Switched

by Jen Calonita

  “Beautiful if you’re listening underwater,” Jocelyn mumbles.

  “I’ve done it before.” AG sounds suddenly unsure. “Maybe it was beginner’s luck.”

  Everyone is talking over each other now, and Ollie runs outside and grabs a pumpkin from our vegetable patch. “Here!” He sets the small green-and-orange pumpkin on the desk in front of her. “Try it on this one.”

  AG backs away. “I don’t know.”

  Anna used to be shy like this. Maybe if I had helped her become more confident, she wouldn’t have been so unsure of herself all the time. We have to toughen this girl up if she’s going to survive here. “You can do it!” I say. “Try it!”

  AG takes a deep breath. “My pumpkins always liked the song ‘My Prince Will Wait for Me.’”

  “Is she kidding me?” Raza whispers.

  “Please let her get a snake!” Tessa says again.

  AG starts singing. Her voice is buttery and light, like a fine violin. Even the pets grow quiet. The little pumpkin starts to grow larger and larger until it gets so big that it threatens to break the desk.

  When she’s done, we all cheer. AG curtsies. Tessa’s and Raza’s mouths are hanging open. A fly zooms into Raza’s mouth, and she starts to cough. Soon the cages in front of us begin to glow and glitter. We wait and watch with interest to see what comes out, but nothing appears out of the darkness.

  “Look at that. None of the pets wanted her,” Raza says, and she and Tessa giggle.

  Suddenly the back door bursts open and a white unicorn with a purple mane comes galloping into the classroom, coming to a halt in front of AG. It neighs softly, its golden horn brushing against her cheek.

  “Wow, aren’t you beautiful! Hello!” AG pets the unicorn gently. “We have to give you a name, don’t we?”

  “No one has gotten a unicorn before!” Kayla marvels, as most of our classmates gather around to see the mystical creature. “It’s the perfect pet for a princess!”

  “Nice job,” I tell AG, giving her a hug. I knew she could do it.

  Everyone is gathered around AG, patting her on the back and marveling at her unicorn. Everyone, that is, except Tessa and Raza.

  Happily Ever After Scrolls

  Brought to you by Fairy Web—Enchantasia’s Number One News Source!

  Meet the beauty who tamed the beast—FTRS’s new librarian!

  by Coco Collette

  Name: Beauty, or B to her close friends and family, is the book-loving maiden who stole Prince Sebastian’s heart and broke his nightmarish curse!

  Occupation: Helping her husband run a kingdom is a full-time job, as is being a mother to eleven-year-old daughter, Allison Grace. It was during her years spent homeschooling Allison Grace that she realized she had a talent she could use to help others. “I don’t just love books. I need them the way some people need air,” Beauty says with a laugh. “I want to pass that love on to others and share my knowledge of our private library with lots of children. When Princess Ella approached me about running Fairy Tale Reform School’s new library, I knew it was the perfect place for me and our family.”

  Hobbies: Like her husband, travel is high on her list (“I love any chance to explore someplace new.”) and books of course! FTRS’s library, which Beauty curated from her own private collection, has some rather unique tomes. Rumor has it books come alive! Beauty was mum on the subject, saying only, “I’ve always believed books were magical.”

  Strengths: Beauty prides herself on being a great listener. She also knows how to calm the moody Prince Sebastian and the secret to helping tame his beastly side. “We recently both took up yoga, and it’s helped us a lot.”

  Weaknesses: “I hate when someone is small-minded,” she says, blushing. “People should always be open to new perspectives and experiences.”

  Check back soon for more coverage on Fairy Tale Reform School!

  CHAPTER 6

  Lost in the Library

  My boots echo on the cobblestone floors as I trudge to the library. I hear a loud cheer coming from the FTRS fields where a rugby match is going on. Pretty much the whole school is there, so I’ll have the library to myself, which is just what I want. It’s time I find a book on You-Know-Who and figure out what he might be planning.

  I walk quickly past two elves hanging precariously off a floating ladder. They’re trying to get a mirror hung on the wall. It begins to glow bright purple as they try to center it.

  “Gilly? Oh good, there you are!” Miri says.

