When Paintings Come To Life by Ann Skelly

When Paintings Come to Life 3 Fairies + 1½ Brownies = 4½ Problems

Rosemarie Meleady and Ann Skelly

About the authors...

Ann Skelly goes to Oylegate National School in Wexford. She enjoys acting, soccer and writing (obviously). When she was little she liked to eat carrots and ice cream together.

Rosemarie Meleady has always loved writing and won the ‘International Women in Publishing Award’ on the 6th December 1996 – the day she gave birth to Ann Skelly, who brought fairies with her.

Ann and Rosemarie started writing this book as a lazy Sunday morning project together when Ann was 8 and Rosemarie was 33. They had to move from their Zirst house as the fairies they wrote about invaded. Ann and Rosemarie are now in hiding.

Dedicated to Nanny/Mammy Marie Meleady Thank you for passing on the writing jeans genes and Grandad/Daddy Tony Meleady Thank you for inspiring us with creative stories such as ‘The Sad Daisy’ and ‘The Chocolate Car’.

Prologue I remember the Zirst day I saw them. I was sitting on the old wooden swing near the walled garden eating a Choc Ice, when their car drove up our winding driveway. The way the sun reZlected away from his shiny bald head and the way the girl’s yellow ringlets bounced as she hopped from foot to foot distracted me so I didn’t notice the wasp landing on the sweating sweet chocolate coating. I bit, it stung. Mum drove at high speed while my tongue swelled up like a balloon, the doctor gave me an anti-‐histamine shot. We returned four hours later and Dad told us the news, the father and daughter were moving into the Gardener’s Cottage the following day and had placed a substantial deposit. Mum was relieved as Zinancially things were tight, actually not just tight, but desperate. She said things would improve when Dad sold his latest set of illustrations but in the meantime we needed to get an income from somewhere. We celebrated. In hindsight it was the last thing we should have done. We should have known to watch out for the sting that often comes in sugar coated packaging – it can be fatal. - Sarah

‘ABALEAPO; the act of transferring the Beings in dreams perfectly onto paper thus making the Being real. The image is usually inspired in the dark of night by the Being themselves who want to come into the mortal world. Abaleaposis, abaleapoed, abaleapoist.’ – The Ox’s Tail Dictionary for Witches and Fairies

The Chapter Before the Second One... “Pssst wake up!” Sarah heard the whispering voice but didn’t want to open her eyes. She was too tired from cleaning up after the bathroom Zloods and from doing other people’s laundry for stupid dreams. “Pssst wake up, she’s at it again!” This time the voice was louder and too real for a dream. Was there someone in the room? Frozen to the spot Sarah slowly opened her eyes. There was no one. But what was that noise she could hear? It sounded like… like water running. “Not again! Not again, I am going to be in so much trouble,” Sarah leapt out of bed and Zlew up the stairs two at a time. Into the bathroom and both taps were running, bubbles oozing out over the side spreading across the Zloor. Rapidly she turned out the taps and yanked out the plug. Taps off, plug yanked and another crisis over, Sarah sat slumped on the Zloor waiting for the adrenalin to subside in her veins and the water to go down the hole. “Who could possibly be turning on the taps all the time?” she thought to herself, bafZled. The duet of snores from upstairs, told her that Mr. Power and Eva Marie were not responsible, 7

and she had seen her mother asleep through her door left ajar in the basement. “Maybe... maybe the house is haunted?” A shudder ran up her spine, she quickened down the stairs back to her bed and concentrated on more pleasant thoughts like Christmas with Mum and Dad before the accident, before Mr. Power and Evil Marie moved in -‐ Cinnamon, evergreen, lavender, warm honey and lemon drinks. Her heavy lids started to relax. “You need to clean up the pond,” said a gruff voice. Sarah’s eyes squeezed tight. Instantly her body was soaked in a cold, fearful sweat. There was deZinitely somebody in the room and they felt very close indeed. Paralyzed, unable to breath, heart racing, “One, two, THREE,” she swung around and lashed out at the bedside light fumbling for the switch. The room Zlooded with light but… there was nobody there. BA Dum, Ba Dum... Baaa Dum, “Deep Breaths, deep breaths,” she told herself easing her pounding heart. “Dad please don’t haunt me, please don’t haunt me,” she muttered, sliding back down under the covers, leaving the lamp on. Cautiously turning on her side, she tried to think cinnamon thoughts again, but the feeling was too strong, somebody was watching her. She opened her eyes again to ease her fears but instead all her fears came together. He was there, standing on 8

the edge of her bed. A six-‐inch high… Being. The swarthy round Zigure with a squashed up face, a huge bulbous nose and squinty eyes, a baldhead with tufts of blue hair around his pointy ears and a big thin smile, stared at her. Sarah’s chest began to pain for want of a breath in. “I must be dreaming or going crazy,” she gasped pulling in a much needed breath. “Oh no you’re not.” The voice continued, “You need to clean up the old garden pond to stop her using the bathroom.” She couldn’t get from the bed quick enough, tripping over the duvet as she went and falling Zlat on the Zloor. “Are you okay?” asked the little man thing which seemed neither human nor animal. “Who are you?” she yelled. “Don’t you recognise me? … I’m Norman Whistle,” he answered. “You know, the Earth Element?”, his eyebrows raised in a, ‘how-‐do-‐ you-‐ not-‐ recognise-‐me-‐ are-‐ you-‐ stupid-‐ or-‐ something’, kind of way. “It’s okay this is just a dream, an illusion, calm down, I’m not going crazy, how could one of the fairies dad painted be standing in front of me?” said Sarah trying to calm herself, squinting at the Being. Sarah slowly edged back to the bed, willing herself on “Come on be brave, prove it to yourself.” She reached out.

“Finally you’ve got a grip of your senses,” sighed Norman as he grabbed her outstretched index Zinger with his long bony digits and shook a, “How do you do?” “You’re REAL!” screamed Sarah yanking her hand away at the touch of his clammy, bony hand, but Norman was still attached and the jerk sent him soaring through the air. “Aaaahhhh!” SPLAT. A big blob of wet slimy paint of different colours slid slowly down the wall. Scurrying across her bed, Sarah grabbed the bamboo pole from the plant by her window on her way. She peered behind the desk. The paint was reforming quickly – Normanising back into Norman. “A little help here please?” he said holding up his hand and rubbing his head with the other. She lowered the bamboo stick awkwardly, knocking over and breaking the cup holding her paintbrushes. She prodded. “OUCH, Careful where you stick that thing!” “Oh... sorry!” Dream or no dream, he was a harmless little funny fellow who needed a break. “Grab on!” With his bony little Zingers wrapped Zirmly around the pole, Sarah slowly pulled the pole back up. “I always wondered what it was like to Zly,” said Norman clambering onto the desk top. “You can’t Zly?” asked Sarah, still unsure of what it was she was talking to and what games her head was playing with her exactly. 10

“No I can’t Zly. What do you think I am, a fairy?” said Norman dusting off his thread bare suit. “Well, what are you?” “I’m the Earth Element, I’m a Brownie elder of the non-‐Zlying variety,” he answered proudly. “But you’re just a drawing?” “Don’t you know your father was an Abaleapist? He could do Abaleapo? … I climbed into his imagination and he transferred me on to paper. By drawing me so perfectly and leaving me open to the full moon you or he wished me here. He got the colours right, the features right. The whole shebang.” “You mean my dad invented you?” “No. Don’t be ridiculous! My mother and father ‘invented’ me 465 ½ years ago just like yours invented you,” stated Norman. “No… what he did was bring me from your unseeing world into your seeing world. ABALEAPO.” He strutted back and forth across the desk like a mad professor. “Only the families with great artistic talent have the power to be Abaleapists, your grandfather had the power and so did your father. The Renoirs had it and so did the Rembrants. Unfortunately, they wasted their talent by painting people that already existed, rather than summoning the worlds that exist in the imagination. What’s the point in that I ask you! A waste of talent that’s what I say.” He climbed down off the desk and back onto the bed. “I must say your father is a very good artist, is he here?” 11

“No he... he died in a car accident nearly two years ago.” “Oh how unfortunate,” Norman said sounding like he really didn’t care much. “Did he have any sons or anything?” “No only me,” sighed Sarah. “How about nephews?” “No. Both he and my mother were only children, well that’s what we thought. Mr. Power turned up on our doorstep around the time Dad died and he supposedly is his long lost brother.” “Hmmm, but you’re a girly... Can you draw?” “I used to a bit but I wouldn’t be anything close to how good he was,” said Sarah modestly. “Oh good, I mean goodness...eh…Goodness, do you live here alone then?” “No, well my mum and I sleep here in the basement which is like a separate house really. Mick Power and his daughter Evil Marie live upstairs in the main house.” Sarah could see he wasn’t paying much attention to what she was saying, but it was nice to have someone to talk to, even if it was just a drawing. “Oh! so this Mr. Power, your new dad, can he draw?” “He’s not my new dad, he is only a man who turned up one evening, moved into the Gardener’s Cottage, and he’s now saying that he is my father’s brother, which I don’t believe,” snapped Sarah. “If he is so horrible why does he live here?” “It’s a long story,” sighed Sarah sadly. 12

“I’m all ears.” Norman Zlapped his big pointy ears. “I don’t have any relatives other than Mum, so Mr. Power said he would look after me until Mum got better after the accident. Her broken bones healed but something went wrong with her mind, she had to go to a special hospital for a few months. He brought all sorts of papers into her to show her that the house was rightfully his, as my grandfather had said in his will that he would leave the house to his son, and as he was now the only living son, it was his, but he said he wouldn’t see us homeless so we could stay. I don’t believe him though because this was the house grandfather and my Dad grew up in, so I know grandfather meant my dad and no other. He often threatens to throw us out which makes Mum very nervous.” Norman didn’t respond, he was too busy trying to catch a Zly Zlying around his head. “Your room is very dull compared to the rest of the house if you don’t mind me saying. A tad minimalist. Were you going for the peasant look when choosing the decor?” Sarah glanced around at peeling paint and the mix match of household items; the toilet that was never installed stood in the corner and was now her secret hiding place for her Dad’s paintings. The desk she had made from a broken door and two empty barrels and the legs of her bed that were made up from bricks she found in the garden. “No I just haven’t had 13

time to do anything with it. The basement used to be the servants quarters when my grandfather was growing up, but it was just used for storing junk for years before we moved down here. Evil Marie now has my old room.” “Evil Marie? A curious name?” “Well her real name is Eva Marie, but I call her Evil Marie, it suits her better, she is spoilt and evil.” “So is your mother still in hospital?” he asked again quite distracted. “No. She came out of hospital but she has changed a lot. Since her breakdown she always seems on the verge of tears and needs a lot of pills.” Norman’s belly erupted with laughter. “What are you laughing at? It’s not funny!” Norman howled with laughter, “I’m sorry,” he said belly rolling around the table like a swatted Zly trying to get his buzz back. “But you said, she had a breakdown, what is she a car or something!” “People have breakdowns too.” “Don’t be silly! You don’t have engines or windy up bits,” answered Norman, composing himself. A loud creak and groaning of pipes came from upstairs, followed by the sound of gushing water. “Who is doing that?” said Sarah out loud, staring at the ceiling. “You’re going to have to clean up the old garden pond,” stated Norman matter of factly. “It’s the only way you can stop

Wishy Washy Watery Wendy from Zlooding your house… You know the Water Element?” “The Water Element? You mean my dad’s other drawing?” said Sarah. “Are you telling me that it is her, a fairy that is leaving the taps on all the time?” “Yes indeed. Wendy is a fairy and if you wish to get her out of your house you need to create a more pleasant watery place to tempt her with, because fairies prefer to live outdoors, you know? They can do all that prancing and dancing around mushrooms much more easily in the outdoors than in the fridge.” He popped a left over peanut he had found behind the desk into his mouth that was far too wide for his squashed up head and minced it up before continuing. “And Wendy has a lot of friends and family, so you’d want to do it quick before they all start to move into your home –and none of us would want that.” Bits of peanut sprayed from his mouth. “Funny creature’s fairies… one minute they’re all shy and butter-‐ wouldn’t-‐melt-‐in-‐their-‐mouthish, next of all, they’re wild party animals,” said Norman before giving two furious sneezes. “Is there a cat in here, I’m very allergic?” Indeed Misty had snuck in the open window and was now purring contently, curled up on the pile of books in the corner. “Where’s Wendy now?” asked Sarah shooing Misty out the window. One the way she noticed that thebroken cup on her desk had been crudely stuck back together with a green 15

gooey substance, and was about to comment when Norman stopped munching and sneezing and listened for a moment and pointed up to the ceiling. “Sounds like she’s in the water tank.” Sarah listened; she could hear some faint singing coming from above. “Why does she keep leaving all the taps on?” “She wants to turn your house into a water palace,” said Norman picking bits of peanut out from between his teeth, with a paper clip. “But she keeps Zlooding the place!” “I know, I know,” answered Norman, wearily wiping his nose on his sleeve and pacing up and down on the desk. “I’ve told her that, but fairies are stubborn. They think they know what’s best all the time. She thinks once she has the place full of water, you’ll then see how great it is too, to splish and splash every time you walk. But don’t worry. You go to bed now; I’ll keep an eye on Wendy tonight and tell her you are starting on the pond tomorrow. Cheerio!” Within a blink of the eye, Norman had slid under the door and was gone.

The Day Before... “

Where are you, WHERE ARE YOU?” Sarah’s eyes shot up

towards the footsteps thundering down the basement stairs. Her breath quickened as she scrambled to hide away her Dad’s paintings. The bedroom door Zlew open, sharp jagged talons sunk into her arm in a stinging grip. “What is wrong with you, you stupid girl, do you want to get us thrown out onto the street?” “What have I done now?” shrieked Sarah, yanking her skinny arm away. “What have you done? I’ll show you what you have done, get up those stairs.” Sarah dodged past her mother’s second attempt to grab her and scarpered to the stairs as ordered. Rubbing the sting away from her arm Sarah hesitated on the fourth step, her toes curled as a shock of cold wetness soaked through her socks. A sharp poke of a Zinger between her shoulder blades bolted Sarah forward. “I know exactly what you were thinking – just of yourself as usual you selZish little rip.” Water oozed and squelched from the saturated carpet more and more with every step.

“You went and left the bath tap running that’s what you did and now the whole place is ruined.” “No I didn’t, it wasn’t me Mum I swear.” “Then who was it then, you were the only one in the house?” “You were here too or maybe Eva Marie did it before she left. I don’t know but it wasn’t me.” “Oh blame your cousin why don’t you? Typical. You just wait ’til your uncle gets home.” “He’s not my uncle and she’s not my cousin,” roared Sarah. WHACK. The rough hand cut across Sarah’s cheek with no restraint. Sarah bit her lip holding her numb cheek and stood for a moment waiting for the throbbing pain to set in. “Now look what you’ve made me do,” said mother staring at her trembling hand as if it wasn’t her own. “I can’t take this anymore I need my pills, get me my pills.” She clutched the bathroom door as her legs began to buckle beneath her. Sarah softly took her mother’s arm and eased her onto the plastic chair that stood on the landing. She squelched down the soggy basement stairs and pushed open the creaky door of the small, dusty bedroom. Sarah rummaged through the numerous different pill boxes in her mother’s bedside locker to Zind the ‘new’ ones, when she caught sight of the photo stuck at the back of the drawer. Slowly she eased it out, hardly breathing. As she traced the

outline of his kind face with her Zingers, her eyes began to well up. “Oh Dad, if only you were here.” “Have you found them yet,” called her mother from the doorway behind Sarah. Large salty tears choked back Sarah’s voice. Within seconds her mother was beside her, furiously rooting through the drawer before swallowing an assortment of pills with the dregs of a glass of water left on her locker. It was only then that she caught sight of the photo in Sarah’s hand. Gently taking the photo from her grip, Mum Zlopped down on the bed. “I look so young there. When do you think it was taken?” “It was Christmas two years ago Mum, I know because the new easel we bought him is in the background… we were so happy then, just the three of us.” “He was a beautiful man; you look so like him you know?” “I didn’t know we still had a picture of him – I was so scared that I would forget what he looked like.” Sarah looked away and tried to focus on the broken door handle for a moment to gain control of her tears again. “I know Love; Mike doesn’t know I have this, you mustn’t tell him. He is right though, we shouldn’t keep sentimental stuff, I mean look at us now, both crying,” said Mum softly, her words soaked in sadness.

“Mum we are allowed to be sad about it; we can’t just stop loving him or forget him just because he’s not here anymore.” Sarah gently brushed the tears from her mother’s cheek with her sweater’s sleeve that was already soaked with her own tears. “Mum maybe you should have a lie down you look tired.” “I can’t. I have too much work to do, there are seven customers needing their ironing back tomorrow and Mike will be so cross if he catches me lying down when there is so much to-‐” “I’ll do the laundry, Mr Power won’t be back from golf for another few hours, so he’ll never know the difference.” Sarah pulled the covers over her mother and kissed her gently on the head. Deep restful breaths Zilled the room, Sarah turned to leave, her Mum’s heavy eyelids shot open, panicking she grabbed Sarah’s arm, “You must hide the picture, somewhere he won’t Zind it, do you hear?” “Don’t worry I will Mum.” Sarah took her mother’s Zirm grip in her hand and eased the red chapped hands back under the covers. “Mum – you really need to cut your nails.” Mum didn’t open her eyes, “If Mike Power sees me with manicured nails he’ll say we’re not doing enough work and give us more... Listen to me, I should be more grateful for all

he has done for us. He’s the one who pays the mortgage now and keeps food on the table, since your father went.” Sarah wanted so much to bellow, “No he’s not, you do all the work, he just collects the money and spends it,” but she knew it would only upset her mother more. Instead she crept towards the door leaving her mother to rest. “Sarah?” “Yes mum?” “I’m sorry for being cross with you earlier; I never used to be like this. Maybe it’s my pills disagreeing with me again. I’ll call Doctor Payne and see if he’ll change…” Her voice trailed off into deep breaths of sleep. Sarah slipped quietly out, wedging the door open so the steam from the mangle and ironing press would warm her Mum’s room a little. It was Sunday, which meant Sarah and her mother would be by themselves for most of the day, as Eva Marie was having private acting classes, while Mike Power would stay for after dinner drinks at the golf club. After completing several batches of laundry, Sarah crept back to her own room and carefully placed the photo under her pillow. Sitting at her make shift desk of an old door and two empty water barrels, she slowly thumbed through the illustrations her dad had been working on before that dreadful day. The Beings. He had based the odd looking ‘folk’ on the four elements, wind, water, Zire and earth, plus one. The ‘plus one’ was a bit of a mishap, not a mistake, thought Sarah and not an element, but she had her place. 21

“Holy Crap Sarah, what did you do?” Eva Marie burst into the room, smirking. Sarah jumped as her thoughts were jolted back from the precious past to the ugly present. “Or was it that crazy mother of yours that left the taps on? You guys are in so much trouble when my dad gets home,” said Eva suppressing a grin. Sarah gripped the chair so tight that her knuckles went white. She closed her eyes, pursed her lips and just imagined for a moment, jumping up and boxing the spoilt brat. Two deep breaths later she composed herself enough to speak calmly, “There’s no need to tell him Eva Marie, it will only cause trouble, the carpet will dry out and your Dad hardly ever comes down here so he will never need to know.” Eva Marie sauntered over to the table torturing Sarah with the silence of her indecision. “What’s that you’ve got there?” “Nothing.” Sarah said, quickly closing the folder. “Yes it is, let me see.” Eva jerked the folder out from under Sarah’s hand and Zlicked briskly through the pages stopping at the ‘plus one’ or ‘Hairy Fairy’ as Sarah named her. “He wasn’t very good was he? I mean that’s meant to be a fairy and its sooo ugly – fairies are supposed to be pretty creatures with golden hair like mine – not half naked with knotted afros and squished up faces like this one.” She paused, “But there’s something I like about it… so I’ll keep it.” “NO Eva you can’t take it. I only have a few of his drawings left,” said Sarah jolting up so quick that her chair 22

fell over. Eva Marie smirked. “Do you want me to tell my father about the stairs or don’t you?” Sarah’s neck reddened with bubbling desperation, she picked at the peeling veneer at the side of her desk. “Well if you must have it, don’t leave it out in the sunlight because one of his drawings has already faded away completely and -‐” Eva smiled wryly, tossing her long blonde hair over her shoulder while stealing a glance of herself in the cracked mirror on the way out of the door. Large globule tears spilled down Sarah’s burning cheeks and splattered on the desk. She picked up one of the remaining four paintings and slumped down on her bed. “Where have you gone?” she whispered despondently, gazing through the salty wells at the washes of blue paint on the page in front of her. It was all that remained of her favourite painting. The water nymph with the golden hair, sweet cheeky smile and translucent wings had faded completely from the page.

