It was spring in the month of April and everything had turned green and then there was a snowstorm. Three inches of snow had collected on the ground and I was angry. My friend Jeff was to be over and we were to throw a baseball around. I was outside picking up snow and throwing it at trees, birds and squirrels and anything else I could see. I usually threw close enough to scare a critter as well as annoy my a little sister.

My sister Joselyn came out yelling at me to stop. I looked at our old tree in the back and saw something flicker inside a hollowed out branch stub and threw at it. “Wham!” I hit it right on target.

Joselyn yelled, “O no, you didn’t. You hit one of the faeries. Mom! Mom! Come here Aaron’s in big trouble!”

I couldn’t believe my sister still believed in fairies. I went to check the tree and see if I could see something, anything. Soon Joselyn and Mom were with me. Joselyn gently tried to brush the snow away from where I hit the tip of a broken branch. Something fell from the opening and Joselyn caught it in the palm of her hand.

Mom and I looked but couldn’t recognize anything. Joselyn said, “Mom use your bifocal. It’s fairy size like I said and she’s hurt badly.” I couldn’t see it, but Joselyn said that was because I didn’t believe.

“Mom are you going to take sides with my hysterical sister. I know you don’t believe in fairies?”

Our mom leaned her head back a little to look through her reading lens. Suddenly there was a surprised look. “Oh my, it’s a fairy. Joselyn, she looks terribly hurt. Is there anything we can do to help her? It looks her one of her wings is broken.”

It looked like a crumbled up mosquito to me, but it was too early for mosquitoes.

Joselyn said, “Mom there’s a small island on a pond where the fairies often go. Aaron needs to go with me but he might not be happy about it.”

“Hurry and run, I think she needs help quickly. You young man run along with your sister and don’t sass me back.”

I couldn’t believe my mom saw anything different than I did, worse believed my sister. But I wasn’t surprised that she sided with Joselyn. And I knew enough not to say anything. When Joselyn took off running into the fields back of our house. I was running to keep up with her. I couldn’t believe how fast she was going. I was having trouble with my footing running in the snow, not quite knowing where there was solid ground.

Two years ago when I was younger, I knew the fields fairly well. We had run some and my sister was still running strong. I now knew which pond she was referring to and the island. It would be some more running before we got there.

Sunlight was shining on the island and the shrub bushes, wildflowers, and the one lone old tree were ahead of everything else is growing. Without using her hands, Joselyn slipped off her sneakers and told me to do the same. The closest tip of the small island was at least 15-20 feet from the shore we were standing on.

Joselyn said, “Don’t you say anything. Let me speak and by no means get angry or ridicule the fairies.”

“I can’t believe I’m doing this for you Joselyn, don’t push your luck.” I rolled up my pant legs as Joselyn did. We stepped into the water and I slipped down into it as we walked over to Fairy Island. I remembered now that the island use to attract many kinds of butterflies and some joked that they were fairies.

Once there, Joselyn bent down on her knees and asked me to do the same. She turned and showed me what was in her cupped hands. Like magic, I first saw the fairy, but I knew better. Joselyn had taken her hands away from me and lifted them in front of her. “Princess Ayla,” she sang in a humble melodious voice, “I need your help and forgiveness. Jeni is hurt and I ask that you come quickly to heal her.”

Joselyn whispered to me, “Bow your head and don’t look up. Please don’t speak unless you’re asked. Whatever you do be polite please.” I couldn’t believe I was doing this but I did as she asked. She sang until we heard the fluttering of many wings.

I heard the buzz of flittering wings and looked up. I couldn’t believe it there were better than 3 dozen fairies of different sizes but all small flitting about at different distances with some perched on blades of grass, weeds or leaves. Most look like tiny girls, but I do see two that might be male faeries if there are any such thing or a difference.

Joselyn begins to talk to the Princess faery, “I am truly sorry my ignorant brother threw a snowball having seen the reflecting sun on Jeni’s wings. Jeni wasn’t even looking. He didn’t know he was throwing at a faery”

I heard a voice, “Aaron, what do you have to say for yourself.”

“Not guilty your Princess; I was just throwing snowballs. The snowstorm upset my plans and I was angry. …I can’t even believe I’m out here hallucinating or that I’m seeing and talking to fairies. If you exist, you should know that this world is for humans. You’re relics of the past, limited to the imaginations of little girls. That’s it, you’re a figment of my sister’s imagination. Ha!”

Several faeries take the faery out of Joselyn’s hand. Joselyn turns to me, trying to hold her temper. “What about being quiet or respectful don’t you understand? I hope your consequences aren’t too severe.”

Joselyn says, “Your precious Princess Ayla: Please forgive him again. He’s my older brother but boys his age are very immature and tend to be crude in their talking. My mother will discipline him if you let her.”

“O Joselyn, I respect your mother but she has been negligent in teaching him manners. He was given a fae spirit at birth, whose light does not even flicker now.”

Aaron mocks what he’s hearing, “O Joselyn, your brother doesn’t need you to defend him. He just needs more snowballs.” And with that dozens on little snowballs appear as they’ve been thrown at Aaron with each hitting him hard. They are like needles that prick the surface where they hit but disappear, evaporating into tiny teardrops.

Aaron looks cross-eyed as one faery appears inches from his face and throws a splat of red that adheres to his lips. He’s now unable to speak as his lips are glued together. “Kneel before our Princess and listen to what you need to do?”

Aaron is slow to kneel until something hits behind his knees sending him to the ground. “Alright, I was going to do it. I was just a little slow,” he mumbles from the side of his mouth. What he was trying to say echoed inside his mind.

Princess Ayla showed radiantly as a rainbow of color in his sight. He smiles and bows his head as he finally begins to understand he’s in the presence of someone with wisdom and authority. Then terror and fear reigned in his heart as he reflected on how rude he had been. He’s not very religious, but he believed gods were to be feared.

“You need not fear my wrath, as vengeance is feeble as a form of judgment. I will enlighten you and you will become as I intended when you were born. …Now I want you to undress down to your underpants and undershirt and step into the water.”

Aaron began by taking off his light jacket and unbuttoning his shirt and discarding them. He rose as he began to unfasten his belt and pants. He kicked off his running shoes and tore off his socks.

Aaron expected the water to be cold, even colder than the ground. The water was cool not terribly cold and the ground felt good to his feet. Where he stepped into the pond, water on this side was nearly three feet deep and getting deeper within seven feet from the shore of the island. Princess Ayla said, “Bow down until you are under the water and I will then give you more instructions. Do not worry, you will not drown by staying under the water. You are protected by my spell.”

He bowed first onto my knees and then his body submerged until he knew all of him was at least six inches underwater.

Princess Ayla spoke to my sister, “Your sister will be okay there for now. I want you to go tell your parents that I am disciplining Erin. If she wants, your mother can come here with you at two this afternoon. She can choose if she wishes to take you and sister or brother home. But if she takes him home and doesn’t discipline him he will become very sick for a long time. If she chooses Erin, she will be a petite girl and our size when she needs to be a faery.”

“Go, your brother is safe from himself. I thank you for believing and I thank you even more for your kind and wise spirit. Among humans, you are a peacemaker. Wisdom and a passionate heart are your greatest gifts. You’re encouraged to develop more gifts and talents. But you must always keep the spirit that your people like to that of a naive child.”

Joselyn asks, “May I speak your royal highness?” Given permission, she says, “My father will want to know what is going on. What am I to do?”

Princess Ayla says, “You may tell both of your parents at the same time. But make it clear that your father is not to come this afternoon or they will not find your brother nor will I speak to your mother at that time.”

“Do you believe that I can transform your brother into Erin? I want you to encourage your mother to come with a believing heart. She is a good woman and her spirit and yours are not distant to us.”

The Princess whisked her hand and Joselyn knew to leave running.

Aaron is swimming in place under the water and he looks up as the princess faery comes back to him. “When you are welcomed to come back out of the water. You will become like a little faery yourself. But your wings will be new and delicate. They will need to dry. Even now your undershirt and pants are becoming the clothing of a young female faerie. A light breeze will dry them out when you come out of the water. Your hair will be long and curly and your figure as with all my female faeries will be petite.”

“If your mother will accept you as such you will be another daughter. You will be petite and only your mother and sister will be able to see your wings and know you are a faery. You cannot tell others. If you do they will not believe. But as my daughter, you will be disciplined severely if you do not learn to behave.”

“You have already been under the water for many minutes and will continue as such for another hour and a half. You may swim around the pond seeing its beauty as well as the junk that is now in it. The pond and marsh were not created for junk.”

“When the white lilies of the valley shine brightly as lights on the island, you will be free to come and stand among them. Other faeries will watch for you. Beware of the predators you might encounter.

“You will be able to flit about, but not be able to fly away to your home. Your mother should be here a little after two o’clock your time. That is if she wants you which I believe to be the case.”

When I didn’t see or hear her, I looked about and swam in the pond. I could not see my body well, but it had begun to feel different. When I swam to another part of the pond I saw Teddy Bruno and his friend Bob. He was throwing old cans into the pond and something seeped out of them into the water.

When his back was turned I threw two cans out. I would pick them up later. But as Ted heard one hit the ground he became angry. He grabbed a stick and cut a pointed tip on it. I quietly swam to where I could barely see him and hoped he could not see me. After he stabbed at the water, when they started to walk away I threw the cans back on land and yelled “Boo!” Bob started to run and Teddy was unable to call him back.

There was one more can in the water and this one I threw as hard as I could and hit him in the head. A ragged edge cut into his scalp. Head bleeds are worse than they look. When Ted realized he was bleeding he ran off crying for his mother.

One of Joselyn’s faerie friends Marie came near me in the water and said something but it was fast and in her language. I smiled as I anticipated she was thanking me. I had seen some fish, a turtle, and two frogs and many tadpoles. I now knew the pond was someone else’s world.

Not much time seemed to pass, though I knew the sun had moved in the sky. I swam back to the small island and around it until I saw some white flowers shining. With that, I swam until my hands and feet touched the bottom and I could walk onto the island.

The lilies of the valley are a small flowering plant, but when I walked to them I was smaller than most. I stopped, looked down to my hands and feet. I became quite alarmed as I see my body was like that of the faeries I had seen. I then remembered the Princess said it would happen. I had not believed it possible at the time. Only now was I beginning to believe.

This time when I saw Marie, I saw how pretty she was. I tried looking at myself wondering what I looked like. Marie flew to me and took me to a puddle of water on a leaf. There I saw my reflection and I indeed was a pretty faerie. I touched my face and hair and then pushed my hands down my side. The translucent skirt and top were silky. I thought, ‘Why did they make me into something so beautiful?’

Marie was seated on the top of a lily flower. She pointed to one near her and I flapped my wings to see if I could fly. Yeap, I could. But trying to land on a flower, branch, or leaf was not easy for me. Finally, I got close to a flower stalk and grabbed on and climbed to the top. Marie giggled as I did. There were more giggles, but I could not see the others.

Marie flew to a flower and then to me with her hands cupped. “Drink, the nectar is good for us. She used a little to splash my face. With her hands, she wet her face which glistened as she did. She encouraged me to do the same.

I did and then looked at my reflection. I automatically liked what I saw. Then a frown of disgust comes over my face. “I’m a boy I shouldn’t look pretty like this!”

Marie speaks to me, “You are a faerie for now. Calm yourself, your Mother and Princess Ayla will soon be here.”

I saw in a distance that my sister was coming. Then I could see my mom. “Erin, Erin please turn this way.” I turned to see that Princess Ayla is talking to me.

“What? Who is talking to?” Seeing Ayla I knew to bow to her.

Princess Ayla said, “You are Erin Tera. You are a child of the earth.”

Shadows were moving toward us. Soon I see my Mom Christina and my sister Joselyn. I yell, “Hello Mom and Joselyn.” Joselyn bent down and offered a finger that I jumped onto.

She said, “I told you that you might not like this.”

“Joselyn, I deserved what’s happening. The silliest part is I can’t say I don’t like it.”

Joselyn giggles loudly, and then quickly apologizes to Mom and Princess Ayla. Princess Ayla says to her, “Respectfully, I ask you to put her down. I am going to say something and we need to decide where we go from here.” Ayla is floating in front of our mother.

“Her faerie name is Isy for now. In this kingdom, she will be my daughter. Christina, you knew your first child was destined to be a faerie. I healed her while she was in your womb. It was as you asked under this tree while she was still in there.”

Mom said, “But I gave birth to my son. I didn’t think you would want a boy and I just couldn’t let go of him.”

“No one said, you would have to let go of him or that he’d be taken from you. You saw the light of my presence and didn’t even come to talk to me. You also let him grow up to become a spoiled child, lacking the discipline you gave both of your daughters.”

Ayla says, “He caused one of my daughters to be seriously hurt. That would not have happened if you raised him with my help and blessing. Even this morning when he hurt Jeni, you did not remember or truly believe.”

“You knew Joselyn believed but you sometimes kept her from Marie and Jeni afraid that they were real and she’d learn more.

That is past and I know you are a relatively good human being. I would like to offer you back a daughter. Her name in your world should be Erin Tera for she is a child of the earth. She can go back with you now if you will receive her as our daughter. She will be petite and never grow past 5’ 2”. Or I can return to you your son, but his heart will ache for a long time before he has a chance to get better.

“There is a third choice; you could leave her here until I have taught her as my daughter and her heart is truly good. The choice is yours, you can take your time and talk with her. I do ask within the hour that you tell me your decision.”

“Can I ask a question your Highness, Princess Ayla?” She smiles and speaks in her language saying yes. I speak in both voices as Isy and Erin. I can accept that I would be humiliated to become Erin as others have already known me as a boy. But will that honor you and serve its purpose? I ask because in the short time I’ve known you and been a faerie it does not seem like your way.”

Ayla waves her hand and sparkles fly. There is power in her light. “You have gained wisdom and insight to my ways in a short time daughter. I am proud of that.”

“You are right in speaking, for humiliating you would not be my way. I would change your past. Only your Mother, Joselyn and your friend Micayla will know the truth. A truth she discovered when she was only seven that will become part of your memory.”

Mom says, “It was at Micayla’s party; it happened there didn’t it?”

“Not yet it didn’t,” Princess Ayla, “But yes if you take your daughter home or leave her with me for more instruction. Her friend Jeff will be over at 6:00 tonight. He will remember his friend one way or another, even if she is not there.”

Mom says, “I will take her now, though I know she will need to return to you for more training and to become truly our daughter.” With that, I grew to be barely five foot. Yet dressed in the grandeur of being a faerie.

I hug my Mom and then curtsey to Princess Ayla. My wings start to move not like a bird, more like... well, like a faerie. Ayla says, “If she flies home she will be no bigger than three inches and invisible to others beside you and Joselyn.

I go to Joselyn and kiss her cheek. And then I fly to Marie and other faeries surrounding us thinking they are sisters too. I am soon ready to leave.

Joselyn says, “We need to hurry home. We barely have an hour to find something for you to wear and be ready for Jeff. I can’t wait to see how he remembers you, Tera.”

I turned to Princess Ayla, “Princess Ayla thanks for your kindness I will always remember. And please tell me Jeni is alright?” I bow though I am in midair.

“When you see me next you may call me Mother or Princess Ayla. You may go knowing Jeni will be well. Healing takes time and many touches from her mother.”

I want to fly quickly and my sister is wanting to run. Our mother tells us, “Wait for your mother the both of you.” We did as we’re told but Mom does jog most of the way. Mom tells Joselyn, “That nice pink skater dress we got the other day, has just become Tera’s along with the training bra and panty we bought. Please go ahead of me and see if there are shoes and pantyhose that go well with them.

Joselyn runs and I fly into the house and were quickly up the stairway into Joselyn’s room. We both passed my room, seeing it is now different.

Daddy hears us and calls up, “Are you two girls running up the stairs in the house again?”

My sister throws the skater dress to me along with the shopping bag that has panties and the training bra in it. As I quickly grow to earthling size I shake and I’m ready to put on my panties and the bra. The bra’s padding feels nice and soft as it surrounds my little breasts. Automatically I place my hands around my back and hook the bra in place. Josey is very impressed. She finds silvery white pantyhose that has only enough substance of giving my legs a hint of white reflecting over my legs.

Josey says, “How do they do that they look beautiful, almost magically so.” There is a single silver string around my neck. Shiny silvery white earrings with unknown crystalized stones adorning each ear. My hair is dirty blonde and curly. It is not a permanent, as my hair looks naturally wild; holding together in an artistic way.

Josey says, “I bet this new you is artistic.”

I giggle saying, “That’s impossible, I love drawing and colors, but you know very well I’m not at all artistic.”

We go into my room which is now very girly, with reds, whites, and silver making up the color scheme. There is a painting on the far wall of a reddish sunflower in a field. There is a tree that is near it as well as other wildflowers. Josey says, “Look that tree has a broken branch like the one you threw at this morning.”

We look around my room and are amazed at how feminine and pretty it is decorated. There is my softball glove. My hand is very small but fits in the glove. I sit down and the skirt barely covers my rear end. I look in my closet and there is my favorite dress. It is white with pink embroidered lace over it.

I see a picture of Micayla and me, and I stare intently at it. It is like there is something special about Micayla but I can’t quite decide what it might be. There are several pictures of Jeff. One is of Jeff as a basketball player. Another with his teammates and an equal number of us girls. The seventh and eighth-grade team is a picture with a basketball 12-2. That was their record this past season.

Mom has come upstairs with Dad and she asks me. “So how do you like your room?” Dad scratches his head, “I hope she likes it a lot. We decorated it the way she asked. But she needs to remember if we have company staying over she’ll need to let Anne have her room and she will share with Josey again.”

“Hmm.” Dad doesn’t know or doesn’t believe. I sit bouncing on my bed. “Ugh, I can’t believe this my feet don’t touch the floor.”

Dad says, “Until you have a growth spurt, it won’t change. You need to wait and let nature take its course.”

“What if nature or something else has already decided?”

The doorbell rings in the ringtone for the front door. Josey flies running down the stairs ahead of me and greets Jeff and asks him in.”

“Hi Josey, are you sure it is okay? Is Erin here? My Mom says Erin wanted to go with her to see my sister play softball.”

“Hi Jeff, is that it? I couldn’t remember what we were doing.”

My Mom raises her voice, “Josey doesn’t be rude, hold the door open and invite his mother to come into the house.” Mom says, “Hello Donna, it is nice that you’re willing to have Erin go along with you.”

His Mother says, “Between the surprise of snow and the shower at Plainfield’s sports complex. I doubt there will be a game. But I told Susan, I’d take her shopping if the game is called off. I thought Erin would enjoy going shopping if that’s the case.”

She says, “Look at you Erin, don’t you look extra pretty. You must already be anticipating the game to be called off. You are dressed way too nice for a softball game. What has it been a whole twenty-four hours since you and Jeff saw each other? You look like a precious pixie in your outfit.”

Mrs. Law’s phone rings and it is Susan telling her mom the game has officially been called off. I hear her say, “Jeff and Erin are here, we were getting ready to leave to see you play. How about we come, pick you up and all of us go shopping.”

“Okay, you and Deb can meet us at the mall entrance near Macy’s.”

Josey says, “Erin, you will like going shopping with Susan and Deb Brock. They’re both into fashion and should enjoy getting that petite figure of yours into some nice outfits.” Josey turns to Dad and says, “Dad you need to give her enough money to buy at least one nice outfit and a summer dress.”

He says, “You each have a closet full of clothes.”

“Mom tell Dad that Erin needs something new for this summer. Erin, you’re needing to learn to speak up for yourself.”

I’m soon out the door with Mrs. Law and Jeff. I’m sixty dollars richer from Dad for clothes and another twenty for food. Mom slips me an extra forty dollars, saying, “You father doesn’t understand how much good clothes can cost a girl.” I giggle because I don’t know either.

I soon left with Jeff and his Mom for a mall thirty miles away. It was the most popular of the malls for girls shopping with three big department stores and a lot more women’s specialty stores. There were plenty of kiosks which are great if they have something special you want.

I hadn’t ever looked at Susan and her friends from the fashion perspective. From boy’s perspective, I always enjoyed looking at them as they’re gorgeous.

Once we meet up with them inside the mall. Susan comes to me all excited, “Oh Erin, it is so nice to have you come shopping with us. This is much more fun than watching us play softball. Debra says, “Look at how petite you are with all the curves in the right places. I would die to be as thin as you. Are you just window shopping or prepared to do some girl shopping?”

“I have about eighty dollars for shopping and more for if we get something to eat.”

Susan giggled, “Then you have more than plenty. Too bad we don’t have more time. But maybe you can go with Debra, me and some others this Saturday.”

“My sister says I need an outfit and a sundress, so I have some new clothes this summer.”

They take me by the hand and we walk quickly away from Jeff and Ma Law. Susan calls back, “Mom give us ninety minutes we want to help her get some nice clothes without her boyfriend bothering her.” I am embarrassed by the idea that I have a boyfriend.

It is forty-five minutes later and they have had me try one outfit or dress after another. I’m down to my panties, bra, and stockings when Susan again opens the door. “Oouu, you’re so cute Erin. Where did you get those beautiful stockings? I’ve never seen any quite like it. I’ve never heard of Ayla Lingerie. Please put this on and come out. You have two dresses and three outfits to choose from.”

This dress is probably my favorite a pink crochet lace over a pale ivory shell. Once I have it on I’m out with Sue. Deb says, “That one is a must purchase but we should hold it out as our third choice. I bet Susan’s brother will give fifteen dollars towards it, just so he can see her wearing it now and then. With those stockings on the boys will drool. But don’t even suggest that to your mother or it will remain in your closet until you outgrow them.”

I said, “The red skirt and the blouse with the peek-a-boo shoulders, is one I like. But I don’t know, my Mom might think it is too daring.”

