Hidden: A Pregnant Fairy Godmother's Journey...

by Joynell Schultz

  “You’re just mad because your daughter found out about me.” Ciera’s insides tensed again. She rubbed her stomach. It was achy now, too much excitement in one night. It tightened again. “Ouch.” She stepped away from Dane, clasping her stomach. “I just need to sit down.”

  Dane rushed to her, grabbed her arm, and escorted her back to the cot. “Don’t tell me you’re in labor now.”

  Ciera shook her head. “I can’t be. I’ve only been pregnant for nine months.”

  “Nine months? Crap, crap!” Dane helped her onto the cot. “How long have you been having stomach pain? When did your doctor tell you to go to the hospital?”

  “Doctor? Hospital? We don’t need medicine.”

  “Maybe we don’t, but you might.”

  Ciera gripped her belly as it clenched again into a tight knot.

  “We should get you to the hospital.”

  Ciera struggled against him. “I’m fine. I don’t need help.”

  “Stop it. You may be in labor.”

  “I’m not in labor.” Ciera sat back up. “It’s fine now. I just got worked up.”

  Dane pulled his hand off her upper arm, bloody fingers. “Urgh. I opened up your cut.” Dane sighed. “Come with me. Let’s get you upstairs and clean you up properly. If you have another contraction, I’m taking you in.” He wrapped an arm around Ciera’s waist, and she pushed away.

  “I’m fine. I don’t need help,” she repeated.

  “I don’t care,” Dane said, helping her up two flights of stairs and into his apartment.

  Chapter 12

  Ciera

  Dane’s apartment was full of color. Ocean blues and sunny yellows covered the walls. There were even some purple chairs and canisters of some kind. It was simple with only a few things, not like the places Ciera had seen on TV so long ago. Dane sat her at the table, and the big brown eyes of Dane’s daughter greeted her.

  “What’s your name?” the child asked.

  “Ciera, and I think I heard yours was Rosaleen.”

  “You can just call me Rosa. Dad uses my whole name when he’s stressed.”

  “Hmmm… Rosaleen’s a pretty name, though. It means beautiful flower, right?”

  Rosa shrugged. “I don’t know.”

  “Well, it does, doesn’t it, Dane?”

  Dane came out from a room in the back of the tiny apartment, holding some rags and packages in his hand. He pulled a chair out beside Ciera and took her arm. “It actually means beautiful rose.”

  “Really?” Rosaleen sat down and leaned on the table. “Why didn’t you tell me this before?”

  Dane didn’t take his eyes of Ciera’s wound. His voice was gruff. “Because your mother gave you that name. Because a rose was her favorite flower.”

  “My mother?”

  “We’re not talking about that,” Dane said.

  Ciera pulled her arm away. “Ouch!”

  Dane sprang to his feet. “What? Another contraction?”

  “No, they stopped. You can sit down and relax. It’s just that you’re hurting my arm.”

  Dane switched out the fabric he was wiping her wound with. He then pulled on a sticky covering, like he had with the cut on her foot.

  Ciera examined his focused face. “Why don’t you talk of her mother? You say a mother should care for their child, yet that’s obviously not the case here.”

  Dane’s movement’s halted, and he looked up into Ciera’s eyes. The pain she saw on his face radiated down into her own heart. No words came out of his mouth.

  But a little voice beside her spoke solemnly and almost with wisdom. “My mother didn’t want me. She didn’t want us.”

  Dane twisted toward his daughter and took her hand in his. “It’s not that she didn’t want us. She was sick.” He looked to Ciera. “She had postpartum depression really bad.”

  “Postpartum depression?” Ciera struggled with the new words.

  “It’s hard to explain. You know how you feel different now that you’re pregnant?”

  Like losing her magic?

  Dane continued, “Well, after the baby’s born, sometimes mothers have hormone changes mixed with fatigue and adjustments to motherhood that make them imbalanced. It didn’t help that Josalyn was unbalanced to begin with.” Dane looked at his daughter. “We’ve talked about this before. She was sick and should have gotten treatment. It’s not that she didn’t want us. It’s just that she didn’t want anything.”

