Fairy Tales

Fairy Tales

“How did you and Grampa meet?” Jenny asked.

Rita knew this day would come. When Jenny was younger, Rita was ready for this, she would just tell a fairy tale. Rita had stories all thought up, elaborate stories that would have been fun to tell. Some even involved magic.

But Rita never got to tell a fairy tale because though Jenny had asked around five billion questions, she had never asked that one. Over the years, Rita had let her guard down, she didn’t have a story ready, besides, it was too late. Jenny was about to turn sixteen. You can’t tell a fairy tale to an almost sixteen-year-old. They need truth.

Rita knew what brought this on, Jenny had a crush on a boy named David. Jenny’s mother had said; “Don’t worry, it’s just a crush. She’ll have many more.” But Rita knew better. Rita had met Frank just before she turned sixteen, and the gift always skips a generation. Jenny was about to come into her own. Rita had seen the mark on David years ago, but didn’t know he was the one for Jenny, until now. Once they met, there would be no need for the question, they would both know.

Rita looked out at the sky, a beautiful night. This would be the night. After tonight she and Jenny had a lot of work to do together, good work, fun work. She turned to Jenny, “It was on a night just like this,” she said smiling at her beloved granddaughter. “But it’s a long story. Why don’t I tell you tomorrow? You need to get ready for the dance, maybe David will be there...”

Jenny’s eyes lit up at the name. “Ok Gram, let’s talk tomorrow!” she said, and ran off.

“Yes,” Rita said, smiling, “tomorrow.”