My Fairy Godmonster

by Denice Hughes Lewis

  “I’ll check my dance card,” I tease. My heart thumps like galloping horses.

  I hear a guest’s shrill voice near the front of the reception line. ”Erminia, outstanding wedding. Especially on such short notice.”

  I lean forward to see a tall woman drenched in pearls. Her purple hair highlights the folds of wrinkles in her pig face. She looks down her nose at Weasel.

  Weasel stiffens and smiles through her teeth. “I’m surprised you didn’t guess, Bledsoe. The garden dictated that we have the wedding while the lilacs are blooming.”

  “How very fortunate,” says the pig lady.

  Did the pig lady insinuate that Claire is pregnant? What is it with these people? I

  never want to learn how to sound sweet while stabbing somebody in the back.

  The pig lady reaches me and shakes my hand. I’m surprised at her firm grip. “Smart young lady,” she says. “Blue is the best color for redheads.”

  She swishes away and I start shaking hands with Mr. and Mrs. Garcia and her family. It’s a relief to see some familiar faces.

  When Jac shakes my hand, she says, “You are going to tell me everything.”

  “Having fun?” Fairy Godmonster whispers in my ear.

  I jump and bite my tongue. “Would you stop doing that?” I whisper between my teeth.

  The photographer snaps my picture. Great. He scurries around the tent.

  “I wonder if I’ll be in the picture?” asks Fairy Godmonster, holding a glass of

  champagne.

  “You’re kidding, right?” I whisper.

  Her eyes flash. She purrs, “I love champagne. It tickles.”

  John says to me, “Why are you so jumpy now that the wedding is over?”

  Fairy Godmonster snickers and disappears.

  “Just tired,” I say.

  Everyone finally gets through the reception line.

  The Dudley’s escort some of their friends to the dining tables. They must be very important in Boston. Most of the their guests and relatives flew in and hired limousines for the drive to our house. We only have friends from town and Dad’s business associates since Mom and Dad were both only children.

  Weasel deserves credit for a beautiful wedding and reception. Imagine a sit-down dinner for two hundred people. I look for my name at the head table and sit. Scott rearranges his name and sits beside me.

  “Don’t let Mrs. Dudley see you,” I warn.

  He smiles. “She won’t make a scene in front of all these people.” He raises his nose in the air. In a proper British accent he adds, “Have to keep up appearances you know.”

  We laugh together.

  After a dozen toasts, we are served a prime rib dinner fit for a king.

  Thousands of tiny lights brighten the tent as the dark night closes around the party. We are eating cake and some kind of whipped ice cream when a sudden whoosh of wind splatters the dessert all over Daria.

  “Eeekkkk!” she screams. Pieces of cake and ice cream drip down her face.

  I hear a roar overhead. Fairy Godmonster revs the Harley, laughing. The exhaust pipe blows more cake on Daria.

  “Mommyyyy!” she screams.

  Everyone stops talking and looks over at Daria.

  “Ssh, Daria,” says Weasel. “We have guests. Please go to your room and change.”

  I giggle. Daria glares at me and stomps into the house.

  When everything is cleared off the tables, the orchestra begins playing dance music. David and Claire start the first waltz. After a few minutes, Scott smiles at me. “Your turn.”

  He stands up and pulls back my chair. Taking my hand, he leads me to the dance floor. You know when they talk about a guy sweeping a girl off her feet? It’s totally true. We’re so close, I can smell the pine scent of his cologne. We dance as one. Chills

  bubble through me.

  “Where did you learn how to dance?” I ask breathlessly.

  “Mom. She thought every guy should know how.”

  “You?” he asks.

  “My Fa-friend,” I say.

  He blurts out, “I have a surprise for you. I’ve been trying to decide the best time to tell you. I hope you’ll like it.”

  Chapter 29: Exit

  “What is it?” I can’t imagine a surprise from Scott.

  He laughs and whirls me around the dance floor.

  “Tell me this minute.”

  “Your dad hired me for the summer. I get to stay here. Isn’t that great?” He grins.

  My heart does somersaults. Visions of long horseback rides zip through my mind.

