CHAPTER 4

Abby gasped as she looked inside the cupboard. Tears rolled down her eyes as she witnessed this dreadful scene. "Wings? ….. Are they real fairy wings.", asked Abby in a scared voice. Dory was completely frozen; she shook her head up and down on Abby's question. The tension in the room became intense.

"We have to go, Dory, come on, we have to go now!", screamed Abby. Dory was gazing right into the cupboard, experiencing severe trauma. She didn't move, she didn't talk, she kept on crying. Abby closed the cupboard, grabbed Dory's hand, and ran away from the closet. Abby locked the closet and placed the key back in the pan.

After a long moment of silence, Dory finally broke the silence. "What was that Abby, whose wings were they. Did you parents kill a fairy?", sobbed Dory.

Abby, who was star-struck from the entire situation replied, "I…. I…. Don't know what to believe?", she cried, "this doesn't feel real, any of it. How…... Why…... did they do this?", she continued.

"We shouldn't have done this, this sucks, I hate it, I HATE REALITY.", screamed Dory as she cried her guts out.

What Abby and Dory just uncovered, left them devastated. They didn't feel safe, nor did they know whom to trust. Abby's trust in her parents had completely shaken. Abby was right. Once they found out the truth, there will be no coming back from it. They would have to face the truth and learn to live with it. They had no clue of what was going to happen next. Abby took Dory to her room. She sat her down and tried to calm her down as much as possible. Dory blamed herself for the terrible feeling because it was her idea to sneak in, in the first place.

Abby consoled Dory and asked her to go for a little fly for the moment outside.

"I can't believe this Abby, I am so sorry if I just made you feel like you can't be safe in your own house?", said Dory. As terrified as she was, Abby tried to brush it off and comfort Dory.

"It is not your fault. You wanted me to know the truth and be happy. Well…. You did help accomplish the truth….. Come on, don't wear yourself out. It is not your fault. I am scared but I am angry as well. They have been spying on me and god knows what they mixed into my room with that vent.". "We will get through this…. I promise.". Abby's powerful words filled Dory's heart with a little peace and satisfaction.

"Who do you think those wings belong to?", asked Dory. "I have no idea, whoever's they are, they might be dead by now. A fairy can't survive without wings for a long time.", said Abby. Dory faced down and gave a big sigh, "This does not feel real.".

Abby hugged Dory and laid down in her bed, "Everything will be fine, I hope so.". "Will you ask your parents about this?", asked Dory. Abby was thrown out of track by this question. After a long pause, she replied, "I don't know. We'll see.".

Soon afterward the girls heard the main door open. "This must be my mom, hurry, wipe your tears.", said Abby. Abby and Dory went downstairs holding each other's hand very tightly. They peeked through the grill to see Vivian.

"There is no one there Abby.", said Dory. "I know, I can see that.", she replied.

"Then who came through the door?", asked Dory.

They stared down in the living room to spot Vivian or Joe but there was no sign of them. No one came in. In a split second, a jolt of strong wind hit their necks from behind. They turned around in full panic mode.

"What was that?", screamed Dory. "I don't know.", replied Abby. They ran back inside the room and locked it. Another blow of the wind hit their wings, forcing them down on the ground.

"WHAT IS GOING ON!", screamed Abby as she struggled to get up. The strong wind began to blow furiously in the room making it very difficult to fly or get up. Abby and Dory screamed for help but no one came. After a while, the wind stopped blowing. Abby and Dory got up from the floor and saw the entire room destroyed. Pillows, bed sheets, vases, everything was on the floor.

"I am leaving and you are coming with me.", said Dory. Dory grabbed the doorknob and tried to open it.

"It won't open.", said Dory. "It must have been jammed due to the wind. Let's go out the window.", replied Abby.

On the window read a sign, "Don't trust them". Abby and Dory panicked and flew out of the window to Dory's house. Abby told Vivian that she would be staying at Dory's tonight. Both of them were greatly affected and overwhelmed by the incident today.

"I can't stay with her forever, I have to go back and face them you know.", said Abby in a gloomy tone.

"You could, you have to. I am not going to let you go back to that creepy house, God knows what else she is hiding from you.", said Dory. She was reluctant to send Abby back to her parents.

"I think I should talk to dad; he might not have any idea about this.", said Abby

"Are you kidding me! You are seriously telling me that it is possible that Joe doesn't know that there is a locked closet in his room, which contains the wings of a dead fairy? Come on, be real Abby.", said Dory in speed.

"Well your parents are not the ones who are hiding stuff from you, mine are. How could you possibly figure out how that feels like? I am not safe outside, nor inside. Something paranormal is chasing me and it could certainly be the ghost of that dead fairy in the closet, seeking revenge.", said Abby angrily.

