On the Either Side of the Page

7. Faye

I could see bells and gifts all in multicoloured packaging and thousands of mini Santa’s and lolli-sticks hanging onto a huge Christmas tree. People had gathered around in warm and fancy clothes as the snow began falling slowly and slowly. I felt like I was in a movie. Slow jingles made their way to my ears as I found myself dancing to their beat. But then it hit me and I jerked open my eyes. So, it was all just a dream.

But when I remembered the most beautiful sound to my ear, my hands began searching frantically for the diary.

“Looking for this?” a voice strangely familiar, called me.

Ivy! She hadn’t gone back yet. And then I could see my diary in her hand and a bell in the other.

Dropping my smile, I glared at her, as she giggled infecting me with her pretty smile. She returned it to me, as she apologised.

“Sorry, Faye,” she said, taking a seat next to me in the same hospital that had become my home in a few days. No fights; no worries; no stress. Just the cool breeze that would sway by in the evening and the beautiful sunrise with all the birds chirping and playing with their young ones.

“You don’t wake up early so I made up this plan.”

And then it struck me even harder.

How did she know?

“You knew…?” I said, hoping to be understood. And she did get me.

“Yesterday night, I came with a few picture books to read with you. But you started crying so I decided to give you your space.” She took my hands in hers as she gave a warm smile. “And then the jingle caught my eye. I don’t know what or how that is, but one thing to be sure about it the happiness it gives you every time it rings.”

My lips curved up as a treacherous tear escaped my eyes. She knew. And that feeling gave me a whole new sense of freedom. Now, I could share with her the joy I had found trailing in snow and wishing for a friend. The happiness that Haya had blessed me with. I hugged her. Tight and to my heart's content, before I pulled away not wanting to dampen her denim jacket. I still wore my hospital uniform which was comfortable but I also did miss my style. My scarfs and my cardigans, my tights and the boots, that my mother had left me with. I didn’t know father had it all until one day I happened to stumble into a small closet. The scent reminded me of her, even though I didn’t remember her face. All I knew was she was an angel by heart.

“Faye,” she called me, dragging me out of my dreamy thoughts. “I know about your marriage.”

I hummed, not having any more courage to fight what seemed to be inevitable. My father, for the first time was ever, was demanding something of me, and I simply couldn’t deny, no matter how many times my heart protested against it.

“You’ll be discharged in a day or two. Let’s go away before that.” My eyes darted to hers, widened in shock.

I wanted to ask what she meant. Was it a ‘runaway' that she was suggesting of? And how would she make that possible? I arched an eyebrow expecting her to elaborate.

“Don’t worry.” She gave me an encouraging smile before resuming. “I want you to meet someone very special. Trust me, we’ll be back soon enough to not get caught. And besides, hospital allows you to go outside. So, what do you think?”

I trusted her. There was no doubt in it. But the only thing that concerned me was—

“Father?” I voiced it.

Shrugging her shoulders as she rolled her eyes, she spoke. “A Faye will always be a Faye.”

And we burst out laughing. We laughed until our stomachs hurt and we’re out of air, that we had to stop.

“Have a little freedom to yourself as well, dude. You’re freaking eighteen!”

She was right. I knew it’d be hard but I wanted to enjoy at least the last few moments of my independence. Of my delight. So, I said yes. And with that final consent, she crushed me into a hug, squeaking like a little mouse.

“Let’s go. The bus is in an hour.”

“Where to?”

“Oh, my bad. Town Z.”

Town Z had some of the most beautiful landscapes in the whole country. I had never been there but loved the way it was portrayed everywhere else. We called it ‘Teez' in short. After all, Natives have their ways.

The bus ride was silent but serene. I liked the calm it had to offer with only a handful of people going the same way. I admired the roads, the vibrant markets, the little grass that appeared on the side and all of the mundane things that for me were a bliss. For a change, we’d see the shapes in the clouds and mock each other. Exchange seats every now and then. And enjoy the overall trip.

It had been three hours straight and our stomachs had already started growling even after having lots and lots of snacks. We hopped off the bus and took a walk to a nearby lane. We stopped in front of an old house with faded colours but a much more colourful garden which had me believing that it alone was the thief of the house’s beauty.

Ivy opened the gate and knocked on the door with an ornate yet rusty door knocker. A few while later an old lady in a sky blue dress and a matching hat on her white curls opened the door, smiling gleefully as she greeted us with open arms.

“Greetings, Nana,” Ivy said.

“Your… grandmother?” I asked Ivy as she scratched the back of her neck.

“Sort of.” And then an umbrella made contact with her head, not too hard but enough to hiss and curse under her breath.

“This generation,” Nana said as she took my hand and led me in with Ivy following behind.

“Oh, I’m Faye,” I introduced myself as soon as I realised I had completely forgotten about it.

“I’m Lucinda. Call me Nana. And I was this brat’s governess and your mom’s midwife.”

I froze listening to the word 'mom'. She knew my mother? And was this why Ivy had brought me here? I looked over my shoulder at Ivy.

“Yes, that’s why we’re here,” she answered, as though she knew what I wondered about.

“Nana…a question please…” I said, trying not to embarrass myself, as she brought us to the living room and seated us on a comfortable sofa.

“Nana's favourite cookies first. You must be hungry and cold, sweety.” She went in to the kitchen before coming back with a tray loaded with chocolate cookies and two glasses of hot chocolate.

“So,” she continued, as I brought one to my mouth. “Have you brought your diary with you?”

I stopped in my tracks, staring at her in disbelief. I had it with me, for I thought I might miss a message but how did she knew? Ivy? I looked at her questioning.

“Don’t blame her, dear. Age knows a lot more than you think. I have something more important though.”

“What?” It escaped my mouth almost unknowingly.

“There’s a letter from your mother.”

~~~~~~~~~

Hello all! So we made to the seventh chapter of this book! <3

(P. S. : Your author's lucky number is 7) :')

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Love,
Avi