Fairy
When I grow up, Ill be a fairy!
Evie, why a fairy?
Because thats what I want!
Evie slid off her mothers lap, breaking away from the birthday cuddles as she smoothed her frilly dress.
Mum, fairies are all beautiful and clever! And they can do anything. So can I!
Of course you can! Claire reached to hug her daughter, but Evie stepped away with a grin.
What about cake?
Its coming soon! Go and play with the others for now. Ill call you, alright?
Okay!
Watching Evies painstakingly curled hair bounce as she skipped away, Claire smiled to herself:
Shes so determined! So bright! Who else, at five, can put their thoughts so clearly? She really believes she can do anything!
Its so important not to squash that belief, Claires friend Sophie nodded in agreement. Some parents hear this and go on about being realistic, or how theres a long road ahead and it takes work. But sometimes, all a child needs is belieffrom us and from themselves. I know its true. When my Charlotte started drama classes
Yes, yes, your Charlotte is an absolute star! Girls, will you help me? Time to cut the cake! Claire twirled on her heels and headed for the kitchen.
The big, airy house rang with the laughter of children. The floor was scattered with colourful confetti and pieces of popped balloons. A bouquet of daffodils, likely flung into the corner in the excitement, caught Claires eye as she passed. Those flowers had been sent by her own mum, Mary, as a birthday present for Evie. These days Mary lived here, but shed rarely visited before, preferring to look after Evie at her own place.
I just feel out of place in your lovely house, love. Im afraid Ill knock something over or spoil something. Its all a bit grand for me.
Mum! Dont be daft. Grand! Its only what we can manage, thats all. Edward works all hours, and so do I. Weve both earned it.
Still, Im more comfortable at minesimple as that.
Fine, as you wish. All that matters is Evies happy.
Mary had watched over Evie from birth.
I havent got time, Mum. Claire dabbed on lipstick, glancing at her watch before a work meeting. If I stop now, everything Ive worked for over five years will slip away. Its all go. And its not just for meits for the people who rely on me too. But I have to focus on Evies future most of all.
Doesnt she just need her mum close? Shes only little.
Mum, dont start. I know what Im doing! If I dont provide for my child, who will?
Edward?
Oh, dont be silly, Mum! Of course, he provides. But hes a man. He could always up and leave for somebody else tomorrowthen what?
What strange ideas, darling. Is there someone else?
How would I know? Do I have time for that drama? Maybe. But Ive been so busy since the pregnancy and birth, I fell out of life altogether. I need to catch up, Mum. Thats where you come in, alright?
Of course, love. Mary gazed over the cot at her granddaughter. So tiny You were a chunky baby by comparison.
Nothing wrong with that. Small now, bigger later.
Evie had always been sickly, and cold followed cold. By now Mary was used to ringing her GP with every little cough; Claire never had time.
Mum, shes not burning up! Sort it out! I have a meeting!
Hot little arms tight around her neck, Evie would nuzzle into Marys shoulder and whimper.
There, there, dearest. Lets have a lovely drink and a napthen youll feel better. Fancy a fairy story?
A fairy story?
Of course, love. Anything for you.
The beautiful book, full of bright pictures, was a gift from Evies father, brought back from London.
But its in English, Edward! Mary flipped through the pages.
So what? Shell pick it up. You taught at university, didnt you? Surely you can handle a childrens book?
Oh, Ill manage. Just means well have to start early with her language.
Looking after her granddaughterher joys and upsetsbecame Marys whole world, and she was glad of it. At long last, her life had meaning again.
For the past decade, ever since Claire had graduated and married, Mary had drifted in a kind of fog. Claire was always busy. When Marys requests to meet up led to tension, shed just stopped asking. Mary longed for those days when Claire would curl up on the little kitchen sofa after school with a cup of Earl Grey and chat about her day. Claire had been Marys everything.