  I stop short. Does she somehow know what I’m up to? Can she hear thoughts now too?

  “Just off to the library to work on a paper for Prince Sebastian,” I cheerfully fudge.

  “You have ignored two notices to bring your spare uniform to the seamstress to be updated with the new school crest. One more reminder, and I’ll have to sentence you to detention.” She tsks. “Shall I put you down for tomorrow at ten a.m.?” Miri asks brightly. “Since you’ll be at school this weekend while your friends are allowed to leave?”

  I ball up my fists. After one week of classes, Prince Sebastian decided Jax, Maxine, and Ollie were the first three students worthy of getting to go home for the weekend. Their weekend pass scrolls came this morning, glowing bright with the words:

  Great job! Enjoy a weekend at home! 6:00 p.m. pickup!

  Kayla and Jocelyn are still here, but I doubt I’ll see Jocelyn. (“Not having to deal with all of you for a weekend is vacation enough for me,” she said.) “I guess so,” I tell Miri.

  “Great! Don’t forget!”

  Her mirror goes as dark as my mood. I stomp to the library double doors and give them a tug, but they won’t budge. I pull harder and still nothing. I give them one more yank, and boom! The doors fly open with Prince Sebastian and AG behind them.

  “Hi, Gilly!” AG says. I freeze. “I was just telling Father how you gave me my nickname! And how you helped me pick out my unicorn. I named her Butterscotch because it’s my favorite ice cream flavor. Isn’t that a lovely name?”

  Prince Sebastian eyes me suspiciously.

  I manage a smile. “Beautiful! But you’re the one who showed Butterscotch your true colors. That’s why she picked you. It had nothing to do with me.”

  “I still think you helped,” AG insists. “We’re heading out to watch the rugby game. We’re sitting in Raz’s royal seats. She’s here representing Royal Academy, but I think she really wants to root for FTRS, don’t you? Want to join us?”

  AG sounds so much happier and open than she did a day ago. I’m so glad, but the thought of sitting in the RA box is too much for me to bear. I may be friendly with royals now, but I’m still not interested in watching a rugby match from the snooty royal school’s seats with the royal court watching my every move. There’s too good a chance I’ll screw up. “I actually need to stay at the library to work on my family tree paper.” I don’t make eye contact with the prince.

  “The library closes at nine, you know,” Prince Sebastian says, insinuating I need way more time than I have to do a paper that will impress him.

  “That gives me three hours. Considering I don’t have privileges to go home this weekend, I have plenty of time to work on my project,” I say innocently.

  I could swear the prince growls.

  “You’re staying here for the weekend? Are you around tomorrow?” AG asks hopefully. “Mother said I could have a friend over to the castle.”

  “You didn’t ask me if you could have anyone over,” Prince Sebastian points out.

  “Father.” AG looks down at the glittery, silver shoes on her feet. “Mother said it was fine.”

  “It is fine, but I want to know who you’re hanging out with in this new kingdom.”

  “It’s just Gilly, Father.” AG rolls her eyes at me like I’m in on the joke.

  I see the look the prince is
giving me and can tell he doesn’t approve of me as AG’s new friend. I wish he’d give me a shot. I genuinely like AG and am just trying to help her fit in. Maybe if I had done that with Anna in the village, she wouldn’t have fallen in with those candy thieves Hansel and Gretel.

  “We shall see,” the prince says. “Allison Grace, I forgot my wand in my office. I want it for the game in case any danger arises.”

  “At a rugby match?” I ask.

  He ignores me. “Shall I meet you in Raz’s box?” he asks AG.

  “Yes, Father,” AG says. “I’ll meet you there.” With a nod to me and a kiss on AG’s cheek, he walks away just as the library doors creak open again.

  “Allison Grace?” It’s Beauty. She’s carrying a large stack of books that teeter precariously. “Could you help me with these… Oh! A visitor.”

  “Hello,” I say anxiously, wondering if Beauty will remember me from our ill-fated first meeting.

  “Would you mind helping me and Allison Grace put these books away?” Beauty’s smile is so bright and welcoming. How can I say no?

  “Sure.” I take several books off the top of the stack and study the title on top: While You Were Sleeping: What Really Happens during a Sleeping Curse.

