The sweet taste of freedom was upon me as I walked to the front door; nothing was going to spoil the next little while. Sweeter then when I had my sweet sixteenth, five months ago. Yes, tears would be shed. Mine in happiness. My parents well in sadness, soon they would leave, and I would have the house to myself. All to myself for a month. I was giddy with excitement. I could have the girls over for as long as I wanted. No rules to tie me down.

“Bye Mom, Bye Dad have a safe flight to Antarctica,” I smiled, my mom turned on her heels, her face a tight-lipped frown and wrapped me within another hug, so tight I swear my ribs were popping, on the point of breaking.

“It’s not Antarctica, Kate!” she squealed in my ears, “it’s New Zealand, we have a very important business meeting over the next few weeks,” she released me enough to breathe. She ran a hand down my cheek, taking me in as if I was going to disappear, she gently pushed a hair out of the way so she could plant two kisses on each cheek. “We left you plenty of cash, but call us we’re 16 hours ahead of time.” She smiled sadly she never did like business trips that lasted longer than a week, but I was 16 now, plenty old to look after myself without worry.

My mother had red hair like mine only hers was up in a bun her suit was blue with a white shirt underneath the blazer, her eyes were brown, but I swore they were golden when she was angry. She took a deep breath studying my face as I looked at her wishing I could leave school to follow them on their adventures. Her

oval-shaped face different than my own thanks to dad’s genes creating my sharp jaw and heart top, I also inherited his eyes, but my slightly turned-up nose was from her, and her dimple that sat in her cheeks and the middle of her chin was mine as well.

“I’ll be fine mom, and if anything, I will call you or email you if I need more funds, but I should be good.” I laughed, giving her one last hug my father stood behind her looking down at his watch. Clearly, he was detached and would be, but he cared for me. His blue eyes with the hint of yellow around the pupil pierced me telling me to hurry up, his thin upper lip and fuller bottom lips were like mine set in a straight line showing no anger or happiness just indifference.

“We have to go Mag,” he said softly his brown hair cropped short and slicked back his suit was black with a red tie, I had given him that tie three years ago, at least he felt he should take it. “Kate is old enough and smart; she won’t get into trouble while we're gone.” The threat clear, no parties, no drinking, just studying. As if.

“I will be good  and promise the house will be standing when you get home in a month.” I smiled, waving as they walked towards the car to whisk them to the airport.

“Wait!” Mom huffed and turned as if hearing my words and processing the meaning. “No, and I mean No parties, young lady.” She wagged a figure, but her smile screamed, ‘have fun.’ “Mrs. Mark will be over every week to check on you.” Now that was a threat, Mrs. Mark was old, and she was mean if she caught anyone acting out of the proper behaviour.

“Promise!” I called back they hopped in the car and closed the doors, “not too,” I whispered and giggled then went in and closed the door.

I had the house to myself for a month, maybe longer, depending on how it went. I was definitely going to have the girls over, perhaps not a raring party but a small get together. Well, I was sixteen might as well try to get into some trouble while I could. I walked slowly to the living room where I had, left my phone andflopped down on the white leather couch. I thumbed through the contacts until I found the two names that had gotten me into more trouble then I cared to admit to my parents. Rose and Mandy my two best friends in the whole world.

I quickly keyed out a message to both.

Meet up? Parents MIA for next month.

I got two quick responses both, Yes!

I smiled and keyed out, how about in 3 days keep it normal for a little, so they don’t expect it.

Rose: I got the beer,

Mandy: I got the food.

My plan was coming together for a nice little party.

Me: Perfect,

I liked how easy things were to get done.

Rose: Guys, I need your help!

This wasn’t a surprise. We all knew this was coming. Rose had been on needles the last few days with club activities.

Mandy: With what?

Rose: We need to meet to plan prom please, Mall tomorrow, and we can plan for the party.

I sighed and replied the same as Mandy Yes.

