowed his eyes and looked at her closely. “Your aura is filled with pain. If your feelings were not genuine, why are you still suffering? What does your heart tell you? Was your love with Oskar the real thing? Or not?”
Kiana took a deep breath. She was afraid to face the truth, but somewhere deep inside she believed that Oskar honestly loved her. He hadn’t been put off by her ugly clothes, her librarian job or her painful memories from Hawaii. In fact, he’d encouraged her to talk about her family, praised her work at Brockman’s, and persuaded her to drop the hideous clothes and reveal her true self. “I think… I think it was real. I know I’m crazy about him, and his love for me felt amazing.” She buried her face in her hands. “What am I going to do now?”
A buzzing sound came from her backpack. Kiana sighed and reached over the side of the bed. “That’s my cell. Just a second.” She crawled out of bed and searched through her bag until she found the phone. “Hmm. That’s weird. It says Lys Bauer. She lives in Glasdorf.”
“Hello?”
“Hello! Kiana! Is that you?” Lys’s high-pitched voice sounded faint.
“Yes, Lys, it’s me. How did you get this number?”
“From Gregor Klaus. Someone here wants to talk with you.” Kiana heard whispering in the background.
“Hullo? Kiana?” Her heart stopped at the sound of Gabi’s voice.
“Gabi! It’s so good to hear from you, sweet pea. How are you?”
“Well… I miss you. A lot. So does Mr. Frosty.”
Kiana shut her eyes and tried to pull herself together. “I miss you, too. You have no idea how much.”
“My birthday is tomorrow. I was wondering if you would come to my party. I want you to be here to celebrate with me.”
Kiana laughed. “You’re having a party in Glasdorf?”
“Yes. Boris will come pick you up in a sleigh. The Council said it was okay.”
Kiana sighed. She missed Gabi and wanted to share the joy on her birthday. The idea of seeing Oskar had her heart racing. But was she brave enough to do this? She glanced at Trish and Mr. Brockman who were nodding at her encouragingly. “Is there any chance I can bring some friends with me? Do you think the Council would approve of that?”
“I don’t know. Who do you want to bring?” Gabi asked, curiosity in her voice.
“Two people who are really important to me. They would love to meet you, too. Mr. Brockman… he owns that awesome bookstore I was telling you about. And my best friend Trish. I know you will get along great.”
Kiana heard more whispering in the background.
“The Council wants to know if your friends are trustworthy,” Gabi said.
Kiana turned to Mr. Brockman and Trish and smiled. “They are the most devoted, trustworthy and loyal people I know. They’re my true family. I trust them with my life. Tell the Council they will keep their secret safe from the rest of the world. It would mean a lot to me if they could come to Glasdorf, too.”
After a few moments to confer, Gabi returned to the phone. “Good news! Gregor vouched for both of your friends and the Council said you are all welcome here. I can’t wait to see you!”
Kiana swallowed and took a deep breath. “Thanks so much, Gabi. I can’t wait to see you, too. Um, how is… uh… Oskar doing?”
There was a long pause on the phone. “He’s super sad. Boris said he looks like a long-lost puppy dog who lost its mama…”
Kiana heard some scuffling in the background.
“Even now? Now that it’s past January eleventh?” Kiana asked.
“Yeah, he’s still miserable. Dag says he smells stinkier than a Teufelchen and that he needs a damned bath…” Gabi said.
Lys got onto the phone. “Oh, Kiana, we are so happy you are coming to the party! We’re looking forward to meeting your friends, too. Boris will be there tomorrow evening to pick you up, all right?”
“Thanks, Lys. I will see you soon.” Kiana hung up the cell phone and looked at Mr. Brockman and Trish. “So, how do you guys feel about a little trip to the North Pole?”
“Oh my God!”
Kiana laughed at Trish’s expression as their sleigh whizzed along the streets of Glasdorf.
Trish clutched onto Mr. Brockman’s arm. “Is this cool or what? Can you believe this place?”
Mr. Brockman smiled and patted her roommate’s hand. “It is truly lovely. I agree.”
Boris steered the sleigh along a snowy roadway dotted with old-fashioned gas lamps and awning-framed storefronts. He chuckled at Trish’s excitement.
“That’s Nicholas’ bakery there… Klaus Küche.” He pointed to a massive building that seemed to be bustling with hundreds of elves inside, all dressed in baker’s whites.
“Wow! I would love to see that place.” Trish leaned forward, peering at Boris’ ears. She tentatively reached out to touch one.
“Hey, what do you think you’re doing, Miss Suddie?” Boris bent away from Trish’s questing fingers.
“Just checking to see if those things are for real. I’ve never seen… uh… elfin ears before.”
Boris rolled his eyes. “Keep your hands to yourself, Miss. We’re here.” He parked the sleigh in front of a huge structure that reminded Kiana of an industrial warehouse.
“This is where Gabi’s party is being held? What is this place?” Kiana asked as she hopped out of the sleigh.
Boris led Mr. Brockman, Trish and Kiana to the front door of the building. “Well, you’ll see soon enough.” He winked at Kiana as he knocked on the door. “Coming in!” he yelled.
