Secrets (BOOK 2)

COMING STORM

“So, you want to go to Fraunce?”

“Yes Mother, Since I didn’t go to Pippi’s birthday ball, I was hoping you would allow my to go this time.”

“Is there any particular reason?”

“Uhh... No we just wanna go.”

“Is there something you’re not telling me? What about Lany and Sarah? Would they be going?”

“No Mother, we will just be going on a vacation, and yes, the Nature’s will be joining us.”

“Oh, well then, I’ll talk to your instructor about letting you miss school for a couple days. When would you be leaving?”

“Within the next three days.”

“Okay, dear. Now, finish up your dinner. Katie would you like anything else...”

The conversation faded in and out of my head like someone was slapping me.

“Is there something you’re not telling me?” lingered the strongest. It was like Miss Sol knew what was going on. Like she knew about Lany...

I continued packing. “A couple more shirts, some... Are these even wearable?” I say to myself, holding Pippi’s hand-me-downs. They were shorts, almost all ripped to shreds. I threw them in the garbage in disgust. Instead I grabbed the ones made from my baby blanket, a orange and purple paisley print. I snatched the matching headband and a white shirt, which was cuffed at the sleeves. After packing a night gown, extra clothes, and my toiletries, I sit down at my small table in the kitchenette. It was made of a wood common in Woodland, Lyris, and had small leaves engraved in a gold color. The dark wood matched the rest of my apartment perfectly.

My mind wanders back to the boy I ran into before dinner. I knew who he was…

I look outside my window. Gray clouds slowly roll in, and I thought nothing of it.

“Just another shower.” I mumble to myself, walking back to my suitcase.

The sound of feet running is outside my door. Suddenly, a tall, slender figure is in my doorstep, drenched, and steaming.

“You better grab your suitcase and an umbrella, sister. We’re going under shelter.”

I have no time to ask questions. I grab my suitcase and an umbrella for Pippi, and we run to the castle.

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Once we reach the courtyard, I’m drenched. Fairies run into the castle like a stampede. Guards regulate the rush. We join in, panting along with the beat of thunder. Just as we reach the door, they close.

“Shelter’s full, sorry. Go back to your house and stay away from windows.”

“WHAT?” Pippi yells. As she starts to scream, I pull her to the Right Tower. I pick up a pebble, and throw in at the highest window. It opens, and a small head peeps out.

 “Parrie! Get Lany and Sarah!” I shout over the rain. Soon, two more heads join her.

“Do you have a ladder?” Pippi asks.

“Yeah, I happen to have one in my pocket.” Sarah says sarcastically.

Pippi puts her hands up, as if she was to grab it. Sarah face palms herself.

 “Katie, use your waterproof wings or whatever they are and bring Pippi and yourself up here.

I nod, and grab the back of Pippi’s sodden shirt and my suitcase, and begin flying. Pippi starts to screech.

“WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING TO ME? PUT ME DOWN-WAIT DON’T PUT ME DOWN.”

I shove Pippi in the tower and climb in, rolling my eyes. Parasela grabs a blush-colored towl from Lany’s linen closet, and wraps it around my sister. I soak it in, like sun faires take in rays. Suddenly I feel invigorated. I jump on Lany’s bed while the others dry their hair. Sarah closes the window.

“Sorry guys, I totally forgot to remind you about the Summer Storm. We’ll have to hold off the trip until it clears up next week.” Parasela says, throwing the towel on the bathroom doorhandle.

“Good thing you brought your suitcase, Katie. We might be here a while.” Lany says, sitting next to me.

“I brought mine too. It’s in Sarah’s room.” Pippi remarks.

Start pulling out my clothes. Some of the garments are damp, so I lay them out on Lany’s grand piano.

“Aside from the rain, what will we be doing in Fraunce?” Sarah asks, taking a seat on the white ottoman at the foot of Lany’s bed.

 “Oh, sightseeing, probably go to the beach… Shopping, visit with my mother…” Pippi begins to list possible activities.

“And Parrie’s gotta meet Devon and Valerie!” I say.

 “Oh my gosh, Parrie, you do! They are the two fieriest girls you will meet, besides Pippi. They are so nice and energetic!” says Lany, “I can’t wait to see them again!”

 “Well, I want Parrie to meet Scotia. She was my synchronized flight partner when I was is primary school. She’s still one of my best friends.”

 “Ah yes, Scotia! I miss her so much! She would fit perfect in our group!” Sara says.

I laugh. “Looks like we have a lot to look forward to, after the rain.”

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After Pippi and Sara left to chat alone, I make a bed out of spare blankets from inside the ottoman, and Parrie made room on the couch. I place my hands under my head, and look up. Lany had a dome- like ceiling, but it was glass. Lightning was striking and rain was pounding, but it was soothing. I think back to when the guard said to “stay away from windows”, but the wind storms weren’t until tomorrow.

“Lany, what time is it?” Parsasla asks.

 “Um, almost midnight. Why?”

 “I just got this strange urge to dance.”

We all laugh. I think about how lucky I am to have great friends…

 Lany’s balcony doors start swaying open. Lany quickly turns on a lamp, and runs to close them.

A voice whispers in my ear. “You may think you’re safe… But I want you…. Back with me…”

“Did anyone else her that?” I ask, startled.

“What?” Lany and Parrie say at the same time.

“A voice, it said… It said…”

“Said what, Katie?” Parrie asks.

“You may think your safe but I want you back with me. I… I don’t know what it means.”

“Do you think it was Sliver? Villains like her usually know the magic to speak with family through their mind.”

“Maybe, but why would she want me back now? Why now?”

“I don’t know, Kate, but she’s plotting something, and we can’t do anything about it.”

“C’mon, Parrie, we beat Artimus! We can stop Sliver before she gets Katie!” Lany shouts, “I’ll go get Sarah and Pippi.”

“No! I, I’d rather forget about this for now, but we’ll figure it out before she finds me.”

“Promise?

“Promise.”