Return to Faerie

Chapter Two

The next morning, Layla lingered in bed for a while longer than she usually did. She felt calm and serene, like she was finally beginning to relax into vacation mode. The scent of toast, homemade strawberry jam and coffee wafted up from the kitchen, and she could hear her parents chatting quietly on the screened-in porch. After allowing herself a few more delicious minutes enjoying the feeling of the white linen sheets against her skin and the ocean air breezing through her window, Layla made her way downstairs, poured a coffee and joined her parents on the porch.

"Good morning, sleepy head," her Mom Suze said, looking up from her book. Her dad, Colin, was wearing his old tortoise shell glasses and reading the newspaper while chomping on a burnt slice of toast.

"Morning. What are you guys doing today?" Layla yawned.

"We thought we'd go to the North Shore and stop at the farmer's market along the way. Wanna come?"

"I think I'll stick around here," she said, hoping she would run into Jack again or at least get some alone time.

"Alright. There's some fresh bread in the kitchen and I made homemade jam," Suze smiled. "We're heading into town for lobster tonight."

"Thanks, mom," Layla stood up from the white wicker rocking chair and headed towards the kitchen before turning back towards the porch. "Hey, do you guys remember a kid named Jack? I ran into him on the beach last night."

Her parents exchanged thoughtful looks, but it was clear to Layla the name wasn't ringing any bells for them, either.

"I don't remember anyone named Jack, Layls," Colin said.

"Me neither."

"Yeah, just thought I'd ask."

"Be careful next time. You never know what kind of crazies are going to end up at the beach at night."

"Yeah, yeah."

After breakfast, Layla packed a bag with sunscreen, headphones, her book, water and a sandwich for later. She walked down to the beach, her flip-flops clicking on the dirt path, then unfolded her cot by the shoreline. Unlike last night, there were a few other stragglers sitting on the beach to enjoy the heat and sunshine. Layla waved at the elderly ladies sunning themselves by the rocks and smiled at a mother making a sand castle with her toddler. No Jack yet, she thought, disappointed.

After listening to Taylor Swift's new album in its entirety a couple more times and reading a few chapters of her book, Layla felt herself growing restless. She lifted the strap of her bikini to find a decent tan line, then packed everything up to head back to the cottage and shower before dinner.

Walking along the dirt road up to the shack, she carried her bag on one shoulder and the folded cot under her other arm. It wasn't heavy, but she struggled to get a firm grip on it as she walked.

"Need some help?" A male voice said from behind her.

She turned around to see Jack leaning up against a silver birch tree behind her, his arms crossed in front of his chest. He looked different in the daylight, as if all his features had come alive. He was also much taller than Layla had imagined. Even in the shade of the forest, Jack's blue eyes sparkled like two aquamarine jewels. His hair was the only feature that remained the same as it had appeared in the dark—pure, jet black.

"Oh, hi. I was wondering if I would run into you again," Layla smiled sheepishly.

Jack took the cot from under her arm gently and carried it in one hand as if it were a piece of paper. As he came close, Layla could smell the crispness of his fresh white t-shirt and the slightly salty scent of his skin.