As soon as the door opened up, a burst of hot, humid air rushed out to greet them.
“Is this a sauna or something?” Trish asked, fanning her face as they walked into a foyer. “It’s really hot in here.”
Boris took a cigar out of his mouth and pointed to a door at the end of the hallway. “You’re supposed to go in there. There are changing rooms with clothes for all of you.”
Kiana shook her head in confusion. “We have to change clothes for the party? I don’t get this.”
Boris laughed. “Yep, you’re all a bit overdressed I guess. Go on, Gabi’s waiting.”
Mr. Brockman and Trish flanked Kiana, holding tightly onto her hands as they entered the dressing room.
“Try not to be too nervous about seeing Oskar. Everything will turn out all right, you’ll see,” Mr. Brockman reassured her.
“How do you know that?” Kiana asked. “Do you have a crystal ball? Maybe he doesn’t want to see me. He hasn’t called or contacted me at all this whole week.”
“Gregor told us Oskar was drunk as a skunk at some bar. He was devastated when you left, Ki
ana. I agree with Mr. B. He will be thrilled to see you,” Trish added.
They opened the dressing room door and several elves ran over to greet them. “Please follow us. We’ve been instructed to get you ready for the party.” The elves grabbed their hands and lead them into a curtained area.
Mr. Brockman left, laughing, with a male elf who was asking him about his measurements.
Trish and Kiana followed a cute brunette into a room filled with clothes, shoes and accessories.
Kiana took a quick look around and realized everything was beachwear… sandals, skimpy bikinis, hats and even wet suits. “What is going on?” she asked in disbelief as the elf gathered some bikinis in her arms.
“Oh, it’s a surprise, Miss Grant. You and your friend need to choose a bathing suit for the party.”
“Look at all these gorgeous clothes!” Trish shouted as she explored the packed room. She turned to the elfin assistant and leaned down to inspect her nametag. “Bertha? I think it’s time we got Kiana into a smoking hot bikini. I’ve been working on her for years. What do you think?”
Bertha nodded her head and winked at Trish. She leaned over and whispered, “Isn’t that funny? Oskar told me the same thing.”
Kiana laughed at their determined expressions and held up a hand. “Fine. I’ll put on a bikini. With a cover-up.”
Bertha clucked and led the girls into changing stalls.
After several minutes, Trish and Kiana appeared in vivid-colored bikini sets with matching sarongs.
Trish gasped when she saw Kiana. “You look gorgeous, girlfriend.” She took Kiana’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “Like the island girl you are.”
Kiana gazed down at her suit and smiled. “It’s been a long time since I wore something like this.”
“Oskar’s eyes are going to pop right out of his head.” Trish plopped a wide-brimmed straw hat on her head and twirled in front of a mirror. “For some reason, I thought we’d be wearing snowsuits in the North Pole.” She raised a brow at Kiana. “You know what I mean?”
Kiana shook her head. “Uh huh. Something weird is going on. Gabi must be planning quite a birthday party.”
Mr. Brockman joined them shortly, looking dapper in Bermuda shorts and a Hawaiian print shirt.
“Well, this is a new look for me. I hope Alena likes it.” He straightened his bowtie while inspecting his reflection in the mirror.
Kiana placed her hand gently on his arm. “You’re not nervous about seeing Mrs. Klaus, are you, Mr. Brockman?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “Maybe just a bit. It’s been years, and… well, I guess I want to make a good impression. It’s hard to compete with Santa Claus.”
Trish giggled and helped to adjust his bow tie. “You look fabulous, Mr. B.”
“All right. Please follow me. The other guests are waiting.” Bertha took Kiana’s hand and led them down a dark hallway. At the end was a door with light shining through the cracks on the side. “Here we are. Have a wonderful time,” Bertha said.
Bertha pushed open the door and Kiana stepped onto… a beach. The second her toes touched the soft, warm sand she was transported back in time, back to the shoreline in Oahu, greeted by the sound of tropical birds, the rush of the sea, the scent of frangipani blossoms. Her breath caught in her throat and she stared, speechless, at the sight in front of her. Not sure if it was real or an illusion.
She shaded her eyes with her hands and gazed down the length of the beach. Palm trees fluttered in the breeze, and waves crashed onto the shore. Torches were lit in front of a large gathering place under a thatched roof. Kiana saw tables set up with mounds of fresh fruit—coconuts, pineapples, mango, papaya. Garlands of tropical flowers wound their way around tables and chairs, hung from the trees, were scattered along the beach.
Trish wrapped her arm around Kiana’s waist. “This is fantastic. Look… check out the band!”
Kiana shook her head in bewilderment. A band of elves entertained a crowd, all dressed in beachwear and flip-flops. They played traditional Hawaiian music with ukuleles, ipu drums, kala-au sticks, and the haunting sounds of a Conch shell. She inhaled the smoky scent of pig roasting in taro leaves. Down the beach she saw Mr. and Mrs. Klaus walking hand-in-hand with surfboards under their arms. They both wore wet suits and were watching the sun set over the sea.
“Kiana, are you all right?” Mr. Brockman peered into her face.