Thank goodness it was a Sunday tomorrow. I would have to probably pick out a dress for the dance and the party maybe I could swing a dress that could work for both. As I sat in the living room, a chill ran up my spine as if someone was watching me. The sun was setting, and the street lights had come on. I got up and closed the curtains, but the feeling was still nagging at the back of my neck. I rubbed my arms. Maybe there was a window left open the fall air was fresh and crisp nice to have on a warm day, but with the setting sun, the temperature was dropping. I moved around the house looking for the open window and found none.

I got the urge to run to the door and lock it. As the bolt slid home, I felt some relief, but still, the chill ran down my back, I checked the back door and side both locked I could still feel the eyes on me. For a second, I saw a flash, so quick I wasn’t sure it was a person or an animal.

I dashed up the stairs, almost slipped and crashing once I hit the top but managed to scramble to my room and closed the door before hopping into bed and wrapping my comforter around my small frame. I was safe, it wasn’t the first time they had left, but something was bothering me more then I cared to admit. Something or someone was watching me. I could feel it, but no one was around; the house was locked down. I pulled my phone out and sighed it was 7:30 pm to early to go to bed, but at the same time, I didn’t feel like wandering around the empty house while this feeling tickled the back on my neck and ran down my arms raising the hairs in a wake behind the sensation. Wrapped in the comforter, I soon found myself falling asleep and decided I would have an early day in the morning.

My dreams consisted of a woman I couldn’t place her name, but she seemed familiar, I could see her, but at the same time, I couldn’t. She was standing in front of me, but I couldn’t see what colour her hair was her eyes, but I could see them. She seemed upset, and I wanted to help. But her voice was distant, but she was so close. “Help!” the one word I could make out. But nothing else. I groaned, in frustration, this was the most frustrating thing in the world suddenly she screamed and flew back away from me.

I reached out, and when I opened my eyes, the comforter was wrapped around my middle, my legs tangled in the folds. My right hand, the same one in the dream, was still raised straight out fingers reaching for the girl to try to help. I took a shaky breath and let my right arm fold and fall over my eyes.

“What was that about?” My voice was thick from sleep and in a whisper, even though no one was home to hear me even if I screamed.  I opened my phone and saw the time 6:57 am I had slept the entire night away at least. The darkness was a blanket still pulled tight over the city, but the unmistakable car doors opening and closing outside as the working few made their way to the city.

I slipped from the bed and tiptoed to the washroom listening to the houses soft creaks and cracks as I moved quietly once inside the bright light of the fluorescent bulbs snapped my sleepy brain awake. Why was I staying so quiet when I was home alone. I shook my head that dream still wrapped around me, calling to me to remember, but as I turned the tap and splashed the cold water on my face, the dream started to fade into the background. I walked back to my bedroom and noticed that I was still wearing the light purple tank top and underwear. I must have peeled off the t-shirt over top of my tank that helps conceal my cleavage, and my jeans were as I discovered tangled within the covers of my bed.

I grabbed a fresh pair of jeans and peeled off my top, finding my favourite black t-shirt with bright coloured flowers and a butterfly in pink blue and yellow neon. I gave my hair a run through with my brush and looked longingly back at my bed. Maybe a few more minutes wouldn’t hurt.

“No, Kate, the last time you went back to bed after an early wake-up, you slept till 4 pm, and I thought you died.” I mimicked mom's stern voice and laughed quietly to myself I was never allowed to go back once I was up, or I might sleep the day away.

I thumped down the stairs but paused, thinking I caught movement in the living room. I paused and listened to the house was silent. I was just paranoid that dream and the being watch feeling was getting to me.

I shook my hair out and tried to clear my head. I was safe, and I was alone in the house. I hurried to the kitchen, flicking on every light on my way. Trying to chase the feeling away. I rummaged through the fridge and grabbed the milk and a bowl before placing them on the counter. I searched the cupboard and found my favourite cereal Shreddies. I squealed as I saw mom got me the honey ones. I loved this flavoured one.

