The Girl Nextdoor

By TW Scott

Growing up, I loved the Movie “A Star is Born.”
Later it was “The Jazz Singer.”
In TWScott Style I have created “The Girl NextDoor” which is the name of her band.

Sally Towers had no clue that her life was going to change because she hit the snooze button one too many times. Getting through school as the Valedictorian was her goal. After her mother’s premature death, she thought that this would make her father happy again. Sally had not realized that her father had moved on with his life, and was dealing with his emotional life with another woman.

The Pixies intervene, creating the situation that brings her and Carissa McCloud together.
Heading to Scotland to start a new adventure finds the two altering the pathways that neither of them had dreamt of, including the Stardom of Sally, who is discovered in a karaoke bar.

Becoming The Girl Next Door, Fame and fortune come with a price when Anorexia is triggered by an innocent comment from a photographer. Not realizing that she was killing herself, Sally hides her condition until it can no longer be hidden. Magic and the love of her friends unite to save Sally from herself, all the while bringing those together in this world that were meant to be.

The fight with her demons is real and gut wrenching, allowing those who have no idea how insidious this disease is, a glimpse of it. “Why don’t you just eat?” Is not an answer, which we learn through the novel.

No sad endings here. This novel will have you laugh, love and cry, not necessarily in that order.
In typical TWScott style, there is plenty of love to go around.

This is by far one of my favorite Novels.
Much Love -TW

• Language: English
• Publisher: TW Scott
• Release date: Nov 4, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370800278

Book preview

The time before man wielded his might on the fertile planes of the earth; Fairy Folk roamed the lands. The world was theirs. They had no name, nor did they need them, they each knew the other by their spirit. Much as humans recognize others by their face or voice; Fairy Folk knew each other by their essence. Their love for one another abounded. There were no limits to their capacity for love.

The Creator of all things blessed the land with children that resembled himself and his kind. The Fairy Folk, tasked with guiding his children with a gentle nudge, saw to it. At first, it was easy. The children were eager to learn, and follow their father’s example.

The fallen angel of the underworld delighted in toying with the creator’s children. It was not the creator’s children that interested him, annoying the creator was his sole purpose. Leading them astray by any means possible, the angel of the underworld tricked them into disobeying their creator. The creator at this point was furious as he thought that his children were as corrupt as the Fallen Angel.

Those that went towards evil became the slave of the underworld Angel and were forced to do his bidding.

The head of the fairies on earth tasked again with leading those that were of good moral character away from the evil of the underworld went about that as the years progressed. Those that sought evil and were unrepentant, they were to let go of and let the angel of the underworld claim them. Those that struggled against the pull of evil, they were to help.

Throughout the ages, around the globe fairies were known by some as Pixies, Brownies, Elf, Fay, Leprechaun or even Goblin or Nymph, and they worked in the shadows. Nudging the creator’s children in different ways, the head fairy decided that some of them needed to be among them, to lead them by example.

On occasion, some of the pixies would take on human form to lead the children of the creator off a path towards the angel of the underworld. This was a dangerous undertaking, as once in human form, all knowledge of who they were in the spiritual realm, became dormant. While their motives could not be corrupted, their knowledge of their history would get in the way of their mission. Thus their prior knowledge was hidden, stored away. It was not until their human host ceased to exist, their spirit would once again return to the world of the Pixies, rejoining the family as one. While alive in human form, they could be prodded with small bits of information from the Pixies.

Taking the form of a creature that his people could see between sleep and awake, the head fairy gave himself a name. Guiding those in his family; leaving them a corporeal gift as a reminder of who they were in this world. The gift had magical properties. If they were well intentioned, it would glow crimson or pink. Others with this gift were drawn to one another in their human life, thus becoming a force for the Creators children to learn from and follow. Once together, their true zeal for love and life would culminate in an outward showing of love, empathy, and compassion.