The Accident

“ izza Hut, Pizza Hut, Come eat at the Pizza Hut,” bellowed the TV ad. Sarah dozed on the couch, she had seen the movie before but Eva had insisted on watching it again. Sarah didn’t care really what was on, the warmth of the sitting room was a better place to kill a few evening hours then her chilly, damp bedroom. “You know we haven’t had pizza since your dad died. Do you think it’s because your dad was getting pizza for you when he was killed?” said Eva Ziling her nails. Eva Marie was not naturally pretty like Sarah but she did what people would describe as ‘make the most of what she had’, whereas Sarah couldn’t be bothered, she only washed her hair when it really had to be washed and only brushed it when it really had to be brushed. Although Eva was three years Sarah’s junior they wore the same size clothes and shoes but they never shared. Sarah detested anything pink, sequenced, frilly or Zigure hugging, which ruled out all of Eva’s wardrobe and Eva wouldn’t be caught dead in any of Sarah’s nondescript sweatshirts and jeans which was all Sarah possessed. However, Eva Marie did envy Sarah’s antique doll collection and the silver dressing table set which her grandmother has left her.

“No it’s because you and your dad don’t like pizza,” answered Sarah sarcastically. Eva Marie paused, “If your dad hadn’t gone for pizza that night he’d be alive now wouldn’t he? And if he was getting pizza for you because you wanted it, does that mean you killed your dad?” “I didn’t kill my dad,” Sarah’s teeth clenched so tight she could hardly get the words out. “And I didn’t send him for pizza. We always went for pizza on a Friday night. The only reason why I wasn’t with them was because your dad asked me to sit with you because you weren’t feeling well. If it wasn’t for you we would have stayed in the restaurant and not got a take away and he wouldn’t have crashed. So it’s all your fault Evil Marie. ” “My fault?” “Yes your fault, no wonder your mother ran away.” “Oh that’s nasty,” smirked Eva Marie. “I’m sorry Eva Marie, I shouldn’t have said -‐” “What was his favourite pizza topping?” “Pepperoni” said Sarah, hesitantly. “Yuk! I hate pepperoni... nearly as much as I hate that ugly fairy picture!” “What did you do with it?” “Do with what?” “The painting, the one you took from me.” “Oh that silly old thing. I decided I didn’t like it after all, it looked too like you, so I threw it away.” Eva Marie Zlashed a 25

grin as she reached for the remote control. Sarah lunged, grabbing Eva’s blonde ringlets and toppling her off the couch. “AAAHH, help, save me,” screamed Eva still grinning, as they tumbled around the Zloor. Sarah yanked a golden ringlet harder, weakening her opponent, she rolled, scrambled on top and pinned the horrible monstrosity to the Zloor. Eva swung her head to the side and sank her teeth hard into Sarah’s wrist and lashed out with her hand scraping her neck with her Zlaying nails. “What on earth is going on?” said Mum bursting into the room and pulling Sarah off Eva Marie. Mr Power followed close behind. “She said –“ but Sarah stopped herself saying what happened. If she admitted that she had her dad’s pictures, Mike Power would insist they were handed over and destroyed like he had done with all her Dad’s photos and other things. Sentimentality was not allowed in the Power household. “Sarah said it was my fault her Dad died and my Mum ran off because she hated me,” sniffed Eva Marie. “Sarah did you? How could you be so heartless?” said Mum. “BUT-‐” “Don’t you answer your mother back,” roared Mr Power his pointed, chubby Zinger nearly touching Sarah’s nose. “You know Eva Marie’s mum is just preparing the way in America

for Eva’s career in Hollywood. That is why she left, I won’t have your jealousy in this house, now go to your room.” Sarah stared at the Zloor, choking back the lump in her throat as her Mum cradled the whimpering Eva, for what seemed like an eternity. “Aunty Maureen… can we have pizza tomorrow tonight?” “I didn’t think you liked pizza?”

“I do now -‐ especially pepperoni.” No one seemed to notice Sarah leave the room and it

seemed to have slipped her mother’s mind again to come and tuck her in. But tonight Sarah was glad she hadn’t, she wouldn’t want her mother to see her cry. Sarah slid the photo from under her pillow, “I didn’t kill you Dad, did I?” Her shaking Zinger stroked the kind face smiling from the photo and for the hundredth time she thought to herself how things would have been different if she had gone that Friday night. If Mr Power hadn’t rushed out of the rented cottage just as they were getting into the car and pleaded with her mum to let Sarah stay to keep Eva Marie company while he went to get some medicine at the chemist for her growing fever. Of course things would have been different because Mum and Dad would not have been on the road at that time, they would have been sitting in their usual seat at Big Jo’s Pizzeria, not returning with the take away. Then Dad would never have been blinded by the full headlights, he’d never 27

have needed to swerve to avoid the mysterious car that was speeding along the wrong side. Mum couldn’t remember much detail when questioned by the police, all she could remember were the blinding head lights and as Dad swerved Mum got a glance of a driver, she was sure it was a tall male with glasses and the car was silver. Then they tumbled, she had heard the click of Dad’s seatbelt pop open, he had some trouble closing it when they got into the car and it must have come undone. She just remembered the blue Zlashing lights after that. Sarah had sat with the restless Eva, she didn’t look sick but still seemed to take delight in giving orders to Sarah. Mick Power returned from the chemist empty handed, his face solemn. “I’m afraid there has been an accident.” Sarah remembers thinking it would be something she could tell her parents when they returned. “They have taken your parents to the hospital, it doesn’t look good.” “Why? Did they witness what happened?” “IT happened to them.” The strength drained from Sarah’s thighs, knees and calves, “I have to go to them, I need to go to them at the hospital, can you take me there?” “Of course,” said Mr Power in his continuing grave tone. “Oh can I go too Daddy, can I please, please?” said Eva Marie jumping up from her sick bed with a new lease of life, all evidence of any ailment suddenly vanishing. 28

“Yes Dear, if you get dressed in a hurry.” “I’ll be just two tics,” said Eva in a far too giddy humour for the situation. “Should I wear black?” Sarah wasn’t taking much notice, her head was beginning to throb, Misty rubbed against her legs, if anything should happen to Mum and Dad, her cat would be the only thing Sarah would have left to love in the world. “Misty needs to be fed Zirst,” she said confused at the rush of feelings. “I’ll give her something, you go and sit yourself in the car.” The trip to the hospital was a blur, it was only when the sterile blues and white lights of the emergency entrance pierced through Sarah’s tears as they drove slowly over the ramps towards the hospital car park that the reality of the situation struck. “Mum, Dad,” roared Sarah pulling open the car door latch. “Hold on Sarah, wait ’til I’ve parked the car.” But Sarah was already out, her feet pounding the glistening tarmac towards the illuminated entrance. “Where’s my mum and dad? Maureen and John Kelly? They were in a car crash, where are they? ” said Sarah leaning on the reception desk, her limbs feeling heavy. “Oh yes, the car accident on Chelsea Road. Your dad is in intensive care at the end of the corridor, but you can’t -‐”

It was no use for the administrator telling Sarah hospital rules and restrictions, she was already running down the corridor towards the doors she had been pointed to, everything seemed to be happening in slow motion but Sarah could hear her heart beat thumping loud and fast. She burst through the swing doors and at the end of another short hall she could see him through the half glass partition lying on the bed, surrounded by tubes and machines. As she ran towards the room a tall doctor in a white jacket pulled the door shut and brushed quickly past her. Just as Sarah pushed the door handle down, a Zlat green line went across the screen of the machine on the far side of the bed and a loud monotone note sounded. Sarah had seen this in movies, she knew what it meant. “NO... NO, DAD.” With one leap she was across the Zloor on top of the bed cradling his bandaged head in her arm. There was a scurry of soft shoed feet to the room. “What the -‐” It was a woman’s voice, a kind voice. She was fumbling frantically beneath the bed and pressing buttons on the machine nearest the door. “Do something,” roared Sarah. “Nurse Geraghty, what is happening here?” This time it was an urgent deep male voice. “I’m sorry doctor, I didn’t see her get in, I was attending Mr Hackett next door. She must have knocked the ventilator plug out with her foot. “ 30

“Get her out of here.” Sarah peered over her shoulder and through her tears she could see a short black man in a white coat, with Mr Power and Eva Marie hurrying up behind him. “Come on, you can’t be here, you’ve knocked the machine off,” urged the nurse, pulling at Sarah, but her grip was too tight. “Leave her too me,” said Mr Power, and with one crushing grip around her abdomen Sarah could do nothing but loose her grip of her father’s head that had suddenly gone cold. “Let the doctor do his work, Dear.” “It wasn’t me, the machines went off just as the other doctor left”, cried Sarah. “I’m the only doctor on this ward tonight child, now out of the way,” “CLEAR,” said the doctor. From outside the glass partition Sarah watched as nurses hurried around and the doctor tried to jerk her father’s soul back into his body with the round handheld discs of the deZibrillator. Finally he stood back, shook his head regretfully and checked his watch. “Time of death 10.15pm.” One of the nurses had the bed chart and jotted notes, the doctor came slowly into the hall and as he spoke, one of the hundred thoughts that came to Sarah’s head was that he smelt different from the other doctor that had passed her in the hall, he was more clinically white while the other had a more musty smell. But then it was as if he had put that machine to her skull, he should have shouted ‘clear’ but instead he said the words, “I’m sorry.” 31

Sarah stared through the glass, “Don’t cover his face, he won’t be able to breathe,” Sarah thought, as the nurse pulled a sheet over her dad’s head. “Where’s my mum? I want my mum.” Somehow the doctor had led her to a row of plastic chairs further down the corridor and she was now sitting, doctor on one side, Mr Power on the other, Eva Marie had wandered into the nurses’ station, dropping coins into a candy machine. “Your mum is stable.” “SHE IS?” said Mr Power. If Sarah had not been so caught up in her father’s passing she may have wondered why he sounded so surprised. “Your mum has fractured some bones in her legs and cracked some ribs. She is concussed, but there were no internal injuries. She’s in theatre at the moment so will be sedated until the morning.” “So she’s not dead or anything?” Mr Power interrupted shifting uneasily in his seat. “Are you a relative?” asked the doctor looking up at Mr Power’s sweating face. “I’m as good as, we live in the same house.” This sounded wrong, but Sarah was too numb to protest. “Well I would suggest you take Sarah home and have some rest. Call in the morning and we’ll see how Mrs Kelly is doing.” “And Mr Power,” said the doctor, as he got up to leave, “I suggest you start making necessary arrangements.” 32

“Arrangements? Oh yes, yes a funeral.” “Do you want a bite Dad?” Eva Marie said holding out a half eaten Mars Bar towards his face. “No Dear, you know I don’t like Mars Bars... do they have any Twix?”

WWWW...

Sarah woke up with a start, “Norman” she called out looking around the room. Eva was standing at the end of her bed. “Who’s Norman?” “Oh I must have... I must have been dreaming.” “You’re in trouble again,” said Eva smugly. “Why?” You left the tap on in the kitchen.” “No I didn’t, why am I getting the blame?” “Because no one else did it.” Sarah was about to protest but got distracted. “What’s with your hair?” “What do you mean?” Eva Marie took two giant steps across to the broken mirror. “Aaaahhhh” she screamed, “What happened to my beautiful hair? I have an audition for a shampoo commercial tomorrow.” “Well let’s hope it’s for a new detangling formula for spoilt brats – you’ll be perfect.” Sarah sniggered, looking at the tangled mess on top or Eva Marie’s head. “I bet you had something to do with this, if this doesn’t wash out, I’m telling,” wailed Eva Marie running out of the room.

In the kitchen Mr Power squeezed the saturated mop into the bucket while standing in, what was still, a very large puddle. “What did you think you were doing leaving on the tap?” he scolded. “It wasn’t me,” snarled Sarah. “Well who did then? And another thing, are you responsible for breaking the dishwasher, because it was working yesterday and there isn’t a peep out of it now? All you are doing is adding to your mother’s workload, she has to wash all the dishes by hand now.” Sarah didn’t answer, she stared in disbelief as a tiny fairy climbed up the tap mixers right in front of her mother and with a loud “whee” slid down into the sink of bubbles with a plop. “Did anyone else see that?” exclaimed Sarah, glancing around at her mum and Mr Power. “See what?” asked Mum. Water Wendy was having some difZiculty climbing out of the sink as her wings were heavy with water drips. She looked around the counter for a climbing rope. “See that -‐“ Sarah glanced at the waiting eyes of her mum and Mr Power, they couldn’t see it and now wasn’t the time to explain. “That movie, the other night on BBC.” There was a pause before her mother continued, “Stop trying to change the subject young lady, Zirst the bathroom and now this, what has got into you?”

“What happened with the bathroom?” asked Mr Power with a squelch of the mop. “Oh it was nothing. I shouldn’t have said -‐” Mum’s voice trembled, but Sarah wasn’t listening, her attention was again being distracted as Watery Wendy picked up the electric kettle lead and was about to drop it in the basin of water her mother had her hands in. “STOP” roared Sarah. Wendy froze at the bellow of a mortal in her direction. She dropped the lead on the counter and whizzed towards Sarah’s face. She ducked out of the way to avoid the sting of Wendy’s fast beating, gold wings as she whooshed by. “Stop what?” “Stop washing the dishes Mum and let me Zinish them.” “It’s okay, I’m nearly done, are you feeling okay, you are looking a bit hot?” “Yes, I think I’ll go outside for some fresh air,” said Sarah as she hurried out the back door, leaned against the wall and took some deep breaths. Her hands were shaking but she wasn’t cold. “That girl needs to be taken in hand, she needs some disciplining,” roared Mike Power from inside. “Don’t you touch her” retorted mother. A loud wail came from Eva pounding down the stairs, “Look at my hair.” For once Sarah was thankful for Eva Marie’s crying as everyone’s instant attention as it broke the brewing row. 36

Sarah was scheduled to do laundry that day ‘to pay for her keep’, Mr Power was going up the mountains to Zind the biggest Christmas tree possible for his daughter and he had ordered her mother to go shopping for all new decorations with Eva Marie. Sarah Zigured if she kept the washers and dryers going she could work on the pond in between and then do the mangling later that evening. When everyone had left, she put on the Zirst laundry batch and went to the garden shed to root out the spade and fork. Norman was sitting on the spade rubbing the blade of it with a stone. “What are you doing?” asked Sarah with a start. “You can’t clear a pond with a blunt spade,” he answered, his nose dripping onto the spade as he continued to rub furiously. “I spoke to Wishy Washy Watery Wendy this morning and she’s delighted that you’re Zixing up the pond. She asked if you could have it Zinished by sundown, which would be very acceptable as she wishes to have some friends over for a splash.” “I’ll do my best,” replied Sarah, a bit put out that she was being ordered about by a little some ‘thing’ the size of her hand. The garden pond was her dad’s favourite place as a little boy. His dad had helped the gardener build the brick walls and install the once spectacular fountain. But after granddad had died and they could no longer afford a gardener the brambles soon crept over the walls and made the pond the 37

place to raise their generations. The rich pond sludge was the perfect nurturing ground for every weed seed that was lucky enough to fall into this once much loved place. Dad always promised that someday when he sold a major project he would make time to restore the garden to its former glory – rambling roses, herbariums, granny’s bonnets, he often reeled off the list of Zlowers he planned to grow. “He loved Zlowers. There should have been more Zlowers at his funeral,” thought Sarah to herself as she started to pull at the weeds. “More Zlowers and more people,” she muttered angrily. The funeral had happened quickly, it was small, very small and quiet. “Is there anyone else to arrive?” asked the priest as Sarah and Mr Power stood at the grave side. “Ah no, his wife is in hospital still and my daughter had an important dance rehearsal, you know kids and their priorities,” Mr Power said with a feeble smile. But the priest didn’t respond. “He had no other relatives,” Mr Power added. “But he had lots of friends,” said Sarah, “Where are all his friends?” The priest raised a questioning eyebrow at Mr Power. “Now, now Dear, you know I haven’t had much time for spreading idle gossip, what with bringing you back and forth to the hospital and with being so upset and everything during

the last few days. I suppose I thought people would just know.” “A newspaper announcement usually helps,” said the priest, glaring at Mr Power over the rim of his glasses. “Yes well these things cost money don’t they? Word will spread I’m sure,” defended Mr Power, returning the glare. “There should be Zlowers and music, if Mum was here she’d have had Zlowers and music.” “Well your mum couldn’t make it and we don’t want to be bothering her with those details while she’s poorly, do we now?” “Couldn’t we have waited until she was home?” “What! And cause her lots of upset? You know the doctor said it could be several weeks, even a month before she’s out. No Dear, best to get these things over with and move on.” “Ah yes indeed… that won’t do,” Norman stated with a crooked smile, snapping Sarah back to the present. He was sitting on the edge watching the water from the hose Zlow into the cleared out pond. “What do you mean it won’t do?” “Ah yes indeed, it won’t do at all because I was just talking to Wishy Washy about the type of pond she would like and she wants the fountain working.” “She wants the fountain working?” “Yes indeed, the fountain working and three gold Zish and one of those odd looking black gold Zish and some pink 39

water lilies… please,” said Norman, arching his hands in front of him and cracking his long bony Zingers. “Why did you bother asking her what she wanted, she was perfectly happy with just the idea of the pond?” “Well I just thought it would be nice to ask and get her input into the project, now I’ve got to go, peoples to see, spaces to go.” “But I can’t Zix the fountain, how am I supposed...” but he was gone. “What’cha doin?” called a voice from the top of the garden. Sarah squinted in the winter sun and saw the welcome silhouette of Molly, her best and only friend she had still managed to stay in touch with since she left school. “It’s, it’s a surprise... A surprise for Mum for Christmas… I’m clearing the old pond for her.” “Would buying her a bunch of Zlowers not be easier?” scoffed Molly. “Does the fountain work?” “No, but I need it to, I mean I want it to.” “Sure David Clarke should be able to Zix that.” “David Clarke? How would he know how to Zix a fountain?” “Ah you know, he’s always tinkering with things and during school holidays he works with my dad on nixers. I’d ask my dad to help but he’s snowed under at the moment Zixing peoples Christmas lights and all. I’ll give David a call.”

Sarah never thought she could be impressed by David Clarke, or any boy in fact, but he arrived within minutes of Molly’s call and the speed he had the seized pump working was nothing but impressive. “Have you nothing better to be doing than playing around in a splash pool?” said Mick Power walking down the garden. “I thought it would be a nice place for Mum to -‐” A loud chugging noise came from the central fountain stem. As Molly and Sarah watched a rusty splutter and then a whoosh of water erupt from the top of the fountain. “What the -‐” said Mick Power squinting at the glistening cascade. “Well I suppose it will add value to the house... Hey you in the shed,” called Mick to David who was Zixing the cover back onto the fountain’s electric switch. “Do you know anything about electrics?” “Yea, a thing or two.” “Right then, inside, I’ve a dishwasher that needs Zixing. I’m off to buy a tree stand. I’ll drop you to your house Molly on the way.” “Oh it’s okay Mr Power I don’t need to go yet.” “Yes you do, Sarah has work to do, she needs to clean up the sitting room and clear the area near the window for the Christmas tree that’s arriving, now into the car with you.” Sarah slowly gathered up the tools and put them back in the shed before following David into the house.

