Swan Lake

A Beautiful Stranger

The next day, Odette woke up bright and happy, forgetful of the night before. She washed her face and got dressed.

"Just for fun, I'm gonna wear one of my favorite dresses." Odette took out her three best dresses. Her Sunday dress was a sky blue with white ruffles on the collar, sleeves and hem line. It went down to her feet. She took out her purple party dress with dark green stitching. It's sleeves showed her shoulders and it went down to her knees. She always thought it showed to much. Next, she took out the dress she wore to her family's funeral. Dark eggplant color with a high white starched lace collar. Biting her lip, she felt that these were not appropriate. All the rest of her smocks and frocks were either brown and red wool or beige and pink cotton. Then something caught her eye. It was wrapped in brown wax paper and tied with a dark blue ribbon.

"That was Cilia's present." Odette said quietly. She made it for her sister Cilia's birthday. She had spent hours on it. It exhausted her so much that she couldn't go sledding and skiing with the family the next day. Even though her birthday was in the winter, she new Cilia's favorite season was spring; a time where she would go plant her flowers. Anyway, she made her a coming of age dress with a  sewed in corset. It was a short baby blue dress with a long, thin, lilac, silk covering a top the sleek blue. On the silk were stitched lime green leaves and purple-blue crocuses, Cilia's favorite flowers. Odette was going to give it to her but then...

"Cilia, I miss you and the rest of the family so much." A stray tear left her eyes. "But, you all wouldn't want me to be sad. I have a feeling it's going to a great day." So, Odette put on Cilia's dress, so she could feel close to her family. She tidied her room, made her bed, and brushed her hair: braiding a crown of hair around her head.

In the kitchen, after breakfast of birds eggs, Paul asked. "Odette? I hope you don't mind, but Priscilla and I are going to leave for a few days and visit Priscillla's grand mother. And, I intend to sell some merchandise."

"I'm alright with that. I should be fine."

"Great, I'll let the live stock out for you and then we'll leave."

"Thank you."

"Ody! Papa says that me, and him, will go shopping! I'm going to get new booties and a new pretty dress!"

"And, other stuff." Paul interrupted. "Sweetie, it's 'he and I'. Remember?"

"Oh, yes." she let out a fit of giggles.

Smiling her father asked, "Would you like anything?"

Odette looked up. "No, I'm fine."

"Oh, come one. You've been so gracious with letting us live with you."

"And, you have been gracious agreeing to live with me!" Odette argued.

"Don't worry Cilly," Paul said to Priscilla. "We'll get something for Odette whether she likes it or not."

"Ooh! How about new slippers!? Hers are worn out." Priscilla asked.

"You know I can where my fathers boots. Please, you don't have to." Odette pleaded.

"Nonsense, a beautiful woman must wear what is suitable for a beautiful woman. Like, the dress you are wearing today."

"Well, alright. Now go get ready! You have a long journey."

"Right. Priscilla, you go get your belongings in a bag. I'll let out the live stock and hook up the ass to the cart. Odette, can you make us some food?"

"Of course!" Odette replied.

After goodbyes, Odette went to the pump and filled up buckets.

"Excuse me."

Odette looked up and was startled. A handsome young man around her age dressed in greens with brown hair looked her up and down and seemed to approve.

"Excuse me?" she asked.

"Yes. That is what I said." he replied stiffly.

"Are you lost? How can I help you?" Odette asked politely, slightly worried.

"I am not lost. I heard that this is where the smith lives. He was smithing a silver tiara for the king."

"The emperor is going to wear a tiara?" Odette asked, to mesmerized by the man's beauty to comprehend what she was saying.

"Of cousre not." he sneered. "I did not say that."

The man's attitude made Odette's blood boil. "Well, he is not here. He left this very morning, but he will be back in four days. If that is a problem I suggest you take it to the King and find another smith who is capable of creating a strong delicate tiara. I do not need to deal with a pampered baby who cannot get off his high horse. So, if you are done here, I apologize but Paul Smith is not here." Odette said that all with out raising her voice. After her rant, her eyes cleared of it's blind rage and she looked at the man. He was starring very intently at her, making her blush.

"My name is Fred." he said and stuck out his hand smiling like a fool.

That made Odette raise her voice. "Did you here anything I just said?"

"No, but I'm sure it was very interesting. My name is Fred."

Odette growled. "Fred? What kind of name is that?"

"A peasants name." he replied grinning.

"Fred is not a peasant's name." Fred's face drained of color. "I-it's not?" he asked worriedly.

"No, it is a name fit for a goose!"

Fred looked at her and then bursted out in laughter.. His laughter made Odette laugh.

"My name is Odette." She gently reached for his hand and gracefully shook it.

"Pleasure." he said and lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. Shivers fouette-ed up her spine, and she looked down bashfully for the first time, in a long time.

"Charmed, I'm sure." she said breathlessly.

"So, Odette, how do I ask the perfect girl to dinner." He asked moving slowly closer.

"You just... do it." She whispered, closing the gap between them. Their lips touched warming their insides making their hearts soar. It felt like diving, how flying was supposed to be.

When they broke apart Fred said, "I can't help but feel really," he paused. "Dopey."

Odette sighed and nodded. "I couldn't say it better. I feel ecstatic."

"Let me see what I can do about that  tiara."

"I am really sorry Paul couldn't be here."

"Paul, is he your man?"

"No! No, he's a widowed friend with a beautiful daughter. They're staying here."

"Well, you have a beautiful cottage." he laughed and continued. "Can you see the emperor wearing a tiara?" Odette giggled at the thought. "He would look quite dashing, don't you think?"

"Da."

"Well, good luck and da khranit vas Bog!"

"Goodbye, my gorgeous goddess Odette!" With that, he walked away.

"Oh, what a beautiful stranger."