Chapter 33
Genevieve
With a rising sun that cast rays through the square windows, it didn’t take long before I woke up, eyes puffy and my mouth dry. I sit up, staring at my surroundings, but Illysia is nowhere to be found. She is no longer placed on the red sofa where I last saw her.
Daffodil is no longer by my side, and I can feel anxiety washing over me. Had I not trusted my gut feeling? Just as I let myself question the situation, the door flies open and the girl with beautiful auburn hair stumbles in with a basket in her hand and the deer following by her side.
“Oh, you’re awake!” She speaks with a pitchy voice.
“Good morning.”
“I figured that you needed some sleep, so me and Daffodil went outside and plucked some berries for you.”
“You did?”
“Yes, of course.” She says, full of sweetness.
“That’s... I don’t know what I can give back to you.” I stumble on my own words.
“Your kindness would be good enough.” Another gentle smile appears on her rosy lips.
Lifting myself from the bed, my toes touching the cold floor, I walk closer to her and peek inside the basket. “Oh gosh, I love strawberries.”
“Perfect! I will make a little bowl for you.” She breathes. “And, how are you? You look... Drained.”
“It’s been a lot.”
“Do you mind telling me?”
A lump forms in my throat, making me feel sick. “I don’t think I can yet.” I say, pressing down all feelings to keep myself from crying, from breaking down.
“I won’t pressure you. Just know that I’m here if you need someone to talk to, okay?”
“Thank you for being so nice.”
“That’s what I’m good at.” She laughs. “Do you want to hear a joke?”
“Yes.”
“Once, there was a muffin...”
My eyes fly open and my jaw falls to the ground, the palms of my hands smashing against the light wooden table. “That’s my joke!”
“What?”
“I always tell that joke to lighten the mood!”
“Me too!”
Both of us start laughing, neither of us being able to stop the other one, while Daffodil stares at us from the corner of the room, looking at us like we need medical attention.
“I’m so glad I decided to talk to you, even if I was terrified.”
“What were you terrified of?” I ask, not really understanding.
“Well, except for the fact that you were covered in blood, I would say rejection. I blindly trusted my gut that told me to speak with you, but I was also scared that it would be the wrong decision.”
“I’m also glad you spoke to me, I truly needed this.”
“A friend.” We say in sync, looking deep into each other’s eyes. Her purple ones, so beautiful and full of love.
“My younger brother is my only best friend. Or he was, when he lived.” She says, which felt unreal.
Sitting down at the table in front of each other, she tells me about her brother, and the story feels oddly familiar to Esme’s.
“My younger sister died as well.” I say, trying not to cry.
“She did?”
“Yes.” I nodded in approval.
“What happened to her?”
“It’s odd, but it’s very similar to what you just told me about Eric.”
And in that moment, I felt more connected to someone than I ever had before. All my senses coming together to be a part of this moment. The understanding between us so deep it could only be compared to the high you feel when in love, only this time, it was shared empathy.
It was almost like looking into a mirror expecting to see myself, yet it was another girl staring back at me, and my soul being exposed.
“I’ve never felt this understood.” She says, tearing up.
“Me neither.” I answered, holding her hands in mine.
As her auburn hair falls around her shoulders, we sit in silence for a moment. Not the type of silence that makes you feel unease, but the kind of silence that makes you feel calm and at peace.
“Okay, shall we eat, get some energy, and then I'll show you every part of Mermaid Lake.”
“Sounds perfect.” I smile.
“And I’ll let you borrow a dress.”
“No!” The word came out harsh.
“But you’re covered in blood...”
“I- A very special person got this for me, and if I take it off... I’m afraid that I will break down.”
“Okay.” She hesitates, trying her best to understand without judging me.
Handing me a bowl of berries, I emptied it faster than she even gave it to me, my body starving and begging me to eat.
“Could I have some more?” I ask quietly, berries smudged around my mouth.
“Of course! Such a dumb question.” She giggles.
As we finish up, I grab my green bag and put it over my shoulder, ready to get closer to the magic wishing well. I tie my pink heels around my ankles and let Illysia know that I’m ready to leave.
Opening the door, we step outside and it takes a few seconds for my eyes to adjust to the bright sunlight. The sun is casting its rays on the wonderful rivers and statues. Making the women carved in stone look like goddesses with pink roses wandering up their bodies.
Pearls, rocks, and seashells are surrounding our feet, all of them in different pale colors.
“Can I take one?” I ask her.
“As many as you want.” She answered.
With a smile plastered on my lips, I bend down and take one of each into my hand, placing them in my small bag. Having those, I will never forget about Illysia, the moment we met, and the way she took care of me.
Oh, how I wish she lived closer to Fairy Village. I would love to have a friend like her by my side for an eternity. Someone to talk to about every little thing that crosses my mind, someone to laugh with, and spend my time with.
As I follow behind her, hearing her voice speak about the small village, more pillars and huge ancient buildings come into view. Beige and white colors surround us along the greens that show on the petals of every colorful flower.
Bigger and bigger seashells appear, creating a clear path for us to follow. With a white shell, you can spot the inside holding colors such as light pink and purple.
“Trust me, it only gets better.” Illysia speaks, seeing the amazement on my face.
I run to her side in excitement, slowing down once I'm by her side.
“Why don’t you use your wonderful wings?”
“I made a promise to a very beloved friend to go on this journey by foot.” I answered her truthfully.
“A journey? I haven’t asked you where you’re going.”
“I’m looking for... something. An old myth.”
“An old myth? That sounds mysterious.” She giggles.
I smile at her, expecting her to ask more, but she doesn’t. She probably doesn’t want to pressure me into talking about something I’m not ready to say out loud.
Following the seashell path, a big sign appears ahead of us after a few minutes, one that is decorated in pearls, making it shine once the sun hits from the right direction. Mermaid Lake, the sign reads.
“It didn’t take too long, did it?”
“It didn’t.” I approve, looking over at Daffodil who is still standing steady by my side, following me almost like a guardian angel whose mission is to protect me from danger.
“Welcome to the market.” Illysia speaks, bowing and letting me go first.
“Such a gentleman.” I say, my body curtsies to thank her.