The Angel of the underworld was not happy, and sent his minions into the world, corrupting the hearts of many. While Romem and his family were all about love, the Dark Angel was about greed, hate, and self-indulgence. Drawing the slothful, dishonest and covetous towards him while allowing their actions to be witnessed by others, under the guise of the good life. As a sponsor of anger and hate, the dark angel created situations that would blind many to love.

Crises

Sally had no idea that oversleeping would irrevocably change her life. Her father had warned her about hitting the snooze button, now on the one day that being late really mattered, missing the shuttle to the university, meant walking. The test that morning was a huge grade, missing the exam might jeopardize her GPA and thus her standing in class ranking.

The dream that kept her transfixed on sleeping just a little longer was commanding. Finding a charm with magical properties was a powerful temptation to finish the fantasy. Walking the path towards the school took her through the park. Recent rains in the area washed copious amounts of dirt over the trails.

Mushrooms in strange patterns grew here and there out of the dark rich soil. Over in the grass were more mushrooms that managed to grow in a perfect circle. How odd, Sally thought, it was almost as if they had been planted that way.

The dream played out again through her mind as she made her way through the park. The silver orb obscured by dirt, glistened in the sun from under some overgrowth next to some water. Picking up the sphere caused it to glow while at the same time giving her a feeling of harmony, as she had never had before.

Her anxieties that plagued her, most of her life vanished once the orb was in her hands. Stillness invaded her soul her as she walked the path thinking back onto the events of the vision. Sally laughed out loud thinking of the ludicrous nature of her dream. What did it mean? What was she projecting onto this orb? What did it represent?

Ever since her mother passed from the accident, it had just been her and her father. While the fighting between her parents was no longer a source of anxiety; the love that she shared with her mom was gone as well.

Growing up in the south allowed her to spend time outdoors, so the walk through the park was a welcome diversion, even though she was going to be late to class. A narrowing path caused by the rains marked the halfway point. Startled by a squirrel, Sally stopped to watch it scamper down the footpath before darting up a tree in front of the lake. The lake was a regular weekend hot spot for people from all occupations, at this time of day; it was only her.

Joggers, bicycle riders and even those on roller skates would be on the path enjoying the park and the lake. Rounding the corner, a feeling of Deja Vu came over Sally, as things looked eerily familiar.

Slowing the cadence of her steps, she now looked around with an intense sense of wonderment. It was not long before light reflecting off something under a bush caught her eye. Her anxiety level, now through the roof did not stop her from making her way to the glimmer of light.

Kneeling in the damp earth, Sally brushed some of the soil from the object. Merely touching the object was a profound experience as her trepidations, anxiety, and worry seem to vanish in an instant. It was almost as if it were meant to be; Sally was now in possession of the charm that she had just dreamt of hours earlier. All thoughts of school vanished. Taking up a perch on a nearby rock overlooking the lake, Sally sat there in awe examining the orb. It was not silver or gold; it was neither cold to the touch or warm, it simply just was.

Sally’s skirt covered the rock as she sat. The racing thoughts slowed as Sally went into a trance of sorts; her life played out in her head as she sat there. The memories of her early life flashed before her like an old movie. Her mother was paramount in most of her memories. The birthday parties, braces, and skinned knees, her mother was there. The taunts by her friends brothers regarding her chubby belly too came back to her.

There were the fights too that Sally felt horrible about now that she saw it from a time when the subject of the fight was no longer relevant. Her mom had been right; now she saw it. If only there were a way to apologize, she would do it. The fights between her parents were vivid as well. Dad worked too much and was gone way too much. Mom spent too much money on shoes or things that he thought she did not need. He did not realize that her buying stuff was just filling the void where love from him should be.

Unbeknown to her, tears rained down as she sat there. While she was headstrong, she loved her mother, and the pain of her loss was now there on the surface, once again. Like scratching an old wound, it never healed. As Sally sat there holding the sphere, the colors changed as her mood changed with her emotions.

The sun traced an arc in the sky as Sally sat there, somnambulistic, unaware of anything around her. Lassie… Are you ok, the voice said, breaking her trance? Startled by the interruption, Sally swiveled around to find a woman in her mid thirty’s with a shaggy long haired wiener dog in tow.