Mary was barely nineteen when she had Clairea rushed marriage with her uni boyfriend followed by separation a year later. Claire was her only reminder of those whirlwind emotions Mary never felt again. When Claire was two, Marys mother fell ill, and for twelve years Mary juggled caring for her mum, who slowly lost her memory, and looking after little Claire. Looking in the mirror always made Mary flinch; she was never a beauty, but the sharp lines of her face held a striking dignity that Claire later inherited as true beauty.
Mary gave her daughter every chanceballroom lessons, piano, languages. By the time Claire finished school, Mary could honestly say shed done her best. The only worry was just how single-minded Claire was. She never let insults pass, always got her way, even if it meant scrimping.
Mum, I need these shoesI cant go to my first interview in the old ones. I have to look the part!
Mary would hand over the holiday savings. What was a week by the sea, compared to Claires future?
Claires wedding to Edward was the peak of Marys efforts. Dabbing tears of joy at the lavish reception, Mary watched her beautiful daughter on the arm of her son-in-law. Shed never quite warmed to Edward, but reminded herself Claire had a sensible head.
Mum, our marriage is as much a partnership as a romance. We have an agreementmakes things solid. No claims on old assets; from the wedding on, Im a partner. Just one thing expected of me.
Whats that, love?
To give him a son. Then the deal gets revisitedmy way.
Thats a bit clinical, isnt it?
Its modern, Mum. Relationships change with the world.
I just want you happy.
I am!
They never spoke of it again. Claire dove into the business Edward set up for her and tried again and again to deliver on the agreement.
Then Evie. A surprise.
How can anyone trust these new-fangled scans! I was told three times Id have a boy, Mum! Three! Claire smoothed the blue blanket shed boughtcertain shed need it.
Darling, a girls not the end of the world.
Its not bad! Its just unexpected. And Ive lost time
Youll have a son yet, just wait.
But nothing happened. More doctors, more appointments, no result. After endless clinics, Claire shrugged.
Ive tried everything, Mum.
Maybe you should focus on the daughter you have.
Mum!
What did I say? Evies nearly five. Shes brilliant. And who says a father can only love sons? Youre clever, Clairechange the agreement.
Claire considered it.
Then she should be home.
Mum
Its not up for discussion. She spends too much time at yours.
But shes used to me!
No one said you cant still have her. Youre Evies grandmother, not a stranger. Well make it work.
Living with you isnt the answerbut I still want time with her.
Of course, life had other plans. When Evie inevitably picked up another fever after being told shed now live at home, Mary moved in temporarily.
This is better, love. More room, and Evies close.
Mary, standing in her guest room, hesitated.
Yes, Evies here
She focused on her granddaughter, ignoring the obvious strain between the adults. Claire and Edward barely noticed their free-spirited daughter darting around the echoing rooms.
Gran, theres way more space here! Does that mean I can get a dog?
Im not sure, sweetheart. Youll need to ask your parents.
Why? Isnt this your house too?
No, love, it belongs to your mum and dad. Im just visiting. My homes my flat, where I make the rules. Here, not so much.
Can you say no here?
To some things, perhaps. But not about getting a dog.
I see!
Evie sat on the floor, her thoughtful expression so like Claires when she was scheming, Mary couldnt suppress a smile.
Ill ask Dad! Evie made up her mind.
That evening, Evie marched into her fathers study.
Do you love me?
Edward was taken aback. He barely knew this precocious child. Attempts at togetherness rarely happened. This question startled him.
Of course. Every parent loves their child.
I dont care about everyone. I care about you.
Do you want a new toy?
No! Evie frowned. I want a dog.
A robot?
Evies eyebrows shot up under her untidy fringe.
Why would I want a robot? A real dog!
Edward sighed, rubbing his temples.
Big dog?
Not too big. Just nice.
Pick one and let me know.
Claire didnt back the idea. That night, the parents argued behind closed doors, unaware that Evie was pressing her ear to the door, and Mary, her blood pressure up, was trying to put Evie to bed.
Its not a toy! A dogs for lifesomeone has to look after it.
Your mums here. The cleaners here. Pay extra. If theres a kid, there can be a dog. Theyll both benefit.
And the vet bills? Competitions? All that?
