Writers Workshop

The girls teased Uncle Mike about his mystery lady all the way home. Mike took it all in stride. He had other things on his mind. Who was she? Why hasn’t he seen her before? He wasn’t buying her story about being in town to care for sickly parents. Why did she salt her ice cream? Nobody does that, except his little fish face. The girls noticed his distracted behavior and chalked it up to him being smitten with Asherah. They talked quietly in the back of the car.

“I’m going back to the library tomorrow night. You have to invite me over to your house after dinner so Uncle Mike doesn’t get curious,” said Cora. “Shhh, he’ll hear you,” whispered Emma nervously. “Naw, he’s in Asherah Land and not paying us the slightest bit of attention,” remarked Cora matter-of-factly. The girls began to plot tomorrow night’s escapade. By the time Mike dropped Emma off at her house, the plan was set.

“Can Cora come over to my house after dinner tomorrow?” asked Emma. “Don’t you think you should ask your parents first,” the ever-practical Mike replied. This threw Emma off and she muttered, “Uhm, yes. Uh huh, ok.” Mike smiled and they said their good nights. On the way home, Mike asked Cora if she thought there was anything strange about their new friend. “Like what, Uncle Mike?” “Well, did you get a, uh vibe from her?” he stuttered. “I’m not Spider Man, Uncle Mike,” Cora giggled. “I don’t have Spidey sense or anything like that.”

“Oh I know. I feel like there was something fishy about her behavior, like when she salted her ice cream. You’re the only person I know that does that. I thought maybe it was a mer-thing. Never mind fish face. I’m just tired, I guess.” They drove the rest of the way home in thoughtful silence.

Mike looked forward to a nice, quiet and uneventful Christmas at home. Cora was growing up so fast, Mike didn’t want to miss these special years with his little girl.

Cora and Emma had other plans for Mike. The girls sneaked off to the library after dinner. Flashlights in hand, they hid in the bathroom while the staff closed the library for the night. When the coast was clear and the girls were alone, they ventured out from hiding and walked to the back of the library where Cora last spied the fairy. “Little fairy, are you here?” Cora called out. There was no reply, only silence and darkness. “Please little fairy, I really must speak with you,” she said with an undeniable urgency. Just Am studied the girls from a darkened corner. It wasn’t ready to trust them just yet. “What did you say,” asked Emma. “Were you speaking fairy talk or something? It sounded so strange.”

Cora replied hesitantly, “No, it wasn’t fairy talk. Uhm, it was, well, mer-language. I speak mer.” Emma wasn’t aware of Cora’s recent discovery that she was a mermaid and could speak the language both in and out of the water. “Mer… what? Mermaids aren’t real. Are they?” Before Cora could answer, there was a nearby rustling sound.

“Of course they’re real, foolish girl,” Just Am grunted and glowered from it’s corner. It walked out into the light, peering harshly at the girls. “There are many more creatures in this world than you realize. Fairies for example,” it said with a smirk.

“Oh my goodness,” was all Emma could say. She stared blankly at Just Am. It was beautiful. A gentle glow emanated from its body and a set of small, translucent wings fluttered with each step. “This isn’t possible. How do you know our language?” Just Am hopped up on a shelf to peer down it’s nose at the girls. “I know forty-seven different languages for twenty different species. What do you two want from me?”

Cora stepped forward. “We weren’t properly introduced at our last meeting. My name is Cora,” she curtsied. “And this is my friend, Emma.” She had some difficulty speaking and her voice cracked and wavered. Just Am softened a bit with that and greeted the girls more gently. “My name is Shalen. I’m pleased to make your acquaintance. Now, why are two little girls here in my library after closing?” Emma, unsure of what to do, bowed deeply to the strange little imp. Shalen warmed to this reverent greeting and returned her bow. Cora then began reciting her concern for Uncle Mike and her wish that he have a happy day free of worry, doubt or distress. Would Shalen help, she wondered. “Dear Cora, I already knew of Mike’s situation. I’ve been watching you both since we met. I’ve already given Mike my gift. It’s up to him now.” With that, Shalen disappeared. The girls tried to find him, but gave up the search after a few minutes. “What did he mean, he gave Uncle Mike his gift already?” mused Emma.

“I don’t know for sure, but I think it has something to do with Asherah. I’m sure it does. Now we have to figure out what!” exclaimed a frustrated and tired Cora. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”

“Yes,” said an equally sleepy Emma. Once safely ensconced in Emma’s room, they fell fast asleep.