Excuse me? I passed by here hours ago and saw you here, you are still here, are you ok? Yea, I am ok, did you say hours ago? Yes dearie, what are you doing here?

Sally stood up as her plaid dress fell back into place. Turning to face the lady, her crimson skin was in stark contrast to her white blouse and black tie. Dearie, your positively red, are you in pain?

Taking stock of the situation, she slid the orb into her pocket without the woman noticing. Now that you mention it, ma'am, I am. I got lost in thought I guess. It must have been an interesting thought, did you skip school today? I see kids from your school fishing or making out occasionally, not that I am judging. I guess I did; I did not intend to, it just happened.

None of my business really, you best go home it will be dark soon. I suspect you will have some explaining to do with your mom! I wish that were the case; she died in a traffic accident. I would happily let her scold me, or turn me over her knee if she were just here.

The lady;s face softened as she looked at her. How long ago was that? Eight years ma’am.

Come with me love; let's get you fixed up, I will drive you home, it isn't proper for young ladies to be walking alone at night. You don’t know me, why would you go through the trouble?

Ginger was sniffing at her leg begging for attention when the lady pointed at her dog. I am a pretty good judge of character dearie, but Ginger here is much better. Sally knelt to pet the dog who was now enjoying the attention from the stranger.

I am Carrissa McCloud by the way, who might you be? Sally, Sally Towers. Carrissa extended her hand shaking Sally’s please to know you, Sally.

Sally looked at the lady and felt a warmth from her that she could not place. Her eyes were hollow, but wisdom and comfort emanated from her. She was not that much older than Sally, but her mannerisms befitted someone much older.

The shadows were tall as they walked back up the trail, the sun was just starting to turn the tips of the clouds a bright yellow-orange.

Ms. McCloud, where are you from? Call me Carissa Sally, Scotland formerly but I moved here when my daughter wanted us to be closer to her father. That is nice, how old is your daughter?

A long pause had permeated the air before Carrissa spoke again. It seems you, and I have something in common Sally, Leslie was in a terrible accident. She eventually died because of the trauma, but I have never gotten over it.

Oh my gosh; I am so sorry!

Carissa looked at her studying her face for a moment. Handing the leash to Sally, she said, Here hold Ginger for a moment while I get my keys out, do you want me to take you straight home or would you like tea first?

Knowing her father was out of town, as usual, she had nobody at home to ask about her. What could a little tea hurt, she thought. I am a little thirsty, are you sure it would not be any trouble? She asked. Carissa looked at her for a moment and smiled, No Sally, I would like the company. Conversation with Ginger is a little one-sided. Sally laughed as they got into her old Volvo.

Ginger jumped in the middle between the two as hair filled the air. The car was musty and old but had a sense of familiarity to it. Carissa drove it as if she had never driven anything else. Making her way around the park back up to an older area of town, they came to an old Victorian style house in the middle of a large field.

Got this in a shrewd business deal. Lots of land and no neighbors. Parking the car, she again fumbled for her key before allowing Sally to enter into her home. Who do you live with Sally? It's just my dad and me; he travels a lot, often I am by myself. Does he know where you are?

Sally looked at her with a guilty look, I better call him. Shaking her head she smiled, Do you need a phone or do you have one of those cell things? Producing her cell from her purse, Carissa smiled as she turned to go to the kitchen.

I will go get tea ready while you talk with your dad; when you finish, there is a bathroom up the stairs on the right. In the cabinet, there is some crème that you may want to put on your skin. I don’t know how to thank you for your kindness. She said.Without turning Carissa said, the company is thanks enough dearie.

Hello Pop, how are things going?

I am glad you are making progress.

They called you!

I messed up Pop; I won't do it again.

I know, I will talk with them on Monday and see if I can make it up.

You already talked to them about that?

I am having a tough time of things Pop, so you didn’t lie to them. I still miss her and dream about her.

