Light as a Feather

Chapter Ten

     Annabelle woke up the next morning feeling as if she were sunbathing on the red and orange sun in a tanning bed. She was sweating profusely, the blankets wrapped haphazardly around her legs.

     She hurriedly got out of bed, causing a dull ache to enter into her head. She rushed to the bathroom and took a cold shower, not caring that it felt like ice cubes on her skin. When she got out, the temperature was normal, and she was freezing because of the shower.

     Annabelle put on some clothes and went out of the bedroom. She didn't know where her mother or father were, but she didn't really care. The mansion looked as good as ever, as if somebody had come to clean it overnight.

     In the kitchen, she saw a banana and took it since she was starving. But among the fruit was another little person. Fairies, she guessed was the proper term. She nearly fainted again, but then realized that it was just part of her gift. Annabelle took a deep breath and looked closer at the fairy.

     It was a boy and he had on patches of green. His pants and shirt were all made of different pieces of cloth. It looked up at her and smiled, trying to speak to her. Again, Annabelle could understand what he was saying. But she didn't know how to answer back. He said, "Hello, Girl With the Feather." She tried using regular words, but he only cocked his head and shook it. He didn't understand her.

     She frowned, frustrated. Annabelle wanted to at least be able to talk to fairies if she had to have the stupid gift. Boy, she thought, I am losing my mind. Thinking this I am actually normal is not normal.

      Her mother walked in, a black business suit over her small frame. "Oh, honey, you're awake," she said, sounding startled.

      Annabelle stood upright again. "Just getting breakfast," she explained, holding up the banana. Her mother merely nodded.

     "I think I should start training you at once," she said.

     "Huh?"

     "Well, not me. Another nature gift in our family. Either Jilah or Bernard, I'm not sure who to choose."

     So Jilah had her gift. Interesting. But Annabelle was more focused on the word 'train.'

     "Did you say training? Like I'm a dog?" she asked.

     "Well, not like that. Just a little bit of direction. To help control your powers."

     "They are controlled!" she said.

     Her mom stared at her as if she were an alien. "Honey, it's snowing in here," she said gently. Annabelle looked up. Tiny white flakes were falling from the ceiling.  She sighed.

     "Who's Bernard?" she asked dubiously.

     "Bernard... he isn't part of our family, really," her mother explained. "He is a bit like an uncle. At least, that's what you'd call him if he ended up training you."

     "Who are you leaning towards?" Annabelle asked.

     "Bernard could teach you things that Jilah cannot, but Jilah is much more patient in her teaching. And you are more familiar with Jilah, so I think I should call her."

     Annabelle nodded. She looked up. It was getting colder in the kitchen. "I wish it would stop snowing," she said through clenched teeth. Immediately, it stopped and rain replaced the snow.

      "Uh-oh," her mom said under her breath.

      "Yep. You'd better call her," Annabelle said. "Otherwise there's going to be a large flood in the kitchen."

                                 *****

     When Jilah arrived, she was wearing a long, flowing dress with a scarf around her neck. The dress was magenta and the scarf was a blend of pinks and reds. As she walked through the door, the wind blew around her face, making her curled hair fly backwards.

     Annabelle hung in the back of the room, watching the scene. "Jilah," her mother said, smiling. "Thanks for coming."

     "It's a good thing you called when you did," Jilah said. "I almost had to schedule a dentist's appointment, and you stopped me with your phone call." Her eyes twinkled.

     "Well, good then!" her mom answered. She gestured to where Annabelle was standing. "This is Annabelle. I believe you've met?"

     "Yes, I was introduced a few days ago." She smiled serenely.

     "Hello," Annabelle said, suddenly feeling uncomfortable in her heavy, black eyeliner. Jilah was classically beautiful, sort of like Audrey Hepburn. Annabelle... well, she wasn't all that beautiful, even without the eyeliner.

     "Well, Annabelle, I've got the first part of your training all planned out. Once you are successful in phase one, we may move on. But," she said, suddenly looking more serious. "This is the most crucial part of your training. If you can't pass this, I'm not sure I can help you." Annabelle gulped.

     Jilah began heading for the side door. "And there's no better place to practice than out where there's the most nature. In the garden."