by Dana Piazzi
“Forgive me, I’m First Mate Joe.” The old man bowed.
“I’m Leo. If you don’t mind, could you tell me what happened to you? I’ve never heard of a fantasy not letting go of their child.”
Joe nodded. “It’s a hard thing to do. My Donny and I, we were the best pirates on the seven seas. Or at least the ones he made up. But as he got older, he got interested in different things.” The old pirate sighed. “Donny was twelve when the Sand Man gave me my last warning. He said, ‘If you stay longer than intended, you can’t come back.’ He said it would be too emotionally painful to try to help another child.”
“How long can you stay until you can’t go back?” Leo asked.
“Oh, you can go back, but you can’t work anymore. But to answer your question, a fantasy’s deadline is the child’s thirteenth birthday. The child has to go to the island of adulthood before that, or you’re out of a job.”
Leo was having trouble catching his breath. How could the Sand Man keep something like this from him? “So what are you doing here?” he asked the old pirate.
Joe smiled. “I come to check on Donny every now and then. I can’t come too often. If he talks to me too much, they’ll put him in an insane asylum.”
“I see.” Leo nodded. “Well, I won’t keep you. But thank you for your help, Joe.”
“Anytime.” The pirate smiled.
Leo watched him go and then headed toward Chloe’s apartment where he passed through the door with a heavy heart.
Daisy heard the front door open and close. She heard Mom’s voice say something, and she knew that Chloe was home. Daisy was thankful that Mom had recovered from her accident. She was also thankful that she had been there to be with Chloe through those terrible months of uncertainty.
She looked over and saw Zoe sitting on Leo’s back, braiding her hair while the lion stared up at the birthday balloon that now had a large number twelve on it. Chloe had turned twelve last week, and Leo had told Daisy and Zoe what would happen if they didn’t leave soon. But she couldn’t believe it. Surely that old pirate had gotten his facts mixed up somehow. Daisy looked at the wall above Chloe’s bed. The posters that had hung there had changed over the years. Now, there was a poster of a boy band and some photos Chloe had taken with her friends when they had gone to the beach. Was Chloe really growing up? Had time passed that quickly?
Chloe came into her room and smiled at them all. But it wasn’t her usual smile. This one seemed to be put on her face to cover up something else.
“Hey, Chloe,” Zoe said.
“Hi, guys.” Chloe put her backpack down.
“Is something on your mind, Chloe?” Leo asked.
Chloe’s shoulders sagged. “I was thinking. Um...is there really a rule that says you guys can’t come with me to the island of adulthood?”
“Yes,” said Leo, standing up and making Zoe get off him.
Chloe’s eyes glassed over. “But...”
Leo placed a paw on the girl’s shoulder as she sat down. “Chloe, this is something that we all know you have to do. It’s a part of growing up.”
Daisy felt her throat tighten, and tears threatened to run down her cheek. Zoe was completely silent for the first time in twelve years.
“But I’ll miss you all,” Chloe said sadly.
“And we’ll miss you, too,” said Leo, “and not a day will go by that we won’t think about you. But this is a fantasy’s job … to stay with children until they’re ready to grow up.”
Chloe put her arms around the lion’s neck and hugged him tightly. Daisy went over and put her arms around the girl, and she knew Zoe had done the same. When Daisy opened her eyes again, she was standing on the beach. The island of adulthood seemed larger than ever.
Chloe pulled back and looked at all of them individually. “Thank you for everything. I couldn’t have made it without you guys.”
Inside, Daisy knew it was true. That was why she had been sent to Chloe in the first place. But hearing those words come out of her girl’s mouth made it seem much more wonderful.
Chloe looked at the boat that would take her across the water. Then she turned back to the three of them.
“Go on,” Daisy urged. She didn’t think she had the strength, but she smiled encouragingly.
Chloe nodded and put one foot into the boat and then the other. The waves carried her out a little ways. She turned back and waved.
