King Finnbar inhaled deeply. “Can’t the teary goodbyes wait until after dinner? The caterers are here! Mmm, I smell chicken with haricots verts and roasted new potatoes.”
Epona’s tail lashed from side to side, and she gave a loud, impatient snort. “All right, all right,” Finnbar said reluctantly. “Let’s finish what we’ve started; that’s the kingly thing to do. I’ll have a go at this forgetting business, but just to be on the safe side I’ll rewind time a bit too. In my experience it’s much easier to forget things that haven’t happened yet. Mortals, front and center.”
Grandpap and Mr. McAlister stepped forward, followed by a fluttery Titania. Hand in hand, Colin and I joined them.
Holding on to his crown so it wouldn’t fly off, King Finnbar suddenly dashed forward and threw his free arm around me.
“Goodbye, dear Morgan! In one way I’ll miss you remembering who I am, but in another way it’ll be all the more amusing that you don’t.” He dabbed his eyes with the edge of his robe. “Of course, if you and Colin have children of your own, ‘Bar-Bar’ will be a frequent visitor.”
“Promise?” I tried to smile, but I was kind of choked up myself. He nodded, and I kissed him on the cheek. “See you again someday, Your Majesty.”
“Thanks for all the good times, mate.” Colin gave Finnbar a fond buddy-punch in the arm. “It’s been grand to see ye again. Congrats on the king gig. I know ye’ll be brilliant.”
“The unicorns will miss you too, Morgan-Morganne, who was queen for less than a day.” Epona’s horn started to shimmer, throwing off glittery sparks that gently rained down on me and Colin. “But we’re happy that you and your royally excellent boyfriend will remain part of your world. We wish you only joy.”
Then King Finnbar gave the order: “Now forget . . . forget . . . be kind . . . rewind . . .”
I squeezed Colin’s hand. My vision started to blur and my limbs felt heavy, like I was drifting off to sleep. “ ‘ Part of Your World’—that’s a song from The Little Mermaid,” I said dreamily. “It’s my sister’s favorite movie.”
“Mine too,” a strangely horsey voice replied. “I love all those Disney pictures . . .”
twenty-four
To: Special Admissions Candidate Rawlinson
From: Cornelius Phineas
Subject: FWD: Campus Tour Itinerary
As promised, attached please find your printable e-tickets, flight information, schedule of events and other important information about your upcoming campus tour.
In exchange for the free air travel and other amenities provided by the university, we ask that all Special Admissions Candidates provide ten hours of community service while in residence at Oxford.
Service assignments have been made randomly. You have been assigned to:THE LIBRARY. As soon as convenient after arrival, please report to the Bodleian Library, Special Collections Department. The librarian will provide you with appropriate training.
Please note that air travel for Special Admissions Candidates has been generously paid for via the donation of AmEx points by individual Oxford alumni. If you would care to send a thank-you note, please write to:Mr. Devyn McAlister
c/o Castell Cyfareddol,
Tip of the Iceberg Cottage,
Halftime-by-the-Sea,
Wales, U.K. CF89
Note: In consideration of your participation in the campus tour, requirements for an application essay will be waived.
Congratulations on being selected for this prestigious opportunity, and thank you for your interest in Oxford University.
Sincerely,
The Admissions Office
Special Candidates Division
Oxford University
From: Colin O’Grady
To: Morgan Rawlinson
SUBJECT: seems I’m “special”
Hey luv! How’s my girl?
I’ll be quick because Grandpap’s waiting for me to give him a lift, but I had to tell you right away—there’s gobsmacking news in today’s mail. Seems I’ve been invited to a “special campus tour” at the last place you’d expect to find a simple Irish lad like me: Oxford U (don’t laugh!). The letter says something about choosing promising students from colleges around the U.K. to apply for a “special applicants” transfer program, full scholarship, all expense paid, la de da. And it’s this week!!! And I’m going!!!!!
I’d never picture myself at a school so fancy, but if Oxford offers me a free ride I’d have to seriously consider saying so long to DCU. What do you make of that? And how’s your college hunt coming along? Be grand if we could end up at school together for a couple of years.
Patty at the bike tour company had a fit when I told her I’d be starting work late to do this Oxford shindig, but she’ll get over it. If you want to help me make it up to her, why not work the bike tour with me? We’re shorthanded this summer anyway, and it’d be a lovely wild adventure to have you aboard (he says, winkin’ like a lovestruck madman).
Speaking of lovestruck, I’ve a wee gift to give you next time I see you. It belonged to my granny and it means a lot to me. I hope it’ll mean a lot to you too. It’s something for you to wear, and that’s the only clue I’m giving—see how I’m trying to tempt you to come to Ireland for the summer?
Gotta run, Grandpap’s howling to leave for his date. The man’s found a lady friend, believe it or not. A tall bony lass who likes to bargain shop and watch telly, so they’re a good fit in that respect. Tania (that’s her name) is a silly bird IMHO, but Grandpap needs the company and he’s happy, so I’m happy.
Love you, darlin’,
C
From: Morgan Rawlinson
To: Colin O’Grady
Subject: RE: seems I’m “special”
[[[[[[[[hugging Colin!!!]]]]]]]
WOW!!! Congrats about Oxford. Gobsmacking is definitely my new favorite word.
I’ll ask my parents about the bike tour. I’m in their good graces at the moment because they think I saved Tammy’s life (she’s fine, she swallowed some water in the bathtub but you know how the kid loves drama) so I fully expect a yes. Wild adventure sounds like a plan [pumps fists in air].
Want a good laugh? Somehow Sarah got it in her head that I should run for senior class president in September. Insane, right? But for some reason everyone I ask says it’s a brilliant idea. My totally latent leadership ability must finally be bubbling up to the surface. Anyway, if I win it’ll look good on my college apps, so I may give it a try.
My college search is also going gobsmackingly well! In fact I just got some “special” news of my own. As you will soon discover, heh heh. Sorry to be so mysterious. But a girl’s entitled to a few secrets, right?
Can’t wait to wear my present (like you need to tempt me). Okay, time to pack my suitcase—oops! Almost let it slip!
Love you “mor” than I can say,
Morganne
p.s.—I know it’s kind of lame but I just decided, I’m officially changing the spelling of my name to Morganne. Senior year, fresh start, blah blah blah. You know I always hated the boy’s name thing. My mother will be totally insulted, but, duh, it’s my name. She’ll get over it.
p.p.s.—You still have to call me Mor, though. Nobody says my name like you do.
about the author
Maryrose Wood’s previous books about the adventures of Morgan Rawlinson are Why I Let My Hair Grow Out and How I Found the Perfect Dress. She lives in New York with two kids, two kittens and a very patient pooch. Find out more at www.mary rosewood.com
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What I Wore to Save the World Page 21