I poured them into the bowl and then added the milk before returning it to the fridge. I did not want to have to waste money on more milk when they had just bought a new carton for me. I had left the last few on the counter allowing the milk to spoil, and my parents had gotten angry well, mom threw a fit and dad, well dad let her and didn’t put in his two cents.

I sighed and flicked through my photo over pictures of my friends and the over my favourite site Pinterest and Instagram before sighing it was only 8 am. I still had to wait until at least 10 am before the mall opened and then probably and other two hours waiting for the girls to wake up. I rinsed my bowl in the sink after I finished off the last tasty drop of milk infused with honey. Then went to the office where my parents set up my desktop, I have a laptop too, but that’s for school even though I skype with Mandy and Rose every day going over answers to our homework.

I skimmed through my email and then surfed around the internet I glanced at the stores and what was happening right now. Fashion was one thing I liked but never seemed to get quite right, not the right top, jeans or shoes. Always a season behind. I gave up looking and decided to get some new clothes when mom and dad got back. They would be so happy that I followed through with their rules, course after the party I would have five days to clean up and put the house back together so Mrs. Mark wouldn’t tell my parents that I had, had a party.

I skimmed party ideas I mused over what ideas to bring up with the girls at the mall while we planned prom or a dance that Rose had her eye on. By 9:30 am I had an idea about the dance to tell Rose and a dress in a store, I really hoped they had in stock. I quickly grabbed my jacket as I headed for the door and then waited for the bus to arrive. I would catch a ride back with Mandy or Rose if they drove.

I wandered the mall feeling the foreboding eyes were burning my back, but every time I turned to catch the culprit, no one was there. I had to shake it off. I continued through the mall until I found a shop that made me pause.

The figure stared with starry eyes at me. Her wings like a butterfly smooth with small creases near the base, purple in colour turning light at the top. Her face sharp and smooth cased in ivory with thick lashes. Her eyes bright blue,

hair red, but dark, almost black with hints of purple. I couldn’t help but take her in. Something tugged at the recesses of my mind, the answer trapped beneath the surface. She was familiar but different than anything I had seen before. I caught my reflection in the window my own red hair fell straight to the end of my ears, then curled softly hints of blonde and brown highlighting my red hair. My blue eyes caught glimpses of the people moving around me. I looked around, people mindlessly walking through the mall, like salmon in a stream. Focused on going from store to store spending money they probably didn’t have.

Everyone moving together in a flow, only interrupted when someone went against the stream. Crossing through the groups of people to get to the store they wished to visit. I looked back at the figurine, this time at the tag wrapped around her arm, $44.99. I reached into my pocket a pulled out three twenties. I know this money was for this week. For food. But, I looked back at the figurine something was telling me to get it. Or was that the unhappy part of me, which I locked up that loved spending money once it is in my pocket. I checked my phone two misses messages both of them were here and waiting in the food court.

I took one more glance at the fairy and walked away. I was late meeting my friends, I can’t buy every signal one I see, I told myself, but something was telling me in my gut to get the fairy and look closer at it. I walked to the

food court, our designated meeting spot. I looked around and caught a glimpse of them through the hordes of people. I snuck up behind Mandy, her short brown hair and bright green jacket, it was defiantly her.

“Hey, Guys!” I smiled wide as I grabbed Mandy’s shoulders, jostling her a little, making her jump a little, before giving me a dirty look over her shoulder and moved aside to let me join them at the table.

“My god Kate why do you do that,” Mandy whined, holding a hand to her chest like a frightened Kitten, her brown eyes wide with terror. Nonetheless, she still held part of the anger over my little scare tactic she tried to smooth her features, but the hints were around her eyes never really went away.

“Sorry, habit,” I wasn’t all that sorry, “I love sneaking up on people. You know that” I teased, giving her a little bump with my hip as I sat down. Mandy gave me a small smile in reply, telling me I was forgiven.

