The Changeling Page #3

• Short story
• Fantasy

								



 Riley drove back from college as soon as he heard Sandra hadn’t returned home the night before. He sat on their vinyl couch. They were waiting for John and his wife to arrive. He had no idea what to say to his parents. He still couldn’t believe his sister was missing. Why hadn’t he been there? He scorned 
himself. He couldn’t help but feel, had he been home, he could have prevented this. There was clanking coming from the kitchen. It was his Mom. She hadn’t said more than two words since he’d arrived. Being here now for his parents was the important thing. He let his Mom have her space but knew at least he was here if she needed him.
 Riley reached into his pocket and pulled his phone and reread the text from his friend Rachel
I hope everything is okay with your little sister! Hurry back Riles! Love You!-Rachel
The tears welled up in Riles eyes. I’ll try Rachel, I’ll really try. 

   The beast snarled at Sandra. His lips were curled, showing razor sharp teeth. The pounding in Sandra’s chest was almost audible. Birds and small cute animals Sandra could handle, but this was an entirely different story.
Which way do I run? Was her first thought. She was backed into a corner. There was nothing but clusters 
of trees behind her. In Sandra’s panicked state, she had completely forgotten that she could teleport. 
What she could faintly remember is being told not to run if you are ever in the presence of a dangerous wild animal. In these moments, which she feared may be her last, to her own amazement, she thought of her family, not some far off in the distance spirit family but her family that had loved and cared for her day in and day out her entire life.
“Well, that’s not very nice.” A voice seemed to appear out of thin air.
Sandra cowered back even further.
Out from the shadow of a statuesque oak tree stepped Pollen. Sandra was overcome by her beauty. And Sandra was even more enthralled by the resemblance between them. The strangeness didn’t stop there though. This wild coyote, who just moments before was ready to attack Sandra, now stood by this girl’s side and seemed to obey her every command.
“I’m- I’m Sandra,” she stuttered.
“My name is Pollen”
There was a cool confidence to her that Sandra had always dreamed of having.
Sandra offered Pollen her hand to shake.
A bewildered look crossed Pollen’s face. She grabbed Sandra’s hand and looked above and below it.
“I don’t believe this,” Sandra said, “You look like me, except you’re…”
“Thank you” Pauline assumed. 
“I mean, this is weird, right?”
“I don’t know. But I think I know someone who can help.”
Pollen made the universal gesture for follow me.
“Go with you?”
“You’re welcome to stay here.” Pollen offered.
Sandra looked around at the lonely looking woods.
“I’ll go.”
The coyote nudged Sandra’s hand, requesting to be pet.
“Oh, now we’re friends, huh?”
The coyote’s fur was soft and had the feeling he had just been bathed. Sandra scratched under his chin and he lifted his head back, as though he were howling.
“What’s his name?” Sandra asked.
“I think in your language, it’s Roger.” Pollen replied, looking back and forth to find the right direction for them to leave this part of the woods.
Pollen lead Sandra North for what seemed like miles.
“Where are we going?” Sandra finally had the courage to ask.
“We’re going to see Madam Alfreda.”
“My parents are probably so worried by now.” Sandra fretted.
“That’s why we’re going to see her. I think she can help you get back to them.”


 The madam’s home was made entirely of crystal. Blue Aura quarts gleamed throughout the home. 
Sandra and Pollen were second in line. The lady with her pet dear was next.
“I just don’t know why she hasn’t wanted to fly lately.” She informed the assistant as they were led into 
the next room.
“I’m nervous.” Sandra murmered.
“Don’t be,” Pollen reached for her hand and then pulled it back suddenly remembering this was a girl she had met only hours earlier. It was peculiar, she felt like family.
 The door to the office opened. A beautiful elf smiled and called their names. They entered the next door on the left and sat on billowy cloud like cushions. Pumpkin and spice filled the air. 
“Hello girls,” the madam greeted them. “You’re twins aren’t you?”
“Oh, we’re not related” Pollen interjected.
“Are you sure?” the madam asked. 
“Well, if she is my sister, my parents have some explaining to do.” Pollen laughed.
“I know your mother.” 
“My mother?” Pollen asked.
“No”, the madam’s gaze was on Sandra.
The madam paused, looked down and smiled. She was searching her mind for the most compassionate way to deliver a vital piece of information.
“Deer… she’s not your birth mother.”
Hours later, Sandra and Pollen were still in shock. If it were a contest of who was more confused, Sandra would have won hands down. But underneath her cool exterior, Pollen was more than a little shaken.
“What do we do now?” Sandra asked and it was impossible to tell if the question was to Pollen or 
herself.
“Well, it’s getting dark. You’re not going home tonight I’m afraid. But let’s not despair. This is a great 
opportunity.”
“For what?”
“For me to show you what we do here.”


  Sparkling lights lined the banks of the river. Rare pink river dolphins that no one ever knew inhabited this river jumped and splashed the water with glee. Roger barked at the dolphins, making himself jump backward. Everywhere you looked elves were laughing. In all corners of the woods, you could hear singing and festive chit chat. The entire village had turned out to welcome Sandra.
“Here, try this!” Pollen enthusiastically shoved a fried sugary cake that would be most comparable to a carnival elephant ear in Sandra’s face.
After watching the dancers and swimming with the dolphins, Sandra was informed this was actually her naming ceremony.
Sandra could not contain her smile as a crown of green agate was placed on her head.
“Sora! She who flies high above all of life’s struggles.” The announcer boomed.
Shortly after, everyone scrambled to greet Sandra. A handsome young elf with black hair and piercing 
blue eyes kissed Sandra’s hand and said “You’re so beautiful.”
“Who was that?” Sandra asked Pollen awestruck.
“Oh, that was just.. you know.. THE PRINCE!”
Sandra and Pollen were stunned when a dark haired elf woman gracefully approached them.
“I’m sure you know who I am” She said hesitantly.
Pollen’s brain: Oh yes, Nada. The madam told us all about you. We even saw pictures.
Sandra’s brain: On repeat- That’s my mother.
“I..I..”, She was visibly flustered. “I’m sorry.. for all of it. I know that doesn’t count for anything. I did a 
terrible thing. I’m glad you were taken care of Sandra, and you should go home Pollen. I’m sure your mother misses you.”
Pollen and Sandra were silent throughout her speech. Tears ran down Nada’s face as she walked away.

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