“Excuse me, hello, Earth Element calling Sarah,” mocked Norman, standing on the pond wall as Sarah passed. “Where do you think you’re going? You’ve a pond to Zinish.” “IT IS Zinished, Norman.” “No it’s not, what about the Zish and the lilies?” “Yes, they’re coming – I have to buy them, have patience.” David had already manoeuvred the dishwasher from under the counter top by the time Sarah got to the house. “Luckily I went up to the bathroom to wash my hands before starting on the machine, someone had left the tap on in the bath and it was just about to over Zlow,” said David matter-‐of-‐factly. “I don’t believe you!” “No worries Sarah, I turned it out, no damage done.” Sarah sat slumped exhausted at the kitchen table watching David as he undid the back of the machine and began to work on its motor, but then he stopped and looked towards the ceiling “Is that running water I hear?” Sarah glanced fearfully towards the ceiling, leapt to her feet and dashed upstairs. The bathroom was full of steam as the bath taps ran full blast. Bubbles were rising above the rim of the bath and there in the middle of the biggest bubble sat the semi translucent shimmering gold imp, scrubbing her wings with the smallest sponge Sarah had ever seen, ‘la la-‐ ing’ a merry little tune. Sarah lunged at the taps and turned them out. 42

“You’re Wishy Washy Watery Wendy aren’t you?” spitted Sarah. “Yes WWWW at your service,” piped up the being in a deeper voice than would be expected. “Now listen hear WWWW, I’m breaking my back Zixing the pond for you and I expect some cooperation,” said Sarah crossly in a hushed voice, pointing her Zinger at the tiny being immersed in the bubble. “I’ll promise to have the pond Zinished by tomorrow evening if you promise not to turn on anymore taps in this house in the meantime,” she continued. There was a silence and big blinks of long lashes before Wendy piped up, “Will there be frogs in it?” “Do you want frogs in it?” retorted Sarah, her nostrils Zlowing from adrenalin rush. “Of course” Wendy said, in a ‘who-‐wouldn’t-‐want-‐frogs’ type voice. “Well yes, then there will be frogs.” “Okay, it’s a deal then – you have my pond complete for my new moon party by sundown tomorrow and I won’t have anymore splish splashes in your house until then.” “And none after, once you have the pond?” “Of course, why would anyone favour tap water for pond water?” laughed Wendy. “Okay so that’s a deal?” “Deal” saluted Wendy.

“I’m sorry for being cross, I am genuinely happy to see you, but you wouldn’t believe the trouble this is going to cause for my Mum and me.” Wendy stared and blinked and then continued la-‐ la-‐ing and scrubbing as the bubble slowly sank further into the bath with the decreasing water. Sarah gasped as she walked straight into David in her hurry out the door. “Is everything okay?” he asked looking beyond Sarah into the bathroom. “Oh my God, how did that happen, I turned off the taps when I was up here.” “Oh it’s okay we’re having a bit of problem with the plumbing... the washers have gone. Are you Zinished Zixing the dishwasher?” Sarah gently nudged David back towards the stairs. “Yea, yea,” shrugged David putting his mind back on the job, “but I might come back tomorrow and sort out those lights for you.” “What lights?” “The lights upstairs, when I was up there I Zlicked on the bathroom light and the hall light came on and visa versa.” “That’s odd.” “Ah! You probably never noticed, wires can’t change around by themselves, you know?” Sarah had the sitting room cleared just in time for Mr Power’s return.

“Is this the best tree you ever seen?” said Mr Power while he hauled the huge tree through the front door. “Mr Power, is that not a blue needled conifer?” asked David. “I think they are preserved.” “Ah who cares, what difference does one or two missing make? Give us a hand.” He pulled the tree into the sitting room. “So you Zixed the dishwasher?” Mr Power asked David in between instructions to turn it and straighten it, until he was happy with the result of the tree in the corner. “Lucky I had a look at it, there were two wires loose, sparking off each other, it was a Zire waiting to happen. Oh and there must be a dead mouse or something behind one of the cupboards cause there was a really bad whiff when I pulled out the machine.” “Sarah, get rid of the dead mouse, when you’re Zinished the laundry, I’d say I’m going to be busy decorating this huge tree with Eva Marie all evening.” Sarah sighed heavily and rolled her eyes, before slumping out to the kitchen, if she didn’t do it she knew he would get her mum to do it. “Oh, by the way,” she called back, “Mum rang, they’re going to be late. Something about Eva changing her mind from a pink and white theme to black and purple. So Mum feels she needs to go back to all the shops and return the decorations they had already bought. I told her to tell the brat to be happy with what she’s got -‐” 45

“You watch your mouth about Eva Marie,” cut in Mr Power. “Anyway, they’re going to eat out.” “Well, in that case I’m off to the club for dinner. Can’t stand this dismal house listening to the racket of the washing machines. Give’s me the creeps it does. Want to come David?” “Eh, no thanks Mr Power, my mum will have my dinner ready when I get home.” “Sarah get those laundry orders Zinished before I get back.” ************************* Sarah wasn’t there when her mum woke a week after the funeral, so it was the doctors that told her the terrible news before phoning Sarah to tell her the good news that her mum was awake and asking for her. “MUM!” cried Sarah running to her mum’s bedside, her arms enveloped Sarah and for a few moments a surge of happiness brought tears to both their eyes. “I was so worried that -‐” “I know Dear, I know,” said Mum gently rubbing her back. “Mum, do you know about -‐” Sarah searched her mother’s eyes. “They told me about Dad, I’m so sorry you had to deal with that by yourself.” Tears Zlooded into Mum’s eyes and streamed down her cheeks as she stroked Sarah’s face. “But 46

you have me now, Sweetheart. We’ll get through this together.” Grief, relief, happiness ebbed and Zlowed with every pump of Sarah’s heart. She buried her hurting head in her Mum’s arms and it helped to take the pain away, they didn’t talk much more, their embrace said more than words could. “How did you get here?” asked Mum after a while. “By taxi, Mr Power was out but I left a note.” “Yes, the doctor told me that Mike has been caring for you. We were lucky to have him there, who would have thought he, of all people, would have been capable of such kindness and generosity of spirit? A case of a sheep in wolf’s clothing I think!” Sarah just gave her Mum a weak smile, she didn’t want to bother her with stories of Eva Marie’s meanness or that Mike Power was still as gruff and as rude as ever. In a few days her mum would be home and there would be plenty of time for stories then. During the next few days there was a deluge of visitors every time Sarah visited her mum. Sarah stayed in the background or walked in the hospital grounds. It wasn’t fair she thought, she’s mine, all mine, and all they are doing is upsetting her by talking about Dad. They were twice as sorry about it as they hadn’t heard, hadn’t been to the funeral, it all happened so quickly. Some offered to take Sarah until Mum was better, but her home and own surroundings were best for Sarah, Mum assured, she would be home in a few weeks 47

and Sarah would be back at school, which would be best for her. Everyday Mike reluctantly brought Sarah to the hospital. Mum always thanked him profusely and he put on a strange sickly sweet act -‐ it was the least he could do... Eva Marie and Sarah got on so well they were like sisters now... the house kept him busy and so did the girls but he’d keep the home Zires burning until Mrs Kelly could get home. Of course if Mrs Kelly or 'may I call you Maureen?’, needed assistance when she got home, himself and Eva Marie would be there of course to help them get through this difZicult time. Actually he insisted that would be the case so she would have nothing to worry about and could just concentrate on getting better. He always stayed in the room during visiting and between him and the visitors Sarah never had another moment alone with her Mum to talk and cuddle, but there would be plenty of time for that when she came home. “Back to school tomorrow,” said Mr Power on the way home from one of the hospital visits. “What?” said Sarah. “Your mum and I agree it’s high time you were back at school – get back to normality and all that.” “But it feels too soon and who’ll look after Mum when she comes home?” “It’s no job for a child to be caring for a sick adult. I’ll be around to help out just as your mum asked.” “She’s not sick, she only has a few broken bones.” 48

“Exactly. So it is off to school with you tomorrow do you hear?” Mick bit his nail and spat it to the side. “Your mum has asked me to stick around for a while to sort things so you don’t have to concern yourself.” “I’m sure that’s not necessary Mr Power. The doctor said her legs will heal in no time and I’m sure we could -‐” “What doctor? When were you talking to the doctors?” “Yesterday, he said we could probably arrange for a nurse in to help out.” “NURSE? Do you know how much those things cost? Don’t be talking such nonsense child. There’s no need for us to spend unnecessary money on nurses, I won’t hear of it.” School was a drag, a painful drag as everyone was sympathetic. Molly was the only relief, but eventually the day came that her Mum would be coming home. Sarah cycled home faster than ever but stopped sharply half way up the long tree lined driveway to her house as a heavy truck carrying an overZlowing skip on its back roared past. A photo and some paper caught by the wind swirled from the skip and Zluttered down and landed at Sarah’s feet. It was a photo of her dad and one of his sketches. Sarah shoved them in her pocket quickly and sped down to the front yard where Mr Power was sweeping up escaped debris. “Mr Power what is going on, what are you doing?” He didn’t look up and continued sweeping.

“Your mum asked that I get rid of his stuff. She said she didn’t want reminders, too upsetting and we don’t want her upset do we?” “But his photos, his paintings? I’m sure she didn’t mean for them to be dumped. Call back the truck, Mum wouldn’t want...” “Now listen here child,” Mr Power’s voice turned venomous. “Maureen wanted them gone, and we are the adults around here, not you. He’s gone and your mum needs his stuff gone so she can move on.” Sarah shifted on her feet, trembling, “What time are we picking my mum up from the hospital?” “She’s already home.” “What? She’s home! Where is she?” Sarah dropped her school bag and bike and ran towards the front door. His hand grabbed her arm, harder probably than he intended but it jerked Sarah back. “She’s resting. The doctor said she isn’t to be disturbed. You can see her but don’t wake , do you hear?” Sarah pulled her arm away. “Let go of me, who do you think you are? I’ll see my mum if I want.” Two steps at a time and Sarah was in her mum’s room before Mike Power had puffed his way to the third step. “Mum?” whispered Sarah softly sitting on the side of the bed. Her mum was indeed asleep and deeply. Sarah stroked wisps of hair away from her pale face.

“Sarah,” said Mr Power standing at the bedroom door. “I’m, I’m sorry if I came across annoyed, it’s just that I’m anxious that your Mum gets well and back on her feet as soon as possible.” Weeks passed and each day Sarah’s Mum was resting when she got home. Usually just before dinner Mum would wake and talk for a while but her voice was tired and her speech confused. She often asked Sarah to fetch her father and then she would doze again. Sarah spent the weekends by her mother’s side reading to her and helping her to her feet as the muscles slowly built up again. Sarah couldn’t doubt that Mr Power was very attentive, he made the best attempt at meals and ensured her Mum got her medication. “Why does Mum still need pills? She’s better now, all she needs to do is strengthen her legs and arms again?” asked Sarah one day as Mr Power prepared the lunch tray of the usual soup and assortment of pills. “She needs them for the pain and to help her sleep.” “But she sleeps too much don’t you think? And I’ve never heard her complain of pain.” “What are you a doctor now?” snapped Mr Power, “The reason why you have never heard her complain of pain is because I’ve been so careful giving her her medication, if it was left to you the woman would be in agony.” But one weekend it was left to Sarah, Mr Power had to bring Eva Marie to some dance audition several hours drive away. He left strict written instructions of the pills and 51

amounts that needed to be given. But instead Sarah Zlushed them down the toilet. Slowly as the day went on her Mum was much more lively and chatty but still a bit groggy. “Maybe it’s time for Mr Power and Eva Marie to go now Mum?” suggested Sarah as she helped her mother down stairs for the Zirst time. “Well I’ll say it to him, we don’t want to seem ungrateful after all the time he has spent looking after things.” When Mr Power came home he was shocked to see Mum sitting on the couch downstairs. “What are you doing out of bed? This isn’t right.” “Mike, I’m feeling much better today thank you. I think I’m probably strong enough to take care of things again, so maybe it’s time for you and Eva Marie to get back to your own lives again.” “Our own lives? But... but of course, that’s great news. Let me, emm, prepare a celebratory dinner and maybe even a glass of wine for you Maureen.” Mum winked at Sarah before they snuggled closer together on the couch. Over the macaroni and cheese dinner Mr Power’s humour wavered from anxious to hysterically hyper. “This is great, this is great, back to normal in no time we’ll be. Eva Marie and I will be going to LA soon, over to her mother, she’s getting Eva Marie a part in a movie you know?” Sarah tried not to meet her mum’s eye across the table in case they suddenly became giddy at the thought of the spoilt little girl in Hollywood. 52

“We were supposed to go last month you know but we had to postpone it what with you needing us and all that so we haven’t heated the cottage nor Zixed the leak in the roof. You don’t mind if we stay here for a week or two until we get another Zlight do you?” “Emm, of course not Mike. You have been more than kind with your time feel free to treat our home as your own.” Sarah glared at her mother, but knew her Mum’s kind nature wouldn’t have anything said. Mum got up to bring the plates to the sink and her legs weakened beneath her, the plates crashed to the Zloor she grabbed the counter for support. “Mum, are you okay?” “Yes yes, I just feel a bit weak that’s all and tired. Maybe it was the glass of wine.” “Come on Maureen, let me help you to your bed, you’re still not right, you shouldn’t have been up at all, the doctor said you’ll need lots of rest.” Sarah watched her pale Mum being brought up the stairs. Mike returned, “Was that your idea to bring her down? I told you not to be interfering in adult business, you see what happens? Did you give her the medication today?” Sarah lowered her eyes. “What are you trying to do? Kill her? Who knows how the concussion she had is going to affect her.” “What do you mean? Mum is going to be Zine.” “That’s not what the doctor told me, one minute she could be perfectly Zine the next she could be raving mad. 53

Anyway she seems to be doing okay now, we just need to build her up slowly and not try to rush things. I’m sure she’ll be Zine. Now clean up that mess she made.” Mr Clarke, Sarah’s maths teacher was out sick the next day so her class got a welcomed unscheduled half day. “I’m home,” she called as she jogged up the stairs to her Mum’s room. Just as she went to put her hand on the door handle it opened. There stood Mr Power with a tall man in a suit, his hair gelled back from his receding hairline. He looked down his sharp nose through his small spectacles at Sarah. “This is Dr William Benjamin Payne,” Sarah starred at his face, trying to place him, she recognised him but she couldn’t remember how. He did not blink nor did his grim expression change. “I’ll see myself to the door,” he said still glaring down his nose at Sarah before turning promptly and going down the stairs. “Your Mum took a bad turn so I called the doctor, she needed sedation. It was a bad idea of yours to try and take things in your own hands yesterday, now look what’s happened.” Sarah pushed past Mr Power to her Mum’s bedside. She was asleep and breathing erratically. “I think you should stay at home for a while and help care for your mother and the house. I’ve generously postponed our trip to LA again but we’ll need an income as there is a delay in your father’s insurance coming through and as you obviously showed by your actions yesterday you can’t be 54

trusted to look after your mother properly so I won’t be able to go out selling insurance so you will have to do your bit.” “My Dad had insurance?” “Yes indeed. Luckily he bought a substantial accidental death policy from me only weeks before he died. It will ensure whoever looks after you will properly be provided for.” “You mean Mum?” “Yes your mum as well.” “No I mean, Mum will get the money to look after me?” “Look at her, she’s hardly a model guardian is she?” Sarah squeezed her Mum’s hand but there was only a weak response. “Until your mother is well enough the benefactor will be your next of kin, next to your mother of course.” “But Mum or Dad didn’t have any relatives other than Dad’s distant cousin in America.” “Well that’s not quite the case Sarah, I have a gentleman coming over tomorrow morning to explain things to you and he’ll introduce you to your new guardian.” ********* Sarah wasn’t called for school the next day. She overheard Mike Power talking to the principle on the phone, “Yes the doctor said it may be delayed grief from her father’s death that she is suffering from, so her mother thinks it best that

she spends time with her and as it isn’t long to the summer holidays she probably won’t be returning this term.” Sarah lay still in her canopied bed. Her dad was going to start redecorating her room the week he died as she had now out grown the princess fairytale theme that her Dad had so lovingly decorated when she was little. Quick footsteps came up the hall and stopped outside her door. “Sarah” called Eva Marie. “Daddy said the gentleman from social services will be here shortly and he wants you downstairs.” Sarah did not answer. “Sarah, Sarah?” The door began to open and Sarah shot up in her bed. “Get out of my room,” roared Sarah. The door closed. Heavier footsteps thudded up the hallway. Mr Power called through the door, “There’s no need to talk to Eva Marie like that. Now I expect you to be downstairs in 20 minutes.” Sarah stood by the Zireplace Zidgeting with her sweatshirt zipper waiting for the gentleman to arrive, she wondered if her Dad’s distant cousin would be with him or would she be brought to meet him. She would have liked her mum to be with her as she didn’t fancy meeting this mysterious man on her own, although she knew her Mum had never met him either, in fact she didn’t think her dad had ever met him. A silver car purred up the drive way, Sarah sat down and stood up again. Should she be happy about meeting this man 56

or should she be anxious? Her palms were sweaty, butterZlies rose and fell in her stomach, the good thing was her mum and she would now see the back of Mr Power and his horrible daughter. “This is Mr Crowley, from social services,” said Mr Power followed by a tall man with shiny putty like face. Sarah looked on behind at the following footsteps but it was just Eva Marie. Sarah nodded and sat down at the opposite side of the table. “I have some news for you Sarah,” said the man shufZling through folders of paper. “Your mother is of course your guardian but while she is inZirmed you need to be in the care of your next of kin.” He continued to shufZle and Zlick through pages not making eye contact. “I’m not leaving her, I’m not leaving this house,” stated Sarah her eyes shooting from one face to the other. Both of the men looked at each other. “That won’t be necessary as long as your guardian is willing to live here with you,” coughed Mr Crowley. “So Dad’s cousin is coming from America?” “Cousin?” questioned Mr Crowley. “No it’s not his cousin. Your father had a brother. Your grandfather had an older son which he never told your father about. The mother of this child married another man and he brought the child up as his own.” Mr Crowley leaned across the table and handed Sarah an ofZicial looking document. It was a birth cert and on it she recognised her grandmother’s and grandfather’s name.

‘Michael Thomas Kelly’ was written in the space of the newborn’s name. “I have an uncle?” asked Sarah shocked but excited by the thought of meeting a brother of her father, maybe he would be like him. “I only found out a few months before he died,” said Mr Power. “It took me a while to trace your dad and when I saw the cottage for rent I thought it would be an ideal opportunity to get to know him, I was waiting for a good opportunity to tell him but unfortunately I never got the chance before that terrible night.” “What are you saying?” Sarah starred in disbelief. “I’m your dad’s brother.” “YOU? You’re my uncle?” Eva Marie bounced out of her chair and ran around to Sarah’s chair. “That means we’re sisters!” She gave Sarah a weak squeeze of a hug. “No dear, it means you are Sarah’s cousin.” “Oh it doesn’t matter, it still mean’s she has to share her stuff with me.” Sarah glared across the table, Mick gave a cold smile. The musty smell that lingered in the room distressed Sarah although she wasn’t sure why. Mr Crowley continued to shufZle papers. Sarah couldn’t bear it, she needed to talk to her Mum, she needed her Mum to be well again. She ran from the room and up to her mother’s bed, but she was asleep. Sarah snuggled in beside her, “Mum? Mum you need to get better do you hear me?” whispered Sarah through her tears, 58

but her Mum continued to sleep deeply with deep erratic breaths. Not having to attend school was a relief it would give her time to keep a close eye on her Mum. Each day brought a new change to Sarah’s life. Her Mum came round but never seemed quite the same, it was like it was someone pretending to be her Mum trying to act like her. Mr Power said so many stairs weren’t good for her so he got Sarah to make up a room for her mother in the basement, there were still stairs but a few less of them. He suggested Sarah take the room beside her in case she needed her. Before Sarah even agreed Eva Marie had already moved her stuff into Sarah’s princess room. The basement rooms were dusty and damp but Sarah soon had two rooms ready, relieved that she could be closer to her Mum than Mr Power could be. And her Mum did get stronger and more back to normal but was always on edge and more short tempered. The large kitchen area in the basement had been previously converted into a laundry room when the house was used as a guest house and the large electric mangle still dominated the room. Mr Power started the mangle up again. Mr Power had expected the insurance money from Dad’s death to come through a lot quicker but these things took time supposedly. In the meantime it was up to Sarah and her mum to do their bit and earn their keep. Mr Power no longer went out selling insurance, instead he stayed around 59

to keep an eye on Maureen to ensure she had her medication to stop her having ‘one of her turns’. He negotiated a bank loan to buy the machines from the closing down Laundromat, and advertised a new direct to your door laundry business. Soon orders rolled in. Mr Power collected the dirty laundry from the customers and delivered it back. As workloads increased to full capacity Sarah and her Mum spent more and more time in the basement, keeping the machines going, ironing and mangling. The summer and autumn came and went and Christmas meant more laundry orders to be done as people prepared their spare rooms for visiting family, so Sarah and her Mum took turns keeping the machines going late into the night. The night of the Christmas tree arrival, Sarah fell asleep on the folding table as she often had done before, but was woken by the glare of headlights from her mother’s car pulling into the drive way. Mr Power and Eva Marie’s footsteps stomped by the basement window, and her mother, trying to carry too many bags at once, stumbled. “MUM” called Sarah, as she rushed up the basement stairs. “Oh hello Love, Mike's van wouldn’t start, so I had to go and pick him up at the golf club after we were Zinished shopping. Something about the spark plugs being damp or dead but anyway I hope it is Zixed by tomorrow because I can’t do the deliveries and meet all the laundry commitments as well even with both you and I working on it.” 60

An almighty holler from Mr Power broke their step and conversation. “What in blazes happened to the tree?” “What tree?” asked Mum hurrying to the room. “The tree, the Christmas tree I spent my lunch time choosing for my daughter.” Sarah and her Mum stared at the bare bottom half of the tree. “Did you do this?” he spat. Mum interrupted, “Don’t be ridiculous Mike, Sarah didn’t do this, the heat must have sent it into shock.” “Then where are the needles?” he said venomously. Everyone looked and indeed there wasn’t a pine needle on the Zloor to be seen. “I... I... I didn’t do it, it wasn’t me.” Mike wasn’t listening. He was already on the phone to his supplier, “Yeah, you know that tree you sold me, well it’s a dud... yeah all the needles have fallen off it, I need another one over here straight away, otherwise I’ll be reporting you for chopping down preserved trees.” Within an hour another tree was erected in the sitting room and the old one dumped in the garden.