Susan says, “For a nun maybe, but on you it is darling. If I were you I’d get three camisoles that are on special as well as that lacy pink bra. I know you like it. It must have felt as nice as it looks.” She got no argument from me.

I go back to the changing room and Susan followed me in. She drops her skirt and takes off her top. She says, “I think I want this dress, but I need your help in fastening the back.”

“Wow, Susan that’s all you. You are even more beautiful than I thought.”

Susan asks nicely, “Who told you anything but it being me?”

“Oops, I didn’t mean anything by it. It’s just Jeff…”

“Wait until I get home tonight. You might not have any boyfriend left when I get through with him.”

I said, “You know boys are crude like that. They should get a taste of their own rudeness. You should dress him as your little sister and over stuff his bra. Then see how he likes it when you take him shopping in public.”

Susan giggles as she says, “Woe Debra, you should hear the idea Erin gave me for my little brother. I think it would work for our boyfriends as well when they get mouthy and tease us in public.”

To be continued...

Jeff and his mother have just found us. His mom said, “Erin, I talked with your mother and she says you’re to get six panties and a new everyday bra. I will charge whatever goes over what you have to spend and your mother can pay me back.

So I pay seventy dollars and she paid the remaining fifty-five dollars. I did get three pairs of shorts, along with the things mom asked for and the two dresses and outfit Susan and Debra said I should get. Oh yes, the pink lace bra.

Debra fawned over the pink lace dress we talked about until Jeff found twenty dollars he gave toward my buying it.

When we went to eat, I decide to get a spinach-strawberry salad with grilled chicken and other fixin’s. It ended up being too much so I took half of it home. Somehow what I want and what I can eat has changed.

Mrs. Law took Debra home first. When Debra got out of the car, she told me, “You should discretely tell Jeff’s Mom that you’re having cramps.” Susan heard it and asked her brother to change seats with her.

Susan quickly whispered to me, “Is your period due?” She looked into my purse, and then said, “You should know better than to be without of tampons this close to your period coming.” This was all new to me; I had thought I had eaten something that didn’t agree with me.

I didn’t understand why Jeff was dropped off but Susan came with us to take me home. Donna Law smiled when Mom opened the door. I told my Mom that I had a great time. Mrs. Law said, “Luckily your daughter didn’t start to cramp until after trying everything. And we only had a light dinner.”

Mom’s face went red as she looked to me. I felt a little sick, but not enough to stop me from sharing about our shopping. Dad and Josey brought in the shopping bags. Dad saying, “How did you get so much with the money I gave you.”

Donna said, “Your wife called me and told me some other things she needed. We won’t embarrass you and show the pretty bra she bought. But she was a very wise shopper. Susan and her friend Debra Miller had a lot of fun helping her choose from all the clothes she tried on.”

Susan asks my mother, “Do you know where Erin got those precious stockings from Ayala Lingerie. I never heard of it before.”

Mom said, “A friend gave them to her earlier in the day. I haven’t seen anything like them before either. Aren’t they darling?”

I was to model my dress but when I went to change. I yelled as I saw that I was bleeding. Josey knew before me and told me that I was okay. “Don’t worry Erin, it just means that you’re becoming a woman. Susan was the second one into my room. Once she saw me, she looked up at me and asked, “Is this your first period?”

A new memory came to mind of other girls telling about them at sleepovers. I even saw my friend once with her period. Susan hugged me from the side. “Don’t worry, I remember being embarrassed when it first happened to me. But I’ve never heard of a girl not having her first one until she was in ninth grade.”

Mrs. Law upon their leaving said, “I hope this doesn’t stop her going on her date with Jeff next Friday. Jeff asked that for his birthday that he wanted to take her to their freshman dance. Did you know your young daughter stole his heart back in seventh grade?”

I was afraid to say anything, as just this morning I was a thirteen-year-old and a boy. Mom looked at my calendar. Instead of May 2016, it was now May 2018. Now I’m fourteen my fifteenth birthday will be Memorial Day weekend. It kind of makes sense then that my body was having all these feelings that I’m not used to.

Josey speaks up, “You don’t get it, do you? I think Princess Ayala made you older so that you have more mature feelings and responsibilities as a girl. The faeries very much enjoy how attractive you are. It wouldn’t have been so surprising to you if you would stop and listen to me. This morning you didn’t even believe in fairies.”

I thought Josey was going to tickle me, but instead, she brushed her hand across my breasts and saw my reaction. “Ha, you felt that. How do you like the wiring of your girly body?”

“Mom, tell Josey to stop! I don’t want to get used to things like this.”

Mom asks, “Was that really your body responding to a simple touch like that?”

“I don’t think there was anything simple about it, mom. She caused my nipples to become hard. That’s something I’ve never felt before.”

Mom says, “I guess I’m going to need to give you a good mother/daughter talk before you go on your date with Jeff.” I look at my Mom, thinking she can’t be serious.

Going to school the next day was totally another world experience. I automatically knew my schedule of classes. I used the girls’ restrooms just like any other girl in my grade. My best friend Micayla took me in a stall and grabbed a gob of toilet paper. She instructed me to use it to pull out my tampon and throw it out. “Now use this applicator to put in another one leaving the string to dangle out.”

It was when we got out of the locker room that Steward and two goons came up and knocked Micayla to the ground. Steward says, “Erin, you should know better than to be with this bronze thing. She thinks she’s as good as the rest of you.”

Suddenly my books fell to the floor as I turned into a faerie and quickly threw Steward into the two other boys. I was five feet off the ground and apparently invisible to those bullies. They looked around scared, and not knowing what happened, they ran off.

Micayla was laughing, “Thanks, I wasn’t able to use my own powers. I’m guessing Ayala wanted you to have this experience.” While she was talking I was again visible and back to being Erin.

The shocked look on my face, said a lot to her. “Are you surprised that I know about you? I’m sure Princess Ayla indicated to you that I’m a faerie, like you. I discovered that I’m a Faerie when I was seven.”

I say, “I can’t believe that kind of stuff happens at our school. You should go and complain to the principal. They’re bullies and someone could get hurt really badly.”

Micayla says, “You’re so naïve if you think it just happens on the evening news, someplace else. I appreciate very much your helping me.” She kissed me on the cheek and gave me a hug.

After school on Thursday, Mom took me for my first salon experience. I guess this is actually my second, but the first was just part of my history. A memory that I didn’t really experience.

My beautician Sandy Dee graduated from our school three years ago. She was very smart, but her family neither had the money nor did they encourage her to do better for herself. She’s very nice and very good as a beautician. I say, “I can’t believe I got you to help me. It is like a dream come true. You are so pretty. I remember when I was in sixth grade and we went to one of your volleyball tournament games. I couldn’t believe the diving saves you made. There was that one with the score 20-20 you not only scramble to save a point, but you also set up another girl to spike it. Our team got the point and the ball.”

“I bet the other team thought you were just a pretty face and didn’t know how good you really were. You should have gotten a scholarship and gotten to go to college. I think you were the first player on the team who believed you could win it all.”

Sandy was very nice and gracious to me. I had nice hands and fingers but they didn’t yet look good because I hadn’t take care of them.

When I told her I was going to my first dance with a boy. She asked who and giggled when she found out it was Jeff. “Susan’s little brother, he’s a very good basketball player. Such a nice catch, you just remind him to treat you right. Those jocks sometimes believe they can take liberties with a girl.”

“Even as good as Jeff is said to be, he’s lucky to have someone as wonderful as you. You are the whole package: Intelligence, personality, and looks.”

I said, “Thanks, but since I haven’t even dated. I don’t see myself as anyone special. I’m afraid when he starts dating other girls, I’ll be history. But hopefully, we’ll still be friends.”

Come morning I got up early like everything was normal, but it was my new normal. When I opened up my closet I was reminded that I wasn’t the same. I saw this pretty party dress waiting for me later in the day. Mom had washed most of my new clothes and had them on a chest in my room for me to put away or hanging to go in my closet.

Along with my nice blue skirt, there was a very pretty printed blouse, as well as a bra and panty set and my special stockings. As Erin, I was getting very excited and as Aaron, I was convinced that it was all a trap to get me to relax and accept the idea of being a faerie, only to embarrass me.

I eat a scoop of yogurt with fresh berries mixed in. I smell a fragrance the same as the other day when the faeries appeared. “Mom, what’s causing the fragrance of wildflowers and spring rain?”

Mom has a knowing smile, “It’s you, my Dear. People will think it comes from nature. You’ve become too sweet to go unnoticed.”

My father is about ready to leave for work and I have the urge to hug him and say goodbye. Running to him I run as to jump in his arms as though I were a small girl. Upon my leap, my father catches me saying, “My goodness Erin, you’re so light a strong wind could blow you away.”

His hug was warm and his arms strong and filled with love. My nose twitches and though my father can’t see them my wings are fluttering.

Mom says, “Remember its Friday and you need to come right home from school and get ready for your date.”

“Mom, surely Princess Ayala won’t really make me go on a date with a boy, will she? I don’t want to go dancing with Jeff; we’ve been best friends for years.”

My sister speaks up, “He’s a boy. Look in the mirror, you’re a pretty girl. Dancing with him is the least of your worries. Come tonight when you’re all dressed up and excited, I bet he’ll want to hug and kiss the stuffing’s out of you.”

Mom giggles as she tells my sister, “Stop that she’ll be nervous enough without you teasing her.”

Mom spoke to me, “Erin, I hope you keep your thoughts on class and getting good grades. You thinking of Jeff would not only be distracting, but you could get yourself all worked up and in trouble.”

I asked, “How could I get in trouble thinking about Jeff?”

My sister says, “Mom’s afraid you’ll get involved with Jeff and go too far and become pregnant.”

My face turns crimson red from embarrassment. “What! There’s no way I’m having sex with Jeff. I can’t believe you’re even thinking that. Gross!”

To be continued...

Tomorrow’s Micayla’s birthday party and come eight, I’m supposed to be back to Princess Ayla. It is to be my first overnight with the other faerie’s. It has me both excited and scared. I have no idea what it will involve.

Today at school Kim and Lisa, two of the more popular girls, invited me into their group. I was surprised by how Micayla became jealous of them liking me. Lisa’s boyfriend even hugged me. My body tingled with excitement when he did. We even went off of the school grounds for lunch. I had to sit squished in the back seat with Henry Drew. He was saying nice things but got friendlier than I liked. Well, I guess I did like it as we soon exchanged a kiss.

I was upset when Lisa called me a flirt and dick tease. “It was Henry that pushed himself on me.”

We were eating when I saw a male faerie, Shiloh enter the food court. He whispered he was there to protect me and that we needed to talk immediately. I excused myself to go to the bathroom. Soon as I was out of the sight of the others, I jumped and flew in the air. I was small and invisible to everyone but Shiloh. He swooped me into his arms and by instinct, I knew to hug and fly with him. We twirled together in the air and a yellow and blue powder came from Shiloh and permeated the air and even my clothes. Some of it got into my face as well as my clothes.

It all stopped as quickly as it started, and I returned to my human size as I entered the girls’ room. I didn’t need to pee, but I did go into the stall and act like I needed to. It was then that I laughed as I saw that Shiloh’s essence had permeated my clothes.

I washed and used a drop of perfume before I returned to the others. Somehow I did something that upset Shiloh. I wasn’t upset as it kept Henry from getting too friendly again.

Micayla and Jeff were a little upset when they first saw me after lunchtime. Micayla asked me what I did that upset Lisa and Kim. She said I was lucky as they had something bad planned for me. Jeff only knew that he was happy that Henry was disappointed when I walked away.

Jeff asked, “If it were okay if we dressed up and got something to eat before the dance.” I was excited to get home and get ready to go out. Josey was jealous that I was able to wear one of my new dresses. She was now as tall as me at five feet, but I was a petite size one. I probably could wear her dresses but there was no way at a size two-three she could wear mine.

I had gotten through my first period quickly. Which Marie had told me was normal for us faes. Micayla had confirmed the same that for faes they weren’t as bad as for regular beings.

Micayla and Derick were to meet us at the Drake Dinner where we would eat and from there Jeff would drive us to the freshman dance. It is not a fancy place, but better than most for teens. Us teens liked to go there because there were college students as well. We enjoy going there and parents were okay with a girl being there with a boyfriend.

It began with Jeff picking me up in his car. I could feel myself getting excited. I’m guessing these were the feelings Susan and Debra were speaking of the other day. Whatever they are, I’m not saying anything until after my date with Jeff. I was afraid if I said anything my Mom wouldn’t want me to be out with Jeff.

Once we were seated at the restaurant, I kicked off my shoes and rubbed a foot on Jeff’s leg. My stocking feet felt arousing to him. I giggle to myself like the idea that my feet were somehow responsible for him getting excited seemed funny.

I didn’t fully know what it did to Jeff, but I loved the feelings I felt. I was feeling sexy. Before we left the diner; Micayla and I went to the women’s room. Micayla had a great big smile on her face, as she asked, “What were you doing that has Jeff so excited? I thought you said it was crazy to think you would get off on making Jeff horny.”

The idea did sound a bit repulsive when I heard her say it. I told Micayla, “That just means I shouldn’t waste my time thinking. I’m too into Jeff to care tonight.”

Suddenly another faerie, Jordy, came flying around me and between me and Jeff with little yellow-like lights showering down upon me. Then I sneeze and sneeze again and again. Needless to say, that changed the romantic atmosphere for Jeff and me.

We did go to the dance and we had a very good time, but whatever Jordy did cause us to cool anything between us. When we left the dance and were on our way to the car. We walked out into a drenching rain.

I had realized at the dance that no one but Micayla and I could see the golden dust-like pollen. Now with the heavy rain that was washed off of me. I was again having strong emotional feelings for Jeff. I scooted near him in the car, as I unbuckled the seat.

We didn’t make it out of the parking lot before I was distracting his driving. Jeff reached to change gears and found my leg. I was cursing the longer skirt. Jeff drove to a hideaway in Briar’s Park.

This time it was my feeling cold and wet that caused me to shiver and sneeze. I hugged Jeff, both out of affection and to warm myself. Jeff was kissing me when his hand had made it down to my panty.

“Geeze,” Jeff says, “You’re so wet even your panty is damp.”

Somehow I knew by what he said, he hadn’t been with other girls. We quickly took Derick and Micayla home. Jeff decided to take me to his house. He was afraid of taking me home like I was.

Jeff’s Mom gave me a robe and told me to go take a warm shower as she would dry my clothes. Once I was out of the shower, I saw my clothes were gone. There was a camisole and a pair of panties waiting for me. So with them on and the robe wrapped snuggly around me I went out to see the others.

Mrs. Law had a dryer and styling brush and pointed for where I should sit. “I am glad Jeff brought you here, but how did he know you were soaked all the way through?” Somehow I got away without replying to her question. Instead, I asked about when she was a teenager. She then quickly changed the subject.

She went to put on some hot cocoa and to check my clothes. I walked out to where Jeff was. By now I knew to behave. Inside I moaned as I wanted to experience his touch and help guide his hand.

“Please come here, Erin. I don’t want to tempt my son too much.” She had my dress warm, dry, and ready to put on. “Why don’t you wear the camisole under your dress? That will give you another layer to help stay warm.”

I took my purse and redid my makeup. I used a frosted pink lip gloss. That made my lips prettier than they were before.

=^_^=

After the hot cocoa, Mrs. Law was having Jeff drive me home. We were going out as Susan was coming it. “Woe girl, are you in heat already,” she said softly enough only I heard her and giggled.

I hadn’t been a girl even a week yet, but somehow I knew I was now and forever all girl. Once home Mom asked if I had been a good girl? And I blushed to say, “I didn’t know feelings could build so quickly and powerfully. It was Jeff who wasn’t safe with me.”

The next morning, I went early to Micayla’s house to help her parents with putting up decorations. Her mother knew I was now a faerie. She said, “Micayla was talking about you and the dance last night. It sounded like the Princess’s training isn’t coming any too soon." I sheepishly smiled and then agreed.

“I have to go see Princess Ayla tonight. I will be lucky to get away with only a weekend of training. Because of last night, I now know I need it.”

Her mother said, “You’ll be even luckier if she keeps you for more than a week. I have seen one faerie get pregnant before her wings had much practice.”

“Your faerie sister, Little Jeni hadn’t had much good fortune, growing up with a mother like hers. Someone said she got hurt last week. She had gotten caught out in that surprise snowstorm. She not only got caught out in it but somehow got hurt. Micayla said where she had found some shelter and should have been safe.”

I replied, “I’m hoping to see her and apologize as I know what happened.”

When Micayla came back, she was the happiest I’d ever seen her. Her father had taken her for her driver’s license and she passed all the tests.

She couldn’t go downstairs as it was where we had decorated for her party. I know her mother had bought a gift certificate good for one prom gown. The idea of being old enough to go to prom; was almost unreal to me. Just a week ago today in my mind, I had been fourteen. But today, the idea of a prom sent a bunch of exciting feelings that were altogether new to me.

It was an all-girl party and I was tickled to be in the middle of it. Micayla turned to me numerous times. Micayla was as happy for me as I was for her.

When the party was over Micayla asked her mother, “Would it be okay if I accompanied Erin to her faerie home. She’ll need to help her find her way to the faerie hideaway.”

Her mother smiled, “I think that would be a great idea, but I’d like you to stay the night there and come back in the light of day. Remember she needs to go home here to say goodbye.”

Micayla jumped and spread her wings as her human clothes fell to the floor. I did the same and the sensation I felt was terrific.

My Mom was surprised to see us fly into the house. She had remembered I was to go but thought I’d have to wait until morning. When Micayla told her I needed to go tonight; she was happy to hear Micayla was going with me.

I was both somewhat anxious and wondering what I’d be flying into. Josey was there and she came out to wish me well. “You should be very excited, Erin. I know they are happy you’re coming and very relieved you didn’t get spoiled before you got there.”

My Dad asked about the last comment that he hadn’t fully heard. But none of us girls would tell him. It did make me happier than I was going.

To be continued...

The faerie hideaway wasn’t on the island as I thought. We went near the top of a big wide tree. It was in the field but at least fifty meters away from the island and pond. I folded my wings tight as we flew into a cavity high up on the trunk of the tree. We dropped into a hole sliding like it was a big slide making its way up down and around inside the tree. Then I stopped landing in a light pile of faerie dust.

Marie, one of the faeries, greeted us. She was happy to see that I came and that Micayla was with me. Marie said, “We heard the disciplining won’t come any too early from what Shiloh and Jordi had to say.”

She had me step over to a spot alone and there was a quick shower of sparkling water that glistened down upon me. I shook to become dry and I knew I was different. Marie and Micayla used their wings to float a little above the floor. I tried but nothing happened.

There was a voice from behind me at the same time that caused our area to become silent; Marie and Micayla made gestures of bowing. “Isy will you please turn around my daughter?”

I knew without a second thought, I was Isy and it was Princess Ayala, my faery mother. I slowly turned and bowed with my knees going all the way to the ground, bending fully forward. “I am here Mother.”

Ayala said, “You are right, I have come as your mother to help you learn to be my daughter, a good and wise faery.” She hits me with one spark and says. “Let’s fly out to the night and begin some training before the light is all gone.

I naturally begin to move my wings, as I’m ready to tell her I can’t fly. Before I can speak, I am flying and we come up flying through an opening and between the branches of a bush. We’re hovering 8-10 feet off the ground. I see other faes collecting pollen, plant juices, and droplets to store them away; while others are taken to where those of other plants and creatures need them.

I saw Shiloh take three insects off of a spider web. Saying to himself that the spider was overzealous. He did lecture one immature bug, “You need to smarten up or else.” An angry spider came, screeching at Shiloh. He merely said in a calm voice, “Your little brood will have more than enough. They won’t need to get your appetite for more and more.”

Char the Spider knew Ayala was there and spoke loudly. “Yours don’t need to impose their ways on me.”

Ayala did not speak to Char, but Shiloh. “You have acted well, go and continue being good.”

There were other faeries one guiding an injured bunny back home. Two faeries helped a hobbled bird that lost a feather or two. Mother spoke, “We can’t help or save everyone; there are laws to nature. We just help to keep things in balance. If the predators had the way they some would overhunt. There is hunting and there’s killing. The killing also has an appetite that rarely is satisfied.”

Much of the time is spent with me closing my eyes, listening to the wind, and feeling the movement of the air. I learned the hard way twice to heed when Ayala or Marie told me to stop. Neither time was I hurt but some bruises and strains would linger into tomorrow. As it became darker most faeries went home or wrapped themselves in the petals of flowers or leaves.

Mother said it was our night to patrol. Mother blew into my eyes and the night lit enough that I could see. I asked, “Are we like fireflies and lightning bugs”

She says, “Do you see any of their luminescent lights on me or you? Have you not heard that people have an aura around them? We have strong spirits that give us light and sight. I thought it was better that you experienced it for yourself instead of me just talking about it.”

She said, “You will learn that you can do it for yourself. I think it is nicer when we help each other. Faes have a strong sense of community as well as strong spirits of their own. You will learn about the gifts and talents that you have over time, and with the gaining of experience. Micayla told you of one today.”

Two other Faeries came to us and my mother said our time was over. We were soon down nestling into an area that looked like milkweed seeds spun together with pieces of flower petals to make a pretty princess bed. Ayala had me lie down and with her arms and wings around me, we fell asleep. She made a melodious song as I slept in her care. I could feel that her love was filling me, but I wasn’t certain about what. Soon I was fully asleep, resting calmly going deeper in my sleep.

Dawn came and Mom woke me up with only three hours of sleep. I thought Mom, Ayala, woke me way too early. I thought about yelling at her, but with this mom being a real-life Princess Faery and I thought better. She smiled at me, “Was holding your temper out of fear or from what you’ve already experienced?”

“Yes both, you seem to know what you’re doing all the time. I have respect for you, but I expect to fall asleep by 11:00 a.m.”