When are you coming home?

I think I have something going on with a friend this weekend.

No, I will not stay in bed all weekend.

Love you too, call you later.

Each step of the timeworn staircase made a unique sound as if each stair step were greeting her. The bathroom appeared as if it had not been used for some time. While it was clean and everything was in its place, there was a presence about it that spoke volumes Looking into the mirror produced another emotion as the face staring back at her was windblown, mascara stained, and pink. Cleaning up as best she could she found the crème Carissa had spoken of an applied it to her skin.

Did you find everything ok? Yes, thanks again so much for your hospitality.

Carissa looked up from the stove and saw that the ragamuffin she brought home had transformed into a respectable lady. The smell of cooking fish caught her attention as she looked at Carissa. I thought we were having tea? It has to cook dearie unless you want to eat raw fish. Ahh, I am so stupid, you meant dinner!

Carissa laughed at her, yes Sally; I meant dinner…Is that ok? More than ok, can I help? Dishes are in the cabinet there; set the table? Sally smiled at her while going over to the cupboard. Inside were some old blue and white dishes from England that were well-taken care. Eating on paper plates, using the microwave was her routine, this would be different.

Sally, would you tell me what you were doing out there today? Walking over to the stove standing next to Carissa she began confiding in her. I get the snooze alarm part; that does not explain the fact that you were sitting there all day honey. I was watching a squirrel and then I found that rock. I just sat there as if something was going to happen. The next thing you know I am reliving my life, deep in thought till you found me.

I suspect the Pixies were playing their tricks on you. Pixies? I don’t want to spook you dearie, but I do believe in pixies.

Silence filled the kitchen as Carissa brought the skillet to the table placing fish on each plate. Adding some rice and some steamed veggies from her garden the aromas were intoxicating.

Milk, Juice or Tea? She asked with a smile. Sally laughed at her. As she smiled, her smile lite up the room. It had been years since she allowed herself to be happy, at this moment, she was happy.

Tea please. Sally, you need to smile more often, it fits you.

Sobering slightly, she watched as Carissa poured hot water onto an Earl Grey tea bag. Ginger waited until Carissa gave her some fish from her plate as Sally watched and laughed. It's been me and Ginger for so long I forgot my manners, you don’t feed your pets at the table do you?

It's just me and Pop and most of the time it is just me. The frozen food from the store and microwave are all that keeps me going I think. If I had a pet, it would not be fair to it as I am seldom good company these days.

Sally did not mean to bring Carissa down but tears formed in her eyes as Sally spoke about her life. It was apparent that the loss of her mother had devastated her. So when I bring you home tonight it will be just you by yourself? I am used to it; it is not that big of a deal. Sally, I have lived by myself for a long time, it is a big deal. She said. Sally looked up at her seeing the tears in her eyes, yes, I guess it is.

I will make you a deal. Help me clean up the kitchen, and if you want, you can spend the night with me. I have this big house with lots of room, and I can teach you how to make cookies unless you already know. Carissa, you don’t know me, why would you make that offer.

Do you remember me telling you about the Pixies? Yes, why? When a pixie wants to help a person or guide them they give them a gift. The gift is magical, and it takes a long time to master its use. What might this gift look like? She asked not wanting to say too much. Usually a charm of some sort, something you could wear or keep in your pocket."

Carissa unbuttoned her blouse and plucked out a small glowing orb attached to a necklace, taking it off, she placed it in front of Sally. Sally’s look told the rest of the story as she reached into her purse and pulled out an identical orb.

Carissa was not surprised to see it as she too had an experience much like Sally’s years ago and recognized it. They both looked at the orbs and then each other without talking for several moments as the orbs glowed a faint pink glow.

Spend the night with me, and I will tell you what I know about the Pixies. Sally smiled at her placing her orb back into her purse. Keep it in your pocket dearie; you don’t want to lose it. Smiling, Sally placed it in her pocket realizing that few of her clothes had pockets. Ok Carissa, you have a deal. It would seem that there are powers at work that I don’t understand so I am just going to go with it.

