Fated Fairy Tales - Beauty Sleep

Beauty Sleep - Chapter 9

Ora’s POV

I looked out of the window, daydreaming about Benson’s kiss. “Where is Aunt Jo?” I asked. I am curious as we always drive here together. It’s not that they ever come inside with me. It’s only because I attend a Catholic school that I go, as the school requires all students to attend church once a week.

Aunt Josie and Aunt Jayne don’t think I notice their side glances, but I do. “She’ll be here soon. She just had something to deal with back on the farm.”

“Got it,” I replied, continuing to stare out the window.

Father David and his wife Stella are greeting people outside the church. “Hello, ladies,” he says as we all approach. He is a chubby man who is always happy to see everyone. “Can I interest you in joining us today?” He asks cheerfully. He always invites my aunts to join the service. But my aunts always politely decline.

They tell him week after week that they are women of faith. But their faith differs from his. He still asks regardless, though.

After their weekly interaction, Mrs. Kinsella, a teacher from my school, takes me inside and lets me sit with her. She is aware of the situation and has always let me sit with her since I was young.

Father David touched on several subjects during the service. This week’s theme was love and forgiveness. When I pray, I think about how much I love my aunts. Love like a child has for their mother. But the feelings I have towards Benson are different. Could that be a different kind of love? I don’t know, it’ll be interesting to see how my feelings develop towards him. I know when I kissed him, my body came alive. It just felt right.

Following the service, we head to the homeless shelter where Aunt Jo joins us. We all prepare and serve food. My aunts believe we should look after the most vulnerable members of our community. They raised me to value every member of the community, not just those in my family.

It just proves that, even though they prefer an isolated life. They still care about their community. After we got home, I practically jumped out of the car. “I need to check on my kitten,” I shouted as I ran towards the barn.

I pushed open the door, ran to the ladder, and climbed enthusiastically. But when I looked over the ledge, Benson wasn’t there. I climbed up further. Maybe he’s in the back. I push myself up and walk around. But he’s not there. My heart hurts knowing he’s gone.

For the first time in my life, I made a friend. A friend who thought I could trust. But he’s left me. Holding back my tears, I climbed down the ladder and out of the barn. I sprinted to the house and rushed to my bedroom. I locked my bedroom door before throwing myself onto my bed, sobbing on my pillow.

I had only known Benson for two days, but it felt a lot longer. We connected on so many levels. Why would he leave without saying goodbye?

Although I am called down for my meal. I want to be alone. I tell my aunts I am having a heavy period and want to take a hot bath and let my body go with the flow. If I tell them I am sick, Aunt Jayne will come up with a remedy of some kind. I can’t ever remember being ill because of her remedies.

As I lay there that night, I realized I was being dramatic. Crying over a boy I hardly knew. Was he worth the tears? No. Maybe if I’d known him better or longer. “Come on Ora, you’re better than that,” is what I told myself. Giving myself the reality check I needed.

The next morning, as I got ready to train with Aunt Jo. I realized how stupid I had been. But now I am back. Back to being myself. That is who I am.

Leading up to my birthday, Aunt Jayne went away a lot more. No doubt trying to find me the perfect birthday present. But I honestly don’t care what I get. I have their love. That is the greatest gift I could ever receive.

I had no more incidents at school. Tina and her cronies tended to leave me alone. I think meeting my aunt Jo put the fear of god into her.

Aunt Jayne returned from another trip the day before my 17th birthday. She smiled when she walked in. But the smile wasn’t as broad as it usually was. Her smile vanished, and she shook her head when she saw Aunt Josie. I pretended I didn’t notice. But there was a message in that headshake.

As I lay there that night curling up in my sheets, I thought about Benson. It was the first time in months I had thought about him. I hope wherever he is, he’s okay. I hope he made it to the academy and is living a happy life. That is what I would tell him if said goodbye properly. Thinking of Benson reminded me of his kiss. It would have been interesting to see what other feelings he could have stirred up. Maybe my emotions were heightened because I had never experienced a romantic connection with a boy. Perhaps I am missing out because of my aunt’s protectiveness. I’ll speak to Aunt Jayne about it, I think, as I drift off to sleep.

“Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you.” I opened my eyes and saw my aunts standing around my bed. “Happy Birthday dear Ora. Happy birthday to you.” I know they will start the song again if I interrupt.

My alarm went off. I reached over and switched it off, not quite believing they had woken me up before my alarm. I wipe my mouth before I sit up. Aunt Jayne is there, snapping pictures of me with her digital camera. Since treating herself to a digital camera, she has become snap-happy. My hair must be a mess. “Can I at least get ready before you do that?” I pleaded. They all leave, laughing at my disheveled state.

“We’re not training today, Ora.” Aunt Jo tells me.

“Why did you get me up so early, then?” I asked her. She snickers.

“Birthday breakfast. Now get ready.” I scowled at her.

“I am not impressed,” I said, flopping back on my bed. This causes her to snicker louder. As I get ready for the day ahead. I put on my school uniform and I looked in the mirror. Questioning if I look any older. I don’t. I look the same as I did yesterday.

At breakfast, I am given some of my presents. My favorite is a combined gift from all of my aunts. A golden bracelet with a single charm. The letter O with three J’s intertwined in it. I place it gently back in its box. “We aren’t allowed to wear jewelry to school.” I remind them.

Aunt Jayne cries. While my other two aunts appear to be sad. When she calms down, Aunt Jayne finally tells me they want to make this birthday memorable, as it could be the last birthday we all celebrate together.

“What do you mean?” I asked. But she cries again and walks off.

“What does she mean? Aunt Jo.” Seeing that Aunt Jayne would not answer me.

“She’s saying you’re turning 18 on your next birthday. You will be officially an adult and may not want to celebrate with us.”

“As if I would ever want to be without you guys. You’re my family,” I said as I rushed after my distressed aunt. Hugging her until she calms down. When she seems to be settled. I grabbed my backpack and walked out of the door. The sooner I get to school, the sooner I can get home. Then I can truly enjoy the day.