I didn’t know faeries could shower and change outfits. Tamri helped me with making some selections. The changes weren’t drastic to others, Comfort, as well as appearance, plays a major role in selecting one’s clothes. She said, “It will take a long while to get what you ordered. It could take until tomorrow noon. It is an art to shave threads off a strand of silk. …Regular strands of silk would be too bulky and heavy for you to fly or maneuver.”

“And the colors you chose are like what Ayala was hoping for, they are unique enough to require extra work and new dyes.”

I wanted to be sensitive and not make enemies, “Won’t that make the workers angry with me?”

Tamri said, “Just the opposite. What makes things special or unique will excite the artisans among them. They will be very particular that the first of your garments are perfect in every way. The lead faerie will possibly present them to you herself.”

I said, “Wouldn’t all that be cost-prohibitive?”

Tamri scratched her head, not understanding. Marie had come in and they talked. Marie said, “ ’Cost’ and ‘prohibitive’ aren’t in our language. There are some things we can’t or won’t do, but challenges excite us. We each have some work we like doing. I guess faeries value things differently than beings.”

“You will do well not asking Princess Ayala about getting paid for anything you do.”

It was strange having this conversation as I began to learn their language. I guess it is becoming my language as well. Often I felt like a child of four that didn’t comprehend what was being said around me in their language. Seemingly, Princess Ayala taught me some of it while I was sleeping, but left much more to be learned.

I got to meet Jeni who was healing ever so slowly and the wings not quite correctly. The most difficult part for her was the usage of her wings and limbs. There isn’t just one wing, but two for each side. And the receptors that coordinated their movement were more complicated. Growing up just happens and one grows in ability through thought and experience.

The night before the accident Jeni was actually at our house visiting with Joselyn. Joselyn’s feelings had been hurt, and she wasn’t sure how to handle knowing the things most people didn’t believe in. Jeni said, “You don’t realize how much your sister looks up to you. Seemingly, you began hurting her feelings and treating her like she was ignorant. Especially around friends and others at school. She said that was not like you.”

Jeni told me, “You had been good about not saying the crude comments around her. She knew you recently heard her being made fun of, and you acted like you didn’t hear. Instead of helping her, you turned away after the younger Bruno boy caused her books to fall and then he kicked them.”

I said, “I’m sorry, but it’s hard to impress others and watch after your little sister at the same time.”

“You could have lost your virginity if Jordy and Shiloh thought the same way you do.” She asked, “Do you know our lives are connected. It means a lot to me about how you are doing in learning to be a faerie.”

There was me crying and being soothed by Jeni. Once Jeni helped me to regain my composure. I became mesmerized looking at her wings and where they had been damaged. If I held them correctly you could see some kind of translucent fluid moving through them. Jeni said, “Even if I could get them aligned and I hold them still until they heal. Being held together too long their strength withers away. And if I move them the connection is soon lost.”

Watching my wings move, reminded me of the stems of the lily of the valley, and the shaving of a strand of silk. The thoughts came together, how the lily stem was blown by strong breezes. It would bend but was strong enough and kept its form.

I was wondering, ‘Why not take thin strands from the lily’s stem and find some way to bind it to those areas on Jenni’s wings.’ While I was yet thinking, Princess Ayla soon came to where we were. She said, “I like that idea. Let us go visit with Marpe, she will be able to tell us if your idea has any merit.”

I tried to excuse myself saying, “It was probably a stupid idea. We should not bother someone who knows about healing, just take Jeni to her. Mine is a troublemaker’s dream driven by guilt.”

Princess Ayala got a certain tone of voice that I knew I needed to heed what she was saying, “Do you think what I suggested is crazy? You better learn to consider the person and source of what is being said?” She asks me to take hold of her hand and soon we are aloft high over the land and moving toward a ridge of old mountains. There was one higher than the others and I pointed, “Is that where we’re going?”

Ayala said, “Look again and open your senses.” And then I saw one area where the leaves had come out earlier and there were wildflowers faintly visible. When we drew close, there were three large pine trees with a light coming from behind them. We went between and through the trees, there was water cascading down the old worn mountain, with ponds where the water had washed basin areas into the rock. There was a small fire near one small pond and we landed there. I looked at the fire and there was a pot simmering on some hot rocks.

Ayala called, “Marpe!” Our voices were not much for the vast open area, yet birds became silent and a rabbit lifted its head and perked its ears. There was an old woman that came hobbling out from I knew not where.

Marpe sat near the fire with us on two leaves of a bush next to it. “My old friend Princess Ayala, to what do I warrant a visit from you? Pray tell, who is your friend?”

The Princess smiled, “It is good to see you Marpe. This is Isy. …Isy, this is Marpe an experienced healer and person of great wisdom.” I stood on the leaf and curtsied to Marpe, who was warmly taken with me. Ayala said, “Isy hurt Jeni, about a week ago. She was an uncouth teenage boy then. Now as a faerie in training she came up with an idea to help Jeni to recuperate from her injuries. Her limbs and wings were badly damaged and are healing slowly and quite imperfectly.”

“Isy in seeing what she had done thought of something that I wanted to share with you and to get your opinion. Isy thought of taking strands from the stem of a Lily of the Valley and using its strength and flexibility to help Jenni’s wings to heal faster. But she wasn’t sure how to bind it to the damaged areas of Jeni’s wings.”

Marpe stopped Ayala, “You came to me thinking she might be a healer, do you?”

I interrupted and spoke, “I apologize to you Marpe. I am ignorant and I didn’t mean for Princess Ayala to bring us all this way to bother you.”

“Hush, young one,” she said, “You think the Princess is more ignorant than you. No, listen. She is telling me what she sees with her experience. That you were selfish and ignorant when you hit our dear Jeni isn’t a surprise. Jenni was taken by surprise, I suspect your term would be blindsided. Otherwise, she would not have been injured.”

“You are so new and unlearned that you know not yourself. Your idea is good, but I gather you knew not to use an Aloe Vera solution with the strand of the LoV stem to hold it to the areas needing to heal. Correct, am I not?”

“How long will it take you, before you know not to ridicule Princes Ayala? Your ignorance is not to show the respect and homage that should come naturally to you. If you fail to learn that and I will not be as nice as Ayala.”

I humbled and prostrate myself on the leaf. “I know I should have feared the Princess’ wrath, but I also felt while she is better and wiser than I; I could get around her good nature.”

They let me lie there as they continued to talk, uninterrupted by me. Princess Ayala laughs lightly, “I should have allowed her to be someone else’s problem, but I took her as my daughter years ago. I need to undo what Christine, her other mother, failed to do these many years. One of his bad gifts is that he invokes sympathy from others.”

Marpe, “Christine is the one, whose baby boy you helped save at birth. Does the sister Joselyn still believe?”

“Yes, she’s wiser and more mature than this one. She saved Jeni’s life and in doing so she brought her brother with her. Even the Mom, Christine, accept the change is needed. She has the spirit of one who was saved. I sense she also has gifts and talents hidden needing to be discovered. It is surprising how quickly this gift became visible. Now, I hope I can foster the discipline needed to go with the gift.”

I heard Marpe say she was too old to travel to us to help heal Jeni. I had waited to hear but they never said whom we could get to help Jeni. Finally, I move to my knees and dared to speak. “Who can we get to do this for Jeni?”

Marpe said, “We thought it was obvious that it has to be you. You have the vision of what to do and you now know the binding agent. Your love for Jeni as well as wanting to remedy your guilt brings a unique healing power alongside your gift.”

I rose in flight, thinking we were ready to fly back and should get going. Princes Ayala said, “You would have us fly that distance with sunlight fading? …I think not, we will wait and travel back once rested. And then when I am willing.”

Marpe got up and started to walk toward her old house that now appears as an attractive cottage on the side of the hill nestled out of view among the tree. I watch Marpe and see she is changing to a younger and more attractive woman. This amazed me.

She stopped and turned, somehow sensing my bewilderment. “You accepted the wisdom of an older, experienced healer and sage. Would you have so readily accepted the same from me appearing younger and blond? You forgot I am a being who could perceive your thoughts.”

I turned to Ayala, “Do you still think I am worthy of the challenge before me?”

Princess Ayala with her more regal voice, said, “Though there is a quickness to your ignorance. You have grown in your humility much more. You are becoming pliable and now open to learning. Yes, I believe much more than I did before.”

Marpe and Ayala were drawing nearer to the cottage when Marpe said, “Do you think she will know on her own to come in from the cold and dark?”

Right then, I would have stepped into a white tulip closing for the night to spite them. Alas, I would have had trouble squeezing into that small flower. Plus, was afraid I would freeze during the night.

Once in the cottage, Mom took me aside, and said, “I am glad you did not embarrass me by staying outside and doing as you had thought. You tempt me more than anyone I’ve met; to spank you to get some things into your head.”

To be continued...

Mom told me to check the violet flowers for anything to drink. Since the mist from Marpe’s mountain had kept the wet. I had no problems finding droplets of water here and there as well as nectar from the flowers. While the violets had a pleasing aroma the nectar was bitter. I sipped enough to wet my throat and settle my tummy.

“Mommy, please tell me that Aunt Marpe was joking about me having a gift of healing?”

Mom was wanting me to sleep, but when she said, “Marpe was being honest about that.” My mind became full of thoughts. Mom could tell it upset me, She said, “I would have thought that would be great news to you. How come you are not excited?”

I said, “But Mommy that would be a lot of responsibility. I don’t think I will ever be responsible or intelligent enough to learn what I would need to know.”

Mom said, “You are young and have much time to learn what you need. But it will also take being quiet and learning from nature. You need to be a faerie longer so you develop your ability to hear the animals and read the signs of nature. Presently, you tend to limit your learning from books and human teachers. There is much more to learn than that. I believe over the next two years you will become much more excited to learn all you can.”

Mom covered me with two silk blankets made of material like my clothes. I soon felt the warmth and with the fatigue from our flying, I was ready to sleep. I closed my eyes to sleep. I soon woke and Mom showed me how to roll up the blankets and was to put them. We had a quick drink of nectar outside, said goodbye to Marpe and flew towards home. But this time we were flying just above the scrubs.

Mom said, “To fly higher we would be flying into the sun and less likely be able to see predators.” I wondered whatever could happen. She said, “It could be a person throwing something, or a diving hawk, or something as simple as flying into a tall tree or those giant towers with the power lines.”

Seeing the landscape change so fast kept my attention and the time quickly passed. I hadn’t realized almost four hours had gone by the time we were back to our home. I felt a person walking by and it reminded me of my other family. I was deeply torn between helping Jeni and wanting to see my family, my human family.

Princess Ayala said, “You rest an hour to an hour, maybe a little longer… I know you are missing your other family, but that needs to wait for now… When you wake up we’ll have two stems and some Aloe Vera for you and Jeni will be here.”

Once I woke up, I jumped into a pool of water gathered in a large leaf. It was warm and somehow I knew a clear substance on it was a soapy gel. I bathed myself and found out more about the sensitive areas of my body. I made sure they were clean and they were part of what made me a girl. I sang as I bathed, and later Jeni told me she knew when I touched my joy spots. I was embarrassed by that.

“It is better you find out before any boy goes exploring.”

I selected another one of my outfits. The panty fit snuggly, the bra showed through the dress which hid enough to invoke boy’s imagination. I brushed my hair and did my makeup, enjoying each step.

When Princess Ayala called for me, I went in time to see the two lily flower stems being set down on a work table of stainless steel. A piece of the Aloe Vera was placed next to them, along with a cutting tool.

Jordi was there to be my nurse, holding surgical gloves ready for my hands to slip into. My feeling and thought of being inadequate to the task faded away. There on a screen were the images of Jenni’s damaged wings, and where I had in my mind to place the strands from the stem plant. I washed thoroughly my hand and slipped them into the gloves. I used the cutter to cut loose the strands narrower and shorter as needed.

Jeni was there and she was both excited and nervous. For some reason, I gave her a kiss and said, “I will be careful to cause you as little pain as possible. I looked at a damaged area and make it straight while gently supporting it to hold in position. I usually used three strands, they had their own adhesive to stay in place. The glue from the Aloe plant was spread over them and quickly set. I had repaired three areas when I noticed a smile come to Jeni’s face.

“There is less pain there,” she said, pointing to the repaired areas. She asked, “Why your frown?”

I said, “It hurts me, that I was so mean and unthinking to hurt you as I did. I do love you and hope you will forgive me in time.” Jeni used a cloth to dab the tears from my eyes.

I set back to mending her wings, ‘One more area on the upper right wing, and one long area on the lower wing on the same side. It was the side that was severely damaged. The left wings had two cracked areas on the top wing and the bottom wing had been bent backward. The cracked or broken areas were mended easily enough. It took two longer strands that had been laced together and bent just enough the opposite way to create enough strength to pull the wing back into its correct position. I added the other two strands to give it the needed strength to hold it properly.

Princess Ayala was back in time and she helped me blow some translucent faerie dust to cover the mended areas. That was to allow the mended area to dry without being sticky. We all visited for a while to keep Jeni’s mind off of her wings until they were sufficiently dry. I asked Jeni to get up and walk around the recovery area.

“Jeni, in an hour, I want you to move your wings very slowly.” She was walking as she does it. I could see a slight change in facial expression, but hopefully, it isn’t pain. “Jeni, what are you feeling?”

“I’m feeling much better, I know I’m stretching my muscles. I was afraid it would hurt more, but at this speed, it doesn’t. I sense I’m weaker, but I expect it will get better with use.”

I gave a sigh of relief and I'm surprised when Jeni gave me a hug and then a kiss. “Thank you, Dr. Erin.” I see a flirting wink from Jeni.

Jeni said, “Princess Ayala said you were supposed to be a princess many years ago. I often stayed around having fun with your Sister Josie, hoping to see when you became a princess. My crush on you isn’t just that of a patient having feelings for her doctor.”

I looked to Princess Ayala. She smiled but didn’t say anything other than. “Erin, you did very well. I wouldn’t call you a doctor or healer yet.”

I sit feeling emotionally overwhelmed. “I don’t rightly know how I did all that. Princess Ayala did you and Marpe help me in some way?”

She said, “Marpe was watching you through my eyes. While our spirits’ strengthened you, we did not intercede or direct you. Marpe said, she marveled at your gifts. She was also happy to see you have a caring touch that is as strong. She said you did not leave any bruising that she could see.”

Princess Ayala said to Jeni, “Marpe looks forward to seeing you when she helps to take the supports off. She said she has missed seeing you. She wanted to know if you got her message.”

Jeni had the biggest smile since she got hurt, “O yes! I got her message, but she told me she needed to wait. I so want the joy of seeing her again. But where can she stay the cave would still be too cold and wet?”

Princess Ayala turned to me and asked, “Do you know a place she might be able to stay? I am sure you do. After you rest you can go there and ask your folks.”

I hadn’t thought about going home once I concentrated on mending Jeni’s wing. It excited me, but then again I had fallen in love with Jeni and cared about Princess Ayala as my mom more than I had expected. Again it was like the Princess knew my thoughts and said, “The change will do you good. You need to gain some perspective and decide what is real for you.”

I took a hold of Jeni’s hand and we walk out into the underground faerie land. Somehow I knew to hand a piece of leaf for Jenni to bite on and it relieved her of some pain. We didn’t walk long before we sat and talked. She was telling me of some things that Ayala had not. “I love you. Though faeries don’t marry as beings do. I hope you will find our love to be just as precious. I suspect you will love a being too. I think it is the kind of faerie you’re to be.”

Jeni kissed me as she blew some green dust my way. I felt like we were in paradise as I drifted asleep. I heard someone call my name and a hand wipes the faes dust from my face. I kissed the hand thinking it was Jeni, but then heard, “Daughter, please wake up I want you to fly home for two nights. Please go to your folks, I hope they will agree to allow Marpe to stay with them. She should be here on Thursday and will be staying for about a week. You should come and tell me tomorrow. If you come as Erin, you can meet me at Fae Island.”

I made my way up through the hollow of the tree from where I saw the way to my house. I flew from there to my home. I was high enough to see the island and half way to my house. I began to fly but soon learned some birds were predators. I flew between branch openings too small for the birds, but it made getting home more difficult and take a little longer. Joselyn’s window was open and I went to fly through it. It scared me as I almost flew into the screen. Instead, I called in and Josie came out to greet me.

“Erin, you make such a pretty faerie? Are you always going to be this size?” My answer was, for now. I settled on her should and we went into the house. Mom was making dinner as Josie said, “I have a friend who says she has a question.”

I said, “If you believe in faeries. You will be able to hear and see me.”

“I can hear you.” And when I moved on Joselyn’s shoulder, she said, “Erin it is so good to see you. I missed you. However, it does look like being a faerie agrees with you. What do we owe the pleasure of your company?” I began to speak but stopped when my mother said. “You know, when you are here you can become our size.”

With that, I willed it and was soon up in my room sorting out some of my Erin clothes. Mom walked into the room and I automatically ran to her and hugged. “Mom, I know what I want to be when I grow up? And you can help me. I need to become a better student than Aaron was or I ain’t got a chance?”

Mom said, “The word should be ‘don’t’, ‘ain’t’ isn’t a word. But I doubt that you really want to study with your Mom?”

“Are you crazy Mom; I need your help and maybe even Grandma’s. Do you think she knows the old natural remedies?”

Story to be continued...

Previously: Mom said, “The word should be ‘don’t’, ‘ain’t’ isn’t a word. But I doubt that you really want to study with your Mother?”

“Are you crazy Mother; I need your help and maybe even Grandma’s. Do you think she knows any of the old natural remedies?”

Mother said, “Actually, I think, Grandmother Nora may have her Great Grandmother Bear’s journals.”

“You’re not telling me, that story that one of our ancestors was an Indian?” I was not seated like a big girl listening to a family story. Aaron would have been interested in an Indian story. But as Erin, I knew that I should have said ‘Native American’ and I was excited that this was part of my heritage.

Mother says, “Yes, your Third Great Grandma Bear was both Sioux and Fox. Her father Otter was Fox and traveled to a Pow Wow there where he met his Sioux wife Prairie Fox. He stayed and married her. Their only daughter Lenora married Jonathan LeForge the son of a goods trader. They say she was a powerful and eloquent speaker. She would later become an instructor and finally a professor at a university in upstate New York. Lenora had given one of the journals to the university to study. She stole it back when she found it discarded and packed away.

“She gave it before she died to Grandmother Nora. Grandmother will be excited to find that her granddaughter also has the spirit of a healer. Lenore had told Grandmother she knew another healer would come into the family.”

I said, “Mother before I forget, Princess Ayala wanted me to ask you if her Friend Marpe can stay here. She lives in a mountain cottage. I’ve met her and she’s coming to check Jeni’s wings and to remove the bandages when she is healed.”

“I met her mommy, she first appeared to me as an older and not so pretty woman. But she is really much younger and very attractive.” My mother looked at me like I mixed up the story. “No, mother it is true. She thought I would not listen well to a younger woman. I guess I might have seen her as Aaron did, and not really listened. But she is the one who said I could be a healer.”

Mother asked, “And how long would this Marpe be staying?”

“Ayala said, ‘A week to ten days.’ She probably could move into the cave if it dries out more.”

Mother said, “We are not letting any friend of yours go live in a cave. You can move in with Joselyn if you’re staying with us. Marpe will be very welcomed here.”

I asked, “Mother are you being nice about this because you didn’t believe Ayala?”

Mother smiled, she said, “Maybe in part, but I am better and you are much better. I like the change I see in you.”

“You like me being a girl? She could change me back to Aaron you know.”

She said, “The difference in you is much more than appearance. It has been a long time since you and I have talked together like this. You also appear to be more mature as a person. The idea you would like to be a doctor or nurse, shows you have direction in your life.”

I was able to fly back to Princess Ayala and tell her yes about Marpe staying with my being family. I knew my mother at the house was calling Grandmother Nora with her news about me.

Ayala said, “You may fly to your other home and stay there until you come back with Marpe. …Your mind is thinking you should tell me about a book. What book is that?”

I told her, “Grandmother Nora has a journal written by her Great Grandmother Bear and it supposedly tells of some natural things she used for medicine. She was a medicine woman of some sorts.”

Ayala said, “The Spirit must have been strong in her. Her Sioux tribe would not have taken kindly to her. The Medicine Men did not readily take to a woman in their profession.”

I said, “I am sure I will see my Grandmother soon. I hope she can tell me more; maybe I will even get to see her journal. Do you know if the Sioux had their own language?”

Princess Ayala said, “Maybe Marpe can help you with that, she has a much older spirit that helps her to see and understand things in the past. …For now, I want you to go back to your mother and enjoy your time there. The time for you to live there may be coming soon. …Do you know if you would prefer to remain as Erin or return to being Aaron?”

I was stunned by the question and for a moment just sat there not able to think. I saw Jeni walking and moving her wings. I asked, “Would I still be Isy here?” Ayala preferred I be the same gender in both of my lives. I replied, “I agree. I would like continuing to be Isy and Erin.” Ayala said I would be given a week to visit with both mothers.

I asked about my father and Princess Ayala said, “Someday, we will need to visit with your father and explain to him that you are a faerie.”

I soon flew home and just before my father came home I changed back to being a being.

Once in the door, my dad said, “Good it looks like you’ve gotten your spirit back.” He said, “Some days it seems to be that you’re off in a different world. Then, like now you are alert and your eyes sparkle.” Dad gave me a hug.

Somehow, I knew where I was with my homework and I had to read fifty more pages of a story before school tomorrow. I could almost feel my mind as I was reading the story. It was tutoring my conscious mind on what I had previously read.

Joselyn came up to get me for supper. She also sat down to talk. She asked, “Do you really think you’re a healer? What does it feel like?”

“Josie, I need to thank you. You were the first to hold me responsible. How did it feel for you taking your brother where I was likely to be punished?” I hugged her and cried on her shoulder.