  Rosa nodded, and Dane turned to Ciera. “Rosaleen’s mother was young. We both were. We didn’t know what we were doing. We had nobody to guide us.” He stood and kissed his daughter’s temple. “It’s way late and time for bed. You know I love you, right?”

  Rosa wrapped an arm around her father, and Ciera’s insides softened at the look in Dane’s eye. She bit her lip and rubbed her belly.

  “Yeah, Dad. I know. You tell me that all the time.” His daughter’s voice grew bolder. “Where’s Ciera going to sleep?”

  Dane nodded toward the room attached. “She can have the sofa sleeper tonight. Tomorrow, though, I’m going to have to find her a place to stay.”

  Rosaleen smiled slyly. “Too bad. I was hoping she was your girlfriend.”

  Dane coughed. “She’s pregnant.”

  Rosaleen’s smile widened. “Does that mean I’m going to get a little sister? Maybe a brother—”

  “No.” Dane’s face was firm. “I just met her. I’m not the father.”

  “I know how that works, Dad.”

  “Okay, enough.” Dane stood up and scooted her out of the room. “Off with you.”

  Rosaleen stopped and glanced over her shoulder at Ciera, a different kind of smile filled her face. “Um… If you’re my dad’s friend, could you come to school with me next week? There’s a mother-daughter tea.” Dane stepped away, allowing Rosa to turn fully toward Ciera. “I was hoping I wouldn’t have to take my dad to another event. See, the kids started asking about my mom, and maybe you could pretend?”

  Ciera smiled. “I won’t be able to pretend, but I’d still love to go. I adore tea.”

  “No. Maybe. Don’t burden her with our troubles.” Dane rubbed his chin. “We’ll talk about this in the morning. Go now.”

  Once Dane tucked the girl away behind a door, he guided Ciera to a soft-looking bench. He removed the cushions and a bed magically unfolded. He pulled it out for her and grabbed some blankets from a chest in the corner. “I don’t know if this will be much better than the cot downstairs. Instead of being too firm, you may feel the springs underneath the soft mattress.”

  “The cot was fine. I’m sure this will be good, too. I can sleep anywhere, even on the forest floor.”

  “Forest floor?”

  “Oh, never mind. I imagine you don’t have forests here in Chicago.” Ciera settled herself into the bed and fluffed the pillow Dane provided. Dane began to step away, but Ciera caught his arm, stopping him. “I’m sorry I messed everything up.”

  He sighed and sat beside her on the mattress, shaking his head and whispering, “You didn’t mess it all up. I’m a thief. What kind of life is that for my daughter? I keep saying that I’ll stop, but the money’s good, and I can’t.”

  “But, you’re doing good, aren’t you?”

  “No, Ciera. I’m not. I steal to pay for things. This apartment. Food. Electricity.”

  “Food for Rosa?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Then I think you’re doing good.” She snuggled back into the pillow. “If you don’t like it, maybe you can stop.”

  With a grave expression, Dane shook his head. “Nobody will hire someone with a criminal record. I’m lucky I found a landlord to rent to us. Rosa can’t lose me in addition to her mother.”

  His eyes grew glossy, and Ciera’s heart throbbed. She slowly stretched her hand out toward the stray hair on Dane’s temple. He closed his eyes as she brushed it away.

  Dane continued, “I always wanted something more for our future.”

  Ciera pu
lled her hand away and straightened, leaning away from the pillow and closer to Dane. “And what was that?”

  “I don’t know. A house in the country.” He laughed. “I always told Josalyn we’d get a few chickens. It’s not worth thinking about now, though. Life frequently throws you curveballs, and it’s okay. I have Rosa and that makes me happy.” His eyes opened and latched on to hers. “Everything comes together, one way or another.”

  She whispered, “I’ll fix everything. I promise.” Then leaned back.

  Dane’s hand found hers, and Ciera felt her body tingle with the emotions tucked away in his gaze. “I don’t know how you’ll do that, but thanks.”

  Ciera couldn’t stop herself. She leaned forward and put her head on his shoulder, wrapping her arms around his body. Instead of him being stiff this time, he relaxed into her. His hand came up and tilted her chin away. Ciera closed her eyes, remembering the emotions that must be swirling inside Dane.

  He whispered, “You’re so thoughtful, and a bit quirky…and…well…beautiful. I don’t know what it is about you, but I can’t stay away.”

  Beautiful? Nobody had called Ciera that before.

  Before Ciera could open her eyes, she felt his warm lips on her cheek beside her lips. It wasn’t much, just a gentle promise, and then he pulled away. “You need a good night’s sleep. We’ll figure out the prosthetic store tomorrow.”

  Dane flicked off the lights and retreated behind another door in the back of the apartment.

  ~ ~ ~

  Ciera’s eyes stung as sunlight streamed in from the living room window. Voices whispered near her, and she rolled over, squinting to see Dane and Rosaleen sitting at the kitchen table. Eating something out of a bowl, slathered in milk. She wondered what animal the milk was from. Obviously, it wasn’t platypus. Perhaps dog milk? There seemed to be a lot of dogs around.

  “I don’t know why she can’t come with me to the mother-daughter tea. It’s also for special friends,” Rosa said.

  “And for fathers. I’m going with you.”

  “But Melinda says I’m turning into a tomboy because I don’t have a mother, or aunts, or any females in my life.”

  “You’re not a tomboy.” Dane sighed, his voice a whisper that Ciera could barely hear. “Besides, it’s next week, and she won’t be around then.”

  The spoon clinked in the bowl. “Why?”

  Guilt filled Ciera as she listened. Eavesdropping wasn’t right. She gave a little cough, clearing her throat. “Good morning!” She smiled her biggest smile, hoping that would make things better.

  Rosaleen’s voice was hopeful. “Can I ask her now, Dad?”

  “But I want to come.”

  Rosa tilted her head and tightened her lips, giving an expression that appeared hard to refuse.

  Dane moaned. “Go ahead.”

  “Wait. Let me get ready.” Ciera smiled as she made her way to the table, sitting on the chair across from Rosaleen, which happened to be next to Dane. She sat up straight and attempted to cross her legs, but her stomach wouldn’t let her. She settled on crossing her hands over her knees. “Okay. I’m ready now.”

  Rosa’s eyes widened. “About that mother-daughter tea next week. Are you able to come to school with me?”

  “Has your father agreed to it?” Ciera asked.

  Dane shook his head no, but his words disagreed. “Yeah, I guess I did.”

  Ciera clapped. “Fantastic! I’ve always wanted to go to a human school.” She snapped her mouth shut when she realized what she said.

  “Human school?” Dane shook his head. “Don’t tell me you never went to school.”

  “Oh, I did. Mine was just a little different. My father used to come to all my programs, too.” Ciera leaned down. “See, my mother also died when I was young.”

  “I’m sorry,” Dane said.

  Ciera shrugged. “It’s okay. I had the most fantastic father to raise me.” She laughed. “And look at me. I turned out okay.”

  “That explains it.” Dane’s voice was monotone as he lifted his bowl and drank the milk. When he set it down, he licked his lips.

  “What does that mean?” Ciera asked.

  Dane laughed. “I’m just teasing you.”

  “So, you do tease girls you like?” Rosa snickered.

  Dane snapped his head toward his daughter. “I don’t like—” Then he turned toward Ciera. “Okay, she’s kinda fun. Never mind that.” He refocused on Ciera. “Where is your father, anyway? You seem close and with you being pregnant, maybe he could help you out.”

  Ciera’s chest constricted. “He is helping me by sending me away. He says I need to find the father of this child and give him the baby.”

  Dane knocked the bowl back. “That’s absurd! And you’re listening to him?”

  “He’s right!” Ciera pushed herself up, her fists tight.

  Dane took her shoulders and turned her toward him. “Don’t you understand what a gift a child is? How can you give that up?” His jaw was tight and eyes full of fire.

  Ciera forced her fists to unclench. “I’m sorry I don’t feel that way and I’m sorry my differing opinion angers you.”

  “It does! How could it not? That’s the most…the only frustrating thing about you. Do me a favor, okay?” He rubbed his hand down his face, regaining his composure. “When the baby comes, at least hold it. Look into its eyes before you decide to part with her or him.” Dane stood behind his daughter, rubbing her shoulders. “You have no idea how special children are. How much they unexpectedly, yet wonderfully, change your life, and you could never imagine, nor want a life without them.”

  Ciera’s vision clouded with tears. She sat down and looked at her hands now folded on the table. “I don’t want to think about it.” She had no choice, it was the way of the fairies. Plus, this child was human. There was no place for it in the fairy godmother realm, and once her magic returned, there was no way she could stay in the human world. How would she raise a child, anyway? There was no way to perform fairy duties with a child on her hip.

  Stop thinking about it! It’s the human child giving you the wrong emotions. Just like it took over your magic, it’s taken over your feelings.

  Dane took a few steps toward the apartment’s entrance. “Rosa, it’s time for school. I’ll take you there. Ciera, don’t leave. I’ll be back for you.”

  Dane and Rosaleen shuffled about the apartment and eventually left Ciera alone. She rubbed her belly. How was it she was starting to see the other side? Did all fairy godmothers go through this, or was it just because her beliefs were being challenged?

  It didn’t matter—things would change once the baby was out. She’d have her magic back, and if she didn’t find John before then, she’d easily be able to find him after.

  Chapter 13

  Ciera

  When Dane returned, Ciera expected a lecture about tea with his daughter, about stealing that jewelry box, about cutting her arm, and the risk of leading the police to his apartment.

  Seated at Dane’s kitchen table, she bit her bottom lip and folded and unfolded her legs the best she could while watching his flat expression for any hint to what he was thinking.

  Dane sat down across from her, and his words were calm. “Tonight, we’ll break into the prosthetic store and sort through those files, pulling all of them that belong to someone named John. We’ll find what you need, then you need to go.”

  Was he trying to get rid of her? She straightened in the chair. “We could go back to the antique store and get you the right jewelry box.”

  “No. My opportunity passed. I can’t return there.”

  Ciera’s stomach turned. “I’m sorry I caused trouble. That wasn’t my intention. Was the box important?”

  “It’s an old antique from Europe. Worth five thousand dollars. No, it’s not important, but it would help Rosa and me out a little.”

  “Do you like stealing?”

  Dane laughed. “No. I hate it. I hate how my heart pounds every time, worried
I’m gonna get caught. I hate not knowing if I’ll find fortune, or end up on a dry spell. I worry how I’ll keep shelter over Rosa’s head and food on the table.” His voice dropped to a whisper and he looked away. “I worry she’ll find out.”

  “She doesn’t know?”

  “No.” He frantically shook his head.

  “You can’t keep it from her. It’d hurt her more if she finds out a different way.”

  “She can’t find out. Knowing about her mother is enough.”

  Ciera sat back in her chair. “What about an actual job? A real one?”

  “I’ve tried. Nobody hires someone with a criminal record, and the few I’ve had don’t pay enough to support a family plus pay back…pay bills.” His voice trailed off.

  “How much have you tried? Come on. If you put your mind to it, anything’s possible. Just look at me. I wasn’t supposed to amount to anything, and now…I’m—” Ciera bit her tongue.

  “Pregnant and penniless?”

  “It’s only temporary. Well, the pregnant part. Money’s not important where I come from.”

  Dane stood right in front of Ciera. That fire in his eyes returned. “I find you irritating. The more I get to know you, the worse it gets! I don’t need to explain my reasoning to you. I wish you’d return to where you came from.”

  “You wish?” Ciera felt the pull of her fairy godmother heart, the part where the magic was stored, but was now empty. Unable to grant that wish, she gnawed on her lip. She was sure she wasn’t the best fairy godmother anymore. Not only didn’t she have her magic, but Dane wished she wasn’t there. She quickly looked away, hiding the tears welling in her eyes. “Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.”

  Her hands shook, and all those emotions she’d been experiencing came to the surface. The baby completely took away her ability to hide her feelings, and it seemed to give her ones she hadn’t had before. As she wiped a tear from her cheek, she focused on the one way she knew to grant his wish.

  She stood and ran from the room, out the apartment door, and down the steps. She made it to the front entrance when a tug on her arm had her halt. She turned around to see Dane behind her.