Hairy Mary Sarah woke during the night from her rumbling tummy, she hadn’t had dinner. She tossed and turned hoping it would go away but the rumbles increased. It was no good, the only solution was to make herself a cheese sandwich. As she crept back to her room she heard Norman’s voice arguing with someone in the distance. Sarah walked slowly to the top of the stairs trying to pin point where the voices were coming from. Following them into Eva Marie’s room, it took a moment for her eyes to focus in the darkness, but there, sitting cross-‐legged in a beam of moonlight, was a small female being on top of Eva Marie’s head. It wasn’t the dark purple glow off her skin that made her obviously female but her huge bust bursting out of her skin-‐tight purple ‘top of belly’ top circumferencing her bulbous belly that billowed out around her, hiding her thighs but stopping before her knobbly knees. Her nose was far too long for her face and her eyes were too far apart and her chin… well she didn’t seem to have one. She didn’t seem to notice Sarah come in, as she was too caught up in whatever she was doing. Her rugby ball shaped head, covered in a large mop of tangled, frizzy hair was bent

down and her hands and arms moved furiously as she muttered to herself insanely. “What are you doing?” exclaimed Sarah. “What am I doing, what am I doing?” snapped the being not surprised in the least at Sarah’s presence. She looked up and ceased movement for a moment as if to think about what she was doing. “Knitting, of course my Dear,” she promptly responded and then went back to her frenzied activity. “What are you knitting?” The being looked up again and paused all movement, and then responded briskly, “Hairy Mary not sure yet, could be a spider’s nest or a nit ball, Hairy Mary not sure yet,” before again returning to her frenzy; elbows, hands and bony shoulders jerking back and forth rapidly. “I mean what are you knitting with?” A pause followed. “Hairpins…needles…acorns…needles made from hairpins and acorns.” “I mean are you knitting with her hair?” This time the Being didn’t look up, she kept her dishevelled head down and muttered to herself. Sarah could barely make out some of the mutterings “Ugly ... she said I was ugly…. After all I’ve done for her… ugly she called me after all Syrup has done for… must get things knitted, must knit things.” Norman had been patiently standing beside the bedside lamp on top of Eva’s locker. Sarah now looked in despair at 63

him for an explanation, he twitched his head towards the door; Sarah picked up his hint and walked out to the landing. He was sitting on top of the banister rail waiting for her to come out. Sarah still hadn’t Zigured how he got around so quick without wings. “It’s Hairy Mary… the,” he quickly glanced over Sarah’s shoulder to make sure the Being was out of earshot, “... the Hairy Fairy.” Suddenly it dawned on Sarah, she scurried into Eva’s room and rummaged through her waste paper basket. And there it was – the crumpled up piece of paper, which now only had a purple wash on it and the name ‘Hairy Fairy’ written on the top right hand side. Except now the name was crossed out and ‘Hairy Mary’ written above it. Norman was suddenly sitting on the desk. “She’s a hair fairy, not a hairy fairy, the don’t like to be called that at all.” “But what is she doing to Eva’s hair?” “She’s knitting with it, I asked her to stop, it being Christmas and all, she should give the kid a break, but no she said it was her busiest season, it being Christmas and all.” “What do you mean her busiest season?” “For gifts,” whispered Norman. “What gifts?” “Gifts for the spider folk’s wives.” “Spider folk’s wives?” “Yes the Spider folk. The folk that supply the spiders with their web thread and set the Zlying trapezes up for them 64

so they can get from place to place?” stated Norman somewhat shocked that Sarah didn’t seem aware of their existence. “Where did you think the spiders got the thread?” Sarah didn’t respond. “Shhessh! You hume-‐e-‐ans never ask questions do you?” said Norman shaking his head in disbelief. “You really need some hedge-‐e-‐mic-‐ate-‐ing and I suppose I’m the one who is going to have to do it. “Anyway your neighbour, cousin, thingy’s hair seems to be quite sought after. Supposedly she was one of Hairy Mary’s prized heads.” “What do you mean?” “Well Hairy Mary isn’t just the fairy who knits knots into your hair at night, she’s also the one who smoothes out certain privileged-‐heads hair – sort of as proof that her work isn’t just destructive. Eva Marie was one of those lucky heads. Every night Hairy Mary would bring Syrup …” Norman paused. “Syrup is her pet Serum Serpent?” he was about to continue his marching up and down the hand rail but then realised by the look on Sarah’s face that he needed to explain Serum Serpent. “Okay I’ll start again, every hair fairy has a pet serum serpent that, how should I put it…regurgitates Serum on the chosen head which the hair fairy then slides around on, distributing it around the strands and resulting in tremendously shiny hair.

“Hair fairies also do the useful work of hair transplanting. They take the hair from none believers and transplant it onto believer’s heads, such as toddlers and sick kids.” “Good grief! I never knew such a thing happened!” exclaimed Sarah. “Well have you ever met a bald man who believes in fairies? Why do wizards have such long hair?... because they not just believe, they know,” said Norman tapping the side of his bulbous nose with his overly long Zingers. “When do kids suddenly start growing thick hair? – It happens around the same time as they start to believe. Why does hair get thinner as people get older, because they start to doubt. “Basically the hair fairies take hair from the disbelievers and give it to those more worthy, am I making myself clear?” “Yes, yes, perfectly,” nodded Sarah. “But Norman, I know I’m going to get the blame for this so can you stop her?” Norman scratched his furrowed brow as he paced up and down. He hated to admit not knowing a solution to a fairy realm problem. “I’ll work on it,” he said trying to smile conZidently. “One thing I know is, there is nothing that will stop her to-‐night, so you might as well get some sleep and not be seen around here to get the blame.” She knew Norman was right. Eva would wake up with her hair in knots, but at least the place wouldn’t be Zlooded – the lesser of the evils, or was there another evil brewing?

Spider Babies

“Taa Daa,” hollered Norman when Sarah walked into the sitting room the next morning. His arms splayed and a huge grin on his face. He was wearing a new Rastafarian style hat. “I’ve solved the problem,” he said with delight. Sarah glanced up and couldn’t believe her eyes. The Christmas tree, the new Christmas tree was bare – bare of pine needles. Beside the tree there were two small boxes full to the brim of neatly stacked pine needles. “What have you done?” shrieked Sarah. “I’ve cut a deal with Hairy Mary, she stops tying knots in your cousin, neighbour thingy’s hair and I’ll give her my needle selling business for a small fee.” “Your needle selling business?” “Yea, selling needles to the spider folk so they can knit their own web thread – a new enterprise I came up with yesterday. It will save them a fortune in hair fairy charges. Hair fairies can charge spider folk up to two spider babies per nest you know.” Norman sniffed and wiped his long dripping nostrils in his sleeve. “What the... you know I am going to get blamed for this? Do you know how much trouble this is going to cause for me and my mother? What do you think you are doing? You need

to Zix this Norman. You need to Zix it and you need to Zix it fast.” Sarah could hear movement upstairs. “But what about the spider babies?” “Spider babies Norman? In a few moments Eva with her new afro is going to cause hell for me and if Mick Power sees the tree my life won’t be worth living, so we’ll look after the spider babies, whatever they are, later.” Sarah hadn’t time to react before the door handle was pushed down and Eva was standing rubbing her eyes staring right at the arm of the chair where Norman stood frozen. “Who are you talking to?” Eva asked sleepily scratching her badly back combed messy blonde matted afro. Sarah stood blocking the view of the tree. “Him” Sarah nodded nervously towards Norman. “Who?” Eva Marie starred directly at Norman. ‘She can’t see him’ Sarah said to herself, breathing a sigh of relief. “Hymn, I was singing a hymn practising for church on Christmas day.” Eva Marie looked puzzled as she turned and walked away. “I’m getting some juice,” she yawned. “Why can’t she see you?”, whispered Sarah Norman wiped his nose in his sleeve. “Probably born sometime in the morning, that would explain it.” Norman smugly brush his hands together, “Hume-‐e-‐ans born as morning broke, won’t see fairy folk, but those born in the afters of noon, will see the little folk dance under the moon’ -‐ 68

page 45 of the Fairy and Witches Dictionary in your room -‐ you should read it. That explains why your blister can’t see me,” sniffed Norman wiping a large drip that formed on the end of his nose with his sleeve. “Norman that’s disgusting, use a tissue!” “Also I hate being the bearer of good news but you obviously have the gift of abaleapism but your blister doesn’t and your gift of abaleapist fairy sight has been triggered so you’ll probably start seeing fairy folk all over the place.” “What are you talking about my blister?” “Blister; sister or whatever she is ... small, irritating and…” he paused as his explanation was interrupted by Eva Marie’s howls of crying as she caught sight of herself in the kitchen mirror. “… and full of water.” Sarah rushed to the door. “How long will it take for you to Zix the tree?” “Oh aye, aye,” sighed Norman scratching his head, pacing up and down and eyeing the tree. “About six hours?” he squinted. Sarah looked at her watch. “It’s eight o’clock now, you have until two.” She locked the door and hid the key in her pocket. “OH my lord it’s disastrous,” gasped Mr Power staring at his daughter’s matted afro. “We’ll have to bring you to the hair dresser to sort this out.”

“No way am I going outside the door like this Daddy – you’ll have to make him come here,” sobbed Eva Marie. “Don’t worry Dear, Daddy will sort this – I’ll get on to Nigel, your mother’s hairdresser, this is a job for the professionals not one of those cranks Maureen brought you to yesterday,” said Mr Power picking up his mobile. “Yes is that Nigel? Nigel this is Mike Power, Yes Mrs Power’s husband. No Mrs Power is not back in the country, she is having great success in LA preparing the way for Eva Marie’s acting career... Yes, Yes, it is that little princess I am calling you about. We have an emergency on our hands, Eva Marie has an important audition for a shampoo ad this afternoon and...” Mike walked into the hall and mumbled down the phone before raising his voice again by the end of the conversation. “So you must come immediately Nigel – what do you mean your car is having a service?... I’ll come and pick you up, be ready in 10 minutes... I don’t care if you have other customers, cancel them, I play golf with your landlord you know?” And with those words he hung up. “Hey where’s the key of the sitting room door?” Mike yelled into the kitchen, pushing at the door. “Sarah, was in there last,” slobbered Eva Marie. “Did you lock the door Sarah?” bellowed Mike. “Emm yep, is the key not in it?” said Sarah innocently from the kitchen.

“ No and I need to get in, my jacket is in there,” he said annoyed, pushing the handle down and trying to push the door open with his shoulder. “Dad hurry! I only have Zive hours before the audition,” screamed Eva down the stairs. “Where’s the blasted key?” “I don’t know, it should be around there somewhere?” Sarah answered slowly. “I’ll go without, you better Zind it by the time I get back.” ************************* Nigel the hairdresser arrived with a Zlurry of assistants clad in black with slicked back hairstyles. “Vere is she, vere is the little darling?” Eva Marie stepped out from behind the kitchen door. “Oh my GAUD… I have never seen such a sight,” He stepped slowly around Eva Marie, lifting one bit of matted knots and then another, his eyes and mouth open wide in disbelief. But he was a professional and he wouldn’t let such a task defeat him. He took a deep breath, “Come Come, chop chop.” His assistants pulled scissors out of their holsters and held them out.

“No, no I didn’t mean chop the ‘air, I mean hurry, hurry, ve av a lot of vurk to do and such little time to do it, vot time is the audition?” “2.30” answered Mike, do you think she’s going to make it Nigel?” he asked biting his nails and spitting them to the side. Nigel pulled bits of matted clumps up this way and that and after a lengthy pause he announced triumphantly, “It shall be done.” “Eva Marie has developed what I call mature kink-‐ initus.” “Is it serious?” Eva Marie asked holding back sobs. “Vell it might be serious for a vile. The kink has developed suddenly late into your childhood and it vill take time for your golden locks to adjust but ve can control it and ve vill not be defeated by it. You must be brave.” Nigel placed his hand on her shoulder and gave Eva Marie a long and serious gaze in the mirror. “Right let’s get to vurk.” Sarah used the distraction of Nigel’s arrival to escape to the garden centre before Mike started asking about the key again. She plopped three gold and one black goldZish into the pond along with two plastic pink Zloating lilies. By lunch everyone was Zinishing up fussing over Eva Marie’s bad hair day, Sarah unlocked the door and breathed a sigh of relief as the tree looked back to normal. Norman was standing under it looking exhausted and sneezing his head off. Misty lay on 72

the sofa. “Who let you in?” said Sarah grabbing the cat and placing her outside the window on the sill. “I’m sorry Norman, I didn’t know she was in the room.” “It’s okay I let her in, I had to sneeze a lot if I was to get this job Zinished on time.” As Sarah looked closer and saw a pinhead of green goo oozing out from under each needle, Mike burst into the room and grabbed his jacket. “You stay away from that tree and my daughter’s hair, do you hear?” He didn’t wait for a reply and within moments he was in the car with a smooth perfect haired Eva Marie whizzing away to the audition. Mum had been instructed to bring Nigel and his team back to his hair salon. Nigel had left a very expensive bottle of conditioner made from kiwi fruit and eggs and told Eva Marie to use it every day until her hair had tamed. Sarah hadn’t intended to fall asleep, there was too much laundry to be done but a blanket of tiredness hit her and she woke on her bed disorientated. Small kneading ticklish movements rippled under the sheet beneath her making her shift uneasily. Norman was dozing on her locker, snoring loudly. “Norman, stop snoring” said Sarah giving him a poke with her little Zinger. “What, what, who stole the three bears?” he yelped sitting upright. “Oh I must have been dreaming... should you not be Zinishing the pond rather than lazing around?” 73

“All done – Something’s making my bed feel funny...itchy, no ticklish.” “Ah they’ve hatched have they?” “What’s hatched Norman?” “The spider babies.” “SPIDERS!” Sarah leapt from the bed pulling the sheet with her. From the other side of the room she squinted back at the bed. “I can’t see any spiders.” “You wouldn’t yet, they are only incy wincies at the moment, if you had a microscope you could see them.” “How about a magnifying glass?” Sarah rummaged around in her bottom locker drawer and pulled out her grandfather’s large old magnifying glass. She held it to the mattress and focused, she could see nothing but small black dots. And then it opened -‐ one huge miniscule eye, then the other attached to eight long pin legs and ... “Is that a nappy?” “Ah yes but don’t worry, you won’t have to change them, they grow very fast, speedily in fact. By the time they Zill the nappy it falls off and they have progressed to toilet trained toddlers.” “But there are hundreds of them and why are they in my bed?” “Well it was you who said you’d look after them later and this is now later. These were the surplus eggs the spider folk had put aside for bartering with the hair fairies but now that I have given the spider folk the needles from the thrown 74

away tree, they’ve gone and left all these to me on the condition that I don’t leave them to the hair fairies.” “If the hair fairies want them, why don’t the spider folk let them have them?” “Well Hair fairies can’t have kids of their own so they buy spider babies, but they don’t have great parenting skills, they use them as slaves really and there’s a lot of bad history between the spider folk and hair fairies, so I said you had volunteered yourself to look after them.” “No I didn’t.” “Yes you did. You said we will look after them later.” “I meant we would take care of the situation later and sort something out.” “Well you should have made that clearer.” “Well I am making it clear now. Get them off my bed and tell the spider folk to come get them.” “Sorry that wouldn’t work. The spider folk have gone on their Christmas holidays and well... spider babies are like geese or ducks. The Zirst things they see when they hatch they consider their parents so they’re our kids now.” “WHAT?” said Sarah trying to talk over the piercing squeaking noise that was now coming from the mass of black dots. “I THINK THEY’RE HUNGRY?” shouted Norman over the din. “Well, what do they eat?” “You’re their mother, you should know what babies eat.” 75

‘Milk’, thought Sarah, but she couldn’t pour milk all over her bed so what could she give them – ‘milk powder’ she thought. By the time she got back from the kitchen the din was unbearable. “Here”, Sarah sprinkled the contents of the powdered milk carton and the din subsided into a satisZied murmur. “Well done, that’s them sorted and now that it’s nearly sundown and you have the pond Zinished with the Zish and the frogs...” “THE FROGS!” Sarah grabbed her coat. “Look after the babies.” “Hey where do you think you’re going? You can’t just run off and abandon me with the kids whenever you like,” Norman called. “I’ll get you for this.” But Sarah was gone. Where was she to Zind frogs at this time of year and at such short notice -‐The river walk was the only place. By the time she got to the river on her bike with a cooler to bring the frogs back in, the sun was a large orange disk in the evening sky casting a warm orange glow on the naked trees. The warm glow was deceiving to the real temperature, which was crisp enough to see your breath. In the distance she saw the familiar outline of David walking his dog, Caesar. David’s long haired German Sheppard nudged Sarah’s side for a pat on the head. “Hi Fella,” said Sarah giving Caesar a good scratch on the ears.

“Are you not at home admiring your pond?” joked David. “Well no, it’s not quite Zinished yet. We have some guests coming tonight and I’d like some frogs in it as a Zinishing touch.” It wasn’t a complete lie, there were guests coming tonight – all of Wendy’s insane relatives. “You wouldn’t happen to know where I would Zind a frog or two.” “Frogs? It’s the wrong time of year really but if there’s a frog to be found, Caesar is your only man for the job. He was the best toad and lizard hunter in Eastern Australia when we lived there.” Caesar woofed enthusiastically and took off like a bullet down the path as Sarah and David started to walk towards the river bank. “So what’s the rush with the frogs?” “Oh you know, it’s nearly Christmas and I want the pond looking perfect,” said Sarah awkwardly. David looked at her with a smirk, “mmm... I’ve a feeling there’s more to this than you’re telling me.” Sarah blushed, “so where do we start looking?” “You start that end and I’ll start this end. Check under rocks and moss clumps,” said David walking down towards where Caesar was frantically rummaging about, snifZing and snorting different trails he had picked up. After about 15 minutes Sarah still hadn’t found anything other than lots of creepy crawlies. She sat back on a log and rubbed her numb Zingers together to try and get the blood circulating again. She gazed down towards David, he seemed 77

to be talking to someone and seemed quite irritated while lifting and kicking stones. With that a frog jumped right beside her foot from under a log she had disturbed. Sarah slowly moved her hands towards him and then quickly scooped him into her clasped hands. “Brilliant” she said to herself. She slowly got up and walked down the trail towards David. She wasn’t far from him when suddenly a bright bead of light whooshed past her nose, giving her such a fright that she dropped the frog. Startled, she looked around for the light and saw it speeding into the trees. “A fairy”, she gasped. Sarah scurried around the fallen leaves to Zind the frog again. Luckily he hadn’t got too far and he was soon safely back in her cupped hands. “Found one!” “Oh good, so did I. Pop him in the cooler and we can hit the road.” As they both bent down to put the frogs in the cooler, a spark of light whooshed between their faces, David jerked back as did Sarah. She gasped, “You can see them too?” “See what?” “THEM” answered Sarah. David looked very uncomfortable. He quickly stood up and closed the cooler. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, come on, it’s getting dark, we better go.” And he walked quickly back along the path giving a whistle to Caesar. Sarah couldn’t keep up with his pace and by the time she got to the bike David had the cooler already strapped to the

backer and was walking quickly out of the forest entrance with Caesar jumping around his legs. “Thanks David,” she called after him. He waved back without bothering to turn and look at her. Sarah got home just as it was getting dark. She quickly assembled two cosy moss and stone shelters for the frogs and placed them in it with a sigh of relief, but the relief was short lived. Back in the house a low din was slowly getting higher and higher. She grabbed another carton of powdered milk from the cupboard and peeled off the lid just as she got to her door. She pushed the door open and screamed dropping the open can of powdered milk. Her whole room was crawling with big eyed spiders the size of her Zist, wearing nappies. A scurry of Zive hundred spiders scarpered around her feet. Norman was on the scene in seconds. “Oh no! You didn’t give them more of that stuff, did you? They have an allergy to it, it makes them bloated. They grow fast but not that fast. I’m telling you, be this on your own head, I won’t be cleaning up those diapers when they are shed.” “Norman, do something!” screamed Sarah, pinned against the door. “Do you have any raisins?” “Raisins... yes, yes, we have raisins.” “Well get me some and I’ll bring the little blighters upstairs, I read in your dictionary that the raisins are a natural sedative for spider babies. Sarah nodded and pushed 79

her way out the door before quickly returning with the bag of raisins. “Norman, I’m leaving the raisins outside the door if that’s okay. I don’t want to -‐” Norman slid like slime under the door. “This is the deal if I’m taking charge of the kids completely I don’t want you interfering, the attic becomes my territory. Agreed? And I can raise them how I choose, right?” Sarah nodded. “They are sort of cute, can I keep one?” “How dare you want to split up the quinhundredtuplets, they’d be lost without each other. Fraid not, see ye.” That night Sarah was glad to have her bed back to herself, WWWW was having a happy splashy time with her new residence and Norman was busy with the babies, so life seemed sort of normal again. Sarah dusted off the Zirst book her father had illustrated ‘The Ox’s Tail Dictionary for Witches and Fairies’ and she began to read. By reading she learned what fate held for her if she didn’t do something soon. It terriZied her more than the terror of the Zlooding caused by WWWW, more than the spider babies and more than even Mike Power. She learnt her biggest problem and terror was going to be Norman if she didn’t do something fast.

