The morning air carried a crispness that felt almost familiar, but the scenery around me reminded me how far from home I truly was. Pipsqueak had been unusually chipper since we left the café, leading me through winding streets that grew progressively less pristine with every turn. The buildings here had a worn, almost tilted appearance, like they'd been standing for centuries without the benefit of a proper foundation. Cracks marred the cobblestones, and the paint on the storefronts was faded and peeling. Despite this, the streets bustled with life—vendors shouting their wares, children darting through the crowd, and creatures of all kinds milling about.
Pipsqueak bounded ahead of me, their excitement palpable. “Come on, Alex! We’re almost there.”
I followed, my eyes darting from one odd sight to another. A trio of dwarves haggled loudly with a towering troll at a fruit stand, their gruff voices blending into the cacophony of the market. Nearby, a group of fairies with luminescent wings flitted about, their laughter like the tinkling of tiny bells. Everywhere I looked, there was something—or someone—straight out of a fantasy novel. It was overwhelming, to say the least.
Finally, we reached a sprawling harbor area. The salty scent of the sea mingled with the aroma of fresh bread and spices from nearby food stalls. Massive ships with sails that shimmered in the twilight were docked, their hulls gleaming like polished gems. The sight was both majestic and daunting.
“This way!” Pipsqueak called, gesturing toward a large lot that stood apart from the more crowded sections of the harbor. In the middle of the lot was a three-story building that had clearly seen better days. The exterior was weathered, the wooden panels warped and the windows clouded with grime. It looked like it had been abandoned for years.
I raised an eyebrow. “This is it?”
Pipsqueak beamed, completely unfazed by my skepticism. “Yep! This is the place.”
They led me toward the front door, their excitement unabated. “While you were down with that fever, I went ahead and made the purchase. Spent the money you’d earned, but trust me, it’s totally worth it!”
I stared at them, incredulous. “You bought this?”
“Yup! Come on, wait till you see the inside.”
Reluctantly, I followed them through the creaky front door, bracing myself for the worst. But as soon as I stepped inside, my jaw dropped.
The interior was nothing like the exterior. The first floor had been completely gutted and transformed into a whimsical, almost otherworldly café. The walls were painted in soft pastel hues of blue, pink, and white, with hints of rose gold accents. Flower-shaped chairs surrounded tables designed to look like open blossoms, their delicate petals forming intricate patterns. The ceiling was adorned with hanging planters overflowing with vibrant greenery and cascading blooms, creating a serene, garden-like atmosphere.
“Wow,” I breathed, taking it all in. “This is… incredible.”
Pipsqueak grinned, clearly pleased with my reaction. “Told ya! It’s still a work in progress, but the first floor’s ready. The second and third floors will take more time and money, but once they’re done, this place is gonna be legendary.”
They walked me through the space, pointing out various features with the enthusiasm of a child showing off a new toy. “Just imagine! Princes and princesses will flock here. It’ll be the most magical café in all of Storybook Brooke!”
“Storybook Brooke?” I echoed, the name ringing faintly familiar.
“Yeah! That’s where we are. Not many humans come here, let alone to Rainbow Opal Island, but you’re gonna make this place famous.”
I nodded, half-listening as my eyes roamed the café. Behind the counter, a small kitchen was tucked away. Something on one of the shelves caught my eye—a cookbook. I walked over and picked it up, my heart skipping a beat as I recognized it.
It was my grandmother’s cookbook, filled with her cherished recipes. Flipping through the pages, I found familiar dishes alongside more fantastical entries—enchanted berry scones, moonlight tea, starflower cookies.
“How did you get this?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Pipsqueak shrugged. “It was here when I bought the place. Pretty cool, huh? A human touch in a magical world.”
I ran my fingers over the pages, memories flooding back. My grandmother’s warm kitchen, the scent of freshly baked bread, her gentle voice guiding me through each recipe. It felt like a lifeline, a connection to my past in this strange, surreal present.
Pipsqueak’s voice pulled me back. “Anyway, we’re opening tomorrow morning. Got the schedule right here.” They handed me a piece of parchment, and I scanned it, noting the detailed plan for the grand opening.
“Tomorrow?” I echoed, feeling a surge of anxiety.
“Yup! Don’t worry, we’ve got this. We’ll bake some human classics—scones, cookies, cakes—and get the drinks ready. Everyone’s gonna love it.”
I nodded, trying to muster enthusiasm. “Alright. Let’s do this.”
The next morning, Pipsqueak showed up at my place bright and early. I was still groggy, the events of the previous day feeling like a fever dream. As we walked to the café, I couldn’t help but ask, “So, where do you live?”
Pipsqueak laughed. “In the big tree outside your house, silly.”
I blinked, trying to process that. “You live in a tree?”
“Yep! Cozy, isn’t it?”
I nodded slowly, though inwardly I was questioning everything. Why does this elf live in a tree like a Keebler elf, while the others live in crystal palaces?
We reached the café, and the morning air was filled with the promise of a new beginning. Inside, we set to work, baking scones, cookies, and cakes. The scents of vanilla, cinnamon, and fresh bread filled the air, mingling with the soft hum of magic that seemed to permeate everything.
For two hours, we worked in tandem, preparing lattes, coffee, tea, and fruit juices. The kitchen was a whirlwind of activity, but there was a strange comfort in the routine. It reminded me of my days working in a café during college, though the clientele here would be far more diverse.
Finally, with everything ready, Pipsqueak flipped the sign from “Closed” to “Open.” I peered out the window and felt my heart skip a beat. A line of creatures—elves, fairies, dwarves, and more—stretched down the street, waiting eagerly to enter.
“Well,” Pipsqueak said with a grin, “here goes nothing.”
YOU ARE READING
Rewritten Fates: Alexandria's Tale
Fantasy(Read to find out) Ever wondered what could happen sometimes after happily ever after? Or maybe when your time has come a little too soon. where do you go? These are questions that Alexandria never had yet ends up finding out.