A moment of dead silence in the room leads to both of them rethinking their harsh words towards each other. Abby apologized for being a little too aggressive. Dory apologized for being too straightforward. They both went down to watch a movie and forget about today. The secrets they found out today couldn't possibly be forgotten but a classic movie night was enough to take their minds off of it for the night.

Dory showed Abby a movie from the human world, "The others". Watching humans or even talking about humans was not permitted in the fairy world. Dory's dad loves movies. He watches the ones with the fairies and the humans secretively. He doesn't let Dory watch any of the movies. He has an entire collection of movies, staked in the closet. Dory snuck out a few movies and watched them with Abby.

"Why are these movies so bloody and violent. No wonder why humans are such jerks.", said Abby. "It is fun, the fights and stuff, they are cool.", smiled Dory.

They laid down on the couch and relaxed as they watched movies.

"This was very much needed.", said Dory. "Ufff, I swear.", answered Abby.

Later that night Vivian was getting ready for bed. She was going into the bathroom when she noticed a beam of lights coming from the keyhole. She thought this was weird as she had opened the door today. Vivian lipped a spell and opened the door. She saw the bulb lit up.

"Joe?", said Vivian.

"What?", said Joe reading the newspaper as he laid down on the bed.

"Did you open the closet today?", asked Vivian. "No, I was at work all day. I just came back from work today.", replied Joe.

Vivian found this extremely weird and for a second suspected that Abby might have crept into the closet but then she realized that Abby was not aware of the spell nor the key, so she let it go. She might have forgotten to close the light earlier this morning. Vivian closed the closet and continued with her night routine.

Morning appeared and Dory's mom came downstairs to make breakfast. She saw both Abby and Dory sound asleep on the couch.

"Wake up.", said Dory's mom, "It's time for school, oh and Abby your mom called today, she wants you to come home.", Both of them yawned and stretched as they slowly opened their eyes from sleep.

"Is it morning yet?", said Dory half asleep.

"You would know the difference between night and day if you would have slept early.", said Dory's mom as she removed the blanket from their heads.

Abby got up and left for her house. "Good morning,", said Abby to her family, "Mom, I don't want to eat any breakfast, I will change and leave for school right away.", she added.

"Actually peach, I was thinking of taking a holiday today so we can all hang out together.", said Vivian.

Abby gave her a confused look and said, "But mom I have a lot of work in school today, I can't miss that.", said Abby.

"Oh, come on, it is just for one day. I am sure Dory will fill you up with the necessary details of the school. Just for one day. Let's spend it like a family.", smile Vivian.

"Sure okay…. I'll go change.", replied Abby.

A thousand thoughts were running through Abby's mind at the moment. "Did Vivian find out about the closet? Did she figure out that Abby broke into her room and found her secret stash? She wouldn't know right?". Abby tried to calm herself and go with the flow. She wasn't sure that Vivian suspected her but she did everything to make everything seem normal.

Vivian, Abby, and Joe always go to a park for a picnic as a getaway. The park is located on the other side of the fairy world. It takes almost half an hour to reach there but the long drive there is worth it. They call it the view park. This park is one of the oldest parks in the fairy world. It started as a barren piece of land but later on, multiple fairies planted trees in the land. Year after year, the number of trees grew and so did its' beauty. The view park has a fence door in the beginning. There is a straight gravel path that outlines the entire park. The track wasn't really a necessity because it wasn't fit for riding a bike nor skating. The alternating side of the path is covered with fresh green grass and bushes. Trees planted high and tall, flowers blossoming in every colour and variety. Tulips, roses, sunflowers, every kind of flower were present in the park. The park is best for a picnic, delicious fresh food under the big, blue sky with the feel of fresh grass tickling your skin. It was the perfect weather for the perfect picnic. But that is not how Abby saw it.

She was devastated by the plan of a picnic, considering what happened yesterday. She tried to keep a low key and follow her mom. Vivian prepared a mouthwatering BBQ for Abby with a fresh mango juice and chocolate bombshell dessert.

"This is all for me?", exclaimed Abby. She was now a little terrified of her mom's behaviour. She thought that she did all that to make her confess.

"Yes, of course!", said Vivian, "Who else will it be for?", she smiled mockingly.

"She knows, she knows", thought Abby. Her heart came to her throat and respiration fell down her forehead. Her face expressed signs of a heart attack.

"Are you okay?", asked Joe. "Oh no (she laughed) I am perfectly fine. Just a little exhausted by yesterday.", Abby brushed off the conversation.

"Why? What did you do yesterday that you feel exhausted?", asked Vivian.

Abby was beyond intimidated by Vivian's question. She couldn't make it any more obvious, she thought. Abby built up a little courage inside of her to answer the question.

"Dory and I were up all night watching movies, that is why…. I was a little tired that's all.

"Hmm.", Vivian nodded. "I am hungry, lets grab some food.", she added.