Ambers Maureen Power had already Zinished two batches of laundry before her daughter came in the next morning. But she didn’t mind. She was having a good day and feeling more her old self than usual. Maybe it was because she hadn’t taken her pills in two days, she was trying to spread them out so she could save some money to buy Sarah a Christmas present. “Mum, I’m sorry, I must have over slept,” she said hurrying in to the laundry room. “Not at all dear, you did plenty yesterday with the laundry and the pond and all – your Dad would have loved to see the pond restored, it’s where he started doing all his illustrations when he was younger, you know? All those fairies and goblin things, it was the perfect place for his fertile imagination,” she smiled as she folded another sheet. “Mum... Did Dad ever talk to you about his drawings? Did he believe the things he drew were real?” Mum froze. “What have you heard? Who has been talking? Your father wasn’t mad if that is what you are hearing, he just had a good imagination that’s all, do you hear?” “Mum it’s just that –“ A bellowing holler from Mike shook the house and sent Sarah and her Mum scurrying up the basement stairs. Mike Power stood in a towel dripping wet. “Where’s that David’s number, 81

the shower is gone dodgy -‐ one second it’s freezing then it is scalding.” The lights Zlickered and the washing machines suddenly stopped there industrious hum. “That’s the third time this morning they’ve stalled. If it continues I’ll never be able to meet the orders,” said Mum, ringing her chapped hands so tight that the redness turned white. The lights Zlickered again and everyone looked towards the ceiling. “Maybe water got in at the electrics during the Zlooding…” Mike bit his nail and spat it to the side. “Maureen you better load up the van and spend the day in that Laundromat across town. We have to get those orders Zinished by tonight,” he ordered. “We can’t afford to go off schedule.” Mum slouched back into the laundry room to prepare the loads for the van. The smell of rotten eggs from behind the cupboard had got stronger over night and was spreading to other areas of house. “What is that smell?” Eva Marie said in disgust covering her nose with her sweatshirt. “I told you Sarah” said Mike, pointing his chubby Zinger at Sarah’s face, “to clear out behind the cupboards yesterday and you didn’t bother. So here,” he said, grabbing Sarah’s toothbrush from the holder. “I want you, on your knees, and scrub behind every kitchen cupboard until your Zingers bleed, do you hear? You need to be taken in hand girl, and learn not 82

to disobey me. I am beginning to lose my patience. There’s a foul smell coming from somewhere and you better have it sorted by the time I get back, otherwise your mum might need another little trip to the nut house. Eva Marie get into the car, I’ll be down in a minute and we’ll have breakfast in the mall, I can’t stand this house much longer.” Sarah helped her Mam pack up the van for the laundromat and waved her off not long after Mike’s car skidded out of the driveway. As soon as the door was shut, the lights went out again and the radio fell silent. Sarah crept cautiously upstairs and just as everything came back on again, Norman squeezed down through a gap between the attic trap door and the ceiling. He dropped onto the landing Zloor and dusted his hands off. “What’s happening?” Sarah asked cautiously. “What’s happening with which what?” “Which what?” “Yes which what do you want an answer to, I’m after sorting out several possible ‘what’s’ this morning as usual, and I’m wondering which ‘what’ you happened to notice that you want an answer for,” he said all superior. “Is that another new hat or is that the same one you had yesterday only it seems to have grown?” asked Sarah. “Oh it’s the same one just… my head has got bigger.” he said and quickly changed the subject. “Anyway enough about me, I’m sure that wasn’t the which what you wanted

answered or maybe it was and now I can go about my business.” “What business?” “Business? who said anything about business? I don’t have a business, have you anything to prove it?” scowled Norman defensively. “Norman, it was you who mentioned business,” said Sarah in her defence. “Me? Did I… well then my business is none of your business so mind your own business,” retorted Norman a bit calmer and he turned his head away from Sarah with his drippy nose in the air. The lights Zlickered again. Sarah looked towards the light bulb while Norman glared at the attic door. “What I wanted to ask you Norman was about the electrics, do you know what’s happening with them this morning? The lights and sockets keep Zlickering and cutting out.” Norman went back to his proud stance, his arms folded and nose in the air facing away from Sarah. “Why should I know, I’m only a pesky Brownie in your eyes.” Sarah knew Norman knew more than he was letting on. “I don’t think you’re pesky at all, but I did hear... oh never mind, it must have been just a rumour or a fairy tale...” “Fairy tales? Idle gossip made up by fairies that’s all they are. What tales have those fairies been telling about Brownies? Tell me, tell me the fairy tale you heard.” Demanded Norman, small pouts of steam puffed from his ears as his neck and face turned a purple red. 84

“Oh it is just something I read, you know, that Brownies knew everything or at least they think they know everything. And I just thought you might know something as you spend a lot of time in the attic.” “Oh... is that all? Well then... well that’s alright then.” Norman cleared his throat and pulled at his collar which allowed the red colour fall instantly away from his face, like as if the stopper was taken out from an upside down bottle of coloured water. “Well, we Brownies are very knowledgeable,” said Norman proudly. “Know-‐it-‐alls I believe you hume-‐e-‐ans would refer to us as... I might know something about it, all right. It is Ambers’ work, the Zire fairy. She’s interrupting the electrics to get sparks going to give her energy. She eats them you know.” “Ambers? Fire? Eats them? Norman she’ll burn the house down, you’ve got to stop her.” “I think I deserve something in return for helping out in this one, don’t you? I mean you are getting the use of my know-‐it-‐all brain, and it is only right that I get reimbursed for my efforts, isn’t it?” Sarah did not feel comfortable about Norman looking for ‘reimbursement’, the story of Rumpelstiltskin Zlashed into her mind, she needed to offer him something before he demanded something. “Tell you what Norman, you help me out with sorting this electric problem and I’ll make you a new suit to go with your new hat?” 85

“NO” yelled Norman twirling about on his heal to face Sarah. “Don’t ever make me a new suit, anything but a new suit.” “Why ever not?” Norman composed himself a bit, his brow was sweating under his new hat. “Cause the one I have is perfectly Zine.” “But,” said Sarah about to point out the thread bare elbows and moth holes in the waistcoat. “I’m happy with it,” he glared into her eyes, challenging her to defy him. “Okay, no new suit” said Sarah backing down. Norman paused, “Like the water element the Zire element needs a concentration of the desired element in one spot to keep them satisZied and away from having to create their own. They used to like hanging out in the furnaces of blacksmiths shops but as there are less horses needed now there are no blacksmiths and the Zire elements have nowhere to go. They Zind respite in car engines and electrical appliances mostly.” “It must have been her that messed with Mike’s van the other day.” “The water element was easy. I don’t know how you are going to sort this one out, but for now consider the electric problem sorted – in return I will have the attic as my quarters and you are to supply me with three peanut butter and carrot sandwiches every day. That’s the deal.” said Norman

conZidently and then skipped over the rail and slid down the banister. “So we have a deal, right?” “Deal,” said Sarah hesitantly, following Norman down the stairs. The attic wasn’t too bad a deal to agree. Nobody went there, it wasn’t like she was promising her Zirst born. “Don’t concern yourself, I’ve already started to sort out the problem, but you probably haven’t noticed or appreciated the work I am doing behind the scenes to keep this roof from burning down over my head. Earlier this week I assigned the Wind Element to keep an eye on Ambers. Every time she starts a Zire he blows it out.” “So the house won’t burn down by the time I get back from my friend’s house?” “Friend’s? You have a friend? Who would have thought!” mumbled Norman as he slid back up the banisters. The house invasion problem was growing bigger than Sarah could handle by herself. It was time to get someone else on board to help her control the pest problem and Molly was just the person.

Hugh Pew Since Mr Power moved in, Molly and Sarah hadn’t seen much of each other. Sarah always had too many chores to do and school attendance was postponed. Sarah knew Molly didn’t believe in fairies, she didn’t even believe in the tooth fairy, she liked to consider herself a bit of a scientist. But Sarah needed to share her secret with someone. “Sarah, what are you doing here, does Mr Power know you’re here?” “No he’s out for the day so he won’t be missing me, can we go to your room?” asked Sarah anxiously pushing her bike into Molly’s porch. “Sarah, is everything okay? You seem very on edge?” Sarah paused. “Molly do you really not believe in fairies?” “Of course not.” “Why not?” asked Sarah, trying not to seem too anxious. “Because they’re not real,” said Molly sarcastically. “You can’t see them or touch them.” “You can’t see or touch air,” retorted Sarah. “Yes but if you blow up a balloon you know the air is in there.”

“What about smells? You can’t see or touch them but you know they’re there.” “Smells are the same as air only smellier – like you!” said Molly whacking Sarah with a pillow. Sarah grabbed the other pillow and whacked Molly, knocking her over with a giant raspberry. The Zight of the raspberries was on and after a few minutes the two fell back onto the bed in an unspoken truce, laughing. The laughter subsided and as the duo caught their breath, Sarah took the opportunity, “I can see them…” Molly looked at her with a grin, “What? smells?” “No… fairies,” said Sarah staring at the ceiling. Molly knew by Sarah’s expression that she wasn’t joking, “Sarah Kelly I think you have Zinally lost your marbles,” smirked Molly. “Molly, I’m serious, something happened – Dad’s pictures have somehow come off the page and become three dimensional.” “Abaleapo!” gasped Molly slowly. “That’s it, that’s what Norman said it was,” exclaimed Sarah spinning around to face her very excited friend. “I read about it in books my science-‐mad grandfather had, it was something he was trying to prove but I suppose he never had the artistic skill to get it to work.” “Oh I am so glad you believe me, I was so terriZied that you above all people would think that I was going mad. But I need your help Molly, the problem is, the Beings, the Beings 89

in my house, they’re not very nice, I need to get rid of them. They’re Zlooding the place, setting Zire to it, and they’re going to cause all sorts of trouble for me and Mum.” “I got some information from a dictionary my father had illustrated,” said Sarah pulling the book from her bag. “The Ox’s Tail Dictionary for Witches and Fairies,” read Molly. “That’s one of the books my grandfather had, except it must have been an older edition as it didn’t have the illustrations.” Sarah Zlicked through to the section on brownies, “while abaleapoed brownies may appear nice, they are very territorial and the longer they stay in a place the more territorial they become, so much so that they will not allow any other living creature within its proximity.” Her Zinger Zlicked across the lines to the next part she wanted to read aloud. “... although they are not the handsomest of the little people species they are the most conscious of their looks” Sarah closed over the book. “That’s the bit I don’t get, because I offered to make Norman a new suit and he nearly bit my head off.” “Leave the dictionary with me and I’ll see if there are any answers in it. But by the sounds of it, you should go home while it still is your home and keep some presence in the house, as the more he is left alone the quicker he’ll become territorial.” “The thing is Molly, I’m scared. I read if they get irritated they can become nasty, very nasty and I think I may have already irritated him.” 90

“Sarah, don’t worry. Go! I’ll come over as soon as I can.” Sarah cycled home in pouring rain. She opened the front door cautiously not sure what to expect to happen anymore. Churning and grinding noises came from upstairs. “Norman,” Sarah called out loudly as she cautiously walked up the stairs. There was no answer. She stood dripping wet underneath the attic hatch door where the noise was coming from. “NORMAN.” The noise suddenly stopped. “Norman, is that you?” After a lot of shufZling about above the ceiling, Norman slid through the crack between the trap door and the ceiling like molten liquid, he formed into a large multi coloured drip of paint and dropped onto the landing in front of Sarah. “What’s that racket?” “What’s what racket?” asked Norman trying to sound innocent but failing miserably. “All the noise up there?” said Sarah throwing her eyes up towards the trap door. “I don’t hear any noise.” “The noise that was happening before I called your name.” “Oh that noise, why didn’t you say,” said Norman all knowledgeable again. Norman stood in front of Sarah slowly blinking his big eyelids, as if expecting an explanation from her. 91

“Well? What?” said Sarah exasperated. “Well what, what?” “Well what was the noise?” “Oh that was me – I was doing some repair work on the… water pipes, yes that’s right, on the water pipes.” Sarah knew he was telling Zibs but she was too wet to care. “I’m going in to dry my hair.” “Right, I’ll just Zinish off upstairs,” said Norman as he leapt and grabbed hold of the crack and wiggled through it. Soon after Sarah started to dry her hair in the kitchen, her nose began to twitch. Was that a smell of burning she could smell? She sniffed again and turned to see smoke billowing from the back of the fridge, at the same time sparks shot out of her hair dryer. Panicking, Sarah dropped the dryer and Zlames leapt from its snout. “NORMAN…NORMAN” she screamed at the top of her voice running to the bottom of the stairs. Within seconds Norman slid down the banister and was standing on the handrail in front of Sarah’s nose. “The kitchen, it’s going on Zire, do something!” “Leave it to me,” said Norman calmly, as he took a small pewter pea whistle out his waistcoat pocket and blew a two tone tune. Instantly, there was the sound of wind chimes, the door under the stairs creaked open and a small stumpy character in a three piece, bluey-‐purpley, pinstriped suit waddled out.

His tufts of long grey hair above his ears seemed to be blowing up in the air and yet there was no wind. He was a little bit fat and wore a gold pocket watch. “The Wind Element,” Sarah muttered under her breath, looking at the being with the red bow tie and red braces. The little creature with the thin pointed facial features dominated by his piercing black slanted eyes, waddled through the crack in the kitchen door and closed it behind him. “His name is Hugh Pew, Mr Pew to you,” said Norman. As he spoke, there was a loud fart from the kitchen, “Oh pardon me!” followed the ever so polite Mr Pew. Then another long extended Zlatulent was heard again, and again “Oh pardon me!” said Mr Pew. The door then opened and Mr Pew waddled into the sitting room, giving a nod in Norman and Sarah’s direction, “Good Day!” and closed the door behind him, the sound of wind chimes following him all the way. “He’s the wind element if you haven’t already guessed.” “Where’s he going?” “He’s probably looking for Ambers, I’ve assigned him to the case remember? – he is to follow her and blow out all the Zires she starts around the house.” “Blow?” said Sarah raising her eyebrows. “Yes blow. Does it matter how he blows them out, just once he gets them out?” “So that’s the smell. But what if he misses one?” exclaimed Sarah.

“Yes. That is always a possibility although he has put out 37 of them already today. I suppose if he misses one it’s puff puff time for your house. Do you have insurance?” asked Norman casually. “Thirty-‐seven? Where?” exclaimed Sarah. “Mostly in the attic, but don’t worry Norman has solved the problems already and patched up the wiring.” “Surely there must be something we can do to stop her?” “Unless you have a blacksmiths’ furnace I’m afraid you will have to rely on my generous nature to keep Mr Pew on the case.” Sarah suddenly remembered the kitchen, she ran to the door and indeed it was Zine. There were no Zires but the air smelled so foul that she began to choke. She opened the kitchen window and then scurried back out to the hall gasping for breath. “Norman, that is dreadful, is there no other way? We won’t be able to live in this house if that smell continues,” said Sarah leaning on the banisters catching her breath. “Oh really? Wouldn’t that be a shame!” smirked Norman as he gave his long lashes a Zlutter. “I’m quite fond of the fragrance, but that’s probably due to the different nasal hair texture we have in the fairy realm, it’s denser, actually it is so bushy that tiny minute Zlowers grow in it so every smell we sniff has a Zloral fragrance. I’m afraid Mr Pew is all we can do

to solve your Fire Element problem,” said Norman trying to look sympathetic as he began to slide upstairs again. “I know!” exclaimed Sarah. “We can unblock the chimney and Zireplace in the sitting room and make an open Zire again.” Norman frowned. He didn’t like someone else coming up with a smarter solution than himself. “Good idea,” he said very insincerely, “Why don’t you go out and do some girlie things like shopping or laundry or something with your mysterious FRIEND and I’ll sort the chimney out.” “Thanks Norman, but I think I’ll deal with the chimney as I am sure you have your hands full with the spider babies. The good news is that my friend is coming over soon, so you’ll be able to meet her.” Norman’s neck began to get red and his ears began to wiggle as his whole body shook with restrained anger. “What! Another brat in the house?-‐” realising he had spoken his mind aloud, he grabbed his mouth. His face went redder and his ears wiggled at the speed of humming birds wings then stopped. “I mean another little girl in the house. Did I say brat? I meant girl, lovely girls, wonderful, I can’t wait. I’ll be upstairs if you need me.” Sarah was hiding Eva Marie’s burnt out hairdryer when Molly arrived, ringing on the door bell. “So glad you’re here, we need to...”

