The Jewel of Neverland

Chapter 27

           

Serena led us off away from the docks and down a street that melted into the small town. Storybrooke was quaint, small shops lined the main street, lampposts dotted the sidewalk, people walked their dogs and rode their bikes.  It was picturesque and I was excited to explore it.  I noticed Henry's eyes watching me curiously.  I wondered what he was thinking, and I wished desperately that we could freely talk.  My heart panged as I remembered Henry was trapped away.  How selfish of me to forget him.  I made a mental note to speak to Peter later. Henry needed to be with his family as soon as possible.

After a few more twists and turns, past several shops and a farmer's market, we reached a lovely pale pink two story building.  A flower shaped sign hung from his entrance reading "S&M's".

"Serena and Magenta's," Serena said with a smirk.

"But you're the same person," I said slowly, amused.

"I go by both," she explained as she unlocked the door.

"Then how come you were angry at the Blue Fairy for calling you Magenta?" I asked.

"Because she irritates me, no matter what she does." she responded easily, her soft pink and brown curls framing her face.

I smiled again, deciding that I liked Serena very much. 

As she unlocked the front door, the ring of a bell greeted us as a wave of the most delicious scents of spring hit our noses. The shop was an explosion of color and warmth. Flowers of all shape and size hung ceiling in bunches, decorated tables and shelves, and sat in little pots along the front desk. I immediately pictured Serena spending her days flittering about the blooms. It was rather perfect, not a petal was out of place. 

All but one small white snowdrop bloom, drooping slightly at its stem. Serena noticed immediately and walked straight towards the little thing, drowning her pink lips fiercely. She waved her manicured hand over the little plant and the flower perked up, as if rising from slumber.

"There we go," she cooed to it happily.

"How precious." I beamed, walking past the little snowdrop who now seemed happy and upright.  "Do you keep them all growing with magic?" I asked.

Serena was already walking, leading us towards a staircase that rested in the back of the shop.   She turned her head over her shoulder, "When necessary. Mostly they survive off the basic elements."

Henry was following silently behind.  I wondered what he thought of the shop, maybe reminiscent of Neverland's luscious flora. I joined them as we ascended.

"What are you? Eighteen?" I said incredulously as we climbed the stairs. "Yet, you live by yourself and have your own store. Truly, a dream" I admired her already.

She snickered and opened a door at the top of the stairs. "Well technically, I'm much older than that. I'm just not as frustratingly mature as the other fairies."

We entered a spacious open landscape apartment.  It was also an explosion of color, pattern, and texture.  I wasn't surprised in the slightest. I felt Serena was one it proudly be herself tot her fullest extent, in ever way possibly. And this was no exception.

The walls revealed exposed brick on one side, open windows that overlooked the street below, and drywall covered in murals of large flowers and butterflies.  The hardwood floor was blanketed in a sage rug that helped the room feel like a meadow. A long L-shaped couch crowded a TV and art supplies, fabric, and snacks littered available shelf and table space. The kitchen was off to the side, revealing an assortment of jams and bread.