She said, “I felt that. It’s neat to have my big sister cry on my shoulder. …I was more afraid of what Mom was going to say when I did that. I was sure Princess Ayala was going to be more than fair. It could have been a lot worse if Jeni died from her injuries and if she couldn’t fly.”

Josie continued talking, “I am really happy that you were able to help her. But I’m still wondering how you weren’t a healer before. So are you like a doctor, make potions or do things with roots, spider webs, and frog warts?”

I knew I glowed with a happy feeling, and said, “I know, I’m no doctor at least not yet. I thought to bind Jeni’s damaged wings with lily of the valley stems. But it was Marpe who knew the idea came from a healing spirit and she told me the bonding agent I needed to hold the mended areas in place.”

“I am supposed to learn a lot more, especially how to use natural remedies. And I think I’m to learn about medicine and how to summon my healing spirit when needed.”

Joselyn asked, “Do you know if Marpe is an old, old lady or a younger woman? I got confused when Jeni explained it to me.”

I said, “Yes, both!” I let Josie look at me with a bewildered look before I said. “I think she’s a young woman with the gift of healing. But she thinks us beings won’t trust a young looking blonde, so she appeared first to me as an old woman.”

Josie changed the subject and said, “We need to get down for supper.”

I was able to get my reading and my Algebra homework done and get a good night's sleep.

It was nice to back to school and find that I’m a better student as Erin. Heather Tomas and Amy Evers are now my good friends along with Jeff and Bill Robinson.

Mom had given me some money before I went to school. She told me it was for school and everyday clothes, suggesting I go with Heather or Amy if they’d go with me. Heather not only has good taste in fashion but as Jeff’s cousin, she also has stories she tells me. I was happy when she agreed we could shop after school.

I’m envious of Heather and Amy as their breasts are larger than mine. They said they’re envious me because I can wear petite sizes. Heather had gotten a splinter from the old staircase going up to the third floor. She gave me a pointed pair of tweezers to get the splinter if possible.

I looked closely at it and it was already under the skin. I knew how I used to do it. I don’t know why but I stared at it, breathed in and tried pulling it with thought. I knew it was coming out surrounded by a drop of blood. I used the tweezer to grab it and a tissue to dab the blood drop. Mrs. Henley scolded me for what I did. “If Heather gets an infection, I’m going to blame it on you.”

I lifted up Heather’s finger, “Would you like to show me what I did wrong?”

We hurried to go shopping as we were wanting to go watch the high school baseball game beginning at six. I didn’t know what the hurry was as we had three hours. Going through the piles of clothes we chose from it did take time. It took time for Amy to convince me a lace mini dress was for everyday wear. She talked me into that along with a new panty/bra set and several pairs of stockings. I did get two pairs of low-rider jeans. Somehow, they would ride down my but as Aaron’s had a habit of doing.

Finally, we had everything when Heather asked, “Did you get any thong panties? I didn’t remember seeing any.” It just so happened that we were just in front of Victoria’s Secrets and I got pushed in. Ashley, Heather’s sister was there to greet us.

Ashley said, “Erin, what are you sixteen and this is the first time I’ve seen you in here.”

Amy said, “And if you can talk her into a thong, that will also be a first.”

Ashley told Heather, “You take Amy for a walk and we’ll see what we’re comfortable doing in here.” They left and Ashley took a quick look at my new clothes after I gave her permission.

“Erin, you are a perfect candidate for thongs, bikini, hip huggers or even nude intimates. I don’t want you feeling pushed into anything nor quickly closing your mind to consider them. I know your mom is more open since you’ve come out of your shell. And you and I both know she trusts you.”

‘I wanted to ask when she had this nice understanding with my mom.’ What surprised me is that I’m into being a girl. “Ashley, I like the idea of a thong but something a little modest if a thong can be.”

She shows me several thongs all which I like and she also introduces me to bikini panties. Though my tasted wandered to the more lush panties that should have cost a lot more; Ashley and the manager gave me a deal to buy two thong panties and three bikini panties. I tried three on and agreed to the purchase. I got a free nude panty if Heather or Amy couldn’t tell I was wearing one of the thongs. It would cost me only five dollars if they did.

I called Amy and Heather back in and paid for my purchases. It was as we left, Ashley giggled and said, “Have a good time at the game, but the seats might feel cooler than you’re used to.”

Heather stopped quick and looked at my butt as I stepped ahead. “You’re even wearing a thong to the baseball game?” Amy commented, “Maybe you should say it louder, maybe everyone didn’t hear you.” I couldn’t help but giggle. Some women were embarrassed or upset with our behavior. I was wearing not only the thong but my designer low-rider jeans. The others were right, it looks sharp to be petite wearing good fashions.

We would be fashionably late, but Amy called ahead for someone to save us three seats.

The basketball coach didn’t like Jeff playing a different sport where he could get spiked or hit by a baseball. Jeff insisted he be able to play or he’d quit basketball. Jeff had no intention of quitting basketball, but he did get his way.

I had played with Jeff and I knew he was both a natural athlete and was a student of the games he played. I laughed to myself once when he took a running jump to catch a hard hit ball. “Boy, he looks like a young buck jumping out in a field.”

Heather said, “That’s a nice image; where did that come from? I didn’t know you ever went hunting?”

“I didn’t but I have watched nature shows. Tell me you never looked at your guy that way?”

She said, “It’s just that you are blowing up all the images I have of you. “You bought some thongs, learned to wiggle your buns and now you’re describing how you see my cousin as a young buck. I’m surprised you didn’t describe his lean hind legs or how big he is?”

Amy says, “Once again she didn’t have too, you did the job for her. Your cousin will be embarrassed when others start staring at him differently.” That ended us or the crowd from keeping track of the game.

It had been a really good day, but in one short moment, I wasn’t sure if it became terrible or got better. Heather drove me home and helped me carry my new clothes to the house. She had set her bags down, presumably to open the door. Then she said, “You know Cousin Jeff isn’t the only one who has affections for you. I even like your wings.” With that and a gentle touch to my cheek, she leaned forward and we kissed. I hugged her as well and could feel her hands on my back, no gliding down my wings.

One more chapter…

I didn’t know what to say as it happened suddenly. Heather opened the door and I scrunched everything into my hands and stepped inside. I looked back at Heather and smiled, “Thanks, Heather. I am not sure what to say right now, but it felt good.” I stepped back and closed the door and heard Heather walking away. I did hear her say, ‘Yes, I did it!’

I turned around to see my Mom there, and I was sure she knew what happened. “I see something happened outside of the neat box in your mind. I hope you can handle it.”

I said, “But how do I handle it?”

Mom too was growing in wisdom as she didn’t try to fix me. “It takes time. I suggest you take one foot and put it in front of the other, be patient with yourself.”

Mom followed me to my room, not for a big talk, but to see what I bought and talk about my day. She said the new panties and the jeans were a sign that I was maturing. She suggested it was time to have a mother/daughter talk.

That night and the next day went well; come Thursday I wanted to stay home to see Marpe when she came. My parents insisted I go to school; right after I moved my things into Josie’s room.

Heather and I got a chance to talk during study time. Heather explained, “Like your little sister I never stopped believing. Micayla and I have talked from time to time. She is like having another sister. I don’t mean to scare you but my feelings for you aren’t the same.”

I said, “My feelings for you are not the same as I have for Micayla or other girls. They are more like I feel about Jeff. All I do know is I need time and space to find me. I don’t know if you remember about you splinter. It was a small thing, but important to me. It was buried but I used a gift of healing to get it.”

Heather said, “I wasn’t sure why I asked your help. I thought it was just my affection for you. But I realized along with your love there was something more. I have no problem believing you. I have imagined being your nurse.” I knew this was why I should have been to school today.

If I knew how to shrink my laptop and books; I would have flown home after school. I did hug Jeff and apologized I would get to see his baseball game. And yes, we also kissed.

My mother had stayed home from work to welcome Marpe. They were talking over some wine and cheese when I got home. Marpe was her young attractive self.

I joked if she flew to be with us because I could see her wings.

She said, “I can’t use them except in an emergency for protection. Three hundred years ago a council of faeries said I used them too often to act like a hero.”

“I thought, you were supposed to be?”

Marpe said. “I was like you are now; I had too much of the world in me. …I do like your enthusiasm and the fact you have grown as much as a faerie as a being.”

I heard someone come out of the bathroom; I turned around at it was Grandma Nora. I turned back around and noticed an old book on the table.

I rushed to her and gave Grandma a hug. After the hug, Grandma held me at arm’s length and looked at me up and down. My wings expanded and actually sparkled with a luminescence light show. Marpe encouraged me to take three deep breaths and try to relax. The light disappeared and the wings were back to their normal position.

We resumed talking and included Josie when she got home. But soon Mom sent Josie to her room to change out of her school clothes and to begin her homework.

Mom wanted to use the time to tell Marpe about my affection for Heather. Marpe smiled saying, “What’s the concern? Girls often explore their bodies and feelings and some are indeed attracted to one another. You talked Erin into taking her time and it sounds like she has. Her friend Jeni also has affection for Erin, but faeries don’t have relationships the same way beings do.” I blushed when mother looked at me. I hadn’t told her about Jeni’s affection for me, nor mine for her.

Come, Friday morning, very early Marpe and I made our way towards Faerie Island. I didn’t see when Marpe became faerie size. I too changed my size and we were able to go down and then into the faerie canyon. Princess Ayala met us there and Jeni was with her. Marpe and I both bowed to Princess Ayala.

Rise Marpe that I might greet you more warmly. Marpe rose and they hugged one another. Princess Ayala said, “Daughter Isy, come and greet your mother please.”

I did and was glad to feel her warmth for me. I went and greeted Jeni. I was relieved to see her wings and limbs doing so well. Marpe examined Jeni more closely and said she was ready to have the supports taken away. Marpe said to Jeni, “I see you have used your wings. How much flying have you actually done?”

Jeni bowed her head as she smiled. “You are not in trouble with me. It was to be expected being a faerie that you would try. I am glad that it looks like you were very careful.” Jeni lifted her head and was truly happy.

We made our way to a room where there was a table. Marpe prepared to make sure she was clean and ready to help Jeni. She had me wash up as well. She placed her hands in a solution and had a bowl of the solution nearby Jeni on a small tray.

Jeni was first on her stomach as Marpe worked on the back of the wings. It looked like Marpe was shooting the solution under the glued stems causing the glue to liquefy and come loose. Her small fingers continue to move under, loosen and lift the binding off of Jeni’s wings.

Marpe knows I am anxious to help, but she said, “Be patient there will be another time.”

It took over an hour for Marge to do the back of the wings. They let Jeni sit up and she enjoys the increased freedom of movement.

Jeni asked while Marpe had stepped out, “Do you still want to help in removing the bandages you set for my wings to heal?”

“Yes, but Marpe indicated I have to wait. However, that might be.” I didn’t hide my disappointment.

I was quiet when Marpe came back, but Jeni spoke up, “Couldn’t you give Isy the opportunity to remove some of my bindings? She was the one good enough to set them, this can’t be any harder than that.”

Marpe had two smooth chunks of wood, brought in. “Isy see those dried mounds of sap on the boards. Use some solution on them and use heat from your fingertips to remove them.”

I didn’t know I could emit heat from the tips, but I was sure it couldn’t be too difficult. I placed my hands flat and pointed as I saw with Marpe. It took time and even added effort, but the first nodule of dried sap finally lifted. The nurse wiped the spot and there on the wood was a burnt spot. Marpe asked, “What if that burnt a hole in Jeni’s wing, how would you heal it?”

I said, “That shouldn’t be the issue. I need to perfect that procedure before I do it on any patient.”

Marpe insisted we move to another room that was sterile. This time I watched more intently as Marpe freed the front of the wings from their bindings. This part took even longer because of the slight inward curvature of the wings.

I did notice that Marpe’s fingers were slightly above the wings and it was only one fingertip that I saw electricity jump from. I mentioned what I saw and Marpe said, “If I was disabled I might have tried to instruct you through the procedure if it were necessary. But I would still worry about the outcome and decide not to risk it. A mistake on a friend could have scarred your gift for life. Both her possibly being hurt, or scarring your gifts would have been too great a price to pay.”

As Marpe finished the procedure, she complimented: “Isy, you did a very good job in healing Jeni’s wings and arms. You can be very proud of that.”

I said, “You have a ‘but’ to say, please say it.”

She waited until we were alone before she said anything more to me. “It is your arrogance and ignorance again and I will not tolerate it when you are working with me or still in your training. You used Jeni’s sympathy for your gain that is behavior unacceptable for a faerie or a healer.”

Marpe hugged me, and I was confused as the words and actions were not congruent. She explained, “You are only sixteen as a being and barely a few weeks as a faerie. Princess Ayala is bringing you along well, but you are an infant as a fae. It would be like you trying this as a being of only three. That you did as much as you did excites us about you.”

She bared her left breast to me and asked me to suck from her as she pulled me to her breast. I knew to suck and not question her. My teeth felt like soft tissue and I tasted her milk. I had closed my eyes and when I opened them. I was finishing on her left breast. A blanket was put over me and I slept. It was seven when I woke.

I felt my teeth and could not understand what happened.

I was asked by Jeni to go and fly with her. It was good to see how well she was flying. We flitted from one flower where she ate some pollen and another where she drank some of the nectar. I asked, “Wouldn’t it be easier to drink more of the nectar of a flower than to go drinking from other flowers?”

The flower will last a day or two longer and produce more if we conserve at each flower. There are exceptions that you will learn in time. Jeni pounced on me as we entered one blossom. I became excited and what I learned was my clitoris became hard and grew. I got so excited that a secretion came from it.

Jeni said, “Another thing about faes in a rare instance two faeries like us. It is possible for one of us to impregnate the other. You have been a male being would more likely impregnate the natural female. …If you would sleep with someone who believes in us, you could do the same. Though no one in that world would believe it.”

I was sent to shower without Jeni being with me. Princess Ayala had us sleep in the same bed, but we knew it was as sisters.

Saturday and Sunday, Princess Ayala took time with me as my mother. I was waiting for her to indicate how much longer I needed to be with her. I was learning volumes of knowledge and experience. I was now accepting there was much more to learn. My spirit gained a sense of peace. Time was becoming less important.

“Before I send you back Erin; I want to encourage you to take your time in your relationships, especially with Heather who believes in us and Jeff. They have a relationship with each other that I want you to be considerate of. I know you have affections for both. As a young fae, your body and feelings can more easily well up with strong passion. As a being your body and emotions at a similar stage.”

“If it were most others I wouldn’t let go of you yet, but I know where you are in your development. You need more time as a human being right now. Both you and your Mother have grown more than I ever imagined in a short time. Her love for you is much more mature than it was. She loves you enough now to hold you responsible. You have matured to become more loving and responsible.

“You will surprise yourself with the wisdom you have learned as a fae. Even as a being you will always be a fae forever inside. Your life will be as a fae being. Hopefully, you will spend some time with us twice a month in your world’s time.”

“But I am not ready to leave,” I said, “I have so much more to learn.”

She said, “That is why you need to leave now and learn some as a being. If not now, you would have more trouble balancing the two worlds in your life. You cannot work through your relationships with Heather, Jeff and others from here. You need firsthand experience in growing there.”

I ask, “But which one do you want me to fall in love with? You know me better, that I know me. You probably know which one I will fall in love with and if it will last.”

Mother Ayala said, “You are baiting me like a child that I might answer your question. I do not know these things. They are yet to be determined by you. Life is a journey to be lived, not a place or any one decision.”

“Would you like to go back to your human family as Aaron and be a boy again, or to be Erin and remain as a human girl? …You will continue as Isy here.”

I asked, “What you’re talking about, are you talking about sometime soon?”

The Princess glows with a warm smile and the edge of a giggle, “Yes, I am ready to send you onto your new life now. But I am giving you the option of being Aaron or Erin.” I look at my Mom and I can see the rich aura glowing from her. It is the essence of her beauty that I’m seeing more than ever before. When I give her a hug I can feel that I within that glow, it tingles down into my bones.

I said, “I am wanting to continue as Erin. I am growing so much as her and it feels like that is who I always should have been.”

Mother Ayala said, “There will be a 2-3 week time I will have you as Aaron again when your school is out of session. It will be to give you the opportunity to live as Aaron again to make sure the choice as Erin is what you want and should be.

Princess Ayala visited with Marpe and took care of other matters.

Jeni took me and we went flying. She showed me Heather’s home, as well as Micayla and two others that I had not heard of. One was that of a not so pleasant person, who blamed the fae for something that happened in the past. One of Jeni’s tasks was as an ambassador for the community. I was like an invisible presence in the room when they visited.

I heard a child in another room and went to look. I entered by the crack under the door. The child was probably two, maybe three. Though she could see me, she wasn’t hearing me. When she knew I tried talking to her she became frustrated.

Being a faerie made it easy to look into her ears. One ear had no membrane and the small bones looked dystrophy. I checked the left ear and it was encased in a yellowy wax. I could hardly scratch the wax it was packed so hard. I warmed my hands and used them to soften the wax so I could move my hand around the edges. It was a while before I had softened enough areas to allow me to pull out the wax.

The young child was more content being able to hear me.

I went back into the good ear to see the structure of the small bones behind the membrane and then went to the other. I was able to duplicate the appearance but the ligaments and two connections I did not know how to heal.

I made my way out to where Jeni was and got her attention. I told her of the child’s problem and what I did to help. Jeni did not even know there was a child. Jeni told Hilde she heard a child. It was then Hilde responded with fear and guilt. It took minutes before Jeni convinced her the child was okay, in fact, better.

Hilde’s love for the child became evident as she hugged and talked to her baby. Hilde turned to Jeni, “You have another who went and helped her didn’t you?” Jeni was not sure if it would be good news or not. Hilde said, “I am grateful and only wanting to know you helped me.”

Jeni called my name and I appeared. I was introduced to Hilde Moore. I told her, “One ear is not working and needs to be looked at. And the good ear had wax caked in front of the eardrum and sound could not get through.”

Hilde said, “But I cleaned her ears as my Mama showed me with cue-tips.” She was alarmed when we told her that way often packed the wax further back and blocked sound from getting to it.

Jeni told me, “Hilde must be suffering from something called postpartum depression. She needs to get a doctor’s help. The normal anxieties should have been over a long time ago. She also is seeing a pediatrician for her daughter.”

“I think Marpe can be of some help as well; especially if an appointment is further out.” Jeni is open to that but thinks this is an emergency and should qualify her to get in immediately.

Jeni talks to Hilde who starts weeping. I can’t get in because I don’t have insurance, and I couldn’t get online to apply for relief. Jeni brightens up, “I know where a treasure is in her back yard.”

“Yeah, someone stole money, buried it here and forgot where she left it.”

“Almost correct,” Jeni said, “A British payroll was robbed between the battle at Montclair and before another at Monmouth. Two bags were emptied and buried under the base of a young tree. Now hush.”

“Hilde do you have those coins I gave you last fall? I tell you they are worth hundreds of your dollars,” Jeni said to Hilde, “And I know there are more.” Hilde brightens up saying she still had them. Then she became despondent again.

Hilde said, “My Mom told me I was a loser. That your coin was a tarnished button and worthless. That the treasure is no more real than you are.”

I asked, “Is that why you are angry with Jeni because you quit believing Jeni’s a Faerie?” I pinched Hilde, “Was that your imagination or are we faeries? If you get the coins, I will look for a silver cleaner.”

Jeni helped push Hilde up, and Hilde says, “Off of the kitchen there is a closet with cleaning supplies. It should be there.”

She found the three coins wrapped in a handkerchief. I found the silver polish with an old rag next to it. She used a bristle brush to help scrub the coins with the cleaner. Not the best way, but it got two showing silver rather quickly.

Hilde smiled, “I need to clean up and get my child to an emergency room. I don’t want them thinking I’m crazy. Or that I neglected Clarice. She needs help and I don’t want her to lose me when I’m becoming healthy.” The shower is running as we wash Clarice in a deep sink.

Hilde took her Clarice to the emergency room in New Brunswick. She was right they would not look at her child without proof of insurance or her Medicaid card which she did not own. Jeni was on her shoulder saying, “Tell this woman to ask for Bradley Rodgers in finance he can approve using these coins and he knows their value better than you do.”

Hilde asked nicely, holding her bubbling temper. “I request that you ask Mr. Bradley Rodgers in your finance department if these are acceptable.”

She then saw a police officer. “Sir while I am waiting here to have my baby helped can you get someone to watch my house so it isn’t robbed.” The officer looked at Hilde and suspected she was crazy. That would last until Mr. Rodgers came and checked the coins.

Mr. Rodgers came, quickly saying the hospital didn’t usually accept coins. When he saw the first coin he requested a magnifying glass. And asked, “Do you know what these are?”

She replied, “They’re British, they were robbed from their army. They should be very valuable.”

“Yes, they are, more so, if your story is true and we can verify it. Don’t let the British government claim the treasure. They lost the coins, and they lost the war. They would be considered forfeited by the British and not yet in the American Army’s possession. They should be yours.”

Rodgers turned to the person registering the child. “Give her a paper saying she has given them in lieu of payment. We will owe her both coins when she can make payment. …Hurry and get a doctor, not a resident to see the child and her mother.”

He looks at the officer nearby, “Are you here to guard her?”

“No, she asked me to get someone to guard her home. I thought she was crazy, but I’ll get on it right away.”

The first doctor asked for a pediatrician specialist. Dr. Marcy Childs came and in checking Clarice said, “This is peculiar, you know your child is presently deaf in this ear.”

Hilde said, “The other ear had been blocked by wax, but is now clean.”

Dr. Marcy asked, “Can you tell me who cleaned this ear and reset the bones in the other ear?”

Hilde said, “Do you believe in things you can see?”

Marcy said, “I’ve seen several things I couldn’t explain. I am open to hearing about this one. You couldn’t get in to be seen before, so I’m open. I will even close the door.”