Molly held up a pre-‐prepared page in Sarah’s face. On it she had written ‘Don’t say anything, Brownies have supersonic hearing. It’s so strong that it can nearly hear your thoughts and don’t pretend I know, as he will become double trouble.’ Sarah nodded to Molly and continued her sentence, “I need to clean the chimney, maybe you can help me get the brushes out of the shed.” “Yes, I’d love to help,” said Molly looking confused but playing along with it. Sarah quickly took her elbow and led her around the side of the house and down the garden. As soon as they were out of range Molly quickly said, “I have some good news and bad news. The good news is that I found another of my grandfather’s books and I know that to get rid of the Beings, we must get them back into drawings. The bad news is that it can only be done on the third day of the winter waning moon and that’s tomorrow, so we only have one day to come up with a plan. Also I know why the brownie didn’t want a new suit. If they put on a new suit they vanish.” “Well, we’ll have to come up with some plan by tomorrow, but in the meantime, the Zire element Dad created is causing all sorts of problems and we need to give her a Zire to keep her contained, otherwise there won’t be a house for Mum and I to Zight for.” Sarah rooted out the old chimney sweep brushes and the girls went back to the front door, but it was shut. “I thought I left it open,” said Molly. 96

“Don’t worry I have my key.” Sarah tried the key in the door but it wouldn’t go in, she tried again and then Molly looked in the keyhole. “It seems to be blocked with chewing gum or something green and gooey.” It dawned on Sarah, “Quick, around to the back door, he is locking us out.” The girls ran around to the back but the door was locked there too. Sarah saw the kitchen window she had left open to let out the smell of Mr Pew out and leapt to it. She got her arm in just as Norman was pulling it closed with a web lasso. The window slammed on her forearm. “Molly help me to pull it open.” The two girls heaved the window open and Molly pushed Sarah through the opening. Sarah saw Norman scarper away back up the stairs. “Get the brushes, I’ll let you in the front door,” said Sarah, sitting on the inside sill, gripping her throbbing arm. By the time she climbed down from the sink and got to the front door, Molly was already standing there scribbling a note, “Don’t ever leave the house alone again or you may not get back in. Their power increases when left alone.” Sarah nodded and said loudly, “Sorry about that Molly, the wind must have blown the door shut, come in.” The girls crouched in front of the chimney, Sarah shone a torch up the spout. “My Dad put a board in the chimney to stop the draft coming down when we got central heating in and didn’t need the open Zire anymore. My Mam has said once or twice that

she misses the open Zire, so I can say I did it to create a more Christmassy feel to the room.” Sarah picked up the chimney brush and looked at Molly. “Right are you ready?” Molly nodded. They had never cleaned a chimney before so really didn’t know what to do or expect. Sarah put the brush up the chimney and pushed the board, it was jammed so she pushed harder, the board gave way and tumbled into the Zireplace along with a Zlurry of soot. Sarah had jumped back on her hunkers just in time to get out of the way. “Well that’s the hardest bit over,” she said as she picked up the board with the gardening gloves she was wearing and pushed it out through the window into the front garden. “I suppose we just attach each of the poles until the brush sticks out of the top of the chimney,” said Molly, looking at the chimney poles lying beside her in a heap. “Here goes” said Sarah, picking up the Zirst two poles. She screwed them together and pushed them into the chimney, another one was attached and then another and another, clouds and clumps of soot fell into the grate. “We should be near the top now, maybe you could go out in the garden and see can you see it.” Molly went to the front and gazed up to the roof. As Sarah gave a Zinal shove Molly tapped on the window and gave thumbs up. Sarah began the retreat of the poles. Just as she did so, she felt some resistance. She tugged and pushed until the obstacle loosened and then gave way. Sarah jumped back 98

again just as Molly walked back into the room and the obstacle fell into the grate but it wasn’t a lump of soot. “Oouu! What is it?” said Molly looking at the blackened corpse in the grate. “I think, I think it’s a bird,” stammered Sarah poking at the dishevelled lump of feathers, “Actually I think it’s more than a bird, looking at the colour of the feathers on the wings it looks like Mrs Cooney’s parrot that went missing two years ago.” Sarah picked up the skeletal remains by the wing with her gloved hand and held it body length away. “Get rid of it, quick,” said Molly. Sarah stood for a moment and then said, “I think it might be useful.” Molly pulled a disbelieving face as Sarah walked by with the skeleton with the perfectly intact wings. Not wanting to leave the house empty again, Molly started cleaning up the soot around the grate while Sarah hosed down the bird skeleton in the garden. Sarah returned with the pair of wings which now sported cleaned up features of glorious colours. She was carrying the robotic Zlying pig which had been hanging from her bedroom ceiling for years. “Would you go to the shop and buy some Zirelighters and coal? There’s some money on top of the fridge. You can take my bike,” said Sarah as began to disembowel the robotic pig. “Are you sure you don’t need a hand with whatever you are doing?” Molly asked. “No, you concentrate on the Zire, I need to do this.”

Sarah carefully attached the parrot wings with cat-‐gut to the wing moving mechanism and motor of the Zlying pig. She snipped the end of her cardigan with the scissors and unravelled some lengths of wool and carefully attached wool loops to the back of the wings. After trying out the mechanism and being pleased with the results, it was time to introduce the wings to the new owner. “NORMAN,” Sarah called but the brownie didn’t respond. Sarah now knew that brownies had great hearing powers and they can’t resist gifts, it was time to put it to the test. In a hushed voice, Sarah said, “Norman I have a present for you.” Within seconds Norman was in the room standing on the arm of Sarah’s chair. “Did you call me?” he said coyly, unsure whether Sarah had seen him slam the window shut on her arm. “I have a surprise for you,” said Sarah, hiding the wings out of sight. “I was hoping to keep it for Christmas but as there will be so many people around I thought it would be better to give it to you now, now that while we have a quiet moment.” Sarah pulled the wings out from behind her back, “I remembered you saying that you wished you could Zly like the fairies so I made you a Zlying machine.” Norman’s eyes bulging so much that they nearly fell out of his head, when he saw the beautiful coloured plumes. “Wow! They’re better

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than any of those stupid fairies wings, they’re... they’re fantastic!” “Try them on for size, and see how they work.” Sarah helped Norman on with his wings and turned on the switch. The wings started to Zlap. Norman lifted off the chair arm and cried out, “Look! I’m Zlying. At last!” he took off like a rocket, somersaulted, banged his head off the ceiling and smashed Zlat like a lump of slime against the window, before he managed to Zlick the off switch and fell down on his back behind the chair. “Norman, are you okay?” said Sarah peering at the dazed little fellow. Norman lay there, his big eyelids Zlickered, “These are great!” “We may need to make a stirring mechanism for them and you’ll need a little practise,” said Sarah straightening the rufZled feathers. “Leave it with me, I’ll work on it. I don’t have to give them back to be wrapped for Christmas, do I?” asked Norman still lying on his back. “No Norman, I’ll have another present for you then – as long as we are still friends and the house isn’t burnt down. Alright?” “Us friends?” said Norman unsurely. “Always Sarah, and now you have the chimney sorted out there will be no worries about the house burning down.” Since Sarah had given him such a great pre Christmas gift Norman couldn’t imagine how great his Christmas 101

present was going to be. However he was well aware of the unspoken Brownie law of ‘get a gift give one back immediately’ this stopped Brownies feeling beholden to anybody. Norman felt around in his pocket and pulled out his Mr Pew whistle, “Here since you will soon have the Zire element sorted, I won’t need this anymore,” holding out the little whistle. “I mean this is one of my most prized possessions. You can have it, you’ll be able to call Mr Pew now whenever you need his talented assistance.” “Somehow, I don’t think I will be needing his ‘talents’ for a while,” but she took the gift graciously and put it in her pocket. “I think your friend is coming back, I better be off,” said Norman getting back to his feet and dusting himself down. The weight of the wings made him stagger but he kept his hand on the button and gave himself a dart of Zlight power every couple of steps. By the time he got to the stairs he was ready for lift off and Zlew up the stairs. He was learning fast, as Brownies do. Norman’s supersonic hearing rightly predicted Molly’s arrival with the coal and the Zire lighters. The girls soon had Zlames creeping up the chimney again for the Zirst time in years. They tried to have casual conversation to make things appear normal to Norman, while scribbling notes and plans back and forth to each other at the kitchen table. Molly wrote a plan, to get the water fairy back on to the paper. ‘You’ll need 102

to paint a pond that will be more tempting than the one in the garden’, she wrote referring to her grandfather’s book. ‘I don’t know about the rest of them.’ Sarah scribbled a note back, ‘Leave them to me.’ Molly looked at her watch, “I have to go, I’ll be back later.” As Sarah walked her friend to the door, she glanced at the roaring Zire. The Zlames were leaping up the chimney and in the centre of them a nymph type creature began to form out of the Zlames; her neck arched and her hands reaching up to the blue tips, instead of Zinger nails were sparks. Her roaring red hair had small braids to the front and a dress made from silk ribbons in ruby red, oranges and crimson, shone in the Zlames. “Look” Sarah whispered to Molly. “Yes, we did a great job, if I do say so myself.” “No look – it’s Ambers.” “Sarah – I’m not an Abaleapoist, I can’t see them, to me that’s just a good Zire,” she said regretfully, but factually. When Molly was gone, Sarah went back into the sitting room, the dancing beauty’s elongated body in the Zlames, jumped from coal to coal as sticks cracked beneath her feet. Mr Pew sat on the mantel piece waggling his feet. His elbows on his knees and his hands cupping his chin, he let out a loud sigh of boredom. Fairy folk didn’t seem to notice humans until the human acknowledged them. “Hello there,” greeted Sarah. “How do you do,” he answered, sitting upright quite surprised to see Sarah in front of him. He held out his long 103

bony hand and Sarah took it to shake but instead the pixie said “I’m Mr Pew, Hugh Pew to you my Lady,” and pulled Sarah’s hand to his lips. It was the Zirst time anyone had ever kissed Sarah’s hand and she was quite Zlattered, even if it was a gentle old pixie who had a tendency to smell bad. However he didn’t smell at the moment as there were no unauthorised Zires going on. “I know who you are, Norman told me,” said Sarah. Hugh Pew’s eyes rolled a little, “Oh him, the great bossy one.” All of a sudden the noise coming from the attic, which Sarah had got so used to by now, suddenly stopped. Hugh froze for a second realising he had been heard. “You’re so right he is a great chap and a great friend to us all, isn’t he?” Sarah enthused trying to help her new gentleman friend out of the bother he had just got himself into. “Yes, yes indeed he is,” said Hugh fetching a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe his perspiring brow. The din started again. A tiny embroidered emblem on the corner of his hanky caught Sarah’s eye. “What’s that?” “Oh that, that’s a butterZly. I’m a lepidopterist. I particularly love butterZlies, nothing more pleasant than chasing butterZlies through a meadow with a net on a summer’s day – not that I have ever done that, but it sounds very nice doesn’t it?” “Yes it does.” agreed Sarah, “they are very beautiful creatures.”

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“Yes, yes they are,” agreed Hugh looking off into the distance. “Have you ever tried a Royal Admiral with blackberry and buttercup sauce? – absolutely delicious.”

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Hair & Painting The next morning Eva Marie came wailing down the stairs with her irate father hot on her heels. He burst into the laundry room where Sarah and her mother were starting their third batch of laundry. “Are either of you responsible for this?” he said pushing Eva Marie forward. “It is you and your jealous daughter isn’t it? You can’t stand the idea of Eva Marie being a success.” Eva Marie stood in front him, bawling. Her hair was not tangled today but visibly thinner. “Your hair!” exclaimed Maureen. “But where is it gone? Did it come out when you used the shampoo or when you brushed it?” “NO. I can’t Zind it, not a single strand. This is some sick joke of you and hers isn’t it, isn’t it?” cried Eva Marie. Maureen’s face looked strained and pale. “Don’t be silly, we wouldn’t want to hurt you.” “Did you hear that Dad? She called me silly, she’s calling me names again.” “Right, I’m taking Eva Marie to the doctor and if there’s any sign of foul play, you,” he said, pointing his Zinger into Sarah’s face, “are going into a home for brats, and YOU,” he smirked turning his stubby nail bitten Zinger to mother, “YOU are going to the nut house.”

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As Mr Power’s car pulled out of the driveway Sarah put her arm around her trembling mother. “Oh Sarah, maybe it was me, I can’t remember. I, I haven’t been taking my pills and I think I might be losing my mind.” “Now it’s you that is being silly mum. It’s probably just a reaction to the shampoo or something.” “Oh Sarah, what are we going to do? He is going to get rid of us. We have to be very careful to make sure we do nothing to upset him. I found a letter, a letter from Mrs Power, and she wants them to go over, and I saw Mike walking out of the travel agent’s yesterday. Maybe they’ll go and leave us alone.” “Don’t worry Mum, things will be alright. We’re nearly Zinished the laundry, so I’ll clean the kitchen so he’ll have nothing to complain about when he gets back. “ Sarah checked the Zire. Ambers was sleeping soundly on top of the warm coals. She cleaned the kitchen extra fast. If her plan to get rid of the Beings by midnight was to work, she had a lot to do and not much time to do it. With a cup of water, Sarah sat down at her desk with her dad’s art things and began to paint again for the Zirst time since he had died. It was slow and tedious at Zirst but soon a scene inspired by Monet’s Water lilies in her school art book Zlowed onto the page. “Perfect” thought Sarah as she made the Zinal stroke.

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************************* Sarah once read that a funny thing happens when an artist paints, a writer writes or a musician composes. The left hand side of the brain which looks after logic and time keeping switches off and the right hand side – the creative side, takes over. Until now she never understood what was meant when it was said that artists lose themselves in their work. Even though she knew she was under time pressure, Sarah had lost herself in her painting. It was the phone’s startling ring that made her eyes shoot to the clock on the wall. “Oh no, it’s three o’clock,” she gasped. She scarpered into the hall where her mum was Zinishing the mufZled phone call. “That was Mike, the doctor is sending Eva Marie to the hospital for some tests, he has a golf game, so he wants me to go over and sit with her. “I’ll drop off the laundry loads to the customers on the way,” said Mum, putting on her coat and searching frantically for her keys. “But Mum, the hospital is an hour away.” “I know, but hopefully I won’t be too long Love, but I don’t think I’m going to get to the shops in time to buy you a gift. We’ll deZinitely spend some time together next week when things are less busy.”

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Sarah returned to her desk, she couldn’t believe that she had lost herself in one painting for nearly three hours no matter how pleased she was with her interpretation of Monet’s water lilies, with the added bonus of a few frogs sitting on some of the pads. She carefully placed it in her portfolio and immediately started on the second. This wasn’t so difZicult or detailed – a perfect blue sky with a green meadow dotted with poppies as far as the eye could see. Small Zlits of colour speckled the sky in the distance and in the foreground the speckles were distinctly butterZlies with a couple of detailed ones right at the front. By the time she had started on the third, David had arrived. “It is absolutely freezing out there, my Zingers are numb – could I grab a quick cup of coffee to help thaw out before I start.” “I think I have it sorted, I mean I think the lights are Zine now.” The lights Zlickered and they both looked up at the ceiling. “I better have a look anyway. I don’t want Mike Power screaming down the phone to me.” “Help yourself to coffee.” Sarah said coolly, she was still mad at David for not admitting he could see ‘them’ too. Half way back down the stairs Sarah froze. “Oh no – the Zire!” Running to the sitting room she pushed open the door. Sure enough the Zire had gone out and there wasn't any sign 109

of Ambers and worse still there wasn't any coal left in the scuttle. Sarah grabbed her coat, “David, I have to go out and get some coal. Molly may arrive before I get back. Under no circumstances leave the house unless Molly is here, do you hear me?” emphasised Sarah. “Sure, no worries,” said David a little surprised at Sarah’s bossiness. With that the phone rang. “Sarah, it’s Mum. They want to keep Eva Marie in overnight and Mike has told me to stay with her. I’m sorry Love that you’ll be spending tonight alone Dear but there is nothing I can do – will you be okay on your own?” “Yeah, I’ll be Zine Mum. David is here Zixing the electricity and Molly is coming over for a while. I’ll be Zine, we’ll celebrate tomorrow.” Just as she hung up David came into the hall. “– I think there must be a short circuit somewhere in the system. Anyway I better get working on it before it gets dark.” Sarah took her bike out of the shed and rooted out the pewter whistle from her pocket and gently blew into it. Within seconds Mr Pew waddled into the shed and gently closed door after him. “You called?” he said his voice tired and sad as usual. “Mr Pew could I ask you to help me out in a delicate matter please?” His face brightened a little, he was not used to being spoken to in such a polite way. “Would you 110

be ever so kind and keep an eye on Ambers for me while I go out and get some coal for the Zire?” “I would be honoured to do that for you my Lady.” Sarah blushed a little and continued, “By the way Mr Pew – I have a present for you later.” “You do? Oh I never got a present before, what does it taste like?” he asked enthusiastically with a little jump. “It’s a surprise – you do a good job while I’m gone and I’ll give it to you then.” “Don’t you worry, I will do the best job I have ever done.” And with a little salute he turned on his heal and waddled back to the house to Zind Ambers.

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Denstures When Sarah was about half way home from buying the coal she saw a familiar Zigure in the distance. It was David and he looked concerned. Sarah pulled up beside him. “What are you doing, I told you not to leave the house empty!” she screeched. “Chill out! Molly is there. I had to get a breath of air because I couldn’t stand the smell any longer. I think Mike needs to get the sewerage checked as well as the electrics.” “At least Hugh Pew is doing his job”, Sarah muttered to herself. “Who’s Hugh Pew?” “I know you see them David, this isn’t some silly childish thing. They’re real, you’re not imagining them, I see them too and they are running havoc in my house. We need to get rid of them tonight otherwise my Mum and I will be in so much trouble,” shouted Sarah. “Now if you don’t mind I’ve got a job to do,” she said quickly cycling off before David noticed the tears welling in her eyes. Molly had all the windows open in the house and Sarah’s swimming peg on her nose.

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She had prepared Sarah’s art things on her bedroom desk beside an open window. “You sit and paint, I’ll build the Zire.” Soon Molly got a Zire going and the smells began to fade. David returned looking sheepish. He didn’t say anything he just continued to work on the electrics in the kitchen. Sarah’s artistic talent was back and it wasn’t long before the third painting was complete -‐ a large bonZire, and in the sky there were dazzling Zire-‐works and ZireZlies danced in the foreground. Sarah began to tidy up the painting stuff and the lights Zlickered again. She blew on the whistle and Mr Pew stood to attention in front of her. “You called?” “Mr Pew...” “Hugh Pew” “Okay, Hugh...” “Hugh Pew will do Zine. Hugh is my brother.” “Okay Hugh Pew, what is happening with the electrics, we’ve built the Zire so why are the lights still Zlickering?” “I have no idea.” He said very loudly, before mouthing ‘Nor-‐man’. “Everything seems NORMal to me my Lady.” And he frantically pointed towards the ceiling. “Okay, thank you Hugh Pew, you may go now.” Sarah said, nodding as Molly came in the door. It was time to start the Norman deletion plan. 113

“The Zire is lighting, what’s next?” “Could you bring in the sewing machine from under the stairs and set it up on the table in the sitting room, I just need to check something.” Sure enough there was the Fire Element dancing in the Zlames but her cold as ice eyes did not bother with Sarah. Sarah had never acknowledged her so the Zire fairy did not notice her. Sarah closed the door gently and went to the bottom of the stairs. She was about to call Norman when in he Zlitted through the open landing window. He had become a dab hand at the wing controls and was now Zlitting around her head. “I am so good at this and I’m getting better. Ha! Wait until all those Wishy Washy relatives see me Zly, that will show them, there will be no getting away from me then, they will owe me then. Ha, ha! I’ll be all powerful, then, they will be under my wing Ha ha,” he said in hysteric excitement. Sarah didn’t have to pretend that she didn’t know what he was talking about because she didn’t, but she knew it wasn’t good and time was running out. “I am going up to the woods now, to tell them there’s a party in the pond. That will get them here and then I’ll have them in my clutches.” He zoomed towards Sarah’s nose and screeched to a halt just in time, meeting her eyeball to eyeball, “Where’s my other present?” he demanded.

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“You have to wait until Christmas,” answered Sarah Zirmly. “I want it now!” “Well you’ll have to wait.” “Now.” “No.” “NOW,” he demanded still in the same position without blinking once. “NO,” yelled Sarah. “OOOh,” he huffed and sped off out the open window on the upstairs landing. Molly had the sewing machine set up and was standing in the kitchen with a ladder waiting for David to Zinish up. “David needs to get into the attic, there must be a wire faulty up there.” “Well if he must, he must do it now and be quick, that’s Norman’s territory and he’s up to something. His powers are getting stronger. He’s gone down to the woods to trick the other Beings into coming up here, so I have to concentrate on his plan, so you’ll have to help David,” Sarah said to Molly, ignoring David. “Close the window on the landing as you go up. By the way Molly, David’s an abaleapoist but won’t admit it.” David grabbed the ladder from Molly, “Kids,” he said grufZly brushing past Sarah. It took Sarah what seemed like forever to Zigure out the threading system on the machine and the more she tried to 115

rush threading the needle the more she missed, but it eventually went through. She then carefully took the two identically shaped pieces of electric blue Lycra she had cut out from her swimsuit. She sewed around the edges of what looked like a miniature wet suit leaving gaps for hands and feet. She Zinished quickly and pushed it into her pocked, conscious of the time. She called up to David and Molly through the hatch in the attic. David’s head appeared hanging upside down over the hatch. “You better see this,” he said in a grave tone. Sarah cautiously went up the ladder. David stepped back and lit the Zloor area with his Zlash light while Sarah pulled herself through the opening and got her balance on the rafters. Once she had, David slowly raised the shaft of light up. The attic was dimly lit by jars strung together around the rafters, each full of ZireZlies. Sarah walked slowly over to where Molly stood staring in disbelief at what looked like a large loom on the far side. Standing around it were Zive small hunched over Beings which Sarah had never seen before. They all had identical facial features; large beady alien like eyes, extra long purple curly eyelashes, two tiny holes where their nose should be, large ruby red lips, shiny black ringlets that had a purpley glow and high cheek bones. They all looked up from their work for a second and then went back to the slow grind of the loom.

