My mother pulled me tight against her. “I love you dearest. Be safe, and remember, we’re right across town.” She whispered into my ear.

I smiled, “I know mom.” After I finished my goodbyes I stepped into the taxi and drove off to my new home.

I stood outside the house, taking it all in. Around me, in Riverview, the wind blew through the trees. Across the small road the grass moved. I heard the songs of the birds, the buzz of the insects. When I closed my eyes I breathed in the perfume of the flowers and farmland. Riverview was a far cry from Starlight Shores, far from the hustle and bustle. No car horns blared, no police sirens wailed their earsplitting cry. It was exactly what I wanted.

My house was more than I ever could have imagined. The moment I saw it I knew it was for me. It was small, quaint. Flowers and trees covered the yard. I walked up the small path and opened the door. Wood floors spread before me, covering the entire open space that was the downstairs. I closed the door as I walked in and headed to the kitchen, distinguished only by half walls. I loved the openness. I moved to the spiral staircase that lead to the upstairs. The bedroom opened up before me, the bathroom to the left. Gavin and my father had already come by and set up my stuff for me. I smiled ad walked to the door on the right, stepping onto a small porch that wrapped around the side of the house. I leaned against the rail and smiled as a butterfly flitted past me. This place was perfect.

~~~~~~~~~

The next morning I put Catarina on my shoulder and we left the house to explore the town. We found old ruins, closed mine shafts, open fields, farm land, small forests. Eventually, we made our way into town, which still held nature close, unlike Starlight Shores. Flowers and trees filled the sides of the walkways. I stopped outside a bookstore and looked at the racks of sale deals they had outside.

Catarina cawed softly by m ear, shuffling her wings. I looked up from the row I was on and saw a man standing next to me.

“Hot day, huh?” He asked with a smile. I nodded, my shyness taking over. He was handsome, and strong, and confident. Her was definitely not the type of man that noticed me back at The Shores, not that many did anyway.

“You’re wings are beautiful,” He said again, “We don’t see many fey around here.”

That surprised me, “Really?! But, it’s so beautiful. Nature is everywhere.” I paused, thinking of my brothers, “Not all fairies are as stereotypical as me though.” I blushed, why was I talking so much? I was never like this around strangers.

He laughed and it filled the air, tugging a smile onto her shy lips. “Now Miss…” He paused, waiting for my name.

“Kacie.” Catarina cawed for me. I blushed harder and he laughed again.

“Miss Kacie, I doubt you are anything but stereotypical. You seem quite unique. My name is Hal.”

“Th-thank you.” I stammered. My stomach rumbled, causing my blush to only deepen. Catarina and I had been out all day, and now, with the sun setting, my stomach was wanting dinner.

“My, do you have another pet around that can growl?” He joked, moving slightly to peer behind me. I let out a small laugh and shook my head.

“Then that could only be your stomach,” He paused, cocking his head to the side and resting his hand on his stomach, “I think mine is growling as well. How about I take you to the bistro down the street.” My eyes must have gone wide because he threw up his hands, “Not a date, promise. I know you’re new to town, so I’l show you the best place in town to eat. Think of it simply as…a tour.” He said, pausing before he settled on a word.

“Oh…uhm.,” I paused, fiddling with a book on the shelf, “I..I guess, if it’s just a tour.”

He smiled and gestured for me to follow. Catarina snicked on my shoulder and pecked at the key that hung around my neck. “Going home.” She sang, jumping from my shoulder and flying off across the town. I sighed and briefly touched my key necklace. It was too soon, wasn’t it?

I shifted uncomfortably at the table. The sun had set and candles were lit on the table. This sure seemed more romantic than a tour. Hal, seeming to read my mind blew out the candle. “There, that’s a little better.” He said with a smile. I smiled back. “Still shy?” He asked, making me blush.

“I uhm, have never really talked to people. They never wanted to talk to me.” I said quietly.

He shook his head. “Well, they were wrong in the head.” He said, “I’ve barely talked to you and I can already tell you’re an amazing person.” Suddenly our food was brought out and I inwardly sighed. Something to talk the focus away from talking.

The night actually went pretty well. I still didn’t say much, but he did get a few laughs from me and maybe, maybe a few more words than most people get. He walked me home, giving some silly excuse about being a gentleman. Once I was in the shelter of my house, my beck against the door, I smiled and touched the key on my neck.