“Please close the door,” Hilde asked? …Now does your imagination to believe in good fairies.”

Marcy said, “I love good folklore, but I haven’t seen any nor friends who claimed they did.”

“But you are open to believing?” Hilde said, “Relax and look at my shoulder.”

“Wow! That has to be my imagination.” She looked again and couldn’t see Jeni though she was there.

I said, “Can you hear me, I’m on your left shoulder.”

Marcy asked, “Are you the same one or are there two of you?”

“There’s two of us but you now need to focus on Clarice and her mother. You won’t be able to see us until you’re done.”

We became invisible with the exception of Clarice. I left the room and it was decided I would fly back home to Ayala. Where I informed Ayala, Marpe, and Marie about where Jeni was.

Ayala, “I insist you go home and trust us to go help Jeni and the Moores. Let’s see if you can trust and obey for once.

I couldn’t get them out of my mind, but I knew I could trust Ayala and Marpe to help. I knew I had to pass this test, as hard as it was for me.

I hugged and said my goodbyes. I wanted to hug and kiss Jeni but knew I couldn’t. I was ready to fly back home and become Erin again. Princess Ayala came to me and I bowed to her. “Daughter, this journey is done and there will be others. We will get word to you about Hilde and Clarice.”

My Mom, Dad, and Josie were all surprised when I came home all bubbly and glad to see them. My Dad just thought it was a change from the Erin he saw yesterday and this morning. Mom and Josie thought I would have been kept longer by Princess Ayala. I told them for Dad’s sake that Marpe met some friends she is staying longer with.

My call to Heather was met with mixed emotions. She said, “You need to warn me when you’re gone. I thought you were shunning me; maybe even stopping our friendship. I do have good news for you though. Jeff waited to ask you a question after school on Friday, but he didn’t see you. I am pretty sure he wants to ask you to the prom in two weeks.”

“Two weeks, what was he thinking? I thought he must have asked someone else. What girl can find a good prom dress and make all the arrangements in two weeks,” I rhetorically asked?”

I said to Heather, “I’m surprised, you’re not upset he’s asking me. I think it’s only fair you know that I think he’s special too.”

Heather said, “I hope that doesn’t mean you’re not going. Scott Harden already asked me three weeks ago. That was before I told you how much I really liked you. Truth is, I’m not sure of who I am and I don’t want to come out until I do.

“If you go, I can help you look for a gown and I’m sure I can get you into my salon with me. In some ways being girlfriends is more fun. We can have fun paling around or take time for just the two of us if we want.”

“I haven’t been asked and I’d have to ask my parents’ permission before we can make plans. Being friends, I don’t have to ask about it. Though I am sure my mother knows I’m attracted to you as well.”

Heather looked at me strangely, then she mentioned. “It’s nice that you’re getting passed being shy. But you didn’t worry about your parents before, what gives?”

“I want to become a nurse or doctor, so I thought I’d need my folks to help. I hurt someone and got grounded a while back. Someone has helped me see things differently. I’m not sure but it may be that difference that has us each seeing the other with new eyes.”

I could tell by Heather’s reaction that it somehow held some truth for us.

My Mother called to us, “Why don’t you girls go out shopping or something? Have either of you talked to Micayla lately?”

Heather said, “That sounds good Mrs. TeraNova, what would you say if our boyfriends wanted to take us out tonight.”

My mother said, “Do you think you can talk them into that Heather?” My mom giggle.

“Yes, but I already think you know a woman can make them think it’s their idea.”

Mom says, “Erin, I have forty dollars here for you two. That means some goes to Heather, now get out of here.” I grabbed my purse which had at least twenty dollars in it. Heather told me to put on another skirt to impress others.

Heather turns to me, “We're going to stop at Jeff’s but I’ll make it look like I’m stopping to talk to my Aunt Donna. She’ll know what I’m doing and she won’t tell her son. Susanne has a skirt I’ve been meaning to borrow. My Aunt knows I can wear it.”

I was getting a quick education on a girl’s passive-aggressive style of doing things. Heather said it was misdirection. Jeff had just gotten home and came out of his room. "Erin, you stay out here while I look for Suzanne’s skirt and change into it. …Cousin, do you think you can do me a favor and keep her company?”

Jeff said sure but Heather was already gone. It took three minutes of silence and polite hellos before Jeff said he missed me yesterday. “I hope it’s not too late, but I was wondering if you’d be willing to go to the Prom with me. Yesterday was the last day I could get the early rate for two tickets. I bought them hoping you would go with me.”

I got up and walked two steps away before I turned around. “You know Jeffery Law, a girl needs more time than you’re giving me? I wanted to go with you, but it’s been frustrating waiting for you to ask. I hope you’re not going to take me and then go walking off with your basketball friends.”

“Heather and I are going window shopping. It would be good if you and Scott decided something so we didn’t have to sit home tonight.”

Heather comes back out, sporting a pretty skirt, but it looks new nothing that Susan might discard. Heather said, “Aunt Donna said, they bought this for me.”

I said, “I remember. I tried to find one in a petite size. It is really attractive on you, I’m jealous.” I told her, “Jeff asked me to the Prom.”

Heather said, “The way he’s looking, I gather you are teasing him and haven’t answered yes. It serves him right, but we need to go.”

I stepped over to Jeff got on my tiptoes to give him a kiss, “Yes, you know I wanted only to go with you.”

Jeff lifted me up, whispered in my ears. “I got jealous a while back when you went off the school property for lunch with someone else. I was afraid you changed.” I had tears in my eyes and he knew I was sorry.

He said, “One of the cheerleaders told me, I should wait and be careful.”

I said, “Next time, you should talk to me and not Candace unless you want to take her out.” Jeff was surprised that I guessed it was Candy. I kept quiet and let him wonder how I knew.

I called my mother and told her about the Prom invitation and asked permission to look at prom dresses.

“Erin, please just look, I will go with you to look after Church. Your big sister will be finished her semester and home from college, please wait.”

"I know mom, I’ve just become a girl, but my ego is bent out of shape as I’ve always been in Ann’s shadow. She and Susan had been close friends and that was why I knew Jeff so well. I was also angry because Ann had gone away to college.”

Heather was taking me up on the highway to Women’s Special Days, where she bought her gown which was being altered. Heather said, “You know your little growth spurt is going to make a nice difference in your selection.”

“I don’t like you teasing me Heather; you know I’m sensitive about being small.”

“No, I’m serious. What are you now a good five three and a half?”

We might have argued right there, but my sister Ann was calling on my phone. I answered quite sharply, “Sis, what do you want?” I quickly apologiozed. “I’m sorry, let me take a deep breath.” I did and counted up to five.

Ann said, “Is it safe now? I just wanted to call and say you don’t have to wait for me. I know how it feels to choose your own dress. I don’t have your slender figure, so I’m not sure what help I could be.” She said, “If you’re still looking and don’t mind my coming tomorrow. I’d be happy to go looking with you.”

Heather speaks so Ann can hear. “Please tell your sister that her growth spurt will increase her selection to choose from?”

Ann said, “I haven’t seen her since Thanksgiving. She was still under five two then. Mom said she’s filled out a little and is probably at least five three now. So yes, I guess she’ll have more choices. Jeff waiting so long to ask her. I can understand her worry, about the selection being down, but there are so few who can wear her size. I think she’ll find some nice gowns still to choose from.”

We were in the store and as I walked past a mirror. I felt so faerie dust land on me and looked up to catch a glimpse of Jeni leaving. “Yes, Ayala, thank you.”

Heather found her saleslady and asked about her gown. I asked for the area I should look in. Monica said, “Let me get Heather’s gown so she can try it on. And then I will help you.”

My body was getting excited, just being there. A salesgirl, Tammi came over to me asking,
“Can I help you until Monica gets back?”

With the faerie dust and believing Princess Ayala had once again blessed me, I was out of my funk and felt like I was actually sparkling like a faerie. Tammi asked, “How about we just go over here and I will show you several styles of prom dresses?”

We were still in sight of where I was to wait for Heather when I spotted a light pink chiffon dress. It was two sizes too big, but the salesgirl said it could be altered. She encouraged me to try it on. It was an invite in my thinking to dive in and to begin the prom dress experience.

We went back and I saw Heather down to her panties and bra as they lowered her gown over her. “Wow! Heather, you are beautiful!” I stood there frozen as they buttoned the back of her gown and she stepped into some stilettos.

I went into a changing area and while I liked the blue chiffon dress, and it was beautiful. It was not the right dress for me. It was on when I stepped out of the changing area. I saw Heather and I knew. You could tell by Heather’s smile and how the gown and she glowed together. She had found her gown. I had not.

I watched as Heather went out into the store and stood in front of the three-way mirror.

Monica asked me, “And how do you like that gown?”

“I’ll be honest, it is a pretty gown, but it is not for me.”

Monica said, “I agree, but that is a good step in finding the right one. As I said before I will help you.”

Monica must have known that I had the gown off. She knocked and asked, “Would you mind if I took your measurements while you’re down to your panty and bra?”

She took my measurements, and while still looking at me. She said, “I see you’ve outgrown your ‘A’ cup bra. You will look darling when we find the correct gown for you.”

We spent over ninety minutes looking at so many choices that I lost track of the number. I had tried on three of them. While I delighted trying on each beautiful dress, I wasn’t any closer to finding what I wanted.

There was a pink gown with a full satin skirt and white silvery lace and satin around the top. The gown intrigued me like it was calling my name. It was close to the wedding gowns so I was sure it had to be a bridesmaid dress.

Heather saw me stare at it once too often and asked if I liked it. I told her what I thought and she giggled, “I wonder if that is why no one has chosen it.” She said, “I would have tried it on, but they said they only had this one in the petite selection.”

Monica came over to us and realized which dress we were talking about. She said, “If you’d like to try on that dress I would be very pleased to help you. It’s a beautiful dress, we all thought it would be gone by now. Maybe some little faeries have been watching over it; to keep it just for you.”

I looked around and said, “No, I don’t think so (no faeries). But I would love to try it on.”

Monica had a quizzical look, wondering about my first statement. She said, “Luckily while that’s the size three and the size one is back here a ways from that one.”

I said, “But aren’t they bridesmaid dresses?”

“O my no! They’re much too expensive and are so pretty they would compete against the Bride’s gown for attention.” She found and brought the smaller gown to the changing rooms.

Monica said, “There was a 00 size as well, so I brought both of them.” Heather and she both encouraged me to try on the smaller one. Monica said I needed to take off my bra since it was not correct for this dress.

Heather said as we all helped to slip it down my body, “Remember, you don’t have your hair fixed properly nor your makeup done.” With nothing but my panty on, I probably felt every sensation possible as it rippled down over me. I only hoped I wasn’t smiling too much. The design of the dress had a slender satin shelf on which my breasts were resting.

Monica was buttoning up the back and I was watching in a full-length mirror. It was like watching something coming into full focus. It was getting more fantastic with every two buttons. I noticed there was just enough satin and lace strategically set to cover my nipples. “O my,” I sighed, kind of nervous as well as excited…

I had seen the price tag of $479.00, but I was already thinking there had to be away. Monica said, “I tried telling you it’s your lucky day. You will be the first to see it at the new price of $339.90 and we will move them further into the specialty area so people don’t make the same mistake you did.”

“Hm, that’s more affordable, but with shoes, stockings, a strapless bra and new panties; not to mention the salon, pictures, and flowers.”

Heather said, “You forgot a little clutch purse, and maybe a wrap.”

Monica said, “I think your parents will be wanting to make that happen for you once your mother sees you in the gown.”

My mother! I forgot and handed my smartphone to Heather, “Please take some pictures. I need to call my mother to see if she can come and see it.”

Heather brushed out my hair and then took the pictures. I couldn’t believe it was true that I found it. But I could only access Aaron’s memory and $339.00 was unbelievable to my thinking. Mom’s phone rang a third time and I was frustrated and then I heard a reply. “Ma TerraNova's answering service.” I knew it was Ann as Josie is usually nice about it.

“Ann, I need to talk to Mom! Quick get her the phone. I found the most fantastic dress!”

Ann says, “Can you give Heather the phone so we can see?”

“Ann! It’s Mom that I want and it’s her phone please get her for me.” Heather took my phone, turned it toward me.

She spoke into the phone, “So isn’t that the most beautiful dress. It’s to die for.”

We heard Ann now in the background, “Nobody’s dying over a silly dress no matter how beautiful it is.” That was Mom’s voice. She said, “Ask the lady if you can have it put aside until tomorrow after church?”

“Mom,” I said desperately, “It’s now going on sale. I’m afraid it won’t be there?”

Monica says, “We would ask for a $150 deposit to hold it. We could hold it but she says she doesn’t have enough money.” I heard the silence on the other end of the phone, and I knew mother was putting on an attitude…

Story to be continued…

Aaron, Erin TeraNova - Isy is her faerie name
Christine TeraNova – mother
Ann, Joselyn TeraNova– Sisters
Jeff Law – Aaron’s best friend; Erin’s boyfriend
Heather Young
Donna Law – his mother
Susan Law Jeff’s bigger sister and friend Debra
Princess Ayala
Marie, Jeni - Faeries
Shiloh, Jordi
Grandmother Nora
4X Great Grandmother Bear
Great Grandma’s Journal – Nature’s remedies
Steward and two goons
Henry Drew
Teddy Bruno and his friend Bob

=^_^=

I was so sure that my Mom was having one of her fits, that Heather said, “What’s your problem? Your mother said, something about Ann coming.”

It took a while for Heather to convince me to call my mother back. Then I either got a busy signal or the call didn’t go through. Once, I got through, but all I heard was my mother talking to Ann and Josie. I heard my Mom said, “Why should I, she hung up on me.” Then Ann said, “I saw that dress in Chicago it was…” And she was cut off by Josie, “She's not used to being a girl…” And the phone cut out.

=^_^=

All the while I was half trying to listen and half trying to convince Monica. “I want to get it, but I need to talk my mother into paying for part of it.”

Monica told me, “I’m sorry, I can talk to you after you’re out of the dress. I don’t want you stressing out and perspiring in that gown.”

I was back in the changing room, taking off the gown saying, “You need to assure me that you will keep the dress until tomorrow so I can talk my mother into it.”

Monica said, “You would need to give a security deposit like I told your mother. I think it would be safe until tomorrow if you’ll be the first here asking for it.”

Veronica, the owner, said to Monica, “You know, I put those petite gowns online at the new price and I think we already have one buyer.” I began to cry on the other side of the door and Veronica asked Monica about me.

Monica said, “She’s a very anxious girl, who just finished trying on one of those dresses. She’s frustrated, thinking her mom won’t allow her to get it.”

=^_^=

I was out of the changing area and trying to figure out how I could afford the deposit. My eyes were red and my mascara had run from all my crying. Then I heard Josie say, “Man! Erin, you look worse than a scarecrow. What happened to you?”

It hadn’t dawned on me yet that Josie couldn’t be there unless someone brought her. “I found this beautiful gown and I tried calling mom but she was having one of her fits. I’ll die if I have to settle for something less.” Josie handed me a tissue and as I looked up to take it, and then I saw my mother.

Mom backed up as I got ready to hug her. Ann took control of the tissues and cleaning my face.

I said “Mom, they already have a buyer for my gown, you should have been here. But it’s not too late!”

Mom saw Monica shaking her head, ‘yes’. Mother said, “May we see this gown?”

“Most certainly you have a precious daughter, but she’s so anxious. This must be her first prom.”

Mom joked, “You wouldn’t believe it seeing her now, but just a few short weeks ago she acted much more like a boy.”

Monica brought out the gown and hung it up on a post to show it off. Ann’s face lit up, “O my, it’s more precious than in the picture. Erin needs to put it on and show us, how beautiful it is on her.” Josie stepped in between me and the gown. “You need to wash and make sure no mascara, makeup or tears are on your face or hands.”

=^_^=

I went running as I as nervously needed to find the restroom. But when I found a restroom it was small and near the boys changing area, but there was no women’s restroom. A salesperson there said, “Dear, our restroom is near the courtesy counter.” She saw I was frustrated and asked me to follow her.

Once to the sinks, I opened my purse as I looked into the mirror. I was confused about what to do as Aaron and Erin’s thoughts were swimming in my brain like an old stew.

Speaking aloud to myself, I said, “O my, can I repair that.” …A voice next to me, said, “A little nervous are we. Tell me, I’m getting fitted for my wedding gown.” There next to me was the most beautiful young bride to be.

I was staring at her, when she giggled and said, “I’m Caroline, let me help you. It won’t be that hard to fix.” I showed her my makeup. She said, “Good at least you have good makeup with you.” She picked up the mascara and looked at it closely, “But oops, who chose this mascara for you? That was your problem.”

I confessed I had taken that one instead of what was suggested at the time. She was fixing my makeup as another woman came into the restroom. “There you are, Caroline. I should have guessed you found someone to help.” Then the woman said, “Aha, Caroline, you might have just bumped into the answer to your other problem.” Caroline stood back looked at her friend and then looked back at me. “Hmm.”

Caroline asked me, “Are you doing anything important right now?”

Then it dawned on me that I had people waiting. “I’m sorry, but I need to get back to my mom and hope I can get my prom dress.” I was quickly out the door and back over to my dress and family.

=^_^=

Mom said, “Slow down, and don’t be so nervous. It is a beautiful gown.” I interrupted and said, “But… but what?” I was certain she was going to say something negative. Mom said, “Where’s the patience Ayala taught you?”

I paused, took a deep breath and tried to relax, and waited for my mother to speak.

Mother said, “Heather said, you were going to raid your bank account? I’m glad you're willing to pay for part of it. But we did buy your sister’s first gown, even most of her second gown.”

Ann says, “You have nice taste little sis, though it’s expensive. I like your style. I just wish I was your size.” She said, “Did you see that slit in the satin skirt underneath? It’s under the lace mesh.”

I said, “It barely opens up, what good is it. That’s the only bad thing about the skirt.”

“Silly,” says Ann, “it’s like that until you buy it and say you want it open. They cut the threads holding it together down there. There are two bows that button or unbutton as you’d want. It shows plenty and teases a boy. His imagination, not his hands run away with him.”

Monica speaks up, “If you’re serious about buying it we should go over to the bridal area to try it on. This dress will beg for the attention of the seamstress over there.”

=^_^=

We walk into that changing area and there is Caroline up on one of the platform areas with someone pinning her gown. I am mesmerized as the gown is as preciously beautiful as is Caroline. The Seamstress is about to pull the curtain closed, but Caroline begins to speak. “Erin, did you come to find out what my question is?”

“O hi, Caroline, your dress is awesome. I’m sorry I ran off and thanks for your help.”

Mom says, “She must be the reason you came back looking so good. Thank you, Caroline, I’m Mrs. TeraNova. It seems you met Erin.”

Caroline says, “I know who you are. Ann and I were a year apart in school. But I thought you had a son as well as the younger daughter that must be Joselyn.”

Caroline’s mother said, “You’re mistaken, there’s only ever been the three girls.” Caroline looks at Ann and then me and before we can recover. She already knows something has gone on.

I turn to go with Monica to go to the other end of the area. I hear Ann say to Mom, “I bet I know why her mind wasn’t changed.” I am soon down to my panty and up on the alteration platform as they help me with my gown. I turn to see Caroline at the other end watching me. She steps off her stool and down from the platform, making her way over to us.

She’s there and she stops, “Could I speak to Erin and Ann alone please?”

=^_^=

She says, “I don’t know what’s going on, you are most definitely a girl? But you two knew what I was talking about, what gives?”

Ann says, “You wouldn’t believe what I’d tell you if I could.”

Caroline says, “I was going to ask a favor; Erin would be ideal. But I’ll live with my problem. I can’t afford a secret where my wedding's concerned.”

I looked at Caroline through my faerie eyes and I saw Caroline aura it was the same as Joselyn’s and I could feel the sorrow of her heart. It was too much for me. I looked at Ann and shrugged my shoulders. Ann shook her head ‘no’, but then she wasn’t certain.

I said, “Caroline, you know my sister said you wouldn’t believe it? How big is your imagination?”

She smiled at me, “Try me, I’ll keep it to myself if it is unbelievable. I know you’re too young for a sex change. Are you going to tell me that thin Aaron was a tomboy?”

I said, “Would you believe me if I told you a Princess Faerie changed me?”

Caroline had a giggle to herself, when she said. “I bet there isn’t any proof you can give me?” With that, I loosened my shoulders to make sure my wings were unencumbered by anything. Then I stretched my wings and allowed their color brighten. Caroline and Ann were both impressed. “Okay, I believe though I know that wasn’t real.”

Caroline said, “My favor that I was… want to ask you is? Would you fill in as a bridesmaid? My fiancée has a man Scotty who’s extremely short and very sensitive about it. He’s in the wedding party, I had someone lined up to pair with him, but she got indignant when she heard he was only eighteen. The wedding is the weekend after Independence Day.”

Ann says, “Good, I’m sure if he was a college guy my mother would have said, ‘No’.”

Caroline asked, “Ann can you come with me and give me the contact information. I need to get this finished.” They begin to step away from me, Caroline turns around, “Is this okay Erin?” She paused until I said, “Yes, I’d be delighted to.”

Mom, Josie, Monica, Heather, and my seamstress came back. Mom said, “What was all that about, that you kept us waiting.”

Luckily Mom’s eyes caught on me and the gown. “My precious Erin, you are breathtaking in that beautiful gown. I’m not sure if you or the gown is prettier.” When I bowed in a curtsey to my Mom. I saw her eyes catch, on my cleavage. “O my, Erin you’re blossoming. Are you ready for that?” She shakes her head, “I’m not sure I am.”

“Mom, there’s tooling over my breasts. I think it is in very good taste.”

Josie joins in the teasing, “I’ll have to see if Jeni has been shrinking dust. They don’t look exactly petite showing like that.”

