Forever Fairy

By Sigrid Jacob

Sixteen-year-old Louisa Softly is not used to anything exciting happening to her or in the fragrant land of Roseberry. Still, she cannot shake the feeling she is being watched. But with an official unicorn naming party to plan, Louisa shrugs off her uneasiness and hopes she is worrying about nothing.

It is not an easy task naming a unicorn. Louisa knows she cannot give him just any old name. It has to be perfect. After she finally settles on Twilight and announces it to her family and friends, Louisa and her unicorn immediately form a tight bond. But when she discovers a book that holds certain truths, Louisa is led down a mysterious path where secrets are revealed. Now she and Twilight must combine their talents and gifts to save the beautiful Fairywood from a horrifying fate.

In this delightful tale for all ages, a teenager must learn to rely on her instincts and intuition after she embarks on a dangerous journey with her unicorn to fulfill her destiny.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jun 3, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481708555

Sigrid Jacob

Sigrid Jacob has traveled to China, Australia, and Europe. She is a laser certified dental hygienist, a Grammy now, and a volunteer for AWANA. She resides in California working on her fourth computer movie, second book and knitting. Current website: foreverfairybysigridjacob.com. Note: the fairy on the cover has a beautiful face, but hold the book out to see the other face.

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2011, 2013 by Sigrid Jacob. All rights reserved. Except as provided by Section 106 of the 1976.

Copyright Act of December 20, 1996. No part of this publication maybe reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form of by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Edited by Ryan and Marielle McAneney

Cover by Clara Lou Wentner and Sigrid Jacob

Illustrations by Sigrid Jacob

If Characters in this fictitious book have any resemblance to anybody or anything it is purely coincidence.

Published by AuthorHouse 02/29/2016

ISBN: 978-1-4817-0856-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-0854-8 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-0855-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013900931

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Chapter 1         Louisa Was Picked

Chapter 2         Naming The Unicorn

Chapter 3         The Little Book Forever Fairy

Chapter 4         Leonard P. Powers’ Shop Of Perfection

Chapter 5         Their Eager Excursion

Chapter 6         Earthquake Havoc

Chapter 7         It Was Meant To Be

Chapter 8         Secrets

Chapter 9         What About Betty?

Chapter 10         A Glimpse

Chapter 11         Unexpected

Chapter 12         The Meeting

Chapter 13         Inside

Chapter 14         Mire Of Confusion

Chapter 15         Fairywood

Chapter 16         Deceived

Chapter 17         The Fairy

Chapter 18         The Shack

Chapter 19         Attack Is Back

Chapter 20         Connecting

Chapter 21         The Sweet Smell Of Sulfur

Chapter 22         Downtown

Chapter 23         Catchin’ And A Cookin’

Chapter 24         The Clockmaker

Chapter 25         Dessert

Chapter 26         Mistake? She Wondered

Chapter 27         The Royal Blue Flyer And His Team

Chapter 28         The Troubled Past And The Talking Door

Chapter 29         The Spice Family Puzzle

Chapter 30         Escaping Gypsies

Chapter 31         Lotor’s Discoveries

Chapter 32         Encounter

Chapter 33         Could That Be It

Chapter 34         Back Up Movement

Chapter 35         Bears Back To Work

Chapter 36         The Promises And The Gift

Chapter 37         Suddenly A Popular Place

Chapter 38         Shopping At This Hour

Chapter 39         If It Bites, Maybe It Can Talk Too!

Chapter 40         Unexpected Visitor

Chapter 41         Going In Again

Chapter 42         Attack Is Sent

Chapter 43         Cool Things Down

Chapter 44         Emerald Goes Into Hiding

Chapter 45         Time To Get On With It

Chapter 46         The Jester’s Journey

Chapter 47         Twin Clock

Chapter 48         Zillian And Vegman Go To The Tunnel

Chapter 49         Waking Velvet, A Palace Conference

Chapter 50         Gypsy Controls Herself

Chapter 51         Where Did You See It?

Chapter 52         Entanglements

Chapter 53         The River

Chapter 54         Going Way Down

Chapter 55         Caution Is Always A Good Idea

Chapter 56         Is It Really Time To Go

Chapter 57         The Special Gift

Chapter 58         The King And Queen Decide

Chapter 59         Getting Together

Chapter 60         The Boots

Chapter 61         Home Sweet Home

Chapter 62         A Quick Journey

DEDICATION

Forever Fairy, was started in 1997, a short story that kept on getting longer. This book was written for Shannon, Ryan, and Lisa my little sweeties. They were so small and kept getting bigger as they waited for their story!!!

