Land of the Faery

Chapter 9 - Why are drunk people so strong

I emerged from the portal inside a giant auditorium. I assumed this was one of the theaters located in Broadway. I was on top of a giant stage and red curtains hung from the ceiling. There were many lights fixtures of all colors rows upon rows of plush velvet seats which the stage overlooked.

I now understood why the portal had taken me to the place. The fae inside me could practically feel the imagination and creativity dripping from the walls. It revived me and filled me with energy. I wonder if the fae could absorb these kinds of emotions and feelings. I would have to ask the next time I was in Faery.

I found a staircase the led down from the stage to the auditorium. A janitor was currently mopping the floors across the room from me. I took one look at me and dropped his mop in surprise. His mouth hung open and I thought something might fly into it. He was probably wondering how on earth I got in or where I came from.

"Nice day isn't it," I said casually as I began walking towards the doors. As if I hadn't just come out of a magical portal from a land inhabited by magical creatures.

"Its five in the morning," He said.

"Oh, you wouldn't happen to know where I could find a bus station would you?"

"Take the subway going south. I don't know the stop number but it should be easy to find on a map."

"Thank you very much, sir."

It was completely dark outside when I emerged from the building. Very few people were around and most of them were hobos. I tried not to make eye contact with many of them. Considering I had nothing to give them and I was also alone.

I got on the subway and found it was mostly. One dirty man was sprawled out along one bench as he slept. Another woman was dressed in a business suit and held a coffee in one hand as she talked to someone on the phone. The car smelled like week old chicken and mustard. I found a secluded spot to sit. There was a half eaten hot dog resting on the bench across from me. I was so hungry even that began to look appetizing to me.

I made it to the greyhound station faster than I had anticipated. I purchased a ticket for a bus to Boston with the money Ella had given me. I spent the bus ride thinking about what I might tell my mother. How could one simply explain disappearing without a reason and then suddenly one day just showing up on the doorstep?

There was no easy way to explain that. I could make up a story but I had trouble finding something believable with few ramifications. Like maybe I was kidnapped and I had to fight off my attacker and was able to escape. Then, of course, my mom would want to take my story to the police and find the culprit.

I didn't know if you could get jet lag from using portals but I was exhausted. I ended up falling into a deep sleep on the bus. I am almost positive drool was dripping down my chin for everyone to see.

* * * The Dream* * *

I am walking down a dark and barely lit street. It is dark outside and the road is wet from the rain. I am barefoot wearing a long white dress that clings to my body as I move.

The wind is howling and it sounds more like human screams and cries than a force of nature. The wind eventually dies down but the screams and cries persist.

I scan the vacant area around me for any sign of life but find none. I begin to run in a frenzy towards the familiar sounding screams and cries.

Deep down I know who is making those noises. It's on the tip of my tongue I am almost able to form the name with my mouth.

I run until I see a heap in the road. I run towards it but trip and fall short. The heap groans and moves, it is the distinctive form of a woman. Her clothing is bloody and drenched in rain. She moves to roll over and face me. I try to get a closer look at her face but I am suddenly yanked out of the dream.