Fairy Toothbrush: Fairy Senses

By Emily Martha Sorensen

Li Mei doesn't like attention.  But she's about to get it, because her brand new toothbrush gives her the sense of fairy taste.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Emily Martha Sorensen
• Release date: Nov 26, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386285847

Book preview

Chapter One

Li Mei nibbled on the edge of her fingernail.  She was dressed in her nicest party dress, and she was nervous.  She’d never been to a wedding before.

Don’t do that, Li Mei, her mother scolded.  How many times do I have to tell you?  It’s disgusting.

Li Mei’s hands dropped to her sides, and her mother brushed her hands across Li Mei’s shoulders as if there were dirt there, which she knew there wasn’t, because she had been very careful.  Nothing was ever good enough for her parents.

Li Mei’s father held a large box that had their present in it.  It was a set of ten fancy plates.  Li Mei had watched her mother wrap it, and she’d asked if she could tie the bow, but her mother had said no, because then it wouldn’t have been perfect.

The door flew open.  A woman with messy blonde hair stood behind it.  She was dressed in pretty clothes, but they were wrinkled.  Hi!  You’re early!  Come around back.  You can help us set up chairs.

Li Mei’s mother’s smile became fixed.

You won’t believe what a day it’s been, the woman chattered as she shut the front door and strode across the lawn to lead them to the back.  First we had a huge disaster making the cake.  The dog ate the leftover frosting.  We had to take him to the vet!

Why? Li Mei asked.

It’s chocolate, the woman said.  Chocolate’s bad for dogs.  Then the groom’s brother called to say he’s going to be late.  Got stuck in traffic driving down.  I told him not to wait till rush hour, but no, he said rush hour doesn’t exist on Saturdays!  And then one of the bridesmaids managed to rip her sleeve —

Li Mei snuck a glance at her father.  He had a blank look on his face, so he was probably hiding being unhappy.  He didn’t like it when people talked and talked and talked around him.

I know this wouldn’t have happened if you’d organized it, would it, Lina? the woman asked.

Li Mei’s mother, whose name was Li Na and not Lina, nodded shortly.

She’s a wonder, this one! the woman bragged to Li Mei’s father.  "Best volunteer we’ve got in the PTA!  She can do everything!"

Li Mei’s father nodded and smiled slightly.

And look at this adorable child! the woman cried, looking at Li Mei.  And so well-behaved!  My son isn’t like that at all.

Li Mei felt uncomfortable.  She didn’t like it when strangers paid attention to her.

Li Mei’s mother cleared her throat, looking across the yard.  Why is the bride setting up chairs?

That’s our Abigail, the woman laughed.  Can’t bear to sit around while other people do things.  I’m sure you were the same way at your wedding.

Li Mei’s mother’s face begged to disagree.

Just chuck that box anywhere, the woman told Li Mei’s father.  We haven’t set up the gift table yet.

Li Mei’s father held on to the box tightly.

While her mother went to help set up chairs and her father stood there holding the present, Li Mei looked around the yard.  The corners of the grass weren’t mown at all, and there were dandelions everywhere.

There was a large, homemade chocolate cake on a table.  It had a plastic bride and groom on top of it.  Li Mei’s mouth watered.  She wondered if her parents would let her have some of it.

On the other side of the yard was an enormous dog tied up to the wall.  He ran around barking loudly and wagging his tail wildly.  Past the dog were two boys poking at a large patch of weeds.

Near the back of the yard, in a corner that was overgrown with weeds,