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Sarah’s eyes hadn’t yet adjusted to the light and she couldn’t quite make out what they were weaving. “Spider folk’s wives,” gasped David as he stopped behind Sarah. “What?” asked Sarah. “They’re spider folk wives. I drew them about 10 years ago and they, well they, disappeared off the page the night before we moved house as did a lot of my other drawings.” Sarah turned and met his gaze, “I knew you could see them.” Molly interrupted, “Guys, all I can see is a strange contraption. You are both Abaleapoists, I’m not. But what I do know is if we don’t get this sorted by 12 o’clock tonight things are going to get nasty.” Before anybody else could say a word there was a creak on the ladder. Mr Pew pulled himself up through the hatch. “Oh dear,” he said. “You shouldn’t be here, no, no no this isn’t good at all. Mr Whistle will be quite upset if he Zinds you here. Goodness knows what the consequences would be. No, no, no, not at all, you must go, you must go now, yes, yes, now please. Down the hatch, no no no not at all. My pleasure, down the hatch please.” “Oh crikey, I see why your lights are Zlickering,” said David ignoring Mr Pew’s polite demands. His torch was scanning the wiring system that ran across the beams. Most of the wires were interrupted with bits of tin foil, cutlery, the

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guts of electronic toys and anything else that would carry a current. “What a mess.” “I beg your pardon. That is some of my best work, I don’t have an easy job you know,” retorted Mr Pew. “That Zire fairy has been very anxious of late and has been causing all sorts of problems up here, you’re lucky that this abode hasn’t burnt to the ground and you are even more lucky that you have electricity still at all, and if you don’t think that you are lucky enough with that you are even more lucky to still have… still have… toilet roll.” Mr Pew knew this made absolutely no sense but he didn’t like someone putting down his work and had got quite carried away in justifying his existence. Sarah got distracted by something burring in the corner and spinning around, “Is that Mike’s electric toothbrush?” “Oh yes yes, I, I borrowed it to create the lighting system for Mr Whistle. The motor sends an electric current through the wire into the glass jars that hold the Zire Zlies. This keeps the Zire Zlies merrily bouncing off the sides of the jars and the light active... Oh dear, oh dear, here he comes here he comes. Quick hide, save yourselves,” shouted Hugh Pew sliding down the ladder. The trio frantically went to dive for the hatch but their feet had become glued to the spot by a sticky slimy substance. “I’m stuck,” roared Sarah. “So am I,” screamed Molly, falling forward. “Ow” Molly roared clutching her hand as she lay on the rafters. “I’ve cut my hand on a piece of broken glass.” 118

The burring of the motorised wings came up the hatch. “Well well, what do we have here? Nosy parkers I’d say. This is my territory – I thought we had established that? How convenient that you stood in my sneeze pool,” said an angry Norman Zlying so close to Sarah’s face that his hot angry breath singed her eyelashes. “Aow, Norman! Your breath -‐ it burnt me.” “Ah ha! It’s working, I’m absorbing their powers.” Without another word, Norman grabbed the whistle from Sarah’s hand and blew a different tune on it. They struggled helplessly as the spider folk left the loom in robotic fashion and gathered around them holding large balls of sticky silver thread and began slowly at Zirst moving around in a pattern but quickly picking up speed until they were whizzing around cocooning each of them. “Leave her face free. I want to talk to her.” He ordered, pointing at Sarah. The spider folk slowed and bowed away. “Norman, what are you doing?” “Ha ha! Tonight this will all be mine. I will be the alpha being – the Ultimate Element! I could never do it before because those pesky fairies could Zly away before I could lasso them, but now thanks to your help, I can Zly. HA HA. Now I can catch them and absorb their powers from them with one simple hug, then they will become my slaves and I will become all the elements in one.”

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“HA, HA HA!” He threw his head back so hard laughing that his hat fell off and long golden locks tumbled down around his shoulders. “That’s Eva Marie’s hair!” gasped Sarah. “Yes yes, that’s right. I will not only be the most powerful element but also the most dashing, thanks to her.” He nodded in the direction of a cocoon in the corner. Sarah could just about make out the shape of the Zigure wrapped in the silver threads. “Is that Hairy Mary?” “Yes. The one you called the Hairy Fairy, which I think is a much better name. Hairy fairy, hairy fairy.” He sang teasingly as the cocoon struggled weakly. “The poison seems to be taking effect on her. Did you know that the most poisonous creatures on this planet are the common house spider, I bet you didn’t know that, did you? Yes. Well that is why we Brownies are all knowing you see. We know everything, well everything there is worth knowing that is, and information like that is very useful. Yes. You see they kill their prey with that poison but their fangs are not sharp enough to penetrate human skin, so they are harmless ... for now. That is until my team is Zinished with them in the other attic. It’s a pity you are stuck there. I would like to show you my work.” He said proudly buzzing from side to side. “But as I am a clever brownie I have created a system where I can be all seeing as well as all knowing.” He whizzed around the attic rearranging and angling shards of broken 120

mirror dotted around the loft. Soon the attic was illuminated with reZlected light. “If you look towards the mirror to your right you will be able to see into the other loft. The dentistry I like to call it.” Sarah squinted and sure enough through the kaleidoscope of reZlected mirrors, she could see a more brightly lit area of the loft on the other side of the large chimney stacks that had previously blocked their view. But she couldn’t quite make out what she was looking at. “Dentstures!” gasped David, biting through the last thread of his mouth gag. “Ah David, well done! I’m glad you can have some input. Yes, it is thanks to your amazing drawing skills as a child and your wonderful fear of dentists you created Denstures, Monster dentists who sharpen vampires and monsters teeth, isn’t that right? Well I have put them to work sharpening my spider babies teeth. Once they can penetrate human skin I will not only have domination over the fairy realm but also the human realm too. I am a Genius.” He dramatically threw back his head, shaking his golden locks and watched himself in a mirror as he laughed so loudly that the mirror shards vibrated. It was only then that Sarah realised what she was looking at in the next loft. It was a spider lying back in a dentist chair with three hideous monster dentists Ziling his fangs.

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“Now I have my hair, don’t I look dashing with my wonderful wings also?” admiring himself in a broken mirror shard, “I don’t need Hairy Mary anymore and she was getting bothersome as I needed my needle business back, so I cocooned her and it’s now having effect.” Sarah struggled but there was no give in her tight ties. “Oh didn’t I tell you? I had the spider folk coat the web string you are cocooned in, with their poison. It will slowly seep through your skin and start to paralyse you, that is unless you’re skin is broken with a cut or something, then it will just probably kill you.” “MOLLY!” screamed Sarah, struggling helplessly to get closer to her friend who lay motionless on the ground. “Norman, what did you do? You knew she was my only friend. Molly speak to me,” roared Sarah. “I probably should have told the spider folk to leave her hand free but then again I couldn’t take any chances. However I do need to Zigure out how to catch the water fairy. She is still too fast for me, blast her. If you can Zigure that one out I may spare your life and allow you to work for me. Now where’s my present?” “I left it in Molly’s house, now you’ll never get it.” “Of course I can. I know where she lives and with these wings I can go anywhere.” Norman whizzed down the stairs and out through the window.

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“David, I have an idea. If we step out of our shoes we will no longer be stuck to the spot.” “No can do, I’m wearing basketball boots.” Sarah already had her Zirst foot free of her shoe, and stood on the front of the other. With a hop her second foot was free, but gravity took hold and she tumbled to the ground with a thud. She opened her eyes and in front of her was the whistle. She wriggled a little and with her tongue managed to get the whistle to her mouth. With two sharp toots, Hugh Pew was by her side. “Is he gone?” he asked agitated. “Yes, for a while anyway. You’ve got to help untie us.” “As much as I would like to, I wouldn’t have the strength, in proportion to size, spider web is one of the strongest materials on the planet and what you are wrapped in is about 10 times the thickness of normal web so it is like you are wrapped in cable from the Golden Gate Bridge, and as I am in the fairy realm it is the same as if I asked you to undo the cables holding up the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco with your bare hands.” “I have an idea,” said David. “Hugh Pew could you get the whistle into my mouth?” “Now that I can do.” With one graceful leap Hugh Pew had the whistle to his lips. David blew a tune that sounded strangely like the one Norman did except in reverse. The spider folk slowly left their 123

looms and went to the cocoons they had made earlier. Slowly at Zirst they began to walk around them in the opposite direction and began to unwrap the cocoons. They picked up speed until they were whizzing around unwrapping their catch and creating a big ball of used web. In seconds they were Zinished and David, Sarah, Molly and Hairy Mary were free. “How did you know how to do that?” exclaimed Sarah struggling to her feet and clambering to Molly’s side. “I created them, remember. Is she -‐?” “She’s still alive but barely.” “We need some sort of anecdote to counter the poison. It must have been in one of your Dad’s paintings otherwise Mr Whistle couldn’t have created the poison idea,” said David. “No, my Dad never included anything like that in any of his drawings.” “Oh no – It wasn’t in your Dad’s, it was in mine – but I can’t remember what it was like, it was a long time ago.” “David, you have got to remember and fast, it’s our only hope of saving Molly. You also have to sort out the rest of your abaleapisms before midnight.” “How?” “Come on and I’ll show you.” Sarah looked towards Hairy Mary who was starting to come through. “Hairy Mary, you need to look after Molly so I can get rid of Norman. Can you do that?” 124

“Hairy Mary can do that,” she said feebly as she sat upright and shook her hair loose of the remaining spider web. “It’s dark, we probably only have an hour left to sort this out,” said David sliding down the stairs. “Hugh Pew you come with us, I have something for you.” Just before her head disappeared down the hatch Sarah stuck her head back up, “And Hairy Mary, leave her hair alone.” The three hurried to the sitting room where Sarah had left her portfolio. Ambers was lying on top of the remaining glimmers of warm coals. She looked pale and was weak and feeble as Sarah scooped her out. “Oh dear, oh dear, Mr Whistle has drained her of all her energy,” whined Mr Pew pulling at his hair as he paced up and down. “I’m next, I’m next. What will we do, what will we ever do?” “Quick David, get the Zire painting out from the portfolio.” Sarah carefully laid the Zire fairy on top of the Zire painting, but nothing happened. “Hugh Pew you must get her to look at the Zire.” “Ambers,” he roared a little unsure of himself. “ Ambers, go towards the light, go towards the Zlames.” With her last bit of energy Ambers lifted her head and looked towards Hugh Pew before turning to see what he was talking about. Her eyes brightened a little and Zlames began to jump from the page, within a split second her body rose up with the Zlames as high as the ceiling and then got sucked rapidly back down in the vacuum of the void left on the page. 125

The three stared stunned at the painting, it was back to the same as it had been, with one exception. Now there was a beautiful Zigure of a serene fairy dancing in the Zlames of the bonZire reaching for the sky. “David, we need to get all the beings back onto paper otherwise they are all here forever. I know how to get mine but you need to paint visions that yours will go to. My art stuff is in my room, get working. As for you Mr Pew, I will have you gone by the time Norman gets back, but I need your help Zirst.” Sarah grabbed her portfolio and the two went to the garden pond. The moon was rising rapidly. Sure enough there was Wishy Washy hanging ZireZly lanterns around the pond in preparation for her party. “Wendy,” called Hugh Pew. She paused and looked towards Sarah and Hugh Pew without expression. “ Wendy, you can’t have your party, it’s a trap! Norman just wants to trap you and your friends so he can get your energy. You must stop.” She Zlew towards them. “That guy! He’ll never get us, he’s too slow and a fairy can’t cancel a party, it’s just not allowed, you know that Mr Pew.” Hugh Pew sighed. “She’s right, it’s realm law, fairies can’t cancel a party, it’s to do with food waste – all the fairy cakes would go stale.” “Well” said Sarah. “Maybe you don’t need to cancel, maybe you just need to relocate to somewhere better.” “No thank you, I’m perfectly happy with my pond.” 126

“Yes but have you seen this one,” said Sarah pulling out the painting of Monet’s lilies. Wendy gasped with delight and reached out to touch the painting, but pulled her hand back. “I can’t, how will my guests know where to go.” “We’ll do a sign,” suggested Sarah quickly, “ ‘Party This Way’ with an arrow.” “Yeah,” pondered Wendy thoughtfully, “I already have one of them out front, I could take it with me I suppose, and I’ll need to bring a few other things. The fairy lights for example,” Sarah clambered across the pond and pulled down the string of Zire Zly jars, rolled them into a ball and threw them to Hugh Pew, who passed them to Wendy, who threw them at the painting. A black hole opened and the lights were gone. “The barbeque next,” ordered Wendy, “and the Zishing rods, the trophies, the feather boas, the cooler, the stereo, the dancing monkey puppets, smoothie maker, toaster, cuddly toy, poker chips, Zish and chips, tortilla chips, sack of wood chips.” Each item Sarah rushed to Zind and pick up and pass to Hugh Pew who passed it to Wendy, who in turn threw them into the painting. “The cakes of course will have to come, but I’ll carry them rather than throw them we don’t want to make a mess do we.” Sarah stooped down and passed them on. “Oh! Don’t forget the sign.”

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“Hugh Pew go get the sign,” ordered Sarah. Hugh Pew saluted and within seconds had returned with the sign. “Now Wendy it’s time to go, Norman will be back any moment.” “Wait. There’s something I’m missing.” She said unhurriedly, Zinger on her chin, looking up to the right as Beings do when they are trying to remember something important. “Oh I remember, it’s the kitchen sink.,” she smiled. “You are joking?” frowned Sarah. “No not at all. It’s right over there behind the rock. How else do you expect me to wash up after the party?” “You’ll be surrounded by water,” said Sarah searching amongst bushes and retrieving a miniature butler sink. “Oh yes, I never thought of that,” said Wendy with a sigh. “Oh well it’s been lovely knowing you. If you see any of my friends wandering around you know where to send them. Ciao.” And, with the platter of fairy buns in hand, Wishy Washy Wendy Zlew into the page. The painting was the same as it had been with the exception of a lot more clutter, a bathing fairy and a kitchen sink. “Right guys, I’m done,” called David breathlessly from the patio doors. “To the attic,” ordered Sarah, gathering up her portfolio and following Hugh Pew and David to the ladder. Molly’s breath had got shallower, her hair was plaited in the tiniest braids and woven into an elaborate top knot. “I 128

couldn’t help myself” squeaked Hairy Mary sheepishly Zidgeting with her toes. “David, give me the drawing of the antidote. You sort out the dentists.” Sarah caught sight of the dentistry painting, red blobs and a mixed up jumble of colour splattered the page. “Is that it?” she said shocked at the messy chaotic painting. “I was a bit disturbed, I created them in art therapy – it’s a long story.” David quickly handed her the other painting. “I tried to get it as close as possible to the original but I can’t remember the detail, if the label was green or purple.” David clambered through to the other adjoining loft and as Zlashes of light sparked, the dentists jumped into their Havana, Sarah carefully unrolled her Zinal painting. “Mr Pew, this one is for you.” The little man’s eyes grew huge at the sight and for the Zirst time he had joy in his voice. “It’s heavenly and all mine?” he asked as tears welled in his left eye. “But I’m half brownie, I must give you something in return, now what can I give you.” He said frantically searching in his pockets. “It’s okay Hugh Pew, you have helped me enough tonight.” He stopped still and stared Sarah in the eye, “You don’t understand it’s the LAW. Without giving you something I cannot possibly accept.” And began his frantic search again but found nothing. He quickly looked around the room and spotted a small jar. 129

“I know!” He said, scampering over and picking up a couple of jars, disappeared behind a large shard of broken mirror. Two unmerciful long Zlatulents Zilled the room. Followed by, “Pardon me.” And out popped Hugh Pew screwing the tops back on two jars. He picked up a broken pencil and scribbled on the labels. “This is for you, my Lady. If there is ever an extreme emergency again this will help. I’ll leave one for your friends,” he said proudly leaving the Zirst jar beside Molly’s head and handing Sarah the other jar of Zloating puce green gas. “Thanks,” muttered Sarah, unsure if she should be Zlattered or disgusted and put the jar in her pocket. “Now I have returned the gesture I can bid my adieu and go to my heaven.” And as gentlemanly as ever, he took Sarah’s hand and kissed it. And with an hysterical laugh, jumped into the painting. The painting was the same as it had been but with the addition of a small male Zigure with a net in his hand in the middle of the poppy Zield. An aesthetic grin on his face and what looked like a fragment of butterZly wing stuck on his lip. The sound of a fast whirring motor buzzing up the ladder behind Sarah froze her to the spot. “How in the blazes did you get out? Never mind answering that, where’s my present, I want it. I searched every crevice in Molly’s house and couldn’t Zind it. Her parents weren’t helpful at all either so I tried out my new 130

talents and left them a present. So where is it or I’ll burn this house down too.” “You burnt down Molly’s house?” “Yes, and her parents are nicely cooked too. I’ll do the same here if you don’t give me my present.” Sarah quickly rooted in her pocket and pulled out the shiny suit and threw it at his feet. Norman picked it up and held it at arm’s length, “What is it?” he asked curiously. “It’s a Speedo, it’s aerodynamically aligned to make the wearer Zly faster.” Sarah held her breath. “Ah Ha! Fabulous! Just what I need!” Norman said excitedly stepping into the suit and just as he pulled the last bit on his shoulder, he vanished. Sarah stared at the spot for a moment before breathing out and slowly began to laugh. “IT WORKED, HE’S GONE!” David crawled up from the back of the loft. “Great, I’ve got the spider folk and the dentists gathered onto the paintings, all we need now is to retrieve the medicine jar and revive Molly. Hairy Mary, could you put your hand in and pull out the jar on the left,” David paused. “Sarah where’s the painting with Norman on it?” “There isn’t one, he’d never have fallen for it. I tricked him into putting on a new suit so it made him vanish.” “Vanish? Things don’t just vanish Sarah. He’s made of energy and no energy can be destroyed, it can only transfer... or metamorphosis into something stronger.”

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With David’s Zinal words there was a loud ripping noise and a roar of deep laughter. Norman suddenly reappeared behind them and began to inZlate in size until his head touched the rafters. He threw his head back and roared a thunderous laugh. “You’re right David,” he bellowed, looking at him and Sarah cowering beneath him. “I have changed. With the help of your suit Sarah I could sneak up on all the elements and absorb their energy. I am now the all powerful complete Element. Who needs four when you can be all in one?” He threw his head back and with another thunderous laugh he illuminated the loft with Zlames billowing from his mouth, setting a couple of rafters alight. He threw out his arms, his chest inZlated to a huge six pack, “I am the almighty and you are now my slaves,” the whole house began to rattle and the water pipes clattered off each other until such force built up in them that they burst at the joints. Sarah screamed and dived towards David. Norman towered above them and was just about to pick them up when a spider dropped down in front of his face. “Are you the guy who ordered the dentists to sharpen my fangs?” the spider said with a New York twang and brandishing two sparkling white fangs. Norman grinned, “Oh yes, yes it was me and my, they are fabulous darling, together we will have world domination. You must be delighted?” grinned Norman.

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The spider starred at him, “No. It hurt like hell.” And with those words she dived towards the inZlated Brownie and sunk her shiny sharp fangs into his neck. It may have been the shock that the spider didn’t appreciate his gesture that Zirst paralysed Norman but the spider venom Zinished the job. She withdrew her fangs and sprung back up to the top rafter just in time to get out of the way as the punctured Norman whizzed around the loft like a massive deZlating balloon, bouncing off the rafters at high speed. Sarah and David leapt from side to side avoiding the whizzing, Zlubbering, farting, deZlating Norman until he was all out of hot air and fell Zlat down in front of them. It was then the hideous smell began to make them cough and choke. They quickly pulled their sweatshirts over their mouths. “Quickly, Hairy Mary. We don’t have much time. Jump in and grab the anecdote,” coughed David. Hairy Mary reached out and hit the paper. “It’s not working,” she mufZled from under the rag she was holding to her mouth. “You need the original.” “My old portfolio! I’m sure I still have it at home on top of my wardrobe.” Sarah glanced at her watch. “It’s 20 minutes to midnight, if you take my bike you might just make it back in time.” “I’ll take Hairy Mary with me, you need to Zind a page for Norman and throw him at it.” “I know just the paper for him. Now you go, go, GO.”