Abby was relieved that the heated conversation ended. Vivian brought some old family pictures to the picnic. She wanted everyone to get into the picnic, have fun and look back at the cherishable moments of the past. She took out a big album from her purse and rested it on the grass. "Woah! This album is big.", said Joe.

"Yeah, we have made amazing memories, lots of them.", replied Vivian with a little smirk.

Abby scooted a little toward Vivian to take a look. Vivian grabbed her and dragged her next to her lap. Joe got a little closer too and Vivian began to flip through the album pages.

"Oh my gosh! I remember this.", squealed Vivian. "This was the first time your tooth fell off. Aww you were so young.", said Joe.

"Guys, don't do this, it is embarrassing.", said Abby. "What is embarrassing about this huh?", said Vivian as she tickled Abby.

"I remember this one, this was when you first did a magic spell, turned the entire place upside down, and still didn't get it right.", Joe laughed. The three of them talked the entire evening. They hadn't had a day off in a long time so this was really pleasant. The evening was better than expected, they all got along just perfectly and Vivian didn't, mention anything about yesterday.

The sun was setting and it was getting pretty late. Vivian packed their stuff and got ready to leave for home. She picked up the large album in her hands and flew to the car. A picture from the album had accidentally fallen out on the ground. Abby noticed this while folding the sheet. She picked it up and took a look at it.

"What in the world?", said Abby quietly. Things were getting weirder and weirder. The picture she picked up was a picture of Vivian, Joe with a little fairy. The fairy resembled Miss Swan a lot. It was almost as if she was in the picture with them as a kid. Abby was confused. Miss Swan has never met Abby's parents and always bailed on the parent-teacher meeting. She has never mentioned Abby's parents nor has her parents ever mentioned Miss Swan.

Vivian was returning from the car to grab some more stuff. Abby got up from the ground and approached her with the picture in her hand.

"Mom? Do you know her?", questioned Abby. Vivian looked at the picture as if she had seen a ghost. Her face went pale and her eyes widened. She didn't answer Abby.

"Mom.", she said again. Vivian gained her consciousness and replied, "Yes. I am sorry what were you saying?", replied Vivian. "Mom, the picture? How do you know Miss Swan?", asked Abby. "Miss who?", said Vivian. "The girl in the photo, that is my teacher, Miss Swan.", replied Abby. "THAT IS YOUR TEACHER!", she screamed.

"Why are you so surprised?", said Abby. "No no I was just…., are you close to her, how long have you known her?", asked Vivian.

Abby was really confused at her tone, she said, "She has taught me since grade 4, she is amazing.". Vivian took the photo from her hand and went back to the car. She asked Abby to come behind her. Abby was disordered at her confusing behaviour. She walked towards the car, thinking about her mom's reaction. And then it clicked all of a sudden. Abby got in the car and they drove home. The atmosphere in the car back home was very weird. Vivian did not say a word through the entire journey and Aby sat silently in the back seat, vibrating her legs constantly. Joe was not aware of the situation and was putting his mind straight, trying to figure out why Vivian was so scared.

As they reached Abby went to Dory's house and Vivian took Joe upstairs.

"Dory! Dory!", shouted Abby as she furiously flew up to her room.

"What is wrong with you? Why are you screaming and please…. Don't talk to me.", said Dory.

"Why? What did I do? asked Abby.

"First of all, you missed school without telling me, I was all alone in school, I ate lunch all by myself, I took classes all by myself and I even went to the ground all by myself (she screeched) Where were you?", argued Dory. Abby climbed on top of Dory's bed and said," Hey, I am sorry. I wasn't planning on taking an off. I went home to dress and mom stopped me. She planned this family picnic all of a sudden and forced me to go with her.", explained Abby.

"Wow, that is some really sketchy behaviour.", Dory replied. "Wait till you hear what happened next. Mom brought her photo album with her and you cannot believe what I found in there. It was a picture of Miss Swan with my parents.", said Abby, "When I asked my mom about her, she panicked and she ran to the car. She didn't utter a single word after that. And then this weird thought came into my head.", Abby continued.

"Oh my god! I know what you are thinking. Oh my god, HOLY CRAP! You can't be serious.", said Dory. She got up and started spiralling around her room with tension, "No no no no no no, this can't be true, this can't be real. Those weren't Miss Swan's wings, no they weren't.".

Abby cried as she approached Dory and sat her down, "Hey, HEY! Look at me, it was just a thought, it may or may not be true, we can't know that for sure. We don't know that it is Miss Swan, we don't have enough evidence.". Dory raised her head to face Abby, "Evidence? Abby! Everything is in front of you and you still need more proof? They tortured Miss Swan! They took her wings, who else do you think is wingless in this fairy town huh?".

The conversation was heating up really fast. The story that was slowly unravelling itself was not a pretty one. Meanwhile, Vivian had a deep conversation with Joe. She showed Joe the picture that Abby had shown her in the park. She told him that this was her teacher.