I don’t know about powers dearie, but I do know something about the Pixies. In the room past the bathroom, you will find a closet full of clothes, a dresser full of things and nightgowns that you can wear. After we clean up if you want to freshen up, we can visit more. Sally looked at her, Is that your daughter's stuff?

Aye, It was, she does not need them any longer. You two are the same size from what I can tell. Some of the pixie magic we have to talk about is premonition. Every time I went to clean out that room and donate that stuff I got the distinct feeling to wait, now I see you with that trinket, I know why.

It is not going to bother you to see me in her clothing? No dearie, it will make me happy that I listened to that inner voice. The two talked while cleaning the kitchen. It was as if Carissa and Sally had done this together many times before.

Following Sally up the stairs, she pointed out a cabinet in the hallway that held clean linens. Walking with her into the bathroom she showed her where there was a new toothbrush, and other items one might need. Lastly, she showed her where the nightgowns and such were.

I am going to get out of these clothes and get comfortable. Leslie’s taste in clothes was not as modest as mine. It is just you, Ginger and me here so wear whatever you want to, and I will see you downstairs in a little bit.

Carissa, thank you for everything. Sally, I know you may find this hard to believe but, thank you for trusting me and for spending some time with me, it means a lot. With that, Carissa left down the hall with Ginger following her.

The Adventure Begins

The warm water from the shower was a reminder of how burned she was. Using the coolest of water to bathe, she soon felt better from the shower and the washing of her hair.

Making her way down the hall wrapped only in a towel, she felt strangely at ease in Carissa’s home. Closing the door behind her, she noticed that the curtain in front of the window was billowing nicely as a sweet scented breeze made it way into the room. The bed had been turned down, and a couple of gowns were on the bed.

Both of them were rather sheer, and neither was very modest. Sally was no prude; She held up the black one to her and looked into the mirror and then a pink gown.

The pink night clothes seemed to blend better with her crimson skin on her face, arms, and chest. Losing the bath towel, she stood in front of the mirror looking at herself while the soft breezes from outside dried her damp skin. What a mess I made of things with this sunburn, She thought.

Looking into the mirror, the diaphanous material left little to the imagination. Hanging the towel by the window, Sally looked outside to see the moon rising from its rest. Fireflies danced above the grasses. Her long auburn hair moved in harmony with the curtains, as the wind caressed her body through the sheer material.

Sally was somehow content and happy with the day. Picking up the peignoir that matched the gown allowed her a scant bit of modesty in dim light. Under the gown on the bed, there was a delicate golden necklace with a place that looked as if it were designed to hold something.

The delicate weave of the jewelry was like nothing she had ever seen before. Instinctively she knew that this was to hold the charm.

Reaching for her dress she plucked the charm out of her pocket and placed it into the necklace. Wearing the necklace caused the orb to glow a warm crimson. The chain was longer than an average necklace, allowing the charm to rest over her heart between her breasts.

Brushing her hair the ragamuffin of a few hours ago, appeared somewhat majestic as she exited the chamber. Joining Carissa in the kitchen, she looked up to acknowledge her.

This seems a little daring, are you sure you don’t mind me dressed like this?

Carissa looked up again and smiled. Lass, I would not have put it out for you if I did not want you to wear it. It is going to be warm tonight, so I suspect that you will stay cool enough in that. The necklace is beautiful, and it fits the charm so well, Carissa said.

It is beautiful, I don’t know if I can accept this, it must have cost a lot! Carissa looked up from the table observing her face, Lass, I did not give it to you, that was a gift from the Pixies. Sally became sober as now she was wondering who these pixies were.

Reaching for and holding Sally’s hand she told her, Lass, they mean you no harm, you needn't be bothered by them. There is magic here on this land, and in that park. I don’t know about this magic stuff Carissa, what kinds of things have you seen?

Well, you are here now making me happy by keeping me company. Would you like to see some magic for yourself?