Plenty of vets in this city. And skip the showsget a rescue dog. What do you want, Claire? Im rarely home, but I can grant a simple wish.
It isnt simple. Its responsibility. And teaching her to expect everything on a plate.
And is that so wrong, for my child?
Claire was silent. Evie quietly left the door. It was clear: she would have a dog, and the adults quarrels mattered little now.
A small spaniel arrived for Evie two days later, and within two monthsjust a week after Evies birthdayshe and Mary moved back to Marys flat. Claire, subdued and withdrawn, drank her morning coffee and disappeared for the day. Mother and granddaughter puzzled.
Gran, is Mum alright?
Shell explain later, darling.
Are we staying here again? Or for two days?
No, love, not just for two days. Looks like itll be for a while
Mary herself was bewildered. When Claire, only days after Evies celebration, appeared in Marys room, suitcase in hand, Marys heart sank.
Pack up, Mum. Were leaving. And Evies things too. Im in a rush.
Mary started to protest, but the look in Claires eyes stopped her.
Ill handle it, love. Give me half an hour.
That night, giving Claire a mug of her favourite tea, Mary tried to catch Claires eye as she perched, legs tucked beneath her, staring into nothing.
Dont ask, Mum. Were getting divorced.
Mary gasped, watching the door nervously, but Evie was lost in TV down the hall.
Hes got someone else. And a son
Claire buried her face in her knees, but instead of tears, laughed bitterly.
I suppose I failed, Mum
Why Edward replaced one family for another, Mary never knew, but he handled the split with decency and speed. Within months, Claire had moved into a refurbished three-bedroom flat nearby, and life ticked back into some kind of pattern. Narrower, bumpier, but at least familiar.
Evie grew cleverand headstrong. Her interests always came first for Claire, who now gave in to almost every whim. She let Evie have her way.
Claire, this isnt good for her.
What do you expect, Mum? Evie is smart, decisive. Shell get what she wants in life. Thats what matters.
Im not so sure. Things dont always work out how we wish.
I disagree. If Id cared more about myself, maybe Id still be with Edward.
Its foolish when you cant see your own child! She needs her mum, not just me.
Shes got you.
Thank goodness for that! Still, it would be better if you were there too.
Why? She only listens to you.
Thats because I can say no. You never try.
I want her to know she can have what she dreams of. Better a friend than a dragon.
Mary clenched her hands and sighed.
And what if she cant? If she doesnt get what she wants?
She will. She knows her own mind.
I know life isnt always so simple, Claire.
Thank you, Mum. I know that all too well. I just want to keep that away from her.
Mary would drop the subject. It was pointless. Evie walked her own path, and with Claire always on her side, Marys warnings didnt matter much.
Claire was barely there, lost in her work. Shed take Evie shopping on occasion.
You have to look the part. If you pick the right outfit and makeup, youll always look your best. Learn that, its vital.
On this, Evie listened. Claire had excellent taste, and soon Evie was drifting to her mothers wardrobe for her own outfits.
This, this, maybe that. Dont touch the rest, not your age yet, Claire would instruct. Everything in moderation.
At school, girls enviously eyed Evies beauty products.
Your skin mattersdont ruin it with cheap stuff, Claire would say, tossing out a friends cheap mascara. Always value yourself, Evie.
Mary watched but no longer protestedit was hopeless. She tried to soften Evie a bit, but Evie ploughed ahead, excelled, and entered university, picking the same course as her mother and grandmother. Suddenly, she was rarely at home, swept up in student life. Word of her changes reached Mary last.
Married? Who to? Marys hands shook and her favourite mug shattered on the kitchen floor.
William Pearson, Evie sang, arms and feet tucked up on the sofa as Mary cleaned the mess. Well, just Will to me!
Who is he, love?
A lecturer. Not mine. Just in the department.
Hes not
No, gran, not old. Still youngrather lovely.
Mary learned of Williams marriage from Claire.
But hes got a wife!
Why should I care about her or his child? I care about Evieand she wants him.
Oh my God, where did I go wrong? Mary leaned on the table, dizzy. You cant just
What? Steal a husband? He can choose, cant he? Dont be ridiculous, Mum! Focus on your granddaughters happiness.