For a moment there, Joe was confused at Vivian's accusation. He held the picture in his hand, looked at Vivian, and said, "She must have mistaken it for someone else, she can't be alive, it is impossible.". Vivian replied, "But what if she survived, W… Wh... what if she survived it?"

Tension filled the room with negative energy. They both sat down on the bed trying to figure out what to do with it. "Maybe we should go to her school, meet her teacher, see if she is Nora.", said Vivian. Joe agreed to Vivian's idea and arranged a meeting with the school to talk about Abby.

That same night, Abby laid on her bed petrified, afraid, and felt every negative feeling inside of her magnify. She kept on staring at the vent hole in her room. She thought someone was looking at her through the vent. This thought sent shivers down her body and froze her in one position. She slept upright, gazing at the vent. She couldn't rest for one second, because she constantly felt like someone was peeking through the vent. This made her uncomfortable and strange.

"Sleep Abby, sleep.", she said to herself. Abby kept turning around and changing sides. She sometimes laid on her right side, sometimes on her left side but couldn't figure out a peaceful way to fall asleep. She covered her face with the blanket and tried to distract herself from the vent situation. A sore and sleepless night made Abby's morning as tiring.

The next day, Abby went to school with Dory. They were terrified of the situation and they were afraid to face Miss Swan. A thousand thoughts were running through their mind as they entered Miss Swan's classroom. They didn't understand why Miss Swan was so good to Abby if her parent had treated her brutally. Abby was standing beside her locker when Miss Swan passed by her and entered the class. Miss Swan gave Abby a big smile and waved at her. As a kind gesture, Abby waved back at her with a fake smile. After what she found out, she did not despise Miss Swan, she felt bad for her. Abby was accompanied by Dory to class,

"So how are you going to sit in class, look at Miss Swan in the eye and pretend everything is okay?", asked Dory. Abby gave a disgustingly sad look to Dory and replied, "I don't know (she sighed). I just need to get through the day, that's all.". Dory took Abby to her locker to take out a book for class. She took out the book and said, "Let's go.". As they were about to enter class, Abby saw her parents in the school.

"Dory! Look!", said Abby pointing at her parents.

"HOLY CRAP! What the freaking hell in fairyland are they doing here?", quietly screeched Dory, "Did they say anything about this?". She added.

"NO! They went to bed and didn't say anything... What are they trying to do? Oh my god! Do you think they are here to see Miss Swan?". Said Abby.

"O bloody hell no! What if They hurt her again.", cried Dory. "I will not let that happen again.", said Abby.

Miss Swan was in the middle of class when Abby and Dory pulled her out of class.

"What is wrong with you guys? Can't you see I am in the middle of a class?", replied Miss Swan in an angry voice.

"You have to come with us Miss Swan, only for a few minutes. Please?", said Dory.

Dory and Abby took Miss Swan outside of school in a nearby park.

"I am not supposed to be here, I have a class!", said Miss Swan raising her voice, "What are you guys up to?", she added.

Now was not the perfect time to confront Miss Swan about the entire wings' situation. They still weren't sure if Miss Swan was the fairy in that picture, they couldn't just babble on and on about Abby's parent crimes in front of someone who was not a victim of their treachery.

They did enough to stall her for a few minutes, at least until Abby's parents left the school. Vivian and Joe were seated in the principal's office, waiting for Miss Swan to come in. The office door opened and Vivian thought that Miss Swan was coming in. She stood from her chair to take a close look. Her hopes turned into disappointment when Principal Megan came walking through the door.

"I am sorry ma'am, I don't think Miss Swan had shown up today in school, she is not in the staff lounge nor in any class. Is there something else I can help with you.", she said.

Joe took Vivian's hand and signalled her to leave. "No thank you.", replied Joe, "Your time was greatly appreciated.". They were on their way out the door, when Vivian turned around and said, "If you don't mind, can I see a picture of Miss Swan?".

Principal Megan took out a yearbook from her drawer and opened it in front of Vivian. She flipped the pages until Miss Swan appeared in the book.

"This one, this is Miss Swan.", said Principal Megan as she pointed out a fairy in the photo.

Vivian had her eyes locked at Miss Swan. Her eyes began to water and her hands were turning purple. She couldn't believe the picture her eyes just witnessed. "Nora.", she mumbled. Joe was also start struck by the entire situation. He didn't know whether to panic or take care Vivian. Before Vivian would start to scream, Joe took her out of the principal's office.

"It can't be, it can't be, it can't be. How is Nora still alive, we killed her and you made sure of that. What the hell is she doing with my daughter.", exclaimed Vivian. Joe tried to calm her down but all of his efforts were going to waste. Both of them were occupied in their own trauma when the sky above them began to darken up with a thick black mist.