Mom asked, “Is there any way to attach a piece of the lace along the top of the tooling?”

Patricia the seamstress answered, “Yes, as she said there’s a long piece of lace that can be used with the gown. There’s more that could be added but I think that more would take away from the gown.”

I said, “The lacework is beautiful I could go along with that.” I’m shown the package of lace. It has small, delicate roses that one can tell is an accent made to go with the gown.

Ann came back and she was beaming, “Erin and I have a wedding to be in on the tenth of July.”

=^_^=

The Prom dress was purchased and Mom paid for a strapless bra and satin panty that was in a low riding boy shorts style.

Everyone was ready to leave when Caroline’s mother came asking, “If she’s not to worn out, could Erin stay and try on her bridesmaid gown?” I am sure there will need to be some alterations with not much time to get it done. I’d appreciate your help.”

My Mom looks at me and sees my anxious spirit. “Yes, I think she’s at the age she can’t get too tired trying on beautiful gowns.” Needless to say, I went over to Caroline and the seamstress showed me the gown I was to wear.

The Seamstress said, “Please take of your clothes. I am finished with Caroline for now. We need to see how much work there will be in fitting this gown for you to wear.” I had undressed and Patricia had brought over a strapless bra. “I see you have a nice tush as well as ample breasts. I hope you don’t mind that I will be touching you, but the gowns look best fitting snuggly.”

I said, “Thanks for the warning, I think I can handle what you need to do.” My bridesmaid dress is a light mint green. It has peekaboo sides which surprised me. Since the rest of the bride’s party are college age and fit; the design makes sense. I do make a mental note not to mention it to my mother. I won’t lie, I’ll just leave that part out.

“Caroline, while I like the idea of helping you; I'd seeing what the groomsman looks like. I need to tell you that my prom date is my boyfriend. I like the idea of doing another woman a favor.”

Caroline said, “That is so precious of you. Scotty is as nice as he’s good looking. I think you will enjoy being in the wedding opposite of him. I guess you’ll have to suffer through being coupled with a handsome young man for the reception.”

“I think you will enjoy being part of the sisterhood of my friends.” I looked up to see Heather’s expression, and Caroline saw me. Caroline said, “We’re not taking your love away from you. But Like you, Erin needs to continue to develop friendships and experience more in life. You’ll each be mean to each other if you don’t suffocate one another.”

I was continuing to be fitted. I saw that Caroline and Heather were talking and Heather’s smile had returned. Finally, the fitting was complete. I needed to be careful in taking off the gown as there were pins close to sticking me. I would also need to come back to try it after the seamstress finished the alterations.

Caroline gave me a hug and some air kisses. She had already called an aunt to give Heather and me a ride home.

=^_^=

I spent part of the time in Ann’s room as she unpacked from college. She asked if she would ever see any of the real faeries, to which I stood looking serious and tried showing off my wings again. Then I heard a small voice in my ear, it was Jeni. “No, you can’t just go around showing you’re a fae to everyone. That would be much too chancy and it isn’t our way.”

Ann said, “I know you’ve been changed and Mom even says it was by the faeries. But there should be more to show for that.”

I said, “Maybe by seeing all what I need to learn and mature to you will come to believe. There was a faerie just talking to me, but somehow you weren’t able to see her.”

“I thought you looked like you were listening to someone, was that a faerie time?”

I said, “You’re catching on, now if you would only believe.” Ann was too much into the university scene to believe in faeries no matter how many things pointed that way.

I spent the next few days working on school reports and going to class. There were a bunch of quizzes to see what we needed yet to study and learn before the big exams. One afternoon was spent watching Jeff play baseball, the next day I was cheering on Heather running track. She ran a 100, 200-meter dashes and another two relays. I thought, 'No wonder she’s so slim and her boobs diminish during track season.'

Heather wanted to miss the cutoff for the conference and state meets, but that would hurt her team as well. I went as a helper to both meets. And the State Meet was the two days before the prom, I let the other me go while I went to meet with Princess Ayala.

I could tell Princess Ayala was welcoming me as my mother. “Isy, come here daughter, it is so good to see that you are doing so well. Jeni said you look absolutely beautiful in your gown. And I fully agree!”

I asked, “Did Jeni have a camera and take pictures that I knew nothing about?”

Princess Ayala said, “No, do you think a mother can let go of a daughter and not want to see her for me? I will not seek to intrude upon Christine’s realm as your mother but I do take pride and interest in you.”

“Just one point of concern? You have a girlfriend and a boyfriend there and also accepted to help be another person’s escort in a wedding and the reception to follow. I think you are taking on too much. Until you decide permanently whether you’re going to continue as Erin or Aaron, your mind is cluttered with the two realities. You need to remember deep down inside you are a faerie and have a responsibility for how you handle yourself.

“Even I have a higher responsibility than that of mother to you. That could mean bringing you back into this realm forever. But your destiny is to live and grow where you are.”

=^_^=

“Enough of that Erin, it is good to see you’re back.”

Mr. Hancock saw my head jerk as I regained my conscience mind there. “Ms. TeraNova are you back with us? Now, what do you think of Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Night’s Dream?”

“Well, I think it catches the faerie spirit as well as a human being's imagination. I think it is in the limit of human mind imagine on our own terms instead of believing what we'd wish to believe?”

Mr. Hancock had mixed feeling about what I had said. “Well it sounds like you were truly listening, but you seem to discount Mendelssohn’s music.”

“Oh, no sir, he is a great composer whose music has gained immortality. Faeries love the music of nature from sunbeams and raindrops to breezes so faint humans can’t hear them to storms so violent that the roar scares us. They don’t like those storms any better than us, but I’m told they’ll weather those storms for a baby bunny or a bird that survived being blown out of its nest.”

“Very good Ms. TeraNova, but we need to proceed with class.” The fact was, I had the last word as the class bell rang.

=^_^=

I called Heather to hear how she had done at the State Track Meet. Coach Dawn Miles answered, “I’m glad you called almost as much as you staying at school and not being here. What would you like to know?”

“Coach Dawn, can I talk to Heather?”

Coach says, “I’d rather you didn’t; she has been so focused and is having a great meet. She took third in the 100-meter dash. She stepped up after Claudine didn’t place in her semi-final run. They also got bumped out of the lane in the 100x400 relay. Your Heather was a big help in getting first in the 200x800 relay. Claudine and Heather were our last two runners. They made up needed distance with speed. Heather caught her last competitor with 50 meters to go and won the race going away. …Did you know she didn’t want to be running the relays? Someone said she did it for the team.”

The 200-meter dash has been moved to one of the girls’ last races. Heather is one of the top three runners in the finals, but the media hasn’t heard of her. …Don’t worry Erin I’ll let her know you called and are thinking of her. She said someone named Jeni rubbed a kink out of her calf muscle. …Sorry, I have to go the race is about to start.”

I had thought of making a mad dash as Isy, but too many people were around, plus I knew it did not rank as an emergency.

Nine o’clock turned to ten o’clock but I was still there to meet Heather’s bus arriving back, but I had a predicament as Jeff came to be here for me waiting for Heather…

To be continued…

Here I am getting ready for my first Prom: having a fabulously beautiful gown, having my hair and makeup done at a salon, with others knowing a little of how fantastic this is for me. I was awake by six though I didn’t need to be at the salon until 9:00 a.m.

Ann came home from college to see me get ready and dressed for the Prom. Josie with Jeni on her shoulder is delighted to watch me. I feared Jeni would be jealous; then I remembered Jeni was taught by Princess Ayala, and I relaxed. Jeni loved me as another faerie and in my present form. She also knew I could and needed to love another. She and Josie were enjoying me as I got ready for the day.

Jeni even got to go with me to the salon, though others wouldn’t be able to see her. Mom had driven me to the salon to get before and after pictures. She was a bit annoyed by the sparkle of light on my shoulder when she took her pictures. The beautician experienced the same until I asked Jeni’s help. There was now a dimple on my left cheek where Jeni had kissed me.

I enjoyed watching the beautician comb out my shampooed hair. She trimmed areas, rolled hair up in various rollers, and pinned everything in its place. There were a dozen highlights that looked to be woven into my hair. I loved the look.

I was sitting under a dryer for about five minutes when Heather, with her hair in rollers, came and sat next to me with her hair under a dryer. She showed me the hairstyle she had chosen and I showed her mine. I was surprised how I was able to hear and follow our conversation.

We both saw when Drew a boy from our school came into the salon to have his hair done. Jeni whispered, “Do what you can so that she might have a good experience at the Prom.” I quickly knew this was one of the purposes for which I was here. I could hear Drew speaking to a beautician and soon understood he had kept his last name of Palmer but introduced herself as Darcey Palmer.

Drew had long hair and people were used to that and his fine features, but this was the first time I knew him to be out as a girl. When he looked over and saw us, he became a little anxious until I winked and smiled.

I turned to Heather and said, “We need to go over and say hello before we leave. She needs to know she’ll have friends at the Prom.”

Heather asked, “Do you think it will make a difference?”

“Yes, for her and us. Hopefully, she already has friends who will be there for her. When it’s a change she wants, I’m sure it is a big change that needs to go well.”

Heather asked, “Does that go for you and the change you’re going through?”

“Most definitely.”

It just so happened Darcey was in a chair next to me. And as I went back to my chair, I patted my hand over hers on an armrest. Darcey looked up and I saw the sparkle of a tear in her right eye as we looked at each other. I had never noticed how delicate and slim her hand was.

She whispered, “I couldn’t believe it when Bradley invited me as his date. I had gone to the LGBT Club but I felt like the odd person out when I said I was transgender and not gay. It was two weeks after that I stopped going that he approached me and we became friends.”

I was surprised by all that I learned during our time there. It made the time pass quickly. Darcey was the first to compliment me on my hair as the beautician pronounced she was done.

Darcey was now ready to go to the dryers as I headed to have my hands manicured and my feet pedicured.

I was now immersed in the full salon process and enjoying it all. Tami visited with me as she did my fingers and toes. I remarked how ugly my feet were and Tami said, “That’s not a surprise a girl would say that. With your toenails smartly done and stockings, you’ll be delighted with how they look. You are a very attractive young woman. Jeff should be happy to take you to the prom.”

I was back with Tami and she was now working on my makeup. Upon finishing my makeup there was an extra sparkle around my eyes. Tami said, “I don’t understand, but there’s a sparkle there that I didn’t intend. It looks very nice and sets your eyes off, but it’s not exactly what you requested. If you would like to have the color without that let me know and I will change it.”

I saw Jeni sitting on Tami’s shoulder shaking her head ‘no’. Then I looked closer at my finished eyes. There was that glimmer I was used to seeing with the faeries.

I said, “We’ll just chalk it up to some faerie liking me. I’ll keep it, thanks.”

I looked over to see Drew, no I mean Darcie’s transformation. “O my Darcey, you are so pretty. Brad should be very happy to take you to the prom.”

She looked up at me and her voice was very much that of another girl when she spoke. “I like that voice too. Will you be capable of keeping it like that all night?”

Darcie said, “Yes, once I get it back I can. I do appreciate you speaking to me and making me feel welcome.”

I said, “Of course, you’re one of us.” I asked, “Is this how you see yourself?”

She said, “Yes, ever since I can remember. There was my cousin Meg that I remember when I was about four. She was so beautiful and I thought she was a princess and I curtsy to her. That was the first time I told people I wanted to be a girl when I grew up…” Darcey did most of the talking and I could relate as being new to being a girl was new to me too.

Tami interrupted me; she had a small bag of goodies for me, including the lip gloss and touch-up makeup kit I was using. Mom had come to give me a ride home; she took a few pictures for my memory book.

Mom drove me to her friend Charlene, who had an area made up like a photo studio. She showed me pictures of others she had photographed. “Here I think you might be interested in this one.” I looked at the picture, actually three pictures. One of Caroline Rhoodes and my sister Ann. That was three years ago, and I remembered seeing Caroline but never knew her name. “Wow, those photos were a little daring weren’t they.”

Charlene said, “It isn’t unusual for a girl to want to have a picture like this. I am sure they are put away in a safe place. I hear your petite size got you into Caroline’s wedding party. I hear you look like a little vixen. She says you’re a little fox.”

I remember playing around a little when I had the bridesmaid dress sized for me. Mrs. Beth Rhoodes had wondered aloud if I would enjoy being around Caroline’s college friends.

Well, we went on to take our photos. Mom had brought my gown with her. This time I had to step into the gown as we did not want to chance to hurt my hairdo. I first put on a shaper that gave me added curves. I had to shimmy my hips as the gown came up and was drawn in as they buttoned up the dress. Looking in the mirror I was pleased. Gone was the innocent 15-year-old who looked younger. I appeared to be at least seventeen.

Mom teased me, “We’ll have some things to do when we get home. You look too much like an older girl.” I didn’t know she was teasing and I was ready to argue.

“Relax Erin, I know I can trust you and Jeff.” I had known Jeff as another boy so I wasn’t sure about him. Playing varsity basketball, I knew he matured in some differing ways from the rest of my friends.

It was fun, getting so many pictures taken and my mom visiting with Charlene. I got to meet her son Gage. I was flattered that he stayed around to watch my pictures being taken. I heard Charlene talk to him. He would be a senior at his school next year. The way he looked I wasn’t sure he might have been college age.

Pictures finished, I was out of my dress and on our way home. Mom stopped and the local pharmacy to get me some feminine things I might need. I waited in the car as Mom quickly went in.

Tiffany, Rose, and Nan saw me and came to the car and talked to me. I hadn’t taken off the shapewear and had put on a skimpy skater dress. Tiff giggled when she saw me. “Look, nice little Erin might be going to the Prom as a heartbreaking hottie.” We talked and it was nice to hear I was being taken seriously. Previously at best, I would be seen as someone’s ordinary friend.

They even joked with my mother about how attractive I was. Mom and I enjoyed our talk as we rode home.

Ann and Josie were at the house, they were to amuse me to help pass time for at least three hours. I couldn’t believe how Ann and Mom kept on me about making sure I would have gone to the bathroom before putting on my dress.

Ann told me a photo of Darcey and me, was out on the internet and had hundreds of likes already. Drew was a grade or two above me. While some thought he might be gay, Darcey is the first Trans girl known at our school.

Finally, it was time to start getting ready for the Prom. Jeff and two friends rented a limousine and I was the last to be picked up. Ann showed me one more time a handle to lift the skirt so the upper button on the slit up the left side could be undone.

The dress was even more magnificent at home than it was in the pictures. I had my parents and sisters enjoying it with me. It was the first time I was their focus. I wondered if I was always a girl or meant to be.

Jeff was coming up the walk to get me. His friend Rich had just wanted the chauffeur to beep the horn. I guess that is what Rich had done for his date. Jeff, I, and Justine had talked about it. Justine hoped Rich would mellow out some and give her the attention she deserved. I wish that she would get over that notion. Rich thought too much of himself. His actions were often excused as he was Jeff's friend and would be a teammate of Jeff’s next year.

Once in the house, Jeff held out his varsity letter for basketball. That was still a big thing in our school. I was very pleased. And I jumped to give him a big kiss, I heard Joselyn make the unsettling sound of “ewe”.

Ann said, “At least calm down so your makeup lasts through the promenade and the beginning of the prom.” That made sense. Previously Ann said, "You want to be sure the gown is intact halfway through the prom.

“It will be the other girls, who know how nice your gown and hair look.”

I felt a sensation around my legs and when I lifted my gown I could see my legs. I was again wearing the stockings Ayala had given me and this time the sensation stirred up more feelings.

Everything was now perfect, Mom and Dad took more pictures and we were on to the promenade.

I guess, if there were to be a problem, it would be better if it happened at the promenade instead of at the prom. We had made it near the door to be announced and go in. I saw a few couples ahead of us where Darcey was ready to be introduced and suddenly there was Teddy Bruno with a cup in his hand.

I could smell the putrid water in the cup so I used my power to slice a hole just below Teddy’s thumb. Everyone heard Teddy curse as the putrid water splattered back on him. I saw a towel and threw it down at his feet. Teddy would stink, but as soon as they escorted him out the stench went with him. I tugged Jeff’s hand and we were soon with Darcey and Bradley Myers.

Brad quickly assumed it was Jeff who was the hero. Jeff looked at me and back to them. He said, “We just want to make it known you have some friends here.” Jeff was a little uncomfortable with being hugged by a guy, being hugged by Brad I was sure he felt uncomfortable, but to Jeff’s credit, it wasn’t showing.

The fact that his friend Rich stayed back and cringed in disgust.
,
I looked at Darcey’s red and gold dress and thought it looked very fashionable on her. Her heels were at least 3” high, getting her close to Brad’s height. We had been introduced and were walking through those gathered to see us.

I looked forward to finding my family or Jeff’s when I sighted my other nemeses Steward and his goons. His mean look was aimed at Brad and Darcie. I asked Darce to wait and let us go first.

Jeff said, "Steward, Erin already caused Teddy Bruno to mess up. Being the jerk you are, you already missed being here with your former girlfriend.” Steward quickly lashed out intending to hit Jeff, but Jeff avoided the punch, not knowing I’d be hit.

The ‘thud’ was Steward’s fist hitting my left cheek, and I went off my feet, landing on my rear. My head was rattled but as Aaron, I’ve been hit worse. It took two punches from Jeff to floor Steward. Someone pushed Jeff away and checked on me. It was also to keep Jeff out of trouble.

I quickly asked if someone still had a tea bag in their drink and lotion with vitamin K in it. I wasn’t quite sure where each came from but I soon had them. Wrapping them in the delicate handkerchief my mother had bought me, I held them on my cheek as I stood up.

“Thanks, Jeff for defending me. Let’s make sure people take pictures of my right side.” Jeff wasn’t sure if I was serious or sarcastic because he had ducked from the first punch. It was another twenty feet before we came to my family.

“I guess, Josie was right. She said you were at least in one of the disturbances.” Jeff lifted two fingers.

He said, “But both boys fared worse than Erin. I’m afraid she will have a terrible shiner by the time we get to the prom.”

Suddenly there was the sound like one would hear in a fantasy and a faerie waving a wand. I saw a translucent sparkle falling over me. Josie lifted my hand off my cheek. Mom said. It looks like it isn’t as bad as was imagined…

To be continued…

Seeing Heather, I knew either with Jeff or her I would be distracted by thinking of the other. The best I could, I put Heather out of my mind, save that we were friends. I did like her gown and thought how wonderful she looked.

Jeff asked, “Should I take you home? I feel so bad you got hurt.” Then I saw a glimmer in his eye, as he brushed some of my hair to the side. A huge smile came to his face, “My, how beautiful you are,” Jeff said.

We both embraced into a warm comforting hug. I said, “If you won’t be ashamed of still taking me. I would love to go to the prom with you.”

We were driving off to go to the prom when a squad car with Teddy Bruno passed in front of us. I saw Teddy clearly, though his head was bowed down. There was an aura around him. It was the saddened spirit of a victim, which caused me to wonder, ‘a victim of what?’

I pushed the thought aside for tonight, but not out of my mind.

Tonight I was with Jeff and it was my Prom. During our first slow dance, I brushed up against him. He was not expecting me to arouse him like this. I gave a luscious kiss in the middle of the dance floor as the dance ended. We caught the eyes of many who were there.

The second dance was faster and upbeat. I wasn’t sure what I was doing, but we came to life on the dance floor. Some of the time I was moving off from what Jeff was doing. And when I drew close, Jeff became mesmerized in following me.

We could almost read the minds of those around us. Jeff said, “Erin, I just saw Mary and Rose looking at you. I think they’re wondering where this side of you came from.”

His other sister Sherry came up to us, “Thank you, Erin, because of you, I’m sure many of our boyfriends won’t be underdone by underclassmen.”

While the juniors and seniors were introduced, we visited the smorgasbord and got our dinner. We paid enough attention that we could vote on things like the best dressed, the king and queen.

Somehow, I knew Stan Mann was my selection for King, and his old girlfriend Valeri was my choice for Queen. Stansky and Cousin Monica Karr were by choice for best dressed. Since I could not vote for my own gown, I chose Joni’s, a royal blue that looked like glimmering silk. It was the most elegant gown I had ever seen and it had flowed around the dance floor like she and the gown were one.

Come to the end of the night, I knew I was now and forever a woman. I felt totally natural and comfortable as Erin.

Come morning, I woke up as I heard my father coming down the stairs to our rec room. What happened, I’d gone to bed upstairs in my room. I looked over and there was Jeff asleep and down to his undies next to me. I thought, ‘I’m dead.’

Dad saw me and said, “Shush, come upstairs before Jeff awakes.”

I followed him up, thinking I was in deep trouble. He said, “Your mother saw you half asleep walking down there with your old blanket. You were in your night clothes and your robe was wrapped tightly around you as it is now. …Mom said you kissed him on the cheek and fell asleep next to him.”

Mom came up and snuggled me from behind. “I even used your old blanket to wrap it around you to keep you warm. …So did you have a good time.”

I perked up and was fully awake. I turned to my mother and said, “It was the most wonderful time a person could have. And I know I want to be a girl forever!” Mom smiled and nodded toward my father.

He said, “And what other choice did you have being a boy, or were you going to become that puppy dog you always wanted?”

I thought ‘Oops.’ Mother said, “I understand.” Father shook his head and said, “I know it’s some girl thing that I’ll never understand.”

Teddy Bruno came to mind out of the clear blue, and I asked my Mom. “Mom, I saw Teddy Bruno last night as he was being taken away in a squad car.”

Dad jumped in and said, “And that surprised you, we heard you foiled his attempt to deface the Palmer girl?”

“No, it was his look as he was being taken away like there was more to his hurt.”

Mom said, “There was a time long ago. His mother said he came storming into his house crying. He told her that she ruined his day.”