And will she have it? Mary quietly finished her water and flung the glass at the wall.
The wedding was a subdued affair. Williams parents didnt come, nor did Edward, who sent a new flat as a gift. Claire furnished it without consulting Evie, but Evie was too distracted to care.
Mum, look! The dress is a dream! I have to have it! Evie twirled in front of the mirror.
Its called Fairy, the shop assistant said, showing Claire the veil, quite sure whod make the final choice.
A sign, Evie! Remember, you wanted to be a fairy as a child?
Yes! And now I will be! My life will be a fairy tale!
It will be Claire echoed, fingering the lace nervously.
Mary barely made it through the registry office ceremony before she called a cab.
Im not feeling well, best not to spoil the day.
Kissing her granddaughter goodbye, Mary caught sight of her outside, dancing with Will and clutching a dove. For just a moment, Mary shiveredEvie looked so much like that frightened white bird, just hoping to escape those clasping fingers.
What can I do? Only God knows, Mary whispered, then straightened herself. Strength. Ill need it
Within a year, Evie and Will had splitright after their daughter was born. Wills new girl was a coursemate of Evies. He and her new lover were caught one day in an empty lecture room. Evie shut the door quietly after her, then slammed it so hard that windows rattled.
Whats up, Evie?
Time to fumigate the place, she shrugged. Bit of a cockroach problem.
She called her father for help, sorted her documents, and got ready to move.
Running home now? Claire asked, disapproving.
Whats the point, Mum? You cant force someone to stay.
And thats your answer?
My answer is that maybe the woman before me wanted her family, just as I did. And I came along and decided they werent hers anymore. Now someone else has decided the same about me. Thats how it works, isnt it?
Claire said something else, but Evie was already thinking of what to do with her life next.
Mary packed up, wiping tears, minding her great-granddaughter.
Its okay, poppet. Your mums strong. Well be alright.
Claire stayed behind. Mary left her the keys, asking only that she water the plantsand then changed her mind.
Doesnt matter. Just look after yourself.
Some years later, a young woman walked down a winding path in an old English park. With her was a little girl, skipping ahead, then running back to take her hand and chatter, so like her mother that there could be no doubt.
Look, Mummy, see what we made in nursery? The girl rummaged in her bag, pulling out a stick with a crush of silver foil on the end. Oops! Its squashed!
Whats that, Bella?
A magic wand! Like a fairys. Only a bit messy.
So what? Its still magic. Evie smoothed out the tip. See? It works!
How do you know it works? Bella gaped up at her. What did you wish for?
For us to always be happy and healthy!
It doesnt work Bellas face fell. Grans still in hospital.
But not anymore. Shes home.
Really? Bella began to hop with excitement.
Really. When we get home, youll see her.
Give me the wand! My turn! She snatched it, waved it, and whispered.
What did you wish for?
Cant tell!
Thats not fair! Evie smiled, brushing a stray curl from Bellas cap.
Alright. Ill share one, but the others Ill keep. I wished for loads.
Alright. Which one?
For us to always be together Bella nearly whispered, and Evie knelt to her height.
Bella Are you thinking about Gran?
The girl nodded.
I cant promise that, not forever. Im not truly a fairy. Not really. And life doesnt always go as we wish. But we can be together as much as we canand love each other even when were not there. Like when youre in nursery, and Im at workwere still thinking of each other, right?
Bella nodded, lifting the wand again.
Can I wish again?
Of course, darling.
I wish Gran gets better and stays with us a long, long time. Is that allowed, Mummy?
Evie stood, straightened her skirt, and nodded with the utmost seriousness.
Not just allowed, my love. Thats the most important wish of all! Now, lets show your magic wand to Granshes surely got a wish too. Shes a proper fairy, you know.
Really?
Oh, absolutely. The most wonderful one in the world.
And so, as they headed home, Evie realised: magic sometimes means simply believing in each other, loving fiercely through all lifes twists, and wishing the very best for those we hold dear.
