Once Upon a Faerie

Party Preparations

I was so excited about the school day finishing that I considered skipping my last class to go home early and start preparing the backyard. If it wasn't for the fact that Lucy was coming home with me to stay the night I probably would have, but Lucy is a bit of a rule follower and would never even consider skipping a class.

I spent the car ride home explaining to Lucy the situation with Michael and we micro analyzed all our interactions and conversations. we did agree that he probably wasn't a serial killer coming to abduct and murder me, but that's as far as we got before we reached home.

Once we got back to my place the plan was to have most things set up tonight so we could spend a large part of the day tomorrow getting ourselves ready. I booked us into a local salon to do our hair and make-up at lunch time so hopefully it gives us plenty of time to come home and get dressed.

"Oh my God we have so much to do" Lucy sighed as we were walking into the house. Once we reached the lounge room there was yet another random male sitting on the couch. This time he definitely wasn't one of my mum's old friends as he was about my age, maybe a little older, and oh my God he was absolutely gorgeous. I mean there were the hot jocks at our school that everyone wished were their boyfriends, but this guy was on a whole different level. He had bright blonde hair, similar to mine, but his had light streaks of brown throughout, making it look sandy. He had the most beautiful blue eyes I've ever seen, almost as if they were glowing if that was even possible, and I won't even mention the body!. He stopped and looked in our direction as we walked through the door. I looked towards Lucy who was probably thinking the same things as I was, as I had to practically pick her jaw up off the floor.

"Uhh who are you, and what are you doing in my living room" I said snapping myself back to reality and the fact that some random guy was in my house and no one else seemed to be around.

"Hey! You must be Harriet, I'm Ares, Michael's son. Uhhh we were meant to meet up in another town, but he told me he was staying here the weekend, so I came here instead."

"Ares like the Greek god," Lucy blurted out-almost in a trance-like state. If she doesn't stop ogling, I will have to clean up her drool from the floor soon.

"I guess so" he replied, sounding somewhat nervous.

"Oh ok where is everyone?" I asked.

"Your mum and stepdad went to get some supplies and my dad is running a personal errand. Sorry to startle you in your own house"

"It's fine" I replied, still a little stuck for words. "We will be setting up decorations soon let my parents know when they come home will you", I continued.

"Oh yes, the elusive party I haven't stopped hearing about since I arrived. I have been told to be at your service to help". He smiled. I thought about it for a short while before agreeing that we probably do need help if we are going to get done in time. Plus the fact that he was as tall as Michael, if not taller, would come in handy for the fairy lights.

"Alright then! Well, we will just go put our things upstairs and we will be down shortly" I replied. He just stood to attention giving me a mock salute and smiled. That caused Lucy to laugh and I just rolled my eyes. Great another jokester in the house for the weekend if my brother wasn't enough.

As soon as Lucy and I walked into the bedroom and shut the door we just looked at each other and giggled.

"Oh My God, he is hot" Lucy squealed.

"I know right he is literally like a god" I replied. "I mean, at least we don't have to worry about Michael being a serial killer now that he has a son," I laughed.

Lucy laughed along with me then just looked at me with a serious look. "What if they are working in pairs?" We both just stopped and stared at each other before bursting out laughing. We both have an odd fascination with true crime, especially serial killers. Our sleepovers often consist of binge-watching documentaries or movies. Walking home from school, I often listen to podcasts as well. Its like our mini-obsession, nearly, besides my fairy obsession, obviously.

"Come on lets get to it!" I said before quickly changing into something more comfortable."And try and keep it together around Ares otherwise I'll have to clean up the floors with all your drooling." She just rolled her eyes.

"Lets try and see if he is single! Maybe he can be your date for your party, your handsome Fae Prince" She joked as we went downstairs, laughing at each other"

We spent all afternoon and up until dinner time transforming the yard into a fairy wonderland. Ares turned out quite useful in hanging decorations up high and helping dad lift heavier tables and such into the backyard. By the time we had finished, the yard looked completely different. Every part of the yard was decorated slightly different to represent different courts; Summer, Spring, Autumn, and Winter. The pool area was transformed to represent the Spring court as they are known for being able to control water elements. The fireplace area represents summer, obviously due to their affinity for fire. Autumn being connected to earth was dedicated in the garden area, and lastly, winter, which was slightly harder, but we chose to decorate under the deck.

While the afternoon unfolded, Lucy also managed to pry information out of Ares. According to him, he is 22 years old, single, and definately not a seriel killer (don't ask how that question came up).

"This is looking great!" Michael said when he returned from running his personal errand, whatever that was conviently missing out in all the setting up.

"Thanks!" a few of us said individually

"Is it what you were expecting, Harriet?" he asked

"I think we have all done a great job"

"You don't sound convinced?"

"I mean it's beautiful and I love it, but I guess nothing compares to how it is in my mind" I replied honestly.

No one really replied, just nodding or humming in agreement.We all stood to admire our handiwork for a few moments before Mum called us in for dinner.