Thank you to my loving husband Larry for urging me to forge forward to completion, as well as the interest of Kirk and Allison. I want to thank my parents, family and friends, because without great parents, family, and friends where would I be? God has truly blessed me in so many ways! Love to you all.

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CHAPTER 1

L ouisa Softly’s flat feet hurt, What a long day! She looked behind her back again for the third time; looking for what couldn’t be seen. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being watched.

She raised her hand to her mouth to bite her nail, Ewww stable dirt! She was trying so hard to stop that bad habit. She looked at her stunning white unicorn and said, I keep getting this odd feeling, it must be due to the fact that I have you in my life now. Face it, I’m not use to having anything exciting happen to me. Roseberry’s not used to having anything exciting happen to it.

Her green eyes darting around, she began to chatter nervously, wishing Marilyn or Steven was with her, Boy you are growing bigger every day; soon we can go for long walks in our woodlands… or better yet short walks, since my feet hurt. We’ll explore the paths through the woods and maybe we’ll run into Matt. This made her smile.

She brushed his thick soft mane one last time and said loudly, It’s getting dark out, I’ve got to go in! Tomorrow I’ll give you a name. I’d give you one now if I could think of one. Louisa pushed her blonde hair back and felt undercurrents of uneasiness in her stomach. Her unicorn’s back legs moved around uneasily, It’s okay boy. It’s okay, and yes I understand it has to be a perfect name for you!

She scanned the area while putting away her supplies and added, Anyway, tomorrow’s your big official party to announce your name. Oh, I hope I wake up with a name for you; I’m blank! She gave her unicorn a robust hug and looked into his big blue eye, Boy, you are pretty. See you tomorrow! Louisa walked away from the stable at a quick pace, worried, tired, and ready to take a shower and go to bed.

She was unaware that trouble was brewing; yet creeping up her shoulders was the strong urge to run. Then her mind flashed, Run! She sprinted to the house and slammed the door closed behind her. She shivered and rubbed her arms to get rid of the goose bumps and cold chill as she took refuge in the kitchen. Louisa shrugged feeling a little silly and smiled sheepishly at her impulse to run away from shadows, I’m glad Marilyn and Steven didn’t see that, they’d make fun of me. She locked the white kitchen door feeling more secure.

She began to move through the kitchen to go upstairs when she saw she hadn’t gone unnoticed after all, Oh look at you my sweet Buttons Kitty! She took off her bright pink knitted scarf and loosely hung it over the chair. Buttons Kitty moved closer hoping for a treat or pet, either would do. Louisa scooped Buttons into her arms and rubbed her tummy, Kitty stretched her claws out and got them caught in Louisa’s scarf. Eke! That’s not good; Marilyn is going to be so mad at you and… me, since this is actually her scarf. She untangled Kitty’s sharp claws. We’re lucky, this scarf is okay and now it’s time to hit the showers!

Kitty emitted a disgruntled meow at being put down, and then watched Louisa go.

Outside and all along, Trouble had been lurking back away from the stable with his impatient, beady black eyes glued to all of Louisa’s activities. Now that she was inside he moved a little closer to the stable, and Crusher his partner slinked in for an even closer look. Trouble showed his jagged teeth as he watched the unicorn rear up in protest of their presence. Trouble looked over to his partner, aware that Crusher was on the verge of losing control.

Trouble spit, No, keep your distance! He felt the same aggravation, perhaps even stronger than Crusher. He grumbled, Spying is all we are allowed to do for now, we have orders!

Crusher’s ugly yellow brown eyes darted from him and back to the bright unicorn. His eyes so unguarded, like windows giving a clear view into his evil heart and its unmerciful desire to destroy the unicorn.

Trouble and Crusher were two of a kind. They were aware that they would ruin everything if they tried to take the unicorn down tonight in Roseberry. Roseberry was known for its reviving tea, fragrant air, and, just recently, the arrival of the rarely seen unicorns. It was not known for trouble.

Louisa’s family slept soundly until the roosters started crowing: noisily announcing the morning.

Some people, like Louisa, no matter how long they are exposed to the crowing, never adjust. Louisa tried desperately not to wake up on this dark Friday morning; it was still Easter Vacation. Louisa muffled the rooster’s crows with her head hidden under her spunchy pillows and fell back asleep. She woke a couple hours later to more crowing, Don’t they ever stop!!? She hated mornings and started to hide her head again when her brain kicked in and she remembers her unicorn. Her frown of Early Morning Dread was gone.

The thrill of her new unicorn gave her a burst of energy and she sat up quickly, Time to get up, I have responsibilities, and I was lucky to get picked! A farm rooster relentlessly cried out again, Cock-a-doodle-doo, time to get up! Louisa hollered, I know, I know, I just said that you stupid rooster. You’re as bad as the noisy peacocks!

Louisa started to move to get up but stopped with a jolt, A name! Did I dream of a name? She paused, I still don’t have a name, Oh NO! Think! My unicorn came from Blue Lake, what else do I know? There are about a hundred known unicorns in the world migrating here and seven have picked a person to connect with. There has got to be a name there somewhere! Oh… why couldn’t I dream of a name?

Louisa surrendered to a stretch and looked at her royal blue room that she had designed and painted. One wall was deep red with white stars and Shakespeare’s writings. The floor was littered with books; I just wish I hadn’t fallen on all those books yesterday. She rubbed the bruise on her thigh and justified, The roosters 3:00 am blast would make anyone fall out of bed. I’ll move the books later, I’ve got to get dressed and outside. I wonder why this unicorn picked me? It’s too bad I only get him for one year; I bet it will be a quick one.

She looked out the window. It’s getting light outside, good because I am not going out in the dark. It was scary last night! Yesterday Dad said it’s about time to train my unicorn. Oh, but tonight’s the party. I’m going to be just like my best friend Marina; yesterday she named her unicorn, Iris. I wish she’d come over today and help me! After all what are best friends for?

Louisa darted down the stairs past her mom. Her mother, C.L. caught sight of her running out the kitchen door and said to Buttons kitty with a laugh, Nice hair!

Louisa approached the corral, It’s been five days and I guess I’m getting used to my new job. Her unicorn ran to her, Yes I missed you too, and she laughed as he nudged her with the side of his white face. She watched the sun turn the sky pink, adding a bit of warmth. I want to name you something extra special at your party, but I’m still blank. To make matters worse, Dad said your family will patrol for friends to join the party. You see, it’s going to be a big deal, which makes the pressure enormous, and the embarrassment factor massive. No wonder I can’t think of a name, humiliation is just waiting for me tonight!

She could smell food in the kitchen, Time for breakfast, maybe that will help. See you after! Louisa was walking and glanced back curiously, to see if she could see something of the night before. She turned slowly and walked backwards to scan the area and nothing was out of place. Knowing she was close to the white kitchen door, she turned around just in time to walk straight into her father.

Ouch, oh sorry Dad! She blasted as she regained her balance. Mr. P.R. Softly, (Paul Richard of public relations), leaned over and gave Louisa a big hug and smiled.

How is the unicorn this morning?

Oh just fine and growing so fast. I can’t wait to learn how to train him!

Do you think we should start right after breakfast?

Louisa started to grin with delight, but didn’t have time to answer because Mr. Softly knew the answer and was gently ushering her past the pansy patch into the kitchen.

Their senses were hit with a wild kitchen. C.L. had recently painted sleepy pansies in bright purples and blues, topped with yellow and orange shimmers on the walls. The delicious smells made P.R. declare, as usual, I’m starving! He closed the kitchen door and the little kitty door placed into its lower region swung back and forth. Buttons Kitty ignored the thud and everyone; she was eating and that was all that mattered.

Hearing the good news from Dad helped Louisa forget her worries. She moved near the stove. The aromas were heavenly. I’m hungry, it would be a good time for cake. Cake is always best, but I could put up with pie! She washed her hands at the sink and was pretty sure she didn’t see cake.

The smell of fresh oranges was making Louisa’s stomach grumble. Mrs. Softly looked up at her oldest daughter and whispered, It’s a good thing you are all washed up. Please hurry and set the table for breakfast. I won’t even say anything about your hair. We had better get some breakfast in you, because your stomach doesn’t sound very ladylike and I’m afraid to think it could actually get louder. C.L. smiled and kissed Louisa on the cheek, and handed her a piece of baked raisin bread and said, Sorry, completely out of cake and pie, but the bread is fabulous.

Louisa looked at the bread in her hand, Thanks anyway Mom, and mumbled, I’ll set the table, but Steven and Marilyn will have to do the dishes, it’s only fair! After all, I need to get back to the corral and train my unicorn! Today it’s my turn with Dad. Then he can teach the other six chosen. She looked back to see if they had heard her comment. No one was paying any attention to her or, at least, didn’t seem to be. She extracted the raisins before putting the bread into her mouth.

She chewed quietly and noticed the sunshine from the round kitchen window hitting her mom’s golden, curly hair. She looked truly striking, but had a funny look on her face. The look of deep thought showed in C.L.’s clever green eyes. Louisa threw the squished raisins away. It’s probably a new inspiration brewing in her head, or perhaps it’s the party tonight.

Louisa began to ruminate. My mom, C.L. or Careful Lee Softly, is a little eccentric. Her odd name, Careful Lee, I don’t buy it. Who would name their child that!

It had never seemed right, they were all suspicious. She defended it by saying; as a child she needed to do things more carefully. Louisa looked at her thinking that she looked like a butterfly dancing in a kitchen of pansies. If they asked any questions about it or the names of her side of the family, she would change the subject with something completely unrelated.

Louisa remembered what she was supposed to be doing and grabbed the plates to set the table and then realized she couldn’t because Dad was busy trying to stop the table from wobbling. The piece of wood that kept it level had slipped out again.

That’ll do it, he announced.

Louisa stared at the uneven table, her elated morning mood had disappeared. This table drives me crazy.

Their friend and carpenter Arthur was great and creative, but not perfect. He would conveniently work at meal time. He loved C.L.’s cooking.

Just yesterday, Louisa was thinking he hasn’t been over for a while and that her dad should stop waiting for him and go downtown to Leonard P. Powers’ carpenter shop of precision. She quickly changed her mind, realizing he was right. He was Arthur’s friend to the end, besides Leonard was really nauseating. He was snobbishly exclusive with everything; people, time and the work he was willing to undertake.

Louisa finished setting the table and plunked down wishing she had eaten the raisins.

P.R.’s blue eyes showed his love for C.L. and he looked tall and strong next to her. He was ready to help her carry the food over to the table. His straight black hair and tan from working outside couldn’t be missed. He looked happy, parties and speaking engagements were his forte, especially if it was about liberty, horses or unicorns.

He looked over at Louisa’s green eyes and thought, She takes on a lot for a sixteen year old.

She had her own work ethic. She got things done in her own way, and thought no one noticed how she combined errands with meeting her friends in town. At home she was generally a hard worker, unless Marina Flit dropped in. Then, work would slow and everything seemed to be about shopping and boys, especially Matt and Thomas. This year was about to get worse, with unicorns, boys, and shopping to distract them.

Louisa sat scowling, hoping her unicorn wouldn’t leave after one year; some were known to stay three. Some unicorns even visit, but some don’t return at all.

Mine won’t come back and visit if I don’t think of a name. White Star, White Wind, White Flame, I am not good at this!

She had decided not to talk about the unicorn at breakfast, because Steven and Marilyn were getting testy lately. She knew they missed her, but didn’t feel guilty, they’d been busy with their music and beautiful appaloosas.

Her green eyes brightened as her Mom commented, I heard through the grapevine that Marina is coming over today.

Oh, I hope so! And Marina had her Naming Party yesterday and named her unicorn, Iris. I can’t wait to hear about it! The name Iris is perfect; she is a jumper and has amazing eyes that change to all the colors of the rainbow and a furry looking yellow, orange coat of hair. Marina told me that Iris comes when she calls her. Oh, and Marina and her mom made Iris a blanket weaved with designs of rainbows, iris flowers, and two unicorn eyes with rainbow colors.

Mrs. and Mr. Softly exchanged a quick confirming glance as they put food on the table, Louisa is getting nervous.

It sounds wonderful Louisa, Mrs. Softly commented.

Breakfast is ready! Dad announced, his voice bellowing upstairs.

Steven heard the word breakfast and stopped playing music with his new alternating piano and steel drum technique. He hurried to beat Marilyn to the stairs. Marilyn heard the call and stopped playing the piano. She struggled to quickly lowered the big guitar from her back that Arthur made her, in order to beat Steven to the stairs. Steven put his arm out to keep her from getting by the door and dashed to the stairs. He kept in front of Marilyn and wouldn’t let her get passed him. Marilyn, trying to get by, but was unable to, so she started singing so loudly that it forced everyone below to plug their ears and Steven to duck. A whirlwind of noise, pounding, and running steps of commotion ensued as Steven and Marilyn appeared.

Steven, 14 years old with gold hair like his mom, blue eyes like his dad, and a face similar to Louisa’s, acted innocent. He usually had the ability to hide his quiet, mischievous sense of humor, but not this morning.

Louisa feeling grumpy plugged her ears. She sounds better if she’s outside . . . because she is too . . . Loud!"

It wasn’t until Mom said in a very loud, tolerant, voice, Okay, okay, that’s almost fabulous, but enough of ‘Clear Rock River’ for now!

Marilyn stopped singing to everyone’s relief. She didn’t want to be told to go outside today. Besides, this time she was only doing it to punish Steven for running out in front of her.

C.L. looked lovingly at Marilyn, a 12 year old beauty. All of 5'2" and growing fast, long straight brown hair with some red. C.L. knew what was going on.

She looked into Marilyn’s brown eyes with blue specks and said, Oh good we are all here before the food gets cold.

Lately, Steven and Marilyn were getting along real well and C.L. wished Louisa and Marilyn would do more together. The age difference wasn’t that large and they were good friends, except when they were fighting. It was tough for those two to find time between the new unicorn and Marilyn’s socials and studies.

Steven the instigator smiled openly and sat down. He had a natural, cute undercurrent that made people laugh with him, like him, and forgive him. He usually was shaded from notice because his sisters tended to upstage him.

Steven said, Yeah Marilyn, you should try to hold it down!

Marilyn yelled, Steven!

Steven interrupted, Some of my friend’s parents just got telephones and the new expression at their house is, ‘Hold the phone.’

C.L. darted a look at Steven’s smug face. He made her laugh, but she refrained, as he really deserved to stand in the corner.

He kept busy with baseball and carving wood. The Roseberrians bought his carved benches. He artfully carved their face into the back rest, even though their face looked like him as well.

P.R. stood up, Good to know Steven.

He proceeded to start the morning breakfast prayer. Dear Lord, thank you for all the blessings: Your loving grace, Your mercy that endureth forever, the armor of protection, and Your gift of salvation and thank you Lord, for this food and delivering guidance to us, each and every day. Please help Louisa make a decision today; we can’t take it much longer. We pray all this in the name of Jesus, Christ our Savior, Amen.

After the breakfast prayer, Steven and Marilyn looked at each other and both burst out with, What’s his name going to be Louisa?

I’m not sure yet.

Steven offered, How about the name Blizzard, his coat is as white as snow.

Maybe.

They all ate a marvelous breakfast. Even though Louisa’s worries were back, she put them on hold because everything tasted so great. They enjoyed Roseberry tea, fresh squeezed orange juice, warm baked raisin bread and a light egg and bacon soufflé.

Steven exclaimed, Mom this is the best breakfast, what’s up?

Mom looked up and around at everyone with a steel expression in her green eyes and softened with a shrug.

Well, tomorrow’s breakfast might not be very good.

Louisa, Marilyn and Steven didn’t like the sound of this.

I have some other things to do and you are all very capable of taking care of your morning meals. So I’ll just say… I’m, umm busy! Well I am an artist you know!

Even Dad looked surprised. He took a drink of his orange juice and then declared, That’s fine C.L. honey, whatever you need!

C.L. saw their sour expressions and added, And don’t forget to brush your teeth, remember it’s okay to have fuzzy animals, not fuzzy teeth! They all turned and looked at her real hard, like she was really out there. She smiled sweetly back at them thinking, Mission accomplished.

P.R. added, And we’ll all be happy to chip in around here, right kids?

They all replied halfheartedly, Right.

CHAPTER 2

I t was a fine Friday in spring and after a great, but strange breakfast Louisa and Dad left for the pasture. Marilyn and Steven were stuck with the dishes. Louisa kept walking faster and faster. She whistled for the unicorn with her fingers. She could see him in the distance standing brightly in the sun. There was no stopping Louisa, she quickly forgot about her mother’s announcement as she ran to the corral and jumped over the wooden fence.

Mr. Softly grinned at his daughter’s eagerness.

I’ll be right behind you.

He reached the corral and got ready to inspect the unicorn. First its size, all horses and unicorns are measured in hands. The measure of a hand is 4 inches. Mr. Softly got out his graduated stick and rested the crosspiece and spirit level on the unicorn’s withers.

Wow, 14 hands already! That’s about 4'8 high, what a jump from yesterday."

I guess you want to go on those walks in the woods right away! She was amazed at the change from yesterday; his new powerful back legs looked like an antelope’s. P.R. checked his forehead and the spiral twisting horn sticking out of it.

"See how his horn is changing from just white to black? In a few more weeks it will be finished developing and the tip will be red. The legends say that the horn may have special powers. His eyes will remain blue, but his head may change to red. At night I’ve noticed your unicorn is luminous, which makes him more vulnerable to poachers.

Now that it is spring, we will feed him dandelions in the fields. This will give him minerals and the vitamins he needs for his great vision. He can see over 3 times as far as we can. He could grow very big, 18 hands and possibly 2,200 pounds. That would make him much bigger than the appaloosas. It usually takes five years for a horse to complete its growing. Unicorns grow up in less time. I see you have the feeding regiment down: water before food to keep the stomach from bloating. He’ll go through about 20 gallons of water a day and 15 lbs of hay and 12 quarts of oats, wheat germ and bran. You know, an appetite like Steven.

You will observe his superior senses and will understand him. He will let you know if there is danger or malice near. Let’s start training. I still have to tend to the details of tonight’s ceremony. Here, put on these gloves and loop the loose rope harness over his head." He shielded his eyes from the sun with his hand.

Once the harness was on, the unhappy unicorn scared Louisa as he rolled over. After a minute, he stopped. She courageously added a lead rope. Then P.R. instructed her to start slowly walking and giving verbal commands. Louisa followed his instructions; she wanted her unicorn to look perfect for tonight.

Marilyn and Steven came over to watch. Louisa had a good hold of the lead rope and was slowly walking him. Suddenly the rope disappeared completely and Louisa fell back on her bottom, Ohhh! Mr. Softly was watching discretely. He knew that would happen. He started to laugh and Marilyn and Steven did too. Louisa’s unicorn came over and nudged her while putting his head on her shoulder. She stood up quickly and gave her dad an angry glare.

Louisa, he doesn’t really need training, just spend time and get to know him while you groom him.

Louisa took her glare off her dad and redirected it at Marilyn and Steven, forcing them to stop. She was fuming as she took off her gloves.

Marilyn tried to distract Louisa’s anger.

He is amazing. Just look at his size! Let’s name him Lunar.

Louisa pushed her lips together and slanted her mouth down on one side.

What do you think Steven?

I don’t know, let’s call him and see. She climbed out of the corral and they moved to the far side of it.

Lunar, but the unicorn only looked, then turned away.

Steven could see Louisa’s face; her chin was starting to shake like she was on the verge of crying. She chewed on a nail instead. He knew she feared disappointing everyone tonight at the party.

I know, said Steven with a bit of pep in his voice, Let’s try Blizzard.

So Louisa called over in a funny croaky voice, Blizzard, Blizzard. The unicorn looked uninterested. Then Louisa blurted out, I don’t know what I am going to do! It was then that Steven and Marilyn could see Louisa’s face falling apart. First the corners of her mouth dropped, then they saw the tears start to slowly flow down her cheeks.

Don’t cry Louisa, they both sputtered.

I’m not crying, it’s just that my throat is choked up and my eyes keep watering.

Marilyn and Steven just looked at each other and shrugged. The unicorn came running over and pushed against Louisa.

Wow, as soon as he touched me the sadness was gone, that is so strange!

Marilyn and Steven murmured something, but Louisa didn’t even hear it, she was so stunned. When Louisa released her gaze from her unicorn she spotted her friend in the distance.

Steven, Marilyn, look over there, Mom was right! It’s Marina and she’s bringing Iris over here! Oh maybe she can help me!

Marina reached them and heard what she had heard all yesterday at her Unicorn Naming Party. Oh Marina, Iris is so beautiful!

Louisa moved closer to Marina, I’m so glad you’re here! Marina tried not to react to the desperation in her voice, since she knew this was the big night. Marilyn was commenting on Iris’s eyes make her dizzy and Steven was asking if he could put the unicorns together.

Sure, said Marina.

He opened the corral and let Iris in with the other unicorn. Iris’s expressive eyes turned violet. Marina pushed her blond hair out of her eyes. Louisa, I think Iris likes your unicorn just fine. Well, besides the changing of her eyes, I can understand many things from Iris. The more we’re together, the better we understand each other. I’ve been thinking this is why they hook up with us. Have you noticed anything yet?

Oh yes, I noticed something a minute ago. He wanted me to feel better and I did! Dad told me I’d understand Twilight.

Better?

Oh, I am out of my mind with worry, I don’t have a name yet. How in the world did you know what to name Iris? Marina knew exactly what Louisa meant. She had just been through it.

You just know. Don’t worry, it will come to you and you’ll just know. Marina gave her a sympathetic look with her brownish hazel eyes.

Louisa blurted out, Okay Marina, I am going to have to kill you because I HATE answers like that! She swung her hand into the trough and splashed water into the air. Consider yourself lucky, that could have been aimed at you. Louisa laughed and smiled at her good friend.

Steven and Marilyn yelled in surprise, Hey you just got us wet!

Whoops Louisa grinned. Marilyn wanted to protest more, but when she looked up at the bright sky she started to feel a sneeze.

Ah! Ah… .

I’m not taking any chances! Steven moved out of the way and then nothing happened. There was no sneeze.

Good job Marilyn.

She narrowed her eyes at him and sat on the wooden fence quietly and watched everyone.

Time was marching on and pretty soon everyone was hungry. So Marina and Louisa fed their unicorns while Steven and Marilyn went to check on their appaloosas and Dodger the Pinto.

Marina looked at Louisa’s hands and grabbed one, It’s getting to you, you poor thing and your poor finger nails.

Yes, I’ll stop after tonight, I guess. Let’s go in for lunch.

After they ate, there was a buzz around the house that started to make them all feel anxious. They went upstairs to get ready and later joined with the rest to help with the preparations. Louisa had hoped to have a name by now. She couldn’t just give him any name, it had to be right! The unicorn would know if it wasn’t right. She slipped away from the family and out of the kitchen. Marina had already left for home, she was tired from Iris’s celebration yesterday.

Louisa stood outside taking deep breaths and smelling the good smells of flowers. Oh, Marina wasn’t any help at all and I am running out of time and Marina is in jeopardy of being dropped as my best friend! Okay, that’s not true. She stared at the ground and plopped one foot in front of the other slowly achieving some forward movement.

Steven and Marilyn had been impatiently waiting behind the back of the old gray barn.

Marilyn, quiet she’s coming. Marilyn tried to be quiet and suppressed a giggle.

Okay, I’m ready.

Louisa walked closer and the unicorn started whinnying loudly. He reared up on his back legs. The sky’s light was dimming for dusk and her unicorn was shinning bright!

I’m doomed, it’s twilight already! She was in such deep thought and despair that she wasn’t paying attention.

Now the unicorn was running and stopping just before hitting the edge of the fence. Louisa cried out, Twilight, what is it, what is it?

She looked around frantically and saw Steven. He came out from behind the barn and Marilyn was behind him. She could hardly see Marilyn, but could hear her. She had definitely caught the hiccups!

Marilyn you might as well come out from behind Steven, I can hear you! So Marilyn stepped next to Steven, her face was red.

So what’s going on? I’ve never seen Twilight act like that! Louisa shouted.

Well it was harmless fun really, we thought of it after you got us wet today, but I think the unicorn thought we planned something very bad, explained Steven over Marilyn’s hiccups.

Well what were you planning?

We were just going to surprise you by jumping out at you. Besides, we thought that might snap you out of your cryptic mood. Man! You can’t even have any fun around here any more! Steven shrugged and shook his head, hoping to get off the hook and gain sympathy, when he realized the great thing that just happened. He gave Louisa a huge, toothy smile and cleverly replied, Your unicorn, Twilight did you say? Louisa you named your unicorn!!!

Oh, Steven, Oh Marilyn, that’s it, yes that’s it!

Twilight!

He came running to where she had moved. She climbed into the corral and couldn’t reach his soft neck very well. He was growing like crazy. He put his head down for her to get closer. When Louisa climbed out, they were all jumping around, but it was cut short since Marilyn’s face didn’t look too good. Her hiccups continued to get louder.

Good night, Marilyn this always happens when you get scared. Uh oh, look over there, the unicorn families are already arriving; to hear the name I picked.

Steven looked over at the arrivals.

Oh, boy, if your unicorn hadn’t over reacted, we wouldn’t have this problem with Marilyn.

Twilight was protecting and warning me! Control your breathing, Marilyn! Louisa said sternly. And don’t start whining and lecturing me again about hiccups, the bit about how it’s your diaphragm contracting on its own. Someone would think you’re planning to be a doctor the way you talk sometimes.

Marilyn hiccupped loudly and shook her head vigorously up and down. Trying to show, yes, that was exactly right on two accounts. Marilyn wanted to be a doctor and, as Louisa guessed, wanted to tell them the origin of the hiccups. Unfortunately for Marilyn, her face looked like a ripe tomato.

Leave Marilyn alone, she can’t help it! Can’t you see she has it bad! Quick, let’s get her into the kitchen so she can drink some Roseberry tea and if that doesn’t work she could just glug down 10 large gulps of water with one breath. That never fails. I heard a person died of exhaustion after 2 weeks of the hiccups.

All right already, really Steven you’re starting to sound just like Marilyn! Marilyn please try to stop, really, it’s okay. I’m not mad, I know you were just trying to have fun. They made it into the kitchen and stayed in the corner as they gave Marilyn ice cold Roseberry tea.

The kitchen was a busy room. Their parents were running in and out with things for the special feast and the hired helpers were at work. Everyone was arriving and they could tell the party was starting. Then Marilyn stopped hiccupping.

It is the diaphragm contracting and the vocal cords… . She didn’t get to finish however, to Louisa’s delight; Mom came in and hurried them to the main table. The rest of the families had been seated.

They all hurried along and Marilyn was glad she didn’t have the hiccups any more and decided firmly to finish her explanation of the hiccups later.

They got to a table and saw many stunning unicorns with varying degrees of shimmering coats.

It was nearly dark and the lanterns were casting their warm glow on everything. Louisa looked around for her dad and unicorn and spotted him waving at her. He was all dressed up.

It’s time! A little scared her heart spontaneously started pounding. She felt like she was on the verge of a headache. She could see Twilight’s head jerking anxiously as she walked to them.

Even though she knew she was walking quickly, it seemed like she was moving slowly. She thought, So . . . surreal.

They moved to higher ground and stood there looking out on everything. It was astonishing. The area prepared for the ceremony was surrounded by a half circle of blue and yellow lanterns with green fringes on long poles.

Yes Dad, I would say this looks surreal, as though he had been involved in a conversation with her all along.

He agreed, Yes, like a dream per se.

As Louisa looked out at her family, her head felt heavy and she could hear a sweet sounding melody. She looked to see where it was coming from, but wasn’t sure.

The name Twilight came into her mind, so she said a quick quiet prayer as she walked, Thank you Lord, that I know his proper name. Thank you, thank you, thank you, in Jesus’ name Amen. She then realized she was squeezing her hands together tightly and tried to relax. Then the lovely music stopped, almost as quickly as the prayer. She could see the house was dark and concluded the music came from outside.

Dad, did you hear that music?

What music? Not again, I need to talk to C.L. about this!

Oh, never mind, it must be this headache I’m getting. I just thought I heard some music coming from the house.

He was relieved that he didn’t have to say any more at this time.

In the audience everyone was enjoying it too.

Steven what is that music? It’s exquisite! Marilyn raved.

I don’t know, maybe it’s the unicorns.

Well, Steven, the sound seems to be coming from our house and that’s funny since no one is in there! I have to know, so I am going to go look. Are you coming? At that very moment the music stopped.

We’ll find out later, the ceremony’s about to begin. Marilyn felt like complaining, but knew Steven was right.

She looked up the hill at Louisa, Twilight, and their dad. Louisa was rubbing the sides of her head.

Gee, look at Louisa, I hope she’s okay!

She is just nervous, she’ll be fine.

P.R. began his greeting to the group. The unicorn was flame white and stood still with his lionish tail swishing around. Louisa couldn’t concentrate and wondered why she had been looking forward to this moment.

Louisa, now tell us all, what will be this magnificent unicorn’s name?

Louisa touched Twilight and immediately felt calmer and more confident.

His name is Twilight, because he will never grow dark and always glow, to give us the aid of his light. Twilight and I shall both grow, and our friendship will be the best and most brilliant alliance ever!

Twilight reared up and all the visiting unicorns did the same. Then they ran off to feast in the dandelion fields. Everyone cheered and clapped; all of a sudden it got very noisy.

Now it sounds like a real celebration, Steven deliberated.

Louisa felt the weight of her headache begin to lighten and she was glad Marina was right; she would just know. Louisa took a deep breath and sighed a big sigh.

Mr. Softly came over and put his arm around his daughter’s shoulder.

Good job Louisa, I’m proud of you! You presented everything grandly and the name is perfect. I’m starved, let’s dish up and you can tell me all about how you came up with his name. How did you like my feast prayer?

I think I missed it, I was in a trance or something, but I’m sure my mind was there somewhere.

They both gave a short laugh and plunked down in their seats. They sat down with his brothers and sisters and enjoyed a meal of meals. Louisa briefly glimpsed Steven and Marilyn, as so many were congratulating her. She watched the prancing unicorns stop and get into a long, straight line of approximately forty. At the end of the line was Twilight’s parents and then Twilight. Then the same beautiful music started, she looked for Marilyn and Steven, but they weren’t near.

She watched the first unicorn touch its horn to the next unicorn’s horn. A round ball of golden light with green edges appeared at the end of the first two unicorn’s horns. The second unicorn took the round ball of light and passed it to the next unicorn and so on. They relayed it to Twilight and it disappeared when it touched his horn. Twilight’s horn appeared fully grown now; white, black and red at the tip.

Louisa thought curiously, I wonder why they wanted his horn to grow right now? It’s 3 weeks early.

Steven and Marilyn liked the ceremony, but really just wanted to know where the music came from. It was music like they had never heard before. They tried to dash into the house, but were stopped by Mrs. Softly. She wanted them to say hi to more cousins. They knew there was no way to get out of that.

After their cousins walked away they asked their mom, Did you hear that music?

Yes, I love music too. Oh, I must run, I need to talk to Louisa. She left in a hurry, That was close, and let out a little whistle of breath. I need to take care of that!

She continued to walk briskly to reach Louisa. The unicorns know something, but what? And then she began to cringe, I wonder . . . the acceleration of growth definitely indicates that.

Everyone had marveled at the unicorn’s ceremony. Then all the unicorns whinnied and went away in four groups. Twilight trotted back to Louisa and she felt his sadness at having to say goodbye to his family.

Twilight when you are all grown you will be able to go back to Blue Lake and be happy, and then she frowned, but I will be sad.

Marilyn and Steven were almost done saying goodbye to their Dad’s distant side of the family.

Mrs. Softly