She took a deep breath and nodded. “I’m fine,” she managed to say. Tears ran down her cheeks. “This is… just… so unexpected. It’s been years since I left the island. It’s bringing back a lot of memories.”
“Good memories, I hope?” Mr. Brockman asked.
She nodded her head. “Yes. Look how beautiful it is. In spite of all the heartache with my family, this will always be a part of my soul. How could it not be?”
Two elves approached them bearing leis. “Welcome to Gabi’s party. She’s waiting for you.” Kiana, Trish and Mr. Brockman leaned over so that the elves could place the leis around their necks. The delicate garlands were strung with orchids and ginger blossoms. They followed the elves to the beach hut where a huge hand-painted sign hung from the rafters. It read WELCOME HOME, KIANA.
“I thought this was a birthday party for Gabi?” Kiana asked the crowd of smiling elves awaiting her.
“My birthday isn’t actually until September. I tricked you!” Gabi squealed and flew into Kiana’s arms. “Surprise!”
“Gabi!” Kiana squeezed the little girl and spun her around. It felt so good to hold Gabi again. “Oh, sweet pea. I’m so happy to see you. Are you all right?”
Gabi nodded, her eyes wide and serious. She sighed and rested her head on Kiana’s shoulder. “I am now that you’re here.”
Kiana felt a lump form in the back of her throat. Hot tears flooded her eyes.
“I hope you’re not mad I tricked you. It’s not really my birthday.” Gabi shot her an impish expression.
Kiana laughed through her tears and set Gabi on the ground. “You little trickster. We brought you birthday gifts.” She gestured to a large bag Mr. Brockman had in his arms.
“Oh… really? I love presents!” Gabi exclaimed, peering with interest at the bulging bag. “I guess we shouldn’t let these gifts go to waste.”
Mr. Brockman chuckled.
“Are you Mr. Brockman?” Gabi asked.
He nodded and held out his hand for a shake. When Gabi reached for him, a string of sternschnuppen flew from her fingertips and jumped onto Mr. Brockman’s hands. They raced up his arm and outlined his bowtie so that it glowed.
“You must be the little Bändiger I’ve heard so much about. I am very pleased to meet you, young lady. Kiana informed me that you like Dr. Seuss. Is that true?”
Gabi nodded. “Yep. Kiana reads with me. We like lots of different kinds of books. She told me about your cool shop. I wish I could visit it someday.”
Mr. Brockman passed the bag to Gabi. “Well, I’ll bet we could arrange that. An after-hours private viewing just for you.”
Gabi threw her arms around Mr. Brockman’s neck and he glanced at Kiana in surprise.
“Thank you, Mr. Brockman. That would be awesome!”
Kiana introduced Trish and Mr. Brockman to the Council members, the Klaus brothers, and countless other elves. All the while her eyes darted around, searching for Oskar. She couldn’t find him anywhere. She tried to tamp down her disappointment. I guess he didn’t want to see me after all. She gazed out to sea, trying to will away her heartache.
“So, do you guys have beach parties a lot? I thought it would be colder in the North Pole,” Trish said, sipping a frozen daiquiri.
Mr. Brockman accepted a tropical punch from one of the elves and nodded. “Yes, this seems rather unusual.”
Kiana agreed. “Good question. How is it possible for a beach to suddenly appear in Glasdorf?” she asked.
Ingo cleared his throat. “I can explain.” He ambled up to Kiana, his expression wary. Lys clutched his hand. “First,
I’d like to apologize again for interfering with your heart’s true intentions. I feel just awful about it.” He drew in a deep breath and continued. “All of the Bändigers used our magik to create this place, just for you. It was Oskar’s idea.”
Kiana’s heart stopped. “It was?”
Ingo nodded. “He wanted it to be perfect. I hope you like it. And I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me someday.” Lys slid her arm around Ingo’s waist, waiting for Kiana’s answer.
Poor Ingo, he looks so guilt-ridden.
Kiana knelt on the ground next to the elves. “Thank you for creating this wonderful place, Ingo. I love it. You have no idea how much this means to me.” She was shocked by the worried look on Ingo’s face. “The truth is… I was angry when I heard what you did, but how can I not forgive you? You saved our lives, and you showed Gabi that her talents are something special and nothing to be ashamed of.” She held out her hand to him and he grasped it tightly. “Without your magik, Wiebe could have killed all of us that day. Your courage saved me and Oskar and Gabi and all of Glasdorf.”
He nodded at her with tears in his eyes. “Thank you, Miss Grant.”
Lys smiled, clearly relieved by their conversation. “I told you, Ingo. She’s not one to hold a grudge.” She clasped Kiana’s other hand. “Thank you,” she said, softly.
Kiana got a pang in her heart when she saw the way the two elves looked at each other. They are so in love.
From behind her, Kiana heard someone gasp in surprise. “John Brockman, is that you?” Mrs. Klaus shouted. “I haven’t seen you in years.” Kiana turned to see Oskar’s mother hurry to Mr. B and embrace him. “It’s so good to see you.”
“What the hell are you doing here?”‘ Mr. Klaus thundered.
“Nicky, please be gracious. He’s here with Kiana.”