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As the front door slammed behind David, Sarah crouched down beside her friend and gently stroked her forehead, “Don’t worry Molly we’ll save you,” she whispered. “I’ll be back in a moment.” Sarah scooped up the Zlat, slimy, deZlated Norman, who still had the shocked look on his face. Holding him at arm’s length to avoid the smell, Sarah carried him down the stairs and into the bathroom. With her other hand she pulled off a strip of toilet roll and dropped it onto the Zloor. She threw the slimy creature onto the paper. Splat. And there he lay frozen Zlat onto the paper with still the same shocked stupid grin on his face. “Good bye Norman,” Sarah grinned as she bent down, picked up the toilet paper, rolled it into a ball, Zlicked it into the toilet and Zlushed the chain. As the paper whooshed around in the bowl of water and Norman was swallowed by the toilet, the Zlash of car headlights Zilled the hall and the roar of a diesel engine skidded to a halt. “Mike” gasped Sarah.

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The End? She ran to the hall but it was too late, his key was already in the door. She sped to the kitchen and dived into the broom cupboard facing down the hall, pulling the door behind her but not having enough time to close it completely before the front door swung open, “What the.... Sarah what in God’s name has happened? SARAH, SAARRAAAHHH” roared Mike. Through the slit in the door opening she could see Mike staring at the water spilling down through the ceiling from the burst pipes, the lights Zlickering and sparks coming from the wet light switches, cinders scattered everywhere. It was probably the needles hanging by gooey threads from the tree branches that were the Zinal straw for him. He stormed upstairs and came down with the two suitcases, which Sarah had spotted earlier. A second car pulled into the drive way. If it was Mum, Sarah knew she would have some protection from Mike’s raging anger at the devastated house. They could make a run for it and maybe alert the police in time to save Molly. But it wasn’t Mum’s red wolkswagon, Sarah could just about make out that it was a silver car. A man’s voice called out for Mike and he walked into the kitchen. Sarah shot back against the back of the cupboard. Her heart thumped so loudly she was sure the man standing at the table would hear 135

it. She tried to calm it with a deep breath but her exhale sounded like a loud rattle to her. “Is that you Wilbur?” “I’m in here Mike.” A dustpan dug into her spine but she knew if she moved the consequences would be a lot more painful. She could hear the click of a lighter as the man attempted to light his cigarette. “You seem to have some plumbing trouble in the hall.” “Very funny, she’s nothing but trouble that one, but I’ll soon break her. I’ll claim damages on the insurance.” The two laughed a little, Sarah took the chance to ease forward so she could see through the crack again. Mike lifted a briefcase onto the table and Zlicked open the latches. The two men's backs blocked her view. “One, two, three hundred thousand, as agreed,” said Mike holding out bundled notes. “I think you know Mike that the price needs to be renegotiated.” “Renegotiated? Come on Will B, a deal’s a deal.” “That deal was to cover the car run and the disconnecting of any machines, not all the extra work I’ve had to do with her, the disguises, and having to wait all this time for the delivery of payment. At the time you said it would be a straight forward accident and insurance claim.” “If you had done your job properly in the Zirst place and Zixed her seatbelt like his she wouldn’t have survived either and things would have been a lot more straight forward,” 136

hissed Mr Power. “And as for the time lapse, you know as well as I know that these insurance things take their time, especially if the salesman is the benefactor. Let’s call it 400 and we’ll call it quits.” Car? seatbelt? Machines? Sarah tried to make sense of it all. They were standing so close to the cupboard now Sarah could smell the man’s aftershave. Where had she smelled it before, that musty smell? “Five hundred. I want Zive hundred. That leaves you with one and a half million and there’s still work to be done after you’ve gone.” “You think you have work? I’ve to live with that little tramp for the next six years to milk the maintenance. They don’t hand it out all in one go you know.” Mike sighed, “I’ll give you 400 now and another 100 on completion of the mother, ‘right?” “Okay, deal,” said the man pocketing the wads of cash in his various suit pockets. “Talking of which I better Zind her and get moving.” Mike closed the briefcase and gave the man’s hand a quick shake. “Yes I better get back to the hospital – don’t want things messed up at this stage.” “I’ll call you with instructions later Will B.” Said Mike walked him to the door Sarah Zinally got a glimpse of his face. “Dr Payne!” she gasped. “Dr Will B Payne!” The Doctor that had treated her mother, but it was the same musty aftershave of the doctor that came from her dad’s 137

hospital and the same aftershave of the social worker. And the silver car, he had run them off the road. Sarah’s head began to swim, she had to get out of here and get some help. David would be on his way, surely they could think of something together. “Sarah where are you? I know you probably think I’ll be annoyed but there’s no need to worry, I understand accidents happen,” called Mike standing in the hallway. “Sarah, Sarah.” He skulked down the basement stairs. Sarah made a break for it. She leapt out of the kitchen cupboard and was already past the basement door before the dustpan crashed on the Zloor behind her. She ran down the drive remembering the last time she ran this fast. Down the corridor to her father, she could feel his last breath again on her cheek, it wasn’t her foot that knocked out the ventilator machine, he had unplugged it. Dr Will B. Payne had killed her father and Mike Power paid him to do it. And it was Dr Payne who was disguised as the social worker – the documents must have been false, Sarah’s instincts were right after all, Mick wasn’t related to her. The growl of the diesel engine came closer. Sarah swung round, and tumbled over. Her eyes were caught in the headlights like a startled rabbit. She clambered to her feet again but he was already out of the van. “Right, that’s it, you little brat. You’ll pay for this.” He pulled her ear hard and dragged her to the van. Pushing her head

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down with his Zist, he Zlung her into the passenger seat and slammed the door shut. Sarah sat rubbing her ear catching her breath. He didn’t know she had heard his conversation and now that he had caught her, at least she could get to her mother at the hospital and tell her the terrible truth. David was the only one who could save Molly now. Sarah looked at her watch, it was three minutes to midnight. Mike landed like a bag of potatoes in the front seat and revved the engine. “But we can’t go, David won’t be able to get in to Zix the electrics. At least leave a key for him,” cried Sarah frantically. “That waste of space, look at the place,” roared Mike. “I should have him charged.” As the van sped away Sarah strained to watch the house to see if David would make it, and maybe somehow get in to save Molly. But by the time they turned the corner at the top of street she lost sight of the house and as the church bell rang out for Christmas midnight mass Sarah sobbed quietly for her lost friend. It was only when the car stopped that Sarah lifted her head and looked out the window. “The airport?... but I thought we were bringing clothes to Eva Marie and Mum in the hospital.” “Well you thought wrong,” grunted Mike getting out of the car. “Now get the bags.” He threw the keys to a porter, “Keep it.”

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Sarah struggled into the departures area with the bags. “Where are we going?” “Los Angeles. I’ve brought the trip forward, the doctors said some sunshine would do Eva Marie good and no stress. Do you hear me? No stress,” he said glaring at Sarah while pressing a preset number on his phone. “Yes Darling, we are just here now. Come and meet us at the check-‐in desk.” Mike lifted the luggage onto the belt and handed over the tickets and passports. Sarah had been looking around watching out for her Mum, she needed to cuddle up to her and feel the comfort that everything was going to be alright. The check-‐in woman handed Mike back the tickets and moved on to the next passenger. “There’s only three tickets, where’s Mum’s?” asked Sarah. Just as he pocketed the boarding passes his phone resting on the check-‐in desk rang and he quickly cancelled the call, but not quick enough for Sarah to have had time to read where the call was coming from, “The Hill Hospital?... You’ve put my mum in the psychiatric hospital? No, NO,” roared Sarah breaking free of Mike’s grip and running away from him. She didn’t know where she was running to but then she saw a police ofZicer and ran towards him. Mike grabbed her arm and yanked her towards him. “Now listen hear,” he panted into her face. “One call from me and your mum will be so pumped with medication for the rest of her life that she won’t know her own name, never mind yours. Now if you are a good little girl and do as you’re told I will send for your 140

mum in a month or two, but one more word between here and LA and I will make that phone call. Do you understand?” Mike’s eyes bore into Sarah’s. “Is everything alright here?” asked the police ofZicer who had slowly made his way over to where they stood. “Yes everything is Zine ofZicer,” smiled Mike straightening up and putting his arm Zirmly around Sarah’s shoulders. “My girl here is just a bit scared of Zlying and took a bit of a panic attack, but she’s alright now, aren’t you darling?” He squeezed her shoulders tight against his side. “Tell the police ofZicer that you’re Zine dear and there is no need for me to ring the doctor.” He squeezed tighter. “Yes I’m Zine,” stammered Sarah. The policeman looked at Sarah and then back to Mike, “Well enjoy your Zlight then,” he smiled, before walking away. Mike waited a moment before grabbing Sarah’s arm in a tight grip and bent down and talked into her face in a low voice, “Now you listen hear girl, we could have all been going to LA but your mother took a turn at the hospital when she heard our plan and needed some sedation. And now that you have wrecked the house she has nowhere else to stay but at the hospital. So it is your entire fault you see? When you have earned enough to pay for all that damage you have done to the house and pay for your Zlight and your mother’s, then she can follow us. From now you are working for Eva Marie you will answer to her every beck and call and wait on her every demand. You will only speak when you are spoken to and you 141

will address Eva Marie as Miss and you will address me as Master. Step out of line one more time and I will make that phone call, do you hear?” “Yes,” said Sarah reluctantly. “Yes what?” spat Mike. “Yes Master.” “So this is where you both are, I’ve been waiting at the check-‐in desk,” said Eva Marie beaming, skipping towards them dressed in pink from head to toe. “Here you are princess, your Zirst Christmas present,” said Mike pushing Sarah towards her. “Now that my girl is going to be a big LA star, it is only right that she has a servant.” “She’s my servant? Oh daddy how wonderful!” yelped Eva Marie, kissing her father. She glared at Sarah, then pulled off one of her pink kid skin gloves, held it out at arm’s length and dropped on the ground. “Pick it up,” ordered Eva Marie. Sarah hesitantly picked it up and handed it back to Eva Marie. Eva Marie beamed. She held out her arm again and dropped the glove again. “Woops! I dropped it again. Pick it up girl.” Sarah picked it up again and handed to Eva Marie, who promptly stretched her arm out and dropped the glove again. “Oh dear, I’m such a cluts, pick it up,” smirked Eva Marie.

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“Now, now Darling, that’s enough there’ll be plenty of time for games in LA but we need to get on the plane, come on lets go,” laughed Mike. The pair turned and walked towards the gate, “You’re learning fast girl, keep going at this rate and you’ll have earned enough of your dad’s insurance money back to have your Mum in LA for next Christmas. Now pick up Eva Marie’s hand luggage and get a move on to the gate.” “Oh Daddy we’re not bringing that nutcase out to LA are we?” “Well dear, in a year’s time you’ll be such a big star you will need two servants.” “Yes I suppose, just make sure the hospital packs that straight jacket I saw them take her away from the hospital in today in case she gets out of hand again,” said Eva Marie, loud enough over her shoulder for Sarah to hear. Hot burning tears streamed down her face across her trembling lips. “You Zirst,” said Mike as they reached the gate. “We don’t want you getting any ideas about running off,” he said pushing Sarah ahead through the metal detector which instantly buzzed. “Arms out miss,” said the woman security ofZicer as she frisked Sarah. Her hand rubbed over a bump in her pocket and retrieved a small bottle. “Could you step through the detector again miss.” Sarah passed through without a beep. “I think it’s the metal lid on this bottle. I’m afraid I’ll have to conZiscate it as liquids are not allowed on the plane.”

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“Oh! It’s my travel medicine, maybe I could go to the ladies and take it and bring you back the bottle,” said Sarah quickly. “Go on then,” nodded the security ofZicer. Sarah glanced over her shoulder, where Mike hovered anxiously waiting to be allowed through to get control of her. He pulled his mobile from his pocket and held his Zingers threateningly over the buttons. “I’m sorry Sir, you’ll have to turn off your phone in this area,” Mike stared at Sarah. “Please Sir, I must insist you turn it out immediately or we will need to conZiscate it,” insisted a member of security. “Of course,” muttered Mike. “Follow her,” he whispered into Eva Marie’s ear, urging her through the security barrier which immediately buzzed. The security pushed a basket towards her, “Could you remove all your bangles Miss.” Sarah could hear Eva Marie’s protests all the way down the hall as she trotted towards the ladies restrooms. At the sink she took the small jar Mr Pew had given her and which she had completely forgotten about. ‘ButterZly = Hurricane Potion’ muttered Sarah reading the title of the label Hugh Pew had scrawled on. ‘What if, what if, Then take just a sniff, For a life reshufZle, Then take a snufZle. But beware of what you do, As it affects all around you. 144

Directions for use: Sniffs after dawn but before midnight, SnufZles after midnight but before dawn.’ “Well here goes.” Sarah Zlicked open the lid and inhaled deeply the puce gas. A warm, bittersweet, slimy liquid formed and slid down the back of her throat. It felt warm. Her head felt light and began to swim, outside she could hear Eva Marie’s footsteps approaching. Sarah grabbed the sink and held herself up watching the door for Eva Marie. Memories rushed in, and tumbled out, people and places swam in and burst one after another like overZilled balloons. Sarah’s legs buckled. She reached to grab the sink to break her fall but missed, and fell at Eva Marie’s feet. Sarah pulled herself up on all fours. “Sarah what are you doing, get off the Zloor? What is that smell?” Sarah looked up and tried to focus on Eva Marie who was looking at her hands, “My hands and my feet feel strange, like pins and needles. No they are Zizzing! I’M FIZZING!” screamed Eva Marie. “Sarah, what have you done?” was the last roar Sarah heard before everything went black.

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The Last but not Least Chapter It’s strange how a smell can evoke a memory. The waft of sausages and bacon frying always reminded Sarah of Sunday mornings when her Dad would cook up a massive fry and bring her Mum breakfast in bed with the Sunday papers. The smell of lavender brought her back to her pretty bedroom her father had decorated and the fresh crisp sheets her Mum would take from the laundry cupboard sprinkled with dried lavender and put on Sarah’s bed every Saturday. Clementine’s and cloves evoked the cosiness a day off from school brought on from a winter head cold, and her mum would lovingly wrap her up on the couch with a blanket and a hot orange drink. These were the fragrances that tickled Sarah’s nose as she came around. But she dared not open her eyes to the reality that she was living. Instead she squeezed them shut tighter and snuggled down into the warm blankets that surrounded her. Her head pounded as she tried to recall what had happened, where she was without opening her eyes. The bitter sweet taste still in her mouth reminded her – the airport, the jar, Eva Marie Zizzing away. She must have been brought to hospital after her fall, maybe she could Zind her mother, maybe the doctors would remember her. “Come on sleepy head.”

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Sarah’s eyes shot open under the blankets, “That sounded so like mother,” she gasped to herself. “Come on, there are presents to be wrapped and your friends will be here soon.” Called the cheerful voice again followed by the humming of ‘Jingle Bells’. As the lilt faded down the stairs, Sarah slowly moved from under the covers. She was back in her old room, surrounded by all her familiar stuff. She sunk her nose into her pillow and inhaled the freshness and lavender, this was a dream she wanted to savour. Slowly she got out of bed, slipped on her dressing gown and sock slippers and crept to the top of the stairs carefully so as not to wake herself. “Mum,” she called, “MUM.” But her Mum didn’t answer, Sarah’s heart sank. It was a dream and it was too good to be true. “She’s gone into the basement to Zind sticky tape and bring up the rest of the presents,” shouted a familiar voice up the stairs. It took a second for the owner’s name to register. “Dad,” clicked Sarah’s tongue softly against the roof of her mouth, “DAD, DADDY” she screamed frantically, unable to hold back. There was a thud as the voice dropped what he was carrying in the kitchen and ran to the bottom of the stairs, “What’s wrong Angel?” “Dad, Dad it’s you,” Sarah jumped on the banister and slid down quicker than she ever had and landed in her Dad’s waiting arms.

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“It’s really you Dad,” she cried hugging him and kissing his face all over. “Of course it’s really me. Are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” “I’m Zine Dad and you’re not a ghost are you? It’s really you isn’t it?” “Yes it’s really me and I’m not a ghost,” he chuckled scooping his daughter up in his strong arms and carrying her out to the kitchen, bumping into Mum as she came up from the basement stairs. “I think that cold medicine you are giving Sarah has gone to her head.” “Mum, it is you,” screamed Sarah excitedly jumping from her dad’s arms and rushing to her mother. Mum dropped the packages and bundles of wrapping paper she was carrying and hugged her daughter. “Well you must be feeling better Sarah.” “Oh Mum I am, I am, and look at you, you look fabulous Mum.” “Well thanks Love, but I haven’t even brushed my hair yet.” “Oh don’t, you look great and your hands are so soft and your nails are so manicured.” “Well why wouldn’t they be?” smiled her Mum. “Promise me you’ll never let them get chapped and ugly.”

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“Ehh, okay, I promise,” Mum said slowly looking at her daughter a little strangely, “Now can I get back to wrapping the presents before everyone gets here for Christmas lunch?” “And Dad, you have to promise me you will never go for pizza again.” “That’s a strange request, ” he said returning to his crossword on the kitchen table. His daughter crashed over to him again and landed on his lap. “NO Dad I’m serious, you must promise me?” “Okay okay, I promise, they’re not good for my cholesterol anyway. Now let me Zinish this crossword I’ve been trying to get to do since Wednesday.” “Look! it’s Mr Power!” gasped Sarah, seeing his photo on the newspaper. “Mr who?” asked Mum. “Mr Power – ‘Man Killed by Spider Bite’,” read Sarah. “Oh is he that strange man who wanted to rent the cottage with his daughter?” quizzed Mum. “I’m surprise you remember him Sarah, that was over two years ago.” “Oh yeah, odd character, very gruff,” said Dad suddenly becoming more interested in the story. “Listen to this,” said Sarah, continuing to read the article aloud, “Englishman Mr Michael Power was found dead in the Hollywood Inn Motel staff quarters in LA yesterday. Mr Power had just arrived in Hollywood to take up a job in the motel’s laundry rooms. It seems he was in the midst of unpacking his case when he received a deadly spider bite. 149

Experts believe the spider was concealed in his luggage. Mr Power is survived by his daughter Eva Marie and wife Audrey who have both worked as toilet attendants in the same motel for the past six months.’ “How unfortunate,” said Mum who was more interested in searching the drawers for a scissors. “Don’t throw out that newspaper, your Dad’s exhibition review is in it, you should read it Sarah, it’s very impressive,” said Mum before continuing upstairs. “Oh Sarah, look guests are starting to arrive already , get the door and then get dressed quickly, I’ll be down in a moment,” she called before the door bell made Sarah jump to her feet. “Happy Christmas!” roared the cheerful faces on the doorstep. “MOLLY, it’s you, you’re alive!” Sarah gave her friend a massive bear hug. “You’re not going to believe the dream I’ve just had,” laughed Sarah. “Oh mind my hand.” Sarah released her friend and caught sight of her bandaged hand, David stepped in the front door. “I cut it on broken glass but can’t remember the details, sight of the blood must have made me pass out!” Sarah looked at the bandaged hand and at David, “It wasn’t a dream,” he whispered. “but...”

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“I got back and hid outside until Power left. I still had the front door key your Mum had given me so I could get in to Zix the electrics. I got back to the attic with my portfolio just in time.” “Portfolios and art that’s all you two ever talk about.” interrupted Molly. “I’m going in to put my gifts under the tree before the weight of them breaks the other hand.” Sarah waited until Molly was gone. “But, David, how did we get here?” “I have no idea!” said David. “I woke up an hour ago and discovered my family are rich and I have a scholarship to art school! And all I can remember is getting back here with the place Zlooded and lights Zlickering and getting Hairy Mary to get the antidote just in time to save Molly. I then saw the bottle marked ‘For David’, read it and inhaled. Molly didn’t have a whiff of it so she can’t remember.” “Good grief David, does that mean we are the only ones who remember the other life we had? But how long... my Dad’s here so we must have altered at least two years of our lives. This is all crazy. The last I remember about here is you going to get your portfolio to get the antidote and get rid of Hairy Mary, what happened to her?” David pulled a folded page from his inside pocket. Sarah unfolded it carefully and there she was, the Hair Fairy smiling in a shop window surrounded by mannequin heads. “I’d forgotten I had drawn a wig shop beside the pharmacy

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with the spider venom antidote, so she leapt in and Zitted perfectly into the picture.” “Did I hear my name mentioned?” said Molly sticking her head out around the back of the sitting room door, but before Sarah could answer a loud wail came from upstairs. “What’s that?”asked Sarah. “What?” said Molly, “more like who. It’s Luke...your baby brother?” “BROTHER?!”

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