 “Yeah, but you always find us before we can find you,” She complained and pushed back at me slightly, playfully.

“I know it’s easy for me to find people. If you weren’t such a scaredy-cat, you’d be used to it by now,” I shrugged, pushing her back teasingly.

“Okay, Guys! Enough we have serious business to attend to,” Rose announced, slapping her hands down on either side of her fires while splaying her fingers. Her green eyes were sparkling, and her blond hair pushed back with a blue hairband. She could have been the classic head cheerleader type, but her passion for politics and arguing called her to the debate team and soon the head of the student council.

“Serious now?” I sighed then clapped my hands together hard pretending I knew what she was talking about, “What that Jason is getting a new haircut?” I asked, sarcastically, stealing one of her fries. Her lips twitched as if she was going to laugh, but she held it in.

“No, no, he’s keeping his hair the way it is. But seriously, the dance is coming up, and as part of the committee, I need some ideas. So Idea’s anyone?” She asked, looking at us, hoping we give her the right answers. She had an oval-shaped face that was set in a very stern look. She was part of the student council and wanted to be the president next year. For now, she’d run the dance committee, come hell or high water. She was determined to run it. But to become the head, one would have to give an award-winning idea for the dance. Meaning that we, her back up, would have to help her in doing this. In so doing this, she could move closer to that hope.

I looked at Mandy; she was frowning. Her round face was covered in thick makeup to hide her blemishes and lighten her copper skin. Her brown eyes done up in bright green eye makeup with cat-like eyeliner, always made me question her choice in colour.

“I don’t know. Under the sea is popular,” Mandy threw out, twirling a black curl in her fingers as she rolled her eyes. Clearly not wanting to aide Rose on her quest for the head of the student council.

“Exactly, that’s why every movie has one. I need original ladies. I want to be president of the school one day, I need my crack team to help me out,” Rose smiled, but a glint of desperation hid underneath it, cracking the fake cheerfulness of that smile.

“What about Supernatural? It was a huge show, so that way, guys can just gussy up and look hot. No need to wear a costume. But if they want to, they could dress up as vampires or werewolves,” I suggested grabbing another fry.

“Love it! Thank you, Kate! You’re the best!” Rose threw her arms around me over the table, wrapping around my shoulders, pulling me closer to her fries, smothered in gravy and cheese inches from my chest.

“Hey! Mandy gave a good idea too,” I tried to get out of the hug, I didn’t want gravy all over myself. Rose released me before I got a shirt full of gravy. Mandy slid me a small thank you smile.

“Thank you, Mandy. But next time. Original!” Rose said then clapped her hands before Mandy could retort, so she rolled her eyes instead, and stole a fry from Rose.

“Now. Part two we need to go shopping for outfits. As we. Will. Totally. Get. This. Idea. Chosen! And we have the party at Kates in five days we need to shop!” She seemed to sparkle as she said it, the idea of shopping putting her into a good mood. We left for the stores finding a small boutique with tons of dresses and sparkly trinkets.

I had been summoned by the fairy queen. Ember. To appear before her on a mission of great importance. Her sharp features were stark against her soft hair, long and flowing, blonde with streaks of blue, purple, and gold, swirled to the floor. Her eyes as black as all the other fairies but orange ringed the outside of her eyes. The orange had been a recent change. A crown of flowers and gold sat on her head. She looked regal and powerful. She smiled an odd smile for her, and the edges looked as if she was forcing a smile in place.

“Rodrick,” she purred and descended her throne. I bowed deeply. I did not dare to look at her. “Look at me.” She cupped my face in her hands, forcing my eyes to hers.

“My queen,” I whispered her eyes even as deep black as they were it was like a storm on open water, every so often a flash of emotion not like that on her face flashed. She was getting worse. She was paranoid too. She had banished several guards under the impression they were working for Nolan.

