When the fairy’s love spell fades… well let’s just say it’s not always pretty. It isn’t just two people who are effected. The whole family can be ripped apart.

Like mine is ripping apart right now.

I don’t understand why we need a fairy’s love spell in the first place. I sure didn’t need one to fall head over heels for the boy who lives on the other side of town. Collin. With his curling, chocolate brown hair and deep hazel eyes. When he truly smiles his dimples show and make my heart come alive, pounding erratically.

His parents stayed together even after the love spell wore off. They learned to love each other without it.

Mine, however, are not even interested in trying. My father has already found a new partner and is in the middle of packing his bags. Him and my mother have done nothing but scream at each other the last 2 weeks.

My baby sister, poor clueless Juniper, cries during their arguments, their raised voices upsetting her. I try to rock her in my arms, but still my ear drums ring with her loud squalling.

Today, thankfully, Juniper is quiet. Mother is ignoring father, sitting in the living room going through her jewelry. She is glad to see him gone. Honestly, though, I think she wishes Juniper and I were gone as well. I think the love spell wearing off means she has to learn to love us too.

The problem, you might ask? I… am not so lovable. My carrot red hair falls in knotted waves, my dress torn and ratty. My face is patchy with dirt. Mother says I am too dirty to be a daughter of hers. And she can’t stand Juniper’s crying.

Father may like us a little more than Mother, but not enough to take us with him. Not when his new woman, Marcilla, wants nothing to do with Father’s spelled life.

To keep from being the attention of my mother’s ire, I quickly and quietly do chores around the house. I try to keep ahead, doing things before she ever need ask. But I long for outside, to play under the blue shining sky. Maybe tomorrow, I tell myself. For now, it’s time to feed Juniper.

———

5 years later

“Margaret!” My mother’s shrill voice snaps me from my day dream.

“Coming,” I drop the potato I am peeling and walk to the main room, wiping my hands on my dress. I think my hands come back with more grime than what they started with, but that isn’t unexpected. I haven’t had time to go down to the river and wash my dress for two weeks in a row now.

“Yes, ma’am?” I look up to see what the fuss is about. I know better than to call her mother, she will be in a tizzy all day if I do.

Sometimes, I do it on purpose. My one small ounce of control.

Mother is fixing Juniper’s golden hair into a braid. “Margaret, I can’t decide. Which color suits Juniper better? The Sapphire,” Mother holds up a deep blue sapphire hair pin. “Or the Aquamarine?” The shimmering light blue crystal is only shades lighter than Juniper’s eyes. It was as if it was made for her. But, based on mother’s smile, she knew that. She called me here to shove it in my face.

I breathe deeply, “I don’t know much about colors, Ma’am. They both look good to me. Perhaps the sapphire, it’s bold and will catch attention.” I look at my feet after I answer, an act of submission, playing the part she wishes me to.

“Ah, Margaret. You’re such a stupid child. Your sister is too pure for a bold look. The Aquamarine is the obvious choice,” my mother clucks her tongue and shakes her head in exaggerated exasperation. “Honestly, good luck to your spell-mate.”

It’s not the first time she said something like this. I stay quiet. I know she is just looking to vent on me. It’s better not to say anything when she is like this.

Juniper doesn’t say a word, mother’s perfect little doll. She learned her lesson quickly as she grew.