  “Thank you! You’re Gilly, aren’t you?” Beauty says, and I wait for her expression to change to disapproval. Instead, her smile widens. “AG told us how you gave her a nickname and helped with her unicorn.” She puts a warm hand on my shoulder. “Raz tells us AG couldn’t have picked better in the friend department.” Beauty disappears into a stack to restock books.

  A fairy with flaxen hair that smells like fresh linens flutters to my side. “What may I help you find today?”

  “Brooke Lynn, this is Gilly,” AG explains. “She’s helping Mother and me in the stacks.”

  “Oh, hi!” the fairy says. “You’re Kayla’s friend, right?”

  “And you’re one of Kayla’s sisters.”

  The fairy nods. She looks a few years older than Kayla. “We can’t thank you enough for all you did to help break our curse,” Brooke Lynn gushes. Beauty steps out of the stacks to listen. “Mother has been dying to have you to our fairy hut for dinner.”

  I try hard not to blush. Kayla made me promise not to tell anyone what happened with her mother the other night. Her mother hasn’t mentioned seeing me or that book she was talking about again, so Kayla thinks she’s forgotten the whole thing. As far as Kayla’s family knows, I’ve never been to their fairy hut.

  “A fairy hut?” AG’s eyes widen. “I’ve always wanted to see one of those.”

  “I’m just glad Kayla has her family back.” The word family catches in my throat, and I quickly clear it so no one gets the wrong idea that I was about to cry or anything. Beauty watches me curiously. “Maybe AG and I could both come visit this weekend.”

  “Of course,” Brooke Lynn says warmly. “Kayla would love it.” She eyes my now-empty hands.

  “So what book can I help you find?”

  Everyone looks at me. Now is not the time to say I need a book on You-Know-Who.

  “I’m not sure,” I lie. “I am working on my family tree project, so I have to poke around.”

  Brooke Lynn nods. “First floor only. Upper floors have to be approved by teachers or the librarian.” She smiles at Beauty. “Let me know if you need help.” I hear a bell tinkling somewhere in the library, and she flutters off to help someone else.

  “Are you working on your family tree project?” AG asks. “Mother and I have been working on mine, but I am happy to help you with yours. Did you bring what you have so far?” She spies the bag on my back.

  The thought of anyone seeing my empty tree is more than I can bear. I place my hand on my bag protectively. “I still have a lot of work to do.” Beauty is still looking at me. “But I’ll show you when I’m done.”

  “Okay.” AG sounds shy again. “I should probably meet Father at the game anyway.” She kisses her mother on the cheek, and her mother hugs her. I feel a pang of longing at the simple gesture, one I could have had this weekend if the Beast hadn’t decided otherwise. “See you later, Gilly!” She bounds off, a spring in her step that I envy.

  “She’s really nice,” I say, and I mean it.

  “She’s had a rough time making friends in the past.” Beauty’s pale brow suddenly furrows. “She can be a bit shy, but when you get to know her, she has a great sense of humor, just like her father.” I must make a face because Beauty laughs.

  “I guess you haven’t seen his humorous side yet,” she says. “Sebastian can be a bit stubborn, but once he sees in you what AG does, I think you’ll find he can be an excellent teacher. He’s quite smart.” She looked around the large library. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s read biographies on every hero and villain there is in here.”

  Villain. Stiltskin. “Have you read all their biographies too?” I ask now that we’re alone.

  “Not as many as Sebastian.” Beauty’s eyes are big and curious. “All these books came from our private library, so I’m always finding something new to read, whether it’s a textbook or a fairy tale. Villain stories don’t interest me as much.”

  This is my in. I have to play my cards carefully though. “Really? I thought all princesses like to know the villains they’re up against.”

  “Well, I wasn’t a princess until I married Sebastian,” Beauty says thoughtfully. “So I’m a bit different.”

  Gingerbread. I knew that. Let me try again. “I think I’d like reading about villains.” Beauty looks at me. “Since I’ve had to fight a few here already, it helps to know what makes them tick, you know?”

