7 - Promises We Make

"You can't always run away when things don't go your way. It doesn't solve anything."

Anemone nodded as she thought about what the fairy said. She didn't ask for his name and he didn't offer it. He must not want to be called by it or maybe... it was a hideous name he disliked? She crossed her arms and contemplated.

After they confirmed their friendship, he had shown her how to make the flower wreath. While they made it, she finally confided to him about what happened. "I was very upset I guess," she responded.

"Maybe your brother also didn't want the role like you don't like yours? Your brother seems to really love you though." The fairy touched his chin in a gesture of pondering. "You should apologize to him for running out like that."

Anemone sighed as she put down the wreath she had just learned to make. Not only to her brother but also to Miss Sophie. Her dress was dirtied now by the flowers and she had just missed dinner time. The sun had started setting already, streaking the sky with purple and gold ribbons.

Thinking about dinner made her stomach grumble. She covered her stomach and looked away in embarrassment. "I should go back and explain myself..."

"Are you hungry? I have some cookies." He shuffled in his pockets bringing out a small red bag. As he opened them, she saw tiny flower shaped cookies. Taking one out, she marveled at how they were decorated.

"You really like flowers?"

"Of course! I wouldn't be a good fairy if I didn't."

She bit her cookie as she stared at him smiling cheekily back at her. "You're my first fairy I've ever met."

He also took a cookie out and ate it. Crumbs clung to his chubby cheeks. She rifled through her pockets for her handkerchief. As she brushed her white laced handkerchief over his cheeks, he stared up at her in surprise. His hand covered hers, pulling it away from his face.

"I can do it myself," he grumbled. He took the handkerchief and wiped his own face. She watched him curiously.

"Do you live near here?"

He chewed his cookie again slowly. "Where do you think fairies live?" he asked after a while.

She looked around. "Well you are too big to live in flowers. You also don't have wings. Do you live in trees?"

He laughed, covering his mouth with his hand. "I am good at climbing trees. Did you want to visit my home?"

Anemone nodded, staring with her big eyes sparkling with excitement. "Yes! I want to meet you again!"

He pointed towards the forest. "Maybe I'll show you where I live. Until then, we can always meet here."

"Really?" she asked doubtfully. He nodded as he finished his cookie. "Okay! I have to go home now but I really want to come play with you! I hope to see you soon!" She waved at him as she started to run off.

"Oh Anemone! Your handkerchief!"

"You can give it to me next we meet!" As she was running home, she didn't see his sad expression.