“Be brave!” Leo called.
“Have fun!” Zoe yelled, standing on Leo’s back.
“Spread love!” Daisy said. She had to swallow hard after that.
Chloe blew them a kiss and turned around to face the island of adulthood.
Zoe bit her lip, but she couldn’t fight it anymore. She covered her face and sat down on Leo’s back and cried. The others were silent. When she could finally control herself, she looked up at the shrinking boat that carried her girl. “Did we do something wrong? I’ve never had a child want to go to that stupid island.”
“We’ve never stayed so long with a child,” said Leo.
Zoe looked up at Daisy. The fairy usually stood with a straight back and her chin up, but now her shoulders were slumped and her head low.
“But what if she still needs us?” Zoe asked.
Leo shook his head, which made his mane bounce. “I think she’ll be okay.”
Zoe crossed her arms and shook her head. “I hate being a fantasy,” she muttered.
But her words did not go unheard. Daisy bent down to look at her. “You don’t mean that.”
“I do so!” Zoe cried, standing up, “I hate getting attached to a child just to have them leave. It’s not fair. I just want a little girl I can have forever!”
Daisy and Leo looked at each other and a knowing look passed between them. Leo made Zoe get off his back and he got up on his hind legs. He placed one of his paws in Daisy’s hand. “It may not be easy to let a child go, but we need to remember the times we had with Chloe.”
“Now we know that Chloe can grow up and have a good future. The president said so.” Daisy smiled, although a tear was running down her cheek. She blinked away the others that were about to spill out before continuing, “Remember, Zoe, the more children we’re with, the more we get the chance to show the world love...”
“And peace...” Leo smiled and held out a paw to her.
Zoe flew up and clutched it in her hands. “And happiness.” She smiled sadly.
Leo cleared his throat. “We’ll probably get a new assignment soon, and I may not work with either of you for a while, so I just want to say right now that I have enjoyed every minute of the last twelve years with you.” As he spoke, large, lion tears ran down his face.
The three of them bowed their heads and cried together.
The sound of a bubble popping made Zoe turn around. When they looked, the president was standing there. “Hello.” He smiled.
“Hello, sir,” said Leo, getting back down on all fours.
The President smiled. “I’m here to take you back to Fantasy Land.”
They all nodded as the President waved his hand in the air, and golden sand sprinkled from his fingertips.
Zoe turned once more to look out over the water and saw Chloe’s boat on the other shore. She had made it.
Chloe opened her eyes and saw that she was sitting on her bed. She felt different; older, somehow. Though it was hard to explain, Chloe knew it was true.
The girl got to her feet and went to her dresser. She dug around in her top drawer until she found what she was looking for; a picture that she had drawn a long time ago. .
Chloe took a pin and stuck the picture on her wall.
The colored faces of Leo, Daisy, and Zoe smiled back at her.
Although they were gone, she would never forget them. A single tear ran down her cheek. “Bye, guys,” she whispered.
Leo met Daisy and Zoe outside of the President’s office. “Do you know what’s going on?” he asked.
Both girls shook their heads.<
br />
“The president will see you now.” The receptionist smiled.
The three fantasies entered together.
“Hello again,” the President said, smiling.
“Do you have another mission for us, sir?” Leo asked. It had been a little over a week since they had said goodbye to Chloe, and Leo wasn’t sure if he could take another assignment just yet.
The President shook his head. “No. Not yet. I just wanted to show you something.” A large wall of sand appeared before them, and a picture of a young woman came up.
“Chloe!” Zoe said excitedly.
The President nodded. “I’ve looked at the girl’s future and I thought you would all like to hear the outcome. Chloe is going to graduate high school with many different scholarships. She’ll go on to college where she’ll meet her future husband, Mike. She’s going to live by the beach. She’s going to eventually have four children. And most importantly, she’s going to become a famous author.”
The three fantasies smiled at each other proudly.
“I thought you might want to hear the titles of the children’s books she’ll write. ‘The Adventures of Leo, Daisy, and Zoe’, and ‘A Fantasy’s Tale’.”
Leo laughed.
The President smiled. “You know, the three of you working together brought an amazing future for a child I didn’t think was possible. Although I can’t put you three together all the time, know that you will be working together often.”
Leo, Daisy, and Zoe all thanked him and gathered for a group hug.
“Who knows?” said Zoe. “We may get the chance to be imaginary friends for Chloe’s kids.”
This is only one adventure that these friends had together, but it’s the one that started it all. So if you ever hear a child mention a lion named Leo, a fairy named Daisy, or a pixie named Zoe, know that child is being guided in the right direction.
About the Author: Jordan Hancock
Jordan Hancock has lived in Texas and Georgia, but currently lives in Alabama. She lives with her mother and three younger siblings, and attends high school. Jordan began writing when she was thirteen. Her stories vary between fantasy and science fiction, but she also dabbles in Christian fiction. She plans to continue writing, and hopes to make it a career one day. Jordan also wants to teach high school history one day, as well.
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Blue Bird, By: Kim Stevens
Chapter One – Catherine
The young woman arched her back, letting out a painful cry. Her fingers clutched her husband’s sweaty hand while he nervously wiped her hair away from her wet forehead. Pain gripped her swollen belly as she gazed up at her love and gave a reassuring smile before the agony took over once again.
“You’re doing great,” he whispered, wiping her brow. “I love you.”
The woman grunted while her body tensed again with childbirth. The doctor glanced at the impending father and gave a nod before lowering his head. The nurse dampened a rag and placed it on the woman’s head.
“Just one more push, my lady,” the doctor said. “Nurse, get the swaddling cloth ready.” The nurse hurried off while the woman pushed, and the man whispered encouraging words into her ear.
Painful cries that filled the room were soon replaced with delicate wails. The young woman collapsed onto the soft pillows, panting, while watching the doctor caring for her infant. Her husband rubbed her hand before perching on the side of the bed.
“I’m so proud of you,” he said, cupping her cheek with his hand. “My beautiful wife.”
The woman gave a small smile as her eyelids fluttered closed. “My husband,” she whispered as her head rolled to the side.
The man stood and walked over to the nurse who was quietly talking to the baby. When he approached, she smiled then exited the room, leaving him alone with his child and wife. He peered down and saw that he now had a daughter. His heart melted when her eyes opened and wide sparkling-green emeralds peered back at him. She kicked her small legs while cooing and gurgling.
“You look just like your mother,” he said, swaddling the baby. “My beautiful girls.” He carefully cradled her, cooing to her as he carried her over to the bed. Maneuvering the baby in his arms, he placed her on her mother’s chest. “Catherine, open your eyes, my darling. Look at our beautiful daughter.”
The man glanced at his wife, who was still and unmoving. When he nudged her shoulder, her limp body lowered into the pillows. “Catherine?” He scooped the fussing infant up. “Help us! Something is wrong,” he screamed out.
“Sir?” the doctor asked, poking his head through the door. He noticed the still woman on the bed then hurried into the room. “Nurse!”
The man stood in the corner, holding his daughter, and watched as the doctor and nurse tried to find a pulse on his young wife. Tears rushed to his eyes when the old doctor stepped back and shook his head sadly.
The aging man walked toward him with tears glittering in his eyes. “I am terribly sorry, but the Queen is dead.”
Chapter Two – Party
The king was standing on the balcony overlooking a sprawling garden and twenty of his daughter’s closest friends. It was Snow’s eleventh birthday, and it saddened him knowing that her mother wasn’t sharing this precious day with her.
“Thomas…” a whisper of a voice came from behind him. He turned and saw his young sister stepping out from behind crimson drapes. “Snow wants to know when she can cut the cake.”
