Once in a while

I act like a child

To feel like a kid again



“Hush darling.” The woman whispered, stepping close to Terrance. “Soon I’ll give you power. Remember our deal.” Her voice hung in the air, heavy with power and allure. Her bright gold eyes seared into his eyes. Terrance nodded.

“Fine, but it better be soon.” He said. The woman smiled and leaned in, pressing her lips against his. He smiled and wrapped his arms around her, puling her close.

It gets like a prison in

The body I’m living in



“Cause everyone’s watching. Quick to start talking. I’m losing my innocence” I sang, continuing the song. My eyes searched for Terrance as my fingers strummed over the chords.

“Wish I were a little girl without the weight of the world” Part of me was glad he wasn’t here, afraid he would know that this song was written because of him.

It would be nice

To start over again,

Before we were men

I’d give, I’d bend

Let’s play pretend

I stopped and looked out at the small crowd that had begun to clap. I was out of breath. My gig was over and the crowd seemed to really enjoy it. I smiled, even though a knot was tight in my stomach. Terrance hadn’t shown up once during the gig. I saw Taylor waving excitedly from the side. “Thank you everyone. It’s been such a pleasure playing for you.” I said into the mic. The crowd cheered again and I walked off.

“Athena, that was AH-MAY-ZING!!!” She shouted, running over and hugging me. “You are amazing!!!”

I smiled and set my guitar in it’s case. “Thanks Tay. Listen, I’m so exhausted, I can hardly speak. I’m going to go home. I’ll talk to you soon okay?” Taylor nodded, waving goodbye as I walked away.

Remember the time

We had soda for wine

And got by on gratitude

“How’d the gig go babe?” Terrance asked. I had been so frustrated with him on my way home. He hadn’t shown at all. But when I walked in he put a hot plate of hamburgers in front of my face. He had actually cooked me something.

“It was great.” I said, swallowing a large bite. I realized I was starving. I had been so nervous all day I hadn’t really eaten anything.

“So, remember when we talked about you forsaking the Fae?” He asked. I chewed slowly and nodded. I had never been as much of a fairy as my mother, but it was one of the last ties I still had with her. “Well, I think it’s time you do that. I heard about this family of fairies in Bridgeport. They were murdered because of what they were. The hostility towards supernaturals is getting worse, and I don’t want my bride to be getting hurt at all. Especially since you’re trying to get famous. Being Fae will only hold you back.”

The worst they could do to you

Was check your attitude

I nodded. The attacks against supernaturals in the cities had risen. There had just recently been a touch of it here in our small town. No one had been hurt yet, but rude graffiti had been found. “Well, I guess, if you really want me to do it now I can.” I said, looking at him. He shook his head.

“No, I want this to be your decision.” He said. I took a deep breath.

“Okay. I’ll do it.”

Yeah, when fights were for fun

We had water in guns

And a place we could call our own

How we lost hold of home

I guess I’ll never know

When I got home the next day Terrance was waiting outside. I smiled as my fiance walked over and kissed me.

“I’ve got something for you.” He set a box into my my hands.

“What is this?” I asked, a smile on my lips. Terrance never got me gifts. I opened it to find a little vial.

“It’s the cure.” He said, putting his hands in his pockets. “I got it for you this morning while you were at work.”

“Oh.” I said, my heart racing. This was it. This little vial would take away my magic and my wings. I took a deep breath and looked at Terrance. This was for him, and for me. It was for us. I popped the lid off and closed my eyes. Without time to hesitate and put the vial to y lips and took it all in one swig.

It would be nice

To start over again

Before we were men

I’d give, I’d bend

Let’s play pretend

A tingly feeling enveloped me and I gasped. I squeezed my eyes shut, expecting pain. But none came, instead, after a few minutes I went back to feeling normal, if not a bit heavier.

And when it’s the end

our lives will make sense

We’d love, We’d give, We’d bend

Let’s play pretend

“Is it over?” I whisper, not daring to move. I hear Terrance step closer to me.

“Yes.” He says. I let out my breath and open my eyes.

“Do I look different?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “Yes,” He pauses as I catch my breath, “You look even more beautiful.”

Pretend by Lights