Disguised by the Forest

Chapter 2

Now . . .

Kai was tan skinned with dark curly hair that fell right before his striking green eyes.  He had presence that when you walked into a room you knew he was there. Kai walked over to Ana sweeping her off her feet. She fell deeply into his arms. Realizing she had been holding her breathe. 

Ana’s long golden hair fell down her back, she loved with Kai brushed it out of her eyes.  Ana wished her mother could see her now.  She was no longer confined to hide in the shadows among the forest. And every mortal she met greeted her with love and open arms.  She knew she could never go back.  Ana longed to see her friends and family. But in her gut knew that if she did. She would never see Kai again. 

“Ana…?”

A light tap on Ana’s shoulder made her realize she had zoned out in a trance and not heard anything that he said.

“I’m sorry love, what is it?”

“Are you ready to go? Tonight is my sisters party.”

“Yes I cannot wait to meet her!”  

          Even though Ana was excited to finally meet Kai’s family. Deep down she tried to suppress her inner self. And not knowing what might happen.  How would anyone react if they knew her secret? Would they still accept her. Or would she forever be shunned. From not only her family she grew up with, but the new family she found? She shock those thoughts from her mind and focused on the evening ahead.

          An hour later Ana came out dressed in a gold shimmery cocktail dress paired with white heels.  Her hair brought back into a loose bun with a few strands framing each side of her face.  Kai took in the beauty before him.  He couldn’t believe he got to have her all to himself. 

“You must be Anastasia we’ve heard so much about you. I am Cora Kai’s sister.”

          Hesitantly Ana shock Cora’s extended hand. And shock it more enthusiastically then she anticipated. 

“Thank you for inviting me. It is so nice to meet you.” Ana said rushed, so it came out. “Thank invite nice you.”  In her mind she did a mental face palm.  She took a deep breathe and tried again. “Nice to meet you too.”

          Kai squeezed her hand assuring her he was there. And did a quick smile which helped settle her nerves bubbling to the surface.  Kai fell into conversation with Cora as Ana took in the room. She had never been to a mortal party. They were completely different from her festivals back home.

          At home they celebrated the changing seasons, and new growth.  She had never been to anything so elaborate or without purpose in her life.  They didn’t celebrate birthdays, it was just apart of life. And the beauty of how things happened.  She didn’t understand all the fuss Cora had spent to celebrate it.  But she was in fascination over it all. 

          The room sparkled with lights that looked as if they lined every wall.  Long white table cloths covered each table.  Ana took a seat next to Kai, and the waiters one by one brought out different courses.  Ana couldn’t decide what to eat.  She had never in her life seen such an abundance of food. That they didn’t have to pray for.  She was about to ask where it all came from. Then thought better of it. And decided that best to remain a mystery. 

          After dinner Ana and Kai said their goodbyes to Cora and his family.  They left and headed out for an evening stroll.  On nights like this when they would just walk is when Ana missed home the most. Just the freedom on the trees, as they engulfed her. And she was able to go from limb to limb without a care in the world. Knowing that no matter how fast she went or high she climbed, she would be okay. 

“My sister loved meeting you Ana. It meant so much to me to have you there tