Gigi and the Little Ones: The Early Years

By Jerri R. Greene

'Gigi and the Little Ones' is a fantasy series about a young Irish girl who can see fairies. The story begins with Gigi thinking her Grandfathers stories are make believe and ends with Gigi having the knowledge that fairies are real. The story goes through all the adventures, fun and danger that Gigi and her friends experience, while Gigi learns about the magical and powerful creatures she thought were make believe. The first book in the series, 'The Early Year's', sets the stage. This book explains why Gigi sees the creatures when no one else acknowledges them, even when they are right in front of their face. The first book is also where Gigi begins to develop and become a strong independent person because of the obstacles she overcomes from both people around her and the different fairies she encounters. The end of the first book shows how Gigi has begun to change and is where the true adventures to come begin. This all leads into the second book in the series 'The Rite of Passage' which will print soon.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 30, 2015
• ISBN: 9781493197842

Jerri R. Greene

American writer Jerri R. Greene, born November 29, 1958, is the creator of Gigi and the Little Ones series. Greene attended (1977-2000) Northeaster Junior College, in Sterling, CO where she attained multiple Associate Degrees and Certificates. She studied Business and Computer Technology at Colorado State University (B.A., 1997) and, after graduating, went on to work for the Department of Energy at Western Area Power Administration writing computer software. Greene reported that she went to the local McDonalds when she began to write Gigi and the Little Ones. She has said, "My life got so difficult that writing was the only thing that helped me survive all the death and personal attacks." In 2009, Greene moved to Parker, CO, where she was working as law enforcement as a correctional officer at Denver Women's Correctional Facility. She married Kenneth D. Greene, with whom she had two daughters and two sons. She lived in Parker, CO when she finished the first Gigi and the Little Ones book, The Early Year's. The book was published by Xlibris Publishing beginning in 2014. Greene is currently finishing the second book of Gigi and the Little Ones, The Rite of Passage. The first book in the series was mainly illustrated by Anson C. Devereux with some drawing by the author. Jerri R. Greene lives in La Salle, CO with her many of her children and grandchildren.

Book preview

Copyright © 2016 by Jerri R. Greene.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2014906554

ISBN:      Hardcover      978-1-4931-9783-5

                Softcover        978-1-4931-9782-8

                eBook             978-1-4931-9784-2

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Rev. date: 12/30/2016

Xlibris

1-888-795-4274

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Contents

Chapter I: The Storm

Chapter II: The Discovery

Chapter III: Daily Activities

Chapter IV: What Is Fairy Food?

Chapter V: The Fire

Chapter VI: Christmas

Chapter VII: The Great DSS

Chapter VIII: Winter Adventures: Gigi = Death?

Chapter IX: School

Chapter X: The Blizzard

Chapter XI: The Contest

Chapter XII: Short

Chapter XIII: School Ends

Chapter XIV: Summer Begins and Faries Take Flight

Chapter XV: The Next Step

Chapter XVI: The Voices

Chapter XVII: The Voices' Discovery

Chapter XVIII: The County Fair

Chapter XIX: The Vacation 101

Chapter I

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The Storm

G igi scurried over to the sofa and bounced on her knees. Her mother, brother, and sisters were all kneeling on the sofa, looking through the window at the storm outside. The sky was dark and grey, almost black. The wind howled like an angry ghost in pain. Gigi smiled as she took in the excitement that whirled all around her house. Momma and the other kids appeared to be nervous. Their fear seemed to be building, but Gigi loved the excitement. Debris flew in the angry wind outside the window.

Momma seemed worried since Papa wasn't home yet. Gigi wasn't worried though because she knew Papa would be okay no matter where he was. Gigi also knew Papa was probably helping someone in town. Papa would help anyone who needed his help because of the storm. Papa was just that type of person. Papa always seemed to be there for everyone.

The sky seemed to be getting darker by the second. Suddenly Gigi noticed a large black fog in the distance. The fog didn't look like the rest of the weather that was surrounding everything outside. The black fog stood out from everything else, like dark smoke from a fire on a summer day. Gigi stared at the ominous black fog for a few minutes. Suddenly it disappeared in front of her eyes. What caused this strange phenomenon?

Gigi was trying to analyze what the black fog had been when Momma got up off the sofa and went over to the phone. Gigi watched Momma go into the kitchen and make a call on the phone. A few minutes later, Momma rushed into the living room and announced that everyone should hurry and get their coats and shoes on. Gigi quickly asked why. Momma told everyone that they were going over to Mrs. Harris's basement before the storm got worse.

Momma and all the kids went out the front door and headed east to Mrs. Harris's house. The wind was blowing so hard that walking into the wind was like trying to walk through a brick fence. No matter how hard they walked forward, they got pushed backward.

After struggling for what seemed like forever, they all made it to Mrs. Harris's front door. Gigi was surprised that Mrs. Harris was waiting to let them in. Everyone followed Mrs. Harris through her living room, dining room, and kitchen, toward the backside of the house where the door leading down to the basement was. Gigi didn't like going down into the strange basement because she couldn't see what was going on outside.

Momma told all the kids to sit down. Momma then proceeded to talk to Mrs. Harris about the storm and what they thought was going on. After what seemed like an endless conversation about the storm, the neighborhood, and daily life, Momma and Mrs. Harris pulled a small stepladder up to the basement window so they could check on the storm. As they pulled the red checkered curtains back to look out, they immediately could see multiple tornados twisting and turning just outside the chain link fence. Mrs. Harris and Momma both stood there with looks of horror on their faces. No one said a peep as they stared at Momma. Momma broke the silence.

How many do you think there are? Momma questioned. They pulled the curtain back again and counted the tornados. One, two, three . . . seven. It looks like there are seven different twisters from what I can see at this angle, and the closest one is just a few feet from the fence. The good thing is that they must not be too strong because they are close to the fence and the fence is still there.

Mrs. Harris nodded in agreement with Momma. At least they are all small ones, Mrs. Harris replied.

Yes, but that doesn't mean they won't cause a lot of damage, especially if they get any closer, Momma said.

The children could see the look of worry on Momma's face. Gigi knew Momma was thinking about Papa and hoping he was safe. Mrs. Harris and Momma decided to talk about happy things to keep their minds off what was happening outside. Mrs. Harris asked Momma when they were going to have another block party. The last block party was a smash hit, and everyone on the block enjoyed it so much. Momma agreed but suggested to Mrs. Harris that the next time they set up a block party, they should set up the adult snacks and games at one house and the children's snacks and games at a house next door or across the street. Momma went on to explain that setting things up that way would allow the teenagers to get paid for babysitting if they wanted the money, and it would allow the adults to have some time away from the kids to relax without having the kids to far away.

Mrs. Harris agreed. For a long time Mrs. Harris and Momma sat and planned the next block party for the neighborhood. Gigi listened closely and was getting excited for the next party herself when Momma and Mrs. Harris decided to check the weather outside again. They both agreed it might not be so bad since they hadn't heard the house get pulled apart. They both peeked out the window once again but couldn't really see much. It appeared that the storm was still going on, but not on the dangerous level it had hours before. Mrs. Harris told Momma that she was going upstairs to look outside since it appeared to be safe.

Slowly Mrs. Harris climbed the stairs and opened the door into the kitchen/backdoor area so she could get a better view. Mrs. Harris hollered down to Momma that it seemed to be okay, but she was going to the front part of the house to check out that direction before she made a decision. It wasn't long before Mrs. Harris came back to the basement door and gave the all clear to Momma and the kids.

The storm stilled howled outside, but the immediate threat that had once been present was now gone. Momma had the children put on their coats, and they all headed back to the house. The wind still blew hard, but Gigi noticed that instead of blowing from east to west, the wind seemed to be going multiple directions at the same time. One second Gigi felt like the wind was on her back then blowing on her face or one of her sides, and then it would switch again in a matter of seconds. Gigi laughed to herself---even the wind couldn't decide what it wanted to do.

As they reached the front door of their house, Momma held the door for all the kids so the wind didn't pull it out of her hand and damage the hinges. All the children went inside and Momma followed. Just as the door shut behind them, the phone in the kitchen rang. Gigi ran to answer it.

Hi, Gigi, is Momma there? Put her on the phone please, Papa said.

Gigi hollered at Momma. Momma came into the kitchen to answer the phone. Gigi sat and listened as Momma reassured Papa that everyone was okay. By now the kids were playing, and Gigi went to her room. In her room, Gigi turned on some music to drown out the storm that still raged outside. Her mind drifted back to the black fog she had seen before her and the others had gone to Mrs. Harris's. Gigi wondered what had caused such a thing. The fog didn't look like it had been created or affected by the storm, and if it was truly fog, the horrible winds should have moved it. The fog didn't move or even seem to come from anywhere. It just hung there in tornado-force winds and then disappeared, leaving Gigi with a sense that she had imagined it even though she was sure she hadn't. Gigi contemplated different logical excuses for the ominous-looking fog, but when logic didn't seem to apply, she decided to let it go. Gigi decided she would worry about it more if she ever saw it again. Gigi's mind drifted off to the music, making her forget not only the fog but also everything that had happened so far that day.

After a few hours of relaxation, Gigi heard Momma's voice. Gigi come and help me with dinner please! Momma announced loudly.

Coming! Gigi replied.

Gigi skipped into the kitchen and jumped in helping Momma fix the taco salad that was to go with dinner. Taco salad was Gigi's favorite type of salad, next to watergate salad. While Momma and Gigi were busy fixing dinner, Gigi heard Papa come in the front door from work. Gigi sat the finished salad on the table for dinner and rushed in to greet Papa.

Papa! Did you see all those tornados we saw out Mrs. Harris's window? Gigi asked in amazement. Gigi always loved it when Papa came home. She loved the feeling of love, strength, and comfort she got from Papa.

"No, Gigi, the tornados didn't come across town where I was. Momma told me you all saw seven small tornados out Mrs. Harris's basement window though. We are very lucky that they were so close and didn't do any noticeable damage though," Papa replied with a large boyish grin on his face.

Momma came into the living room from the kitchen and took Papa's coat to hang up as she listened with a smile on her face. Gigi could tell Momma was happy that Papa was home safe and sound. Gigi could always tell when Momma worried about Papa. Momma was not vocal about things she worried about, and she never seemed to get upset outwardly, but she always seemed quiet, a little distant, and withdrawn when she was worried. Gigi was glad her mother didn't yell, scream, or blame others when she was worried, like some of her friends' mothers did.

Momma told Papa dinner was ready as soon as he cleaned up. Papa went to wash up while Momma put the food on the table and Gigi rounded up the other kids. Soon the whole family was sitting at the table eating dinner. Gigi liked dinner time because she could find out everything that had happened to everyone all day. The main topic at dinner tonight was the storm. Gigi mentioned the black fog she had seen during the storm, but Momma and Papa both said fog in all the wind was impossible. Then the subject was dropped since no one had answers for it and no one else had even seen it but Gigi. After dinner, everyone went into the living room while Momma and Gigi cleaned off the table. When Momma and Gigi were finished, Gigi went back to her room to listen to music a little more before bedtime.

The music lulled Gigi into a soft quiet slumber. Momma came in to check on Gigi and turned off the music and the lights after she covered Gigi up for the night. It wasn't long until Gigi was having one of the most wonderful dreams. Everything in her dream was beautiful and happy. These types of dreams were Gigi's favorite dreams because they made every fiber of her being feel safe, content, and wonderful. When Gigi would wake up from one of these types of dreams, she would have a euphoric high for many hours and sometimes even days.

In this dream Gigi was leaning against a large boulder on the edge of the most beautiful forest Gigi had ever seen. The grass was the most brilliant green. The sun was shining in a cloudless sky while the most beautiful tropical flowers were budding all around her. On Gigi's left side, in front of her, was a beautiful lake that was fed by a wonderful waterfall. The spray from the waterfall appeared to help water all the tropical flowers, bushes, and trees that were growing all around her. The foliage enveloped the lake like a lush green coat. The lake glistened, sparkled, and twinkled in the sun as if someone had dusted the whole area with clear glitter. Gigi could almost smell the fresh spring water as the mist sprayed her face. She could also smell the wonderful scent of the beautiful flowers.

As Gigi took in all the calming beauty, she noticed that all the glistening sparkles that drifted toward the foliage just seemed to hang right above the plants. They never really landed on anything like normal mist would do. As Gigi contemplated how this funny mist could do what it appeared to do, she began to hear the most beautiful music. The music was always soft but sounded like it was getting closer. The beautiful melody was the most soothing sound Gigi had ever heard. Gigi noticed all of a sudden that the music seemed to follow some of the glistening mist that was drifting in her direction. Within moments, the glistening mist got close enough to Gigi that she watched the glistening mist actually turned into small delicate flying people. The mist turned out to be the most beautiful people Gigi had ever seen. Gigi's mind raced for an explanation for the event that was unfolding in front of her eyes. She soon realized that what she was seeing was a rare glimpse of the legendary fairies her grandfather had told her stories of her whole life. As the Little Ones moved closer, Gigi smiled at several of the fairies. The fairies smiled and waved to Gigi as they passed by. Gigi rubbed her eyes in disbelief, but even with her eyes closed, she could still hear the beautiful music and smell the wonderful fragrance.

Within a split second, a horrible dirty wind picked up, turning the beautiful sky gray and then black. The wonderful smells Gigi had so enjoyed just moments before seemed to leave, and all she could smell was a foul odor. The warmth and beauty that she had enjoyed just moments before was gone in a flash. The foul odor was so bad that Gigi could hardly breathe, and the dark sky and dirty air created an eerie evil atmosphere that invoked a great fear in Gigi. As the sky darkened, Gigi could see a horrible dark fog, like the one she had seen during the tornado storm, beginning to envelope everything in its path as it moved toward her. When the dark ominous fog reached Gigi, Gigi began to choke, and suddenly she couldn't breathe at all! What on earth was going on? What was this black fog, and why couldn't she breathe? Panic and terror replaced the joy in every fiber of Gigi's being. Gigi collapsed, hitting the ground very hard and waking her from her sound sleep. The effects of what had just happened were still affecting Gigi . . . What a dream, or was it a dream?

Chapter II

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The Discovery

I t was a crisp clear autumn morning. A gentle breeze blew, rustling the dry leaves in the sturdy cottonwood trees in the woods. The sun was warm and golden in the bright blue sky. The grass was still green under her feet even though the wild grass had already turned brown in preparation for winter in many places. A squirrel scurried across the path in front of her, looking for the last bits of nourishment it needed for the long cold winter ahead. Her surroundings made her feel content. Life seemed to be so effortless on quiet relaxing days like this. This day will prove to be quite the contrast to the days ahead.

Gigi was a beautiful lass, with midbrown hair that glistened in the sun. Hair that was shiny like a new copper penny from the red and golden highlights that softly flowed around her face and shoulders. Her green eyes danced with laughter. Her smile was so sweet and innocent that even the birds in the trees around her were unafraid of her presence. Her ruby-red lips, so soft and warm, added color to the pale white complexion of this young Irish lass. Her soft white skin was like satin to the touch. The soft white peasant dress she wore was bright and crisp as the morning air. Gigi wore a wide black drawstring belt around her midriff that wrapped around her waist like a midnight black blanket. The belt seemed to be keeping her safe from harm. The black ballet slippers she wore for shoes hugged her feet, making it easy for her to walk softly among the fallen leaves and woodland animals. She was a happy and content young lass, so gentle in nature and helpful to those around her.

Her daily chores for the family came in second only to church and school. Her family was a middle-class family respected by all who knew them. Her father, John, was a noble-looking clean-cut man with coal black hair and a gentle smile for everyone he met. Her mother, Janice, was a slender and proud woman whose soft bright red hair framed her face like a perfect picture frame. Her cool white skin gave her a look of royalty. Her gentle smile and soft voice commanded the needed attention from anyone she spoke to. Her words of advice and wisdom were always sought after and respected. Their modest three-bedroom home was the perfect size for Gigi, her parents, her brother, Ramon, and two sisters, Ranelle and Ranea.

As Gigi walked through the trees, enjoying the bright sunshine and happy feelings of freedom, she noticed a small creature crouched behind a small stump of a fallen tree. It looked to be about two inches high. From where Gigi stood, the creature gave off the illusion of a small person with wings. Oh my! exclaimed Gigi softly. Her curiosity was overwhelming as was her excitement. What could this be? She had heard legends of Little Ones from the old country. She wondered if this could this be one. If so, how did it get all the way from the old country to these small woods on the other side of the globe? Surely, it was only an illusion. Fairies didn't really exist---they're only legend. Besides, even if they did exist, they didn't live here!

She blinked twice to try and focus her young eyes of fourteen seasons. The creature flew quickly out of reach up to a nearby branch behind some golden leaves. Gigi had to get closer. She had to know what or who this was. Slowly and quietly, she slid around toward the back of the tree to get a better look. Ever so carefully, she raised her neck up, cocking her head to the side. It was! It really, really was! Her excitement could no longer be contained, and she let out a yelp just as her foot slipped, and she lost her balance. No sooner had she hit the ground when the small elegant-looking creature quickly disappeared. Gigi picked herself up and ran as quickly as she could, all the way home.

As she burst in the door of her home, the inviting smell of fresh baked bread and pie filled the air. Gigi stopped only for a second, enjoying the wonderful aroma, as if she had ran into a wall. Then her excitement returned as she remembered the small creature she had just encountered.

Momma! Momma!

Gracefully, her mother rounded the corner from the kitchen where she was busy baking for the festivities of the church that were to take place that evening. What on earth is wrong, Gigi? Her mother asked with a small amount of excitement and concern.

Momma, I saw one! I've never seen one before, but from the stories Grandpa describes, it was one, a beautiful one!

Janice was very confused and then perplexed. Dear, what are you babbling about?

You know, Momma! The Little Ones from the old country.

Oh, Gigi, I thought there was a problem. I thought something was wrong. I thought maybe you were hurt or . . . Oh, Gigi! You listen to your grandfather's stories too often. Now you think the stories are real? Go out and play. I have a lot of work to do before tonight.

But, Momma, Gigi argued.

Go! Janice raised her hand and pointed toward the front door.

Everyone in town respected Janice, especially for her wisdom and knowledge. Gigi couldn't believe her mother dismissed her so quickly even if she was busy. Usually she would sit and listen then discuss what had happened. Gigi was very disappointed as she went out the front door and sat on the front porch. For hours, Gigi tried to logically work through scenarios in her head, of what she had seen in the woods. As the day passed, she only became more perplexed as she thought. Papa would be home soon from work, and Momma would expect Gigi to be ready for the festivities of the evening, so Gigi knew that she better go get ready. Gigi wanted so badly to tell Papa what had happened.

Everyone was ready when Papa arrived home. Momma had all the baked goods in baskets ready to go. All the children, including Gigi, had on their fine church clothes. Papa quickly took a bath and dressed in the clothes Mamma had set out. After all, Momma would expect only excellence from each and everyone in the family, both in appearance and in behavior. Now, Gigi, I don't want to hear anything tonight about the excitement you babbled about all day. Do you understand? We don't need the neighbors thinking we're crazy as old loons. Not a word! Do you understand?

Did I miss some excitement today, Gigi? Her father laughed as they left the house.

Not a word! Momma snapped sharply. Gigi looked at her father and nodded as her eyes filled back up with the day's excitement. Both Gigi and her father knew it was best not to stir things up until they were alone to talk.

When they arrived home late that evening, everyone was tired. As they walked in the house, everyone headed for their rooms to get ready for bed. Everyone, that is, except Gigi and Papa. Papa sat down in his big overstuffed chair in front of the fireplace. Gigi sat on the overstuffed arm of the chair. Now, what was all the excitement about today, Gigi? John stared at his daughter with soft knowing eyes. Gigi seemed to be his girl. There wasn't much the two didn't talk about or share.

I saw one today, Papa! Then I ran all the way home to tell Momma, but she was so busy, she didn't have time for it. Besides, I think she doesn't really believe me. I get the feeling she thinks the neighbors will think I'm crazy if they find out. I know I saw one, Papa!

Why do you think your mother will think you're crazy if the neighbors find out?

Because Mamma said, 'We don't need the neighbors thinking we're crazy as old loons. Not a word!' That's why!

Momma's just trying to protect you and keep us safe. Don't fret so. Now tell me about what you saw.

Gigi told her father about the day and the small creature she saw. The longer she talked, the more excited she got. John listened quietly with a smile on his face until Gigi was finished. John loved to listen to his daughter. It was