“Rodrick,” she pouted, but her eyes flashed with rage. The orange flashing red, her eyes were now unfocused, “There is a great threat to the kingdom,” She sucked in a breath, looking away. “I fear I will die.”

“You will not,” I caught her hands. She was a great ruler, one that was fair and just. She was just sick.

“We need a healer,” she whispered, looking me full in the eye, could the healer cure her of the crazy sickness that was sucking the life and sense from our beloved queen. “Rodrick, I fear Nolan will find the one and kill her, Sources say her name is Kate.”  I nodded I was aware of this information, but she was the queen she could say what she wanted.

“But I also fear,” she swallowed and whispered her hands still cupping my face I had moved to kneel so as not to hurt my neck. She licked her lips, her eyes flashing red again. “He will taint the Healer, and I will die.”

Now this was something I wasn’t aware of could a healer be tainted, honestly, I had no idea the only healer I had known Charlotte was, and she was weak to human wiles, but she was still pure and able to heal. Was this the sickness twisting the ideas in her head, she had been sick for centuries by human standards. I feared she was getting worse, and now my fears were coming true.

“You must seduce her and bring her back here to heal me before Nolan touches her.” The queen made an odd noise in the back of her throat. “You don’t want me to die, Rodrick, right?”

“No, of course not,” I was taken aback I was loyal to her I feared for her health I wanted her to live. But Seduce this Kate girl, I had done so with Charlotte, but that had turned bad quickly her being a princess and I a knight. But maybe the world had changed.

“Do it to save your queen!” she ordered and gripped my cheeks so hard I thought she’d rip my skin off. But she released me and sent me to the task at hand track down this Kate.

I snuck closer to the window. My heart was pounding if this Kate girl was a healer would she truly be able to heal the queen. Was she powerful? I snuck closer to the window, not daring to press my face against the cool glass. There she sat red hair falling in soft waves over her sharp face. She looked as if she could be a fairy from the way she held herself on the couch. She was studying a phone, smiling as she typed something in response. Her smile grew, and she closed her big blue eyes, pumping her fists into the air in excitement.

I sucked in a breath she looked like Charlotte her hair was different but the same. I wanted to touch her soft curls. I gently pressed my fingers to the pane of glass, and she stiffened. She shot a glare at the window as if sensing me. She rubbed her arms as if she was chilled by the air. She hopped up and started moving around the house. She locked any open windows and then the front door. I could still see her, but she seemed not able to see me. She shuddered slightly as if she could feel me watching her.

Suddenly she dashed upstairs like a kitten spooked by something. Was I causing her to react this way? I floated up to the second story to her room and watched as she bundled herself up under the cover like a child scared of a thunderstorm. I was causing her unease. I left for the night only to return in the morning to watch her again.

She got ready quickly as if staying in the house would curse her. She wandered through the mall as if lost in her thoughts. She could have floated as she wandered with no direction or destination in mind. Kate paused at a shop

window. She was regarding a fairy figurine that she seemed drawn to. Her face was peaceful. I wanted to ask her what she thought of the figure, did it look familiar? She smiled softly, her fingers twining together as if wanting to

reach out and touch it. She sighed and tucked a hair absently behind her ear instead.

She turned as if sensing me watching, but there was a lot of people, and I could see the slight pause in her breathing before she turned. She looked around, trying to find the eyes that had been watching, but I was hidden. And she could not stop me even if she knew. She sighed and turned back to the window. She gave another sigh under

her breath, her eyes knitted in determination as she walked away from the window and towards the food court.

She moved like a hunter silent for a human as she spied her prey a girl in a bright green jacket. She pounced, and the girl squealed as Kate surprised her. They exchanged pleasantries and then started sketching out an idea for the blonde one. Once agreed on a theme, they moved on to shopping. A normal girl. I kind of feel bad to be dragging her into the world of the supernatural. But I have to obey the Queen.