  Beauty frowns. “I’ve learned to not always trust what you read about villains. Now heroes, on the other hand, I have a lot of material on.” Beauty hurries ahead, jumping on a moving ladder and plucking a gold, yellow, and red book off the top shelf. “How about a book about Aladdin? Or Hua Mulan?”

  I put my hand on a rotating bannister as Brooke Lynn passes me with a new stack of books. On an upper floor I see her sister, Emma Rose, and their mother working at a library station. I’m not going to get past them on my own, not with Beauty keeping watch. Should I just be honest? Can I trust her? Here goes nothing. “I bet those are great, but the person that would make the most sense for me to read about would be Rumpelstiltskin.”

  Brooke Lynn drops the stack of books she’s carrying. Beauty’s smile wavers.

  “I have good reason to include information on him on my family tree,” I blurt out. “My sister left FTRS a few months ago to join his Stiltskin Squad, and I can’t understand why. Why would anyone want to trust a goblin or troll like him? If I could just read more about him and see what his allure is, maybe I could figure it out.” I don’t mean to sound so desperate, but I am.

  Beauty smiles sadly. “I am sorry to hear about your sister, but unfortunately, you can’t take villain books out without teacher permission. Have you asked Headmistress Flora if you can read a book on Rumpelstiltskin?” Brooke Lynn gives another audible gasp. “Sorry! Maybe we should call him something else.”

  “Tricky, family-stealing troll?” I suggest, and Beauty smirks. “I just want to know where he comes from, how long he’s been in the kingdom, what he could be planning that my sister will be a part of.”

  “Don’t worry! The royal court is on top of all that,” Beauty says. “That was part of the appeal for us coming here. Sebastian has long hoped to track the angry, family-stealing troll too.”

  “Really?” I say, surprised.

  Beauty sits down, a stack of books in her lap. “Not many people know Rumpelstiltskin was the one who cursed the prince when he was young. He was a different man back then. Selfish. Arrogant. Only concerned for himself and his own needs. Stiltskin used that to his advantage, and long story short, Sebastian was cursed to live his life as a beast.”

  “I didn�
��t know that.” What else do I not know about the prince? “So you see why I want to read about Stiltskin. It’s just a book I’m after.”

  “Nothing is ever just a book,” Beauty says lightly. “Books transport us to other places. They make us believe anything is possible. Villain origin stories can sometimes make us believe the darkest things are also possible. While nothing is out of the question, Flora asked that only the highest level of students—those who can’t be swayed by anything a villain tells them—be allowed access to those books.” She gives me a sympathetic smile. “I’m sorry, but I don’t believe your name is on that list.”

  “How do I get it on that list?” I try again.

  “Gillian,” Beauty says patiently. “I don’t mean to overstep, but I know about your sister and how hard the royal court is trying to find Rumpelstiltskin and his squad. Finding someone takes time, I’m afraid, especially if that someone does not want to be found.”

  “Do you mean my sister or him?” I ask quietly.

  “Perhaps both,” says Beauty. “You are an important part of this school’s story, so you are bound to this place, but you have to understand your sister may be on a different path from your own.”

  “But we’re sisters,” I say. “She has to be wired for good. I am.”

  “I hope you’re right,” Beauty says. “Why don’t you tell me more about her? Did you bring what you have done for the project so far?” She motions to a desk floating a few feet off the ground. She floats a chair over to me so I can sit next to her.

  “I’m not ready to show it to anyone yet.” Because I don’t have anything done.

  “I am not here to judge. I’m a great listener.” Beauty pats the chair next to her. “Maybe we can find some books to help you finish it without having to read a book on Rumpelstiltskin.”

  It’s hard to say no to a professor who is also a princess. I unroll my parchment.

  I’m embarrassed, but I show her the empty tree with Mother’s and Father’s names at the roots. That’s all I’ve really done. Per the prince’s instructions, my brothers’ and sisters’ names, along with mine, should be filled in. There should also be Father’s likes and dislikes, information on the shop, and what Mother cooks for dinner. Since this is supposed to be more than a chart, I should also include smells, like what our boot’s scent is (shoe leather, of course). I should include information on my grandfather and grandmother and how they had a shoe business and how my grandmother went to a fairy godmother training school, but I haven’t done any of that yet. I can’t get myself to sit down and do it.