I remembered, my memory was as Aaron, but now as Erin. I remembered my mom asking me. And I told her I seemingly had surprised Teddy someplace in the fields and woods behind our house. Later that day when I came back through the fields I looked for where Teddy might have been. All I found was girls’ clothes and a broken tube of lipstick. I wondered if he had a girl back there and what other direction she went running off in.

“Hmm, that was long ago. Why would he be holding onto something like that today against Darcie?” Suddenly I said aloud, “Wow!”

Mom said, “Did you think of something?” I said I would tell her later and she knew to wait until we were alone.

Changing the subject, my mother told me to call down to Jeff to wake up and get ready for breakfast. I did that and my dad laughed.

He said, “I hope Jeff remembers why he’s here and not at home.” Dad told me, “When you came home, I smelled some alcohol on you two. I stopped Jeff before he could drive away. Luckily he stopped as he was about to hit the mailbox. He came back in without a fuss once I told him I wouldn’t tell his parents.” Dad laughed again, “I only told his parents, they would have to ask him.”

“But Daddy, you said you wouldn’t.” I knew it was my father’s sense of justice.

I helped my Mom and Josie to fix breakfast until Jeff came upstairs. Mom saw I was distracted and told me to get out of the kitchen. I loosened my robe just a little as we sat in another room. It was loose enough for Jeff to have his hand and arm around me. His hand could barely reach around and touch my breast, but he could and did. We were both pleased, but his hand quickly made it back around whenever we heard anyone enter the room.

Once breakfast was ready we ate and soon after eating Jeff was having trouble staying awake. Our goodbye was sweet but didn’t come close to matching the night before. I too went to bed.

It was near noon that I woke again, better rested for the day. I talked with my mom and sisters about the prom. Telling how I enjoyed the night, but only some of what we did.

“There I was Mom with the boy that I love, and I didn’t do all that I wanted.” Mom and then Ann hugged me and Josie giggled, “Was that because Jeni was there?”

Then I asked for Joselyn to leave so I could talk more seriously. Ann thanked me for allowing her to stay.

“Mom, I want to talk about Teddy Bruno. I was thinking about the time you said Teddy went home mad at me. I seem to remember before then he and I were good friends.”

My Mom said, “Yes, he was. It was shocking as soon after that, he started to become a mean boy.”

I said, “Well that day when I saw him in the field near a wooded area. He popped up like out of nowhere and was angry with me. I hadn’t done anything but was just going to pick some wildflowers.”

“I was distracted when I picked the flowers, so when I got back to the area around where I saw him. I didn’t find anything but some girls’ clothes and a broken lipstick. But I didn’t see a girl nor the grass bent to indicate anyone ran another way.”

I said, “This is probably a ludicrous thought, but what’s the possibility that Teddy’s tough to hide that he’s not really as tough as he tries to appear?” We talked and it was Ann who said she still saw his soft, tender side, like when she saw him shopping. “The strange thing was one time I saw him in the boys’ section, but he was looking over to the girls’ section. I thought he was afraid to go there. …He said he wanted to get his girlfriend something, but was afraid he would look stupid if he went there.”

“Mom, I think I need to talk with Teddy, but I’m afraid to.” Mom said she was willing to be with me or we could just tell his mother.

“Mom, he and I are at the age we don’t really listen to parents, even when we say we do. I think it needs to be someone like me, who has been a friend.”

It was three o’clock when we went over to Teddy’s house. His mother was there and she said, “Teddy would be too as he’s grounded. And the police said they needed to talk to him before he went to juvenile court. My mother going there and talking to his mother was normal as they were friends. Ann being there was for when I’d be alone with Teddy.

He said he was angry and didn’t want to talk with me. That was before I said, “I know why that cup split open and spilled that putrid water back on you.” He looked at me wondering how I would know, but I had his attention.

He said, “Don’t try to be a ‘goodie girl’ with me. You don’t know anything.” Despite what he was thinking? He agreed we should get away from our moms to talk. He was even open to my sister being near us. As he said, “I’m not really going to be talking to you, so it doesn’t bother me if she’s there or not?”

We were seated across from each other in their living room. Then I said, “I see you have relaxed from yesterday and are wearing some comfortable clothes.”

Teddy quickly pulled at his collar and made sure his shirt was pulled down, and not showing anything. Then I said, “It’s the outline of your underpants and I saw your top with the small bow and lace at the top. I’m not sure but I think the socks are girls’ also.”

I anticipated Teddy trying to bolt out of there so I already started to stand. I held my hand out and said, “Don’t try to run away, it’s your house. I just want to understand and help you.”

“You just want to embarrass me and make things worse!” he yelled back. “I’m not a freak like Drew.”

I said, “I don’t think either of you is freaks. But I think you were angry at him because he wasn’t afraid to be Darcie.”

“That’s stupid. It doesn’t make any sense,” he said.

“It kind of does,” said Ann, “if you want to act like your nothing like that.”

I spoke up, “You were one of the nicest boys and wasn’t afraid to be around girls, but something changed. I think part of it goes back to when you and I were in the wooded fields west of my house.”

Teddy panicked, “The girl clothes you found weren’t mine.”

“I didn’t ever say I found clothes nor about a broken tube of lipstick.” I had remembered when Teddy went running by me that day. He had kept his arm up to stop me from fully seeing him. I said, “I have tried wearing boys’ clothes and I didn’t like how they felt or looked. I wouldn’t think it would be stupid of a boy to want to wear something better.”

Teddy had still been half standing up when he finally sat back down. “You’re telling me you don’t think I’m sick or disgusting wearing girls’ clothes like Drew?” He unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt.

I said, “No. And when Drew sees himself as Darcie he likes being her. Like Darcie, you could look nice as another girl. Poor Darcie, I don’t know how many years she was afraid to dress like that.”

He said, “Well, you now know it has been at least four years for me.” His face is in his hands and he’s beginning to cry. “I used to like playing with you and Michelle, because of how you dressed and looked so cute. You didn’t know, I wanted to be a girlfriend.”

I said, “When we were six and eight you were one of us, you even liked playing with us girls, win or lose. We weren’t the ones who hassled you and said you had to change. You weren’t afraid of what others said, or I would have spoken up.”

Teddy said, “But I was afraid, and you didn’t say anything. I became more and more scared until I was afraid of being beaten up and thought of as a sissy.”

I don’t know why I did it, but I started to unbutton Teddy’s shirt and then helped him take it off. The camisole was a soft delicate pink. I drew my hands back and imagined the pretty girl he could be.

Ann finally said what I was thinking, “That is very pretty, is there something you usually like to wear with it.”

Teddy nodded yes but then walked to his room.

We hoped he went to change, but we were more afraid he just had enough. Ann and I went to talk with our mothers’.

Ann said, “It seems like Erin knew what she was talking about. Teddy even seemed to listen, but I think it finally became too much for one day.”

His mother said, “Well, we finally agreed with the police that he needs some therapy to get over this behavior.”

I said, “But from what I read if he really sees himself as a girl, therapy to get over it isn’t what he needs. He needs a good counselor to help him to figure out how he truly sees himself.”

We had been talking for a while and the conversation had become constructive. When from behind me, Teddy came walking out. Ann nudged me. Teddy still had on the top but had on a sweater and a skirt to go with it. He had tried, but only partially successful at changing his hair.

Mrs. Bruno’s eyes popped open and her mouth wasn’t sure what it wanted to say. Teddy was becoming afraid and started to turn around; when she finally said, “Please don’t go, I am so proud of you. Come here, dear.” Ted’s a good bit taller than me, but one could see he was relaxed as a girl. She soon shared, “I’m Tracey and I can’t thank you or apologize enough. I was so sure everyone would think the worst of me.”

Seeing a makeup bag in her hands; we asked if she wanted some help or to do it herself.

That was when the doorbell rang. There was both Darcie and the police…

To be conintued...

Once Darcie saw me, she said, “I was going to thank you, but seeing you here with him, I’m not so sure.”

Mrs. Bruno said, “I’m not sure that I want you here.” She looked to the Police, “You didn’t say anything about bringing Drew.”

The Police said, “She’s not with us. She just came at the same time.”

Darcie had looked into the room and started to say, “Where’s Teddy, I came so we could talk face to…” Then she said, “Oh my, Teddy is that you?”

Instead of running as he wanted too, Teddy just bowed his head. Officer Roberts said, “Where is he? He sure better be here.”

Mrs. Bruno made introductions and asked us to stay for now. Officer Roberts, slow on the uptake, said, “Are you going to tell Teddy he needs to come and speak to us?”

I spoke, “Maybe you should go and come back and speak to the Brunos alone.”

Darcie said, “I just wanted to come and simply ask, ‘Why me?’ But now, I think I understand better than most. I used to be angry at someone too and they had nothing to do with my problem.”

It was the junior police officer who quietly who told Roberts, “Tracie is Teddy Bruno.”

They made a call to the police department to send Officer Dawn Hedricks. The two officers went outside to wait for her.

Tracie said, “Drew, I know it’s too late, but sometime in the future, I hope you can forgive me.”

Darcie asked, “How long have you been hiding from who you are?”

Tracie said, “You shouldn’t be upset with Erin. You were correct she had helped in stopping me at the school …She just came a while ago and she outed me. I’m Tracie or at least I want to be.” His mother stood a bit surprised but gave him a hug.

She said, “Darcie, I guess everything is our fault. We were in denial. I didn’t think this was really him. We pressured him to stop and thought it had. We thought his anger went with his change.”

Darcie turned to me, “How is it, Erin, that you happened to be there for me and now Tracie.”

I said, “I’m not sure. We used to be close friends and I wanted to try to reach him. I was as surprised about him as Tracie like I was when I saw you at the Salon. What’s the likelihood I would know two like you.”

I continued, “It did surprise me that you both thought it would gross people out.”

Darcie said, “Then you are in for a rude awakening like Tracie there. There are more than enough people to make things ugly for us. I have the scars and bruises to prove it. Don’t I Teddy?”

Teddy said, “I wasn’t the one who did it to you.”

Darcie barked back, even louder, “But you were there! And you were ready if Steward and his henchmen didn’t get it done. Weren’t you?”

Tracie fell back into a chair and began to cry. I heard Teddy moan, “Yes.”

While others turned their attention to Teddy/Tracie; Darcie and I walked to another part of the room. We were talking when the police knocked and let themselves back into the house.

Officer Dawn Taylor and arrive, looked over to Tracie and Darcie and said, “Can I talk to you two in the kitchen? The other officers get information from the rest.”

Darcie asked, “Could Erin be in with us; she knows us both.”

Dawn said, “Is this the same Erin who broke things up at the Prom? …I heard you were very helpful. But if you come back with us, I don’t want you talking for either of them. If you want to say something, I will decide when and I may cut you off. Do you understand?” I agreed.

She asked Tracie, “Is this something new. I thought you were going to hurt Darcie for looking like you do now? …Wait. First, let’s backtrack, do you acknowledge you interrupted Darcie’s introduction at the Prom and were set to ruin her gown?”

It was the shaky voice of a girl that answered, “Yes, and I’m awfully sorry Darcie. And that I made the prom less enjoyable for everyone. I guess I was really angry at myself and jealous of Darcie. I thought Darcie and I were sick for wanting to be girls. She at least had the courage to do it. She even looks like a girl.”

Dawn replied, “You’re correct, it doesn’t excuse what you’ve done. But I do understand, that denial is not unusual for someone with a gender identity problem. But this soon stinks of an attempt to circumvent your responsibility. Would you be willing to undergo some testing and counseling to determine what is really going on here?”

“Yes, I’m sure I need it,” Tracie said. I was surprised as Tracie seemed to be stronger and more certain of herself.

Darcie asked, “Officer Dawn, can I ask you a question?” Tracie said, “I kind of believe her. I know a lot of people in the LGBT community are in denial before we come out to others. It’s like we have to accept ourselves first which we resist. If Tracie really has come out, I don’t think I want charges pressed against Teddy.”

Officer Dawn said, “Even if you did not follow through with charges; there is still the school which likely will. The city attorney could do it even if neither of you did. There are people in town, who might insist on making an example of Teddy even more. I shouldn’t say it, because I don’t think that way, but there are people who would like to punish both of you for being different.”

I spoke up and Officer Dawn didn’t stop me. “I think that puts a lot of pressure on you, Officer Taylor. If this is going to be treated in a healthy manner, how well you do your report, will make a big difference. I would suspect even fellow officers wouldn’t be happy with you. …I’m sorry to say that because I think you are actually the type of officer who is needed right now.”

Officer Taylor said, “While I need to be objective. I will need to meet with each of you alone another time. Don’t worry Ms. TeraNova, I will do my job. It wouldn’t be the first time that it isn’t a popular task.”

She said, “Ms. TeraNova, we’ve met before and I did not see this strong character in you. I hope you are genuine as well. These two will need some students of character to stand with them. That’s if they’re to be accepted by a good portion of the students and community.”

Darcie and I were excused. Officer Dawn Taylor actually encouraged Darcie to go home. Which was what she would soon do.

Darcie and I did do a little girl talk and reminisced about the good things that happened at the Prom. She said, “I was surprised that anyone else would vote for both Stan Mann and it former girlfriend Valeri as King and Queen. It made for some awkward moments when they had to pose or dance together. But I thought it was a shame that they made it through most of high school, and then broke up two months before the Prom.”

I said, “I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re back together before graduation.” We also exchanged pictures of us in our prom gowns. I couldn’t believe as I almost asked if I could try on her gown.

Darcie went home and it wasn’t until Tracie came back out that people noticed Darcie had left. Ann helped me to finish Tracie’s makeup and hair, and we insisted that she ride around town with us.

She tried to resist, but soon knew it was a losing battle. She sat in the front passenger seat. One could tell, she enjoyed herself once she relaxed. People would wave and I was sure all they saw was three girls.

Later, we went home and Dad met us at the door, “Your friend Marpe came and asked if she could stay the night before she returns home.” Dad said, “I can’t argue about how intelligent she is; she knows a lot. But she’s more than a little eccentric. I heard her talking to imaginary little people; she called them faes. You guys can take over entertaining her while she’s up.”

It was actually helpful that he went to his own study and allowed us to be alone with Marpe. Marpe said, “Princess Ayala and I were talking. She was wondering if you knew it was your healing spirit that has helped Teddy come to see and accept himself.”

“I didn’t do anything; it was all Teddy’s doing,” I said.

Mom said, “I was wondering about that. But how did you and Princess Ayala know what happened?”

“We listened to the wind and saw all that happened.” Mom tried to correct Marpe, ‘You heard what happened.’ Marpe said, “No, the wind allowed us to see you as you were talking.”

I said, “Mom, my senses as a faerie aren’t that strong, but I think we should accept what she’s telling us.”

Marpe said, “And you, Isy. I mean Erin don’t need to go check with Ayala about what to say. You are the healer, not the Princess. Where she’s positioned in the community, doesn’t give her your gifts. This is why you are in this world. Your faerie mother would love to see you. There is still much she can teach you, but not in the healing realm. That is for you to learn.”

“I think, your friend Darcie sensed your healing spirit. I think she will be seeking to become a close friend again. That will be good, for she can help Tracie in ways you can’t. I know you were a boy who became a girl, but the dynamics are different.”
=^_^=~
I took a shower and tried to go to sleep, but my girly body had taken my attention. There I was lying in bed and I found my hands exploring my sensitive areas as a girl. Exploring, I better understood why I was excited during the prom when I was with Jeff. Ann with a soft giggle she asked, “And who were you enjoying just now?”

When I became defensive, she said, “Calm yourself, I understand full well. It is nice to see one of my younger sisters come into womanhood so we can talk. I think it is good for a woman to explore her body and come to know herself…

I liked having more sister moments and my own experiences, and not just using my memory.

Monday afternoon I wanted to go see Mother Ayala, but I got a request during school to go see Tracie Bruno after school was out. Mrs. Bruno met me outside as I got to their house. She said, “We had an initial consultation with a Psychologist today. She confirmed much of what you had already said. But she said you must have been guessing about what you told us.”

“Teddy… Tracie insisted you come as she’s sure you understand. …I just ask that you encourage her and let the counselor do the rest.”

I said, “If Tracie had some money we could go shopping. That would give us something to do. It would probably stop me from having to say much.”

“Teddy can use my car to get to some good stores, but Tracie better be careful in driving. She wouldn’t want to explain about using Teddy’s driver’s license.”

Tracie was quite anxious about going out shopping, but that soon gave way to a long-anticipated girl moment.

If everything went well, the following week it would be Tracie going back to school. A judge had agreed to a plea deal of three months of community service with an alternative of two years of juvenile detention should he/she fail in completing the agreement or getting into further trouble with the law.

I spoke up in Teddy’s defense, “Your honor this agreement was more severe than many other youths were given. I believe you have it within your discretion to make it less so.”

The judge reiterated, “Yes, and I have the power to set it aside and give a punishment that is more severe and appropriate in my view. I think we coddle people supposedly of a different disposition. Do I make myself clear Ms. TeraNova?”

When I became quiet and turning to go back to my seat; the judge got huffy. “Ms. TeraNova, the court asked a question of you. Before you go back to your seat, I want you to agree that I am most fair in approving this. I did after all have some input to the agreement.

I did not want to be in contempt of court for not answering nor did I want to be seen in agreement with the barbaric judge. “I agree you are within your ability to approve such a deal. I didn’t know a judge was usually involved in a deal he would be approving or not, but it is not the first time I am wrong. I certainly do not know the law as well as you. But I do not want it to be seen that I see you as you term it ‘most fair’ for I do not.”

I heard my mother and others in the court take a deep breath. “I hope you won’t hold it against Tracie my own opinion.”

The Judge said, “Note the name McDonald, Ms. TeraNova, you will not want to find yourself in my court. I would not be so kind to your attitude.”

Once out of the courthouse and riding home, my inhibitions became unfettered. “Mom, if this weekend or the next is free; I think I need some fae time.”

I was in my room when I transformed back to being Isy, and I began to fly. I was to Josie, telling her I would be gone. Then she surprised me. “You know Jeni told me, you could leave your spirit in the part of you that is still here.”

To be continued…

I was in my room when I transformed back to being Isy, and I began to fly. I flew to Josie, telling her I would be gone. Then she surprised me. “You know Jeni told me, you could leave part of your spirit in the part of you that is still here.”

I wasn’t quite sure I had the ability that Jeni indicated to Josie. I did, however, return to where I saw Erin and sprinkled some pink and red dust on that part of me. It wasn’t dust per se, but part of my spirit. I was flying away and I could hear Erin thinking. It was awesome and brought with it concern and joy.

I was in flight out to the faerie colony when Jeni met me, she was planning to see my sister but stopped to give me a warm greeting instead. I panicked and we were falling in flight. Jeni asked me to freeze and she held me as we glided onto an open flower. She gave me another big kiss as we rolled in the flower blossom. I had enjoyed the kiss and for some time we were lost in a whirl of emotions.

Jeni said, “I know you were going to see mother but she’ll still be there. I want you to come sometime and give me attention. Shiloh or Jordi would love to have my attention. You and I need more time together. I didn’t argue as I loved the moment we were having. I always was pained when flying away from Jeni and back to being Erin.

Then Erin’s memory kicked in and I became angry thinking about Tracie and how she was treated by Judge McDonald.

Jeni became frustrated with me, “That is what’s frustrating with loving a human size faerie! You need to grow up and learn when to deal with things and how to be in touch with the fae spirit within you. We might as well go to Princess Ayala.”

It was time to get there anyway as the approaching of dusk meant work for the faery community.

Princess Ayala was the one who first spotted me. She said, “Daughter, please come here and do not be worried. You are doing well, and your gifts are growing. It is early to know them in human terms, but I believe you can handle it.”

We visited, and I could feel worry melt away. I did not know what Erin was doing but I knew she was well. Mother Ayala had me lay down and she put flower petals over my eyes. It provided a calming fragrance, the diminishing of light, and an added touch of softness as she spoke to me, but without sound.

Once I sat up, but the small petals remained in place. I was given a buttercup blossom to drink from. I felt a yawn coming on as I laid back down. It was dawn when I woke up. Without thought, I was up and out through a tunnel until I found myself flying in the air.

Mom, Maria, and Jeni were there as well as Jordy and Shiloh. It was the first time I smelled a male faerie in heat. I knew it played on me a little and I did get excited. But to Jordy and Shiloh’s dismay, it became evident to them that Marie and other females further away were the only ones interested in them.

Mom was more interested in breakfast, showing me early fruit as well as blossoms that were good for us. Mint plants of various kinds grew wild as well as in flower beds. The mint flowers were delicate and edible and its leaf good for tea. Mother, Jeni and I were talking apart from the others. “I want you two to take time to be together today. Let us see if your love will continue to blossom.” I giggled and mother said, “You know so little of love and fae rubbings. It is you who will be more strongly wooed by Jeni. You will be amazed by what your clit holds for you. I have no worry that Jeni will be able in bringing you along.”

I could tell that my being was being heated by Jeni’s attention.

Mother changed the subject and we were soon flying away from Jeni. Mother said, “That’s not for right now. …You brought some worries from your other realm. Marpe rightly told you I am no healer, but my wisdom in that realm is not all healing is in the medical world. You became angry and frustrated with Judge McDonald, but you did not realize him as well as a relative of his, are in need of your healing power. Tracie’s healing is tied to them getting better.”

“Your world is focused too much on judgment, but you know my basic concerns there.”

I said, “What do you mean? Am I supposed to help that SOB?”

Ayala was immediately angry with me for cursing, “How dare you bring that language into the faerie realm?” Marie serving her brought seed of some kind and I was to bite into it.

“Yuck! That’s bitter and foul tasting.” I am told to continue eating it until it was fully eaten up. I was close to finishing when my belly began to rumble inside. There was no mercy, the Princess said, “It is bad enough when we hear humans talking like that. We don’t want it here. You will feel the whole purging of your fae being to help you remember. I had finished the seed, as my rumbling body experience cramping, and then the coming of diarrhea. I never knew something white could smell so foul and burn as it came out. It was well into the next morning before relief came. I would describe it more but there’s no point.