King Whitelock grinned. “We can do the cake cutting now.” He walked past Madeline, touching her nose as he went. She giggled while following close behind. “You have done a marvellous job, Madeline. The castle looks magnificent.”
“Oh, it was nothing. A few streamers and a balloon or two,” she said, shrugging.
Thomas stopped, halting his sister’s footsteps. He reached out, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I could not have done any of this without you. I am truly grateful for you raising my girl.” He sighed heavily. “I wish my Catherine were here.”
“I know you do, Thomas. I miss her dearly, too.” Madeline hugged her brother tightly then pulled away, wiping hair from her face. “We have a birthday to attend.”
Snow was running around with her friends when she saw her father emerge from the darkness of the castle. She changed course, heading in his direction. When he scooped her up and swung her around, Snow started a fit of giggles. She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him with all her might.
“My Snow,” the king whispered into his daughter’s raven hair. He kissed her soft cheek and breathed in her sweet scent. “Happy Birthday!” he shouted, making the partygoers cheer and clap.
Thomas placed Snow on her feet and patted her head. “I’d like to say a few words about my Snow before we bring the cake out,” he said to his beaming audience. “My dear young girl, Catherine, is the apple of my eye, like any daughter to her father. She has brightened my life and those around her. Snow is smart, beautiful, caring, and growing up too fast,” he chuckled. “Please, raise your glasses to Snow.”
Thomas was watching his daughter cutting into her unicorn cake when he felt someone move beside him. Turning, he saw Madeleine wipe away a tear.
“I’m a blubbering mess,” she said, patting her eyes dry.
Thomas wrapped his arm around her shoulders; kissed her head. “Happy tears, I hope?” he said, blinking back his own.
“Of course,” Madeleine said. “Oh, I almost forgot. There is someone here to see you.” She pulled away from his embrace and took a breath. “She’s waiting for you in the parlour.”
“Thank you,” the king glanced back at his daughter before heading into the castle.
Standing in the arched doorway, Thomas was surprised to see a trim woman with honey-blond hair cascading to a slender waist. When she turned, he was captivated by brilliant blue eyes.
“Hello,” Thomas said, stepping into the room. �
�I’m King Whitelock of…”
“The Land of Incandescence.” A shy smile crossed her pale pink lips. “I apologize; I’m being rude,” she held a hand out. “I’m Genevieve Sable.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Sable.” He gestured to an armchair. “How can I help you?” He sat on a red velvet sofa.
He watched as the woman gracefully perched on the armrest in front of him. Her lilac dress was hugging her figure nicely and her cheeks were sprinkled with a fine dusting of freckles.
“I heard that you were searching for a wife,” Genevieve stated. She smoothed out her skirt. “I know I’m being forward, and I apologize, but I’m looking for a husband and a suitable father for my young, impressionable daughter.”
“You have a daughter? How old is she?” Thomas asked, listening to the excited giggles of the birthday party going on outside.
“Arella is eleven,” the woman replied. “I know you have a girl the same age.”
“Yes.” Thomas nodded. “It’s Snow’s birthday today.” He smiled.
“Snow? That is…unusual.”
“Her given name is Catherine, after her dearly departed Mother. My wife enjoyed the winter seasons and I thought Snow was a perfect pet name.”
“Papa,” Snow’s voice sounded from the hall. “Where are you?”
“I’m in here, Snow,” Thomas called out. He stood up as his daughter appeared in the doorway. “I want you to meet someone.” He glanced at Genevieve then back at Snow. “Snow, this is Ms. Sable. She came here because she heard I’m looking for a wife.”
The young girl peered up at the woman with bright green eyes. “Will you marry my father?” she asked.
Genevieve laughed nervously. “Well, yes, I do hope so.”
“So you’ll be my stepmother?”
“I suppose I will be,” Genevieve replied. “I have a girl your age. She’s around here somewhere.” She moved toward the doorway and disappeared for a moment. When she returned, a young girl with long blond hair and sky blue eyes followed.
