Absinthe

Chapter One

Absinthe strolled down the busy sidewalk, her head lowered, her eyes seeing everything. Straight, dark green hair hung down over the emerald orbs, hiding them every other step. A list ran through her mind. Over and over. Cat food. Milk. Flour. Eggs. Cream. Cat food. Milk. Flour. Eggs. Cream. She absolutely refused to forget anything this time. Murmurs began as she walked but Absinthe ignored them. She was almost to her destination. Pushing the door to the grocery store open, cool air blasted over her as she stepped inside. Immediately, the fairy cashier turned her snooty little nose up into the air. Sighing, Absinthe grabbed a basket and headed toward the pet section. It didnt take but ten minutes for her to grab her items and head for the register. She tried to ignore the murmurs but it was getting harder and harder.

Isnt that the poisonous fairy? one elder fairy hissed loudly to another.

I heard she sent someone else to the hospital this morning, her friend snipped back.

I heard she lost her job.

Absinthe sighed again as she carefully placed her items on the belt.

I dont know what you think youre doing but I am not touching that after you, the snooty little cashier snapped while crossing her arms.

The weight of her horrid day seemed to drop onto her shoulders as Absinthe tried her best to remember why yelling was not ok. My plants are poisonous. Not me, she murmured softly to the cashier.

I am so not falling for that, you murderer! the cashier shrieked as if she knew what she was talking about.

Bringing her hand up to her face, Absinthe pinched the bridge of her nose. Before she could decide what she was going to do or say, the silly cashier began screaming for the manager. Absinthe watched in disbelief as the manager came running over and listened intently to the now hysterical cashier.

Shes trying to kill me! the young lady screamed.

Completely done with her life, Absinthe left the groceries on the counter and started for the door. She didnt stop when the manager called out to her. She didnt stop when the cashier threatened to call the police. She didnt even stop when the police car pulled up beside her and asked what was going on.

Come on, Absinthe, Officer Hank Wolfsbane called out in exasperation. Hed parked his car and was now running after her on foot. He fell into step beside her and leaned forward a bit so he could see her face. I know you didnt hurt anyone, but I still have to ask you what happened.

You know what happened. Why should I have to repeat myself?

Absinthe.

She stopped there in the middle of the street and turned to look at her only friend. And he was only her friend because shed had so many people call her in that theyd finally decided to assign her someone. Glaring up at him through her eyelashes, she gave him the quick rundown he needed. I needed groceries. The cashier is new and lost it when she saw me. I decided I didnt need my groceries and walked out. She called you. The end.

As soon as shed said her piece, Absinthe turned and started walking again.

Unable to hold back his growling, Hank turned and followed after her. Im filing a complaint! he snarled. Its a Class 1 Misdemeanor.

Dont bother, Absinthe signed. You know shell win. And Ill still look like the bad guy. Grumbling something completely inappropriate about the cashier, Hank followed her all the way to the cross walk. When she went to cross the street, Hank grabbed her arm and turned them both around. What are you doing? she asked, tugging against his hold.

What are you making for supper tonight? he asked instead.

Rolling her eyes, Absinthe allowed him to lead her back toward the grocery store and Hanks car. Chicken Alfredo.