Marie came, as mother did not desire to talk to me today. There was nectar I drank and as it went down my throat relief came as it moved through my system.

Marie reminded me of my role as a healer was to be without prejudice and my wisdom was to overcome ignorance even when it is mine. “Isy, you are not supposed to allow someone to bring you down to their level. If you discover someone in the Judge’s family who is suffering, your wisdom might give you guidance. You may not have much time after you leave here. If your anger consumes you, it will only bring tragedy.”

That evening Jeni came and was wooing me again, and joy was at a new height. I couldn’t see ever leaving there; I loved Jeni so much. Her words did not translate into English as she asked me to share my life with her forever.

A few days later there was to be a celebration of our union. I could not fathom all the faes gathering; each day there were even more. I could not understand how people could not see this many. Come, our Union Day we traveled to a beautiful valley. Jeni was never so pretty nor was I. Our clothing closed around us as the union formally ended. Our wings and clothing meshed together and our bodies were bathed in warmth. In human terms, we were making love, but that seemed crude for what we were experiencing.

It took Jeni numerous times of loving me before I learned better to return or initiate our romancing. I didn’t know how many days had passed before it dawned on me; one or both of us could become pregnant.

I finally asked and Jeni said, “I conceived our first child two days ago.” She directed my head and ear to listen to her tummy.

When I said it had to be too early to hear anything she said, “You bring your time and human understanding too often into this realm. Our baby will have much more development in the time she is within me. Short by your standards while encompassing an eon’s measure of difference.”

I listened and could hear a soft sound, she and her mother talking. It was similar to a hummingbird’s cooing that one never hears under the flapping of wings.

I could hear our cocoon’s movement caused by a breeze. Jeni slit a side of the cocoon and pulled me out as the cocoon fell away. We fell into a grove of wildflowers blossoms. We had a feast for two as we merged back into the world. It was a moment before I realized Jeni’s wings and mine were more colorful and splendid than before.

Mother came and first greeted us, then took time with Jeni and the next day she told me I had to go back. Every nerve and tissue of my being screamed inside of me to stay, but Mother Ayala’s wisdom spoke like a gentle breeze flowing over a bubbling brook. My spirit was soon at ease. I expressed all I could in the way of love to Jeni. She with her new likeness was etched on my heart and mind.

Micayla, my friend at school who is like me, saw me and said congratulations twice over. I told her I heard she and Dialo are special friends. She said, “Yes, but I am not to be in union with him until after high school maybe even college. I am not sure if I will be going there or he here. The Princess may not appreciate it, but I might not want to wait.”

I asked her, “Is there anyone we know who is related to Judge Mc Donald?”

She said, “You shouldn’t seek to do anything against them, especially with any of you fae powers. I know several of his grandchildren, Ersa is our age but I won’t tell you more until you give me assurances.”

“I know what I can’t do, but somehow I may need to help her and in so doing help the Judge.”

Micayla became agitated, “You would seek to appease him through trying to change her would you?” She informed me that Ersa’s a lesbian and she was under a lot of pressure to change for her Grandfather. “He’s been more like a Godfather lording her and intimidating her friends. She has few who feel safe any longer to be with her.”

I asked, “Micayla if you were her what drastic measure might you take if you’re depressed enough?” I heard water off in the distance.

Micayla said, “Let’s fly!” We were soon back on the ground walking up to a Johnson home. “Robert and Jan are her parents.” We were walking up to the door when Mrs. Johnson opened the door and greeted us, “Micayla, it is nice to see you, but you’re late, Ersa went out walking an hour ago. You’re welcome to come in a wait until she comes back.”

I introduced myself and asked, “Do you know where she is likely to have gone to think?”

“Margo Park or the reservoir. The water reservoir is almost four miles, I don’t think she would have gone there.”

I asked, “She might be there; I have heard running water in my mind?” I knew the answer as I asked the question. I had seen the small falls when going past the reservoir on the highway. I began to run down the street to get out of sight to turn back so I could fly to the reservoir.

I saw Ersa up on the cliff near the falls. I landed so I was between Ersa and the water. It was not realistic that I climbed up the cliffside, but I did manage the last six feet. Ersa was surprised to see me. More so, when I introduce myself as a friend of Micayla.

She said, “Don’t stop me, if Micayla sent you, you can tell her you got here too late.”

I said, “But I didn’t, I’ve come to help you somehow. I’ll help you change your grandfather’s mind.” When I said it, I knew I should not have left a question if it were possible. Ersa mind was confused enough, though her facial expression looked peaceful. I said the water is cold and I don’t think you’ll be able to swim across.”

But her peace came from her already having made her decision to jump. She didn’t want to make it to the other side or any place she might get to if she changed her mind. She ran to my left and I was barely able to reach her as she jumped into the air. I latched on and jumped with her and I could only make my faerie size barely half her size. Flapping my wings as well as gliding, I could only reduce our impact. I saw three faeries fly away before Ersa could see them. Our clothes were torn by the fall and water. I could see she was angry with me as she felt a need to help make sure I got to the shore. But her left knee was wrenched or broken, I too was badly hurt. We got to the side as we saw the Johnsons riding up with sirens and lights soon behind them. A Mrs. Dooley who lived nearby reported seeing a girl jump.

Mrs. Dooley was soon there and came over to talk to me. “I’ve seen ones like you jump and kind of fly with them before. But I never got to talk to one of you.”

I smiled and said, “Can I talk to you in private after I help the girl?” She agreed. Ersa and I were taken to the same hospital to be admitted and attended to. I was in one triage area when I heard the boisterous Judge make his presence known like a bull in a china shop.

I was scantly covered as the doctor was checking me when Mc Donald threw aside my curtain to discover it wasn’t where his granddaughter was. He started to throw it back when it hit him that he recognized me. “You, what are you doing here? I should have known. I’ll take care of your ass later!” And he was gone.

Thankfully security had arrived and judge or not he was escorted from the emergency area. They were able to align my cracked bones and wrap and braced them for now. Ersa was a little worse off and needed a leg pinned and put into traction, both of us were being admitted to staying at least overnight.

Ersa asked, “Could she and I be put into a room together?” When they said it wasn’t necessary. She asked me and we both requested to be together.

I was there when Judge McDonald came into the room. He was much subdued, but became agitated when I said, “Your nonsense almost cost the life of your granddaughter.” He was ready to respond back, and I said, “No, don’t say anything just let your love out and tell her you care.”

Instantly, the judge became a blabbing crier, “Ersa please forgive me. I’m an old man and I can’t change.”

Ersa patted him on the head, “But Grandpa, you have too. It’s not fair whether it is me or another person, we are human. Your idea of therapy usually delays the suicide, it does not stop it. I became desperate because of you!”

She went on to visit with her parents as he continued to cry, too embarrassed to lift his head.

It was an hour before my parents got to my room. Needless to say, they were happy to see me but surprised that I was party to Ersa’s suicide attempt or rescue. Authorities were not satisfied with any possibility of what happened.

My father was not easily calmed down, while Mom wasn’t happy even with the notion that Isy had something to go with it. Josie was the only one who thought I did well. She would patiently wait for me or Jeni to tell her.

Ersa needed to talk to me that night, telling me about the scary month she had as her grandfather had become outright mean to her friends. How she losing friends sank into depression and finally planned her suicide.

My advice was to ask for her grandfather and get him to listen, and then tell him what she told me. I wrenched my shoulder to buy me one more night in the hospital when they would talk.

This time when Ersa visited with her grandfather he had some kind of epiphany and he was convicted in his heart of things he had done. He stayed on as a judge to right a few past sentences, and he verbally became an advocate for LGBT concerns.

When his religious friends turned on him asking him to justify his change. He said like Saul become Paul he had an epiphany that God’s judgment was against him not those of the LGBT community.

While the Judge wasn’t in danger of becoming a saint. His speaking could still be crude and he did not show compassion evenly. But stirred by another trying to push their weight around, he could be a formidable opponent. He did become a force for those open to listening to him.

Fortunately for me, Ersa was seen as the one responsible for her Grandfather’s change. I became a friend of Ersa’s along with Micayla and I found myself warming to the idea of lesbian relationships.

It was the next time I saw Susan Law and her friend Debra; when I felt a new tug on my emotions. Thankfully, Susan’s parents saw their relationship be back to that of best friends…

To be continued...

The three of us were up talking in Susan Law’s room, and when we sat on the floor Debra moved to put her legs and arms around me so I was nestled in her hug. Susan said, “Did you know that Deb was taken with you from the first time we went shopping?” She has my attention as I too had really liked Debra from the beginning.

Debra said, “My desire was to become friends and get acquainted with each other. But I wanted Susan to help us to get together. And I don’t want you to be jealous that Susan and I will continue as best friends.”

I was not only surprised to hear that, but that she and Susan were back to being best friends, not lovers was something I hoped for. Something in my memory said my love of girls went back earlier in my life. While the thoughts, feelings, and memories were telling me to slow down. What was now new and very present, were the feelings of my maturing body.

I now needed to get back to Ayala to help me sort things out. I was now wanting to get back to my faerie mother Ayala. She had said, ‘In time I would remember only one identity and my memory would be of that person. While I didn’t want to lose Aaron, I wanted Erin’s past life to essentially be my life. Memories of both were distracting.’

Micayla had already arrived at the point her past and present were essentially Micayla. She told me something I didn’t know about her. There was a friend she met through Ersa that she liked. She said, “I tend to be attracted to older guys who are more mature. He and I like fashion though not all the same. I like how to fit he feels to my touch, while he loves my eyes and that I’m soft and bring out his gentle qualities.”

“Mostly, what I’m wanting to communicate to you is your experience will be unique to you. Like how you said, ‘You just felt comfortable and loved in Debra’s arms. But you weren’t sure why you felt that about her and not Susan. And your attraction to Jeff was fading like a once close friendship.”

One of my joys was now when our younger cousins would come over. Young Tiffany, who was barely four, would pull my hand and we went down to our finished basement. She’d go to the closet that had our dolls neatly stored away. She handed me Stardust; she took Teaka; and had brought out Tulip another doll that was very girly.

Each of the dolls had decorative skirts that matched our dolls. Some time ago my mother had extended Stardust’s skirt so I could still fit it around me. Once we were ready she called out, “Ready!” That’s when her brother Toby came trotting down, he’s close to six. He not only played with Tulip but put on her tulip-like skirt. We’d play down there and our moms would bring down our lunch. We ate at the kids' table.

After lunch, it was cute as Aunt Mae put play makeup on her children. She had done Toby first and as she began Tiffany; my mom said, “Sit up Star and she made me up like a little girl. I was amazed by how much fun I was having. We played old board games like Chutes and Ladders, and Candyland. It was like I was getting a chance to be a little girl once more.

The next day Mom woke me early. She and I went walking in the field behind us and we arrived at the Faery Pond. We had on old sneakers and walked over to the island and waited for the faeries to find us. Mom kept looking for something or someone more and then Princess Ayala was soon there.

My Mom stepped behind me and hugged me and then said to Princess Ayala, “I think she is ready; I am sure she is Erin and would like to be so forever.”

I turned around and hugged her, “Thank you, Mommy.”

With that, I turned and decided to bow on one knee to Princess Ayala. But with a wave of her hand and a spoken fae word, there was a bed of flower petals behind me. I laid down upon it, and Ayala spoke again and I saw an array of pastel lights shower down upon me, as her arm moved back and forth over me. She spoke and waved her scepter over me once again with that a red glow rode over my body. There was an essence that I breathed in and it filled my lungs and then my whole being.

I briefly fell asleep, and when I awakened I knew I was different, but with the exception of a tingling sensation, I could not tell there was any difference. It was funny with me at full size; Jeni was helping me to get up on my feet. With a whisper barely audible to my hearing, she said, “Now you too can bear our child or another child in your ‘being’ world.”

Princess Ayala said, “Another time I will take you deeper into your world with us. But that cannot be shared with anyone from your other life.” When Jeni and I had come into the union I knew there was more but Jeni would only say later. I now wondered how much more there was that I did not yet know. I knew not if it was all spiritual or if it included a physical world how near or far or elaborate it was.

One indication of the difference was when I saw the faerie, Jordy. I knew he had been in a fight. His right wings and been weakened and were now fused together enabling him to fly, though not very well. I could smell fear permeating him. I flew to him, not realizing I changed size. I passed a hand between his wings. Jordy felt even more vulnerable until I rested my two hands where each wing connected to his body. Not only did I heal the wings, but stayed my hands there until the strength and ability matched what it should be. I also healed a memory as I saw a shadow over his spirit disappear.

Soon I was back next to my Mom and full size. Her eyes were not able to fully see what I had done for Jordy. On the way home she did comment, “I know you helped that one faerie, was it a fever or upset stomach. I didn’t understand why something that small needed special care.”

I knew there were things I needn’t try to explain. I was thankful to have a short time with Jeni before we left to come home.

We were walking across the pond when I noticed a reflection and I quickly looked up to see the person with the fairest complexion I had ever seen. But when I looked around she had disappeared before I could see her. I looked down and she was there again. I touched my hand to my cheek and so did she. Mother said, “Yes, your appearance has changed. You look more like a fair skinned version of Ann, though you are still petite. Your hair is a soft strawberry blonde and your eyes are crystal blue.”

“But Mother how am I going to explain the change?”

“If someone really needs to know to tell them you dyed your hair and are trying a new look.” She said, “You’re a girl and girls do it all the time. On the other hand, maybe their memory is now of you like this. Aren’t you eager to find out?”

“It’s beautiful mother.”

Mother interrupted me, “You’re not an ‘it’? You are a beautiful person. But being beautiful can be like a two edge sword. It can be as challenging as it can be helpful. Mother Ayala said, ‘You have a strength that belies your petite frame.’ Men who need you as a healer or in time as a surgeon may have trouble believing you can to help them.”

“It will be up to you to grow and mature into the person you’re going to be from here on.”

It was nice that school was over and that I had the summer ahead of me. It would be needed time to learn about being me. But there was also Caroline’s wedding that was soon coming.

Caroline invited me to her home the last weekend of June, with her wedding to be on July 10th. Hanna her Maid of Honor and Crystal another bridesmaid would be there.

Heather and Jeff were upset when they heard that Debra took me on a date. It took time to realize I was growing up and no longer responsible for pleasing everyone. Jeff would move on and Heather and I would later draw close and become special friends.

My first kiss on my date with Debra was like kissing warm honey. I sniffed at her hair and took in her essence. It may or may not be a forever relationship, but I knew we were seriously in love for now. Debra was a junior becoming a senior in high school so we would have the coming year to grow together.

The weekend had come to be with Caroline for the weekend. It started with Caroline and her mother picking me up for my final fitting. Mrs. Rhodes thanked me again for helping with her daughter’s wedding. Seeing my gown, she said, “I was sure, we were going to have to make adjustments in the wedding plans. There was no likelihood we would find someone as petite as her friend on short notice.”

“Then we were horrified to hear you were the one to save the judge’s granddaughter. That you aren’t in a cast or disfigured is a major miracle. Our loss would have been minor compared to your death or injury.” Mrs. Rhodes hugs me and emotions overcame her.

Caroline pulled me into the changing room and over to where I was supposed to try my gown on again. I was quickly down to my bra and panty. This time I am even to lose my bra and put on a corset. I will not have to squeeze my waist as much as the corset will help to pronounce my hips some more. The seamstress sees my bosom has grown and remarks. If I didn’t know better I’d have guessed you had surgery to make your babies noticeably bigger.”

The Maid of Honor (MoH) mumbled under her breath, “How does one know, she didn’t?”

I spoke up, “She didn’t see any bruising or surgery marks where they would have been inserted.” The seamstress smiled, “That’s right but I’m surprised you know that.”

I matter of factly said, “I intend to be a doctor when I grow up.”

Hanna the MoH said. “Does that mean you know why I am not feeling 100%?”

I said, “We’ll be lucky if no fewer than three of us will be experiencing our monthly visitor this weekend. …On the other side, it will be good to have them done before the wedding. That way we will be able to fully enjoy the wedding.”

I was hoping that I wouldn’t have to stay for the weekend with them. But I knew Caroline wanted me to become friends with all of her bridal party. I usually like children but not Caroline’s nephew Brock. He’s to be the ring bearer. I expected his sister Carmen the flower girl and she was nice. But I didn’t think Brock was needed; he definitely wasn’t fitting in.

I was tempted to give him a case of diarrhea but thought better of it.

I was bending over to help his sister Carmen when he tried to kick me in the rear. He was surprised when I was quick enough to catch his foot and pushed it higher. “Momma, she caused me to fall and hurt myself.”

I said, “Tell your mother that you were in the act of trying to kick me, while I was helping your sister.”

His mother said, “That’s enough, I am sending you over to Curt’s house to be with the men.”

Friday evening, Mr. Rhodes was cooking barbecue for us but complained he wasn’t feeling good. I didn’t want to be any hero or doomsday person but I knew there was more to his problem. “Mrs. Rhodes, is there someone here who’s a doctor or nursey and could look after Mr. Rhodes?”

Tamara a niece was there and was a nurse, training to become a physician’s assistant. Mr. Rhodes allowed her to check him once the food was done, but he didn’t like her advice to go to the emergency room right away. “Uncle Paul, it is better you go now. I am fairly sure this won’t wait until after the wedding.” When I stood with Tamara, Caroline became scared enough to encourage her father to cooperate.

We stayed at the house when Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes went with Tamara and her mother to the nearby hospital. They kept Mr. Rhodes at the hospital and if he was stable come the morning would have stents put into two very blocked heart arteries.

It did mean the salon trip in the morning was canceled, but come the afternoon they had three massage therapists come to the house. With a whirlpool near the pool and six massage tables set in a circle so we could face each other the afternoon and evening went amazingly well.

With Mr. Rhodes in the hospital, we were able to move around in the nude or short robes. The only males present were one baby and Jake their dog.

This was no longer out of my element, but it was new as I was maturing and allowed earlier than expected to join with older girls in a time like this.

It was moving to surround Carole and for her bridal party to see her tension melt away with the joyful tears celebrating her Dad now becoming well.

It was not until after midnight that I and found out that Deidre, was Caroline’s older brother now sister. Her Adam’s apple was diminished by surgery but still very noticeable until I finished looking at it. I needed to make sure it was something Deidre wanted as her husband was gay and might have preferred the flaw.

Caroline turned to me, “I’m glad Deidre being part of the wedding party doesn’t upset you.”

I said, “It’s like she says, her spirit has always been female. It is just nice to see that she’s now comfortable being herself.”

Sunday night we went out late for Caroline’s girls’ night out. While I didn’t drink, I was surprised to be taken to see the Billy Bob Boys perform. The other women were joking about how Caroline’s Curt would measure up to these guys. Caroline retorted, “He’ll only be performing for me, and I am well pleased with how he measures up.”

I was surprised how my breasts and lower region were aroused by the men, especially one Tony Q (quite) Public.

Things like Caroline’s wedding, the difference in Erin’s life as opposed to Aaron’s and in my junior year in high school; I became a candy-striper at the hospital. It both confirmed my love of medicine and gave me a head-start in things I needed to learn.

I was able to be there when Jeni gave birth to our first daughter. It was the next spring when Jeni made me pregnant and later that summer when I gave birth to Merth. I had stayed with the other faeries most weekends and all during the summer even after I had given birth. First nursing and then introducing Merth to nectar in a bottle helped me to mature as a mom but always made it hard when I came back to my regular world.

Merth at 12

Princess Ayala had been made Queen of our fae community and Merth was allowed to regularly be at her side. When she was seven she was made named Princess Merth by Ayala.

My being Mom meant Merth would be gifted as well and as I had become a doctor and Merth was a grown-up teenage faerie. I had a double profession of healing people with earth science as well as my normal M.D. practice of medicine. I didn’t change the world only our community and part of the surrounding counties.

It helped to reduce cancer and heart failure rate around us. Marpe who I had met long ago by this time said, “Erin, I believe this is why Princess Ayala was driven to raise you up as a faerie.”

Now Queen Ayala said, “Isy, I am so proud of how you are doing, especially as Erin. I hear you are back with Debra and hoping to marry. I need for you to know any child coming from your seed or your egg will be a faerie as well as a being. Are you comfortable raising someone like yourself? She or he would likely have another gift to grow into.

“If it is Debra you would marry I would allow you to enlighten her about you being a fae. I would bless and open her mind to receive the news. I had sought that with your father, but he was not receptive.”

“Oh thank you, dearest Mom. I was nervous about marrying her and asking you to allow me to tell her.”

“It is so hard to have colleagues who don’t accept problems with the environment and the ill health they cause. I didn’t want Debra as my wife, is we could not share mutually. That news will be very helpful as I go on.”

Queen Ayala said, “Come fifteen years from now you two will need to move so others won’t be aware of the slow progression of aging for Debra and you. She will be blessed to twice the age as normal.”

“Then come to the end of her life; I would like you to return and live with your family here.”

“Thank you, Queen Ayala, I look forward to that time as well as all of my days here.”

Aaron, Erin TeraNova, Isy
Christine – mother
Ann, Joselyn – Sisters
Jeff Law – Aaron’s best friend; Erin’s boyfriend
Heather Young
Donna Law – his mother
Susan Law Jeff’s bigger sister and friend Debra Burns
Princess Ayala
Marie, Jeni - Faeries
Shiloh, Jordi
Marpe
Grandmother Nora
4X Great Grandmother Bear
Great Grandma’s Journal – Nature’s remedies
Steward and two goons
Henry Drew
Teddy Bruno and his friend Bob
Caroline Rhodes
Hanna – MoH Crystal - Bridesmaid
Scotty – groomsman at Caroline’s wedding
Patricia
Monica
Drew/Darcie Palmer
Bradley
Ersa and her grandfather Judge McDonald