  I smile. “I don’t know. You’ll have to learn how to shovel manure better.”

  Scott laughs. “Fine. I’ll shovel manure. Thought I’d stick around, so you don’t get lonely without the brat.”

  I step on his foot. “Oops. “Sorry.”

  He smiles down at me, “Maybe you’ll have to learn how to dance better.”

  “Good idea.” I laugh.

  Mr. Dudley taps Scott on the shoulder. “May I cut in? I’ll only be a moment. I want to talk with Winifred before I leave tomorrow.”

  What could Mr. Dudley want to say to me?

  He dances me away, light on his feet for someone so meaty. “I’m sorry Daria tripped you.”

  I look at him in surprise.

  “Claire told me all about it.” Mr. Dudley says. “Although I must say, your makeup covers the cut well. I’ll pay all expenses if you need plastic surgery.”

  “Thank you,” I say in a tiny voice.

  He continues, “Daria will be dealt with when we return home. I know it hasn’t been easy for you to cope with Mrs. Dudley. Especially in your own home. You handled it well and worked hard. When you graduate from high school, I want to give you a full scholarship to the college of your choice.”

  I’m speechless.

  He continues. “Knowing your father, I imagine he will put up resistance to the idea of my paying for your higher education.” Mr. Dudley smiles down at me. “I hope you can convince him.”

  “Thanks, Mr. Dudley. I’ll try.”

  “I have no doubt you will succeed in any endeavor you put your mind to. I want to thank you, young lady.”

  Mr. Dudley frowns and adds, “I realize that I have neglected my job as a father, as well as the social education of my youngest daughter.”

  John taps on Mr. Dudley’s shoulder. “May I cut in?”

  Mr. Dudley smiles. “Of course. Thank you, Winifred.”

  I dance in a daze.

  “You okay?” asks John.

  “Better than that.” I smile.

  “My flight leaves later tonight,” he says. “I have to go.”

  Realizing how much John feels like family, I hug him. “I’ll miss you.” I tease, “Especially in the stable.”

  John laughs. “I don’t think you’ll mind my replacement.”

  My cheeks get hot. “Good luck with the bar exams.”

  “Thanks,” he smiles. “I’m really going to miss it here. Take care of my brother and don’t let him slack off.”

  The song ends. I reluctantly say goodbye to John. He hugs David and Claire, shakes my dad’s hand and makes his way to the house with Scott.

  Jac hurries over to me. “When can you come over and tell me everything?”

  “I’m not sure. Give me a couple of days after everyone leaves and I’ll call you.”

  “Promise.”

  I laugh. “I promise.”

  Jac’s dad leads her away for a dance.

  David comes up behind me. “May I have the honor of a dance?” He pulls me onto the dance floor.

  I don’t say anything, feeling as awkward as when he first arrived home a month ago.

  “Thank you, Win. For everything.”

  Surprised, I look into his face.

  He continues, “I haven’t been much of a big brother since I got home. Been too wrapped up in what I wanted to do. I’m sorry I didn’t come to talk with you after the disaster with the wedding hea
rt.”

  “It’s okay,” I croak.

  “No, it isn’t. I know you wouldn’t do such a thing, but I didn’t support you. I’m sorry.”

  “You can make it up to me.” I grin.

  He laughs. “I should have known you’d think of some way to get back at me. All right. Out with it.”

  “Make Claire happy.”

  Speechless, he gazes into my eyes. “You really have grown up this summer.”

  “I mean it, David. She deserves to be happy. Promise.”

  “I promise.”

  “You haven’t even told me where you’re going on your honeymoon,” I say.

  “Her mother wanted to send us to Paris. Claire insisted that we would decide where we wanted to go and her mom backed down. We both love the ocean. Claire hasn’t seen the Pacific. We rented a secluded cottage in Cannon Beach that’s right next to the ocean.”

  “Cool. There are so many things to do there with the galleries, recreation …”

  He interrupts me, eyes twinkling. “I imagine we’ll keep ourselves busy.”

  I blush as the song ends. How stupid can I get?

  Claire joins us. David asks her, “Ready to leave?”

  “I can’t wait. Thank you for everything, Winifred,” she says hugging me.

  “See you after your honeymoon.”

  David claims the orchestra’s microphone. “We’d like to thank all of you for coming. You have made this day one Claire and I will never forget.”

  After the applause, David continues, “All eligible females and males please line up for the bouquet and garter throwing.”

  Scott comes up behind me and takes my hand. I can’t begin to describe the sensations in my mind and body. I thought they would go away, but they keep growing stronger.

  “Don’t you want to catch the bouquet?” he asks.

  “No way. I don’t want to get married.”

  “Never?” he asks looking into my eyes.

  I can hardly breathe. “I haven’t decided.”

  Scott laughs and hands me a silk flower.

  “What’s this for?”

  “It’s filled with birdseed. You hang on to the stem and toss it at the bride and groom. The petals open, and out come the seeds.”

  “How do you know this stuff?” I ask.

  “Some people pay attention instead of cleaning houses, birthing horses and getting into trouble.” His eyes twinkle.

  Bouquet and garter throwing over, we toss birdseed at David and Claire. When they leave, I’m so happy for them that I hardly notice the slight twinge in my heart.

  Scott says, “Can I get you some punch?”

  “Please.”

  Dad comes up behind me. “You look as beautiful as your mother.” He takes a small box from his pocket. “I want you to have this. It belonged to her.”

  My world stops. I gaze into his eyes.

  Holding my breath, I open the lid. Inside is a sparkling diamond ring.

  I gasp.

  “I hope you don’t mind if I keep the wedding band,” he adds.

  “Thank you,” I whisper. I slip it on my finger in reverence. It sparkles into my heart.

  “I should have told you about your mother a long time ago. Can you ever forgive me?” He holds his arms out, pain and longing crossing his face.

  I rush into his arms, holding back the tears. When my Dad hugs me, his arms open

  as wide as the world and close me safely inside. Heaven.

  “When our company leaves, I’ll tell you anything you want to know about your mom. Okay?”

  I can’t speak, so I nod.

  He asks, “May I have this dance?”

  I smile and he sweeps me away. Gliding in his arms reminds me of when I danced on top of his feet as a child. It seems like a long time ago.

  Dad looks me straight in the eyes. “I should be horsewhipped for not believing you. And for leaving you here to work yourself to the bone. I’ll never forgive myself.”

  “It’s over, Dad.”

  He looks relieved.

  When did you learn how to put on makeup and do your hair?” Dad asks.

  “Er, magazines?”

  Wistfully he says, “It’s obvious, you’re not my little girl anymore.”

  I hug him. “I’ll always be your little girl.“

  The dance ends.

  “Time to split.” Fairy Godmonster’s sexy voice whispers in my ear.

  I jump.

  “You okay?” Dad asks.

  “Yeah.”

  “My Hog’s in the barn. Come on,” says Fairy Godmonster.

  “Umm, can I peek in at the foal, Dad?”

  “I’ll come with you.”

  “You can’t leave your guests now that the bride and groom are gone. I’ll only be a few minutes,” I say quickly.

  “Go on,” he says.

  “Tell Scott, I’ll be right back. And, I’m glad you hired him to work for us.”

  I catch up with Fairy Godmonster. “You’ve got to stop scaring me like that.”

  “I have shown considerable restraint since I have been here,” she sniffs.

  Daria comes out of the house. She forgets to close the back door all the way. Godzilla follows her and hides under a bush.

  “Daria,” I say, when she passes me.

  “Don’t speak to me. You’re mean. I’m glad I’m going home tomorrow.” She huffs away.

  “But you let - ”

  “Chill. It’s her cat.” Fairy Godmonster smiles. “Poor thing probably needs fresh air.”

  “Poor thing?” I ask.

  We giggle.

  Kong greets us in the stable, tail wagging. I pet him and peek at the sleeping foal, amazed to think it was only last night that I helped with his birth.

  Fairy Godmonster gives me a quick hug. “I’m proud of you.”

  “Me, too.”

  “Well said.” She jumps on her Harley and pushes a button. The wings flip out.

  A pang of regret pierces my heart.

  “Can’t you stick around and teach me how to be cool like you?”

  She looks pleased. “Like I haven’t complicated your life enough.”

  I smile. “It wasn’t all your fault.”

  “True,” she answers. “Those idiots at FIMM better not make the same mistake again.”

  “I don’t want you to go,” I say.

  “A Fairy Godmother’s curse.”

  “But you’re a Godmonster.”

  “True. The rules still apply,” she says, revving the motor.

  “Oh, yeah? What about the ice cream you blew on Daria?”

  Fairy Godmonster’s eyes turn orange with mischief. “I used the monster rule book on her.”

  I chuckle. “This is the best day of my life. Thanks.”

  Her eyes turn soft and blue. I have never seen them that color. It’s gone in a flash.

  “I won’t forget you, Miss Winifred Smith.”

  “How will I learn to put on makeup or pick out dresses or a million other things I need to know?”

  She gazes into my eyes. “Your friend, Jac, is pretty smart. You’ll manage just fine. And you’ll have Claire to help until she and David start a business and find their own home.”

  “Do I get to keep my magic shoes?”

  Fairy Godmonster’s eyes gleam. “I lied. Your shoes are indestructible. That’s all. You made your own magic. Humans can, you know.”

  She pushes a button and hovers in the air.

  I ask, “Will I ever see you again?”

  “Who knows?” she says. “I love weddings.” Fairy Godmonster laughs and zooms out of the stable.

  I run after her, but she disappears in a flash of purple mist.

  Sighing, I close Kong inside the stable. Walk back to the dance and hear Daria screaming.

  “Mommy, Gazella is outside!” She crawls under the table after the cat.

  “Come out from there right this minute, young lady,” Weasel orders in a whisper. “You’ll ruin that dress, too.”


  Daria ignores her mother. “Here, Gazella, kitty, kitty.”

  Godzilla hisses at Daria and zips away, tearing through the dancers. Daria runs after her.

  Kong comes running from the stable. I know I locked him in.

  “Dogs need fresh air, too,” roars Fairy Godmonster overhead. She hovers in the air on her motorcycle.

  Kong spots the cat and barks. Godzilla screeches and tears away. The dog gallops after her, sliding around people’s legs. Chairs tip over as people stand to watch.

  Godzilla jumps on top of a table. Kong puts his paws on the table and looks frantically for the cat.

  Dad yells, “Kong, down!”

  Kong obeys, but circles the table, barking like a crazed coyote.

  Daria screams, “Mommy!” She tries to avoid the dog and grabs for the cat. Godzilla leaps off the table.

  Weasel yells, “Somebody grab that beast!”

  Everyone stares, fascinated.

  “Kong, come,” Dad orders.

  Kong races in fast pursuit after Godzilla.

  The orchestra stops playing.

  The photographer fumbles with new film.

  Dad runs to catch Kong.

  Godzilla spits and screams.

  Daria runs after her cat screeching, “Gazella, Come back!”

  Weasel hurries after Daria with as much dignity as she can. “Daria, come here this minute, darling.”

  Godzilla streaks toward the water fountain. She leaps two tiers, swishes through the water and lands on the top, clinging there spitting and yowling. Too terrified to move.

  Daria runs to the fountain’s edge and trips. Weasel leans over to grab her. Kong, racing at top speed, can’t stop in time. He knocks Weasel and Daria into the water.

  Everyone gasps.

  Kong spots Godzilla and jumps into the fountain. Weasel, brat, and dog thrash around in the water.

  “Eeekkk!” screams Daria.

  “Help,” squeaks Weasel.

  The photographer snaps picture after picture.

  Mother and daughter come up sputtering, completely soaked.

  Everyone tries to keep a straight face. Even Mr. Dudley. They can’t. The whole crowd bursts into laughter.

  I can’t help laughing. How cool to see Weasel embarrassed, for once. Then I remember how it feels. I hurry to the fountain.

  “Take my hand,” I say.

  A sudden softness fills her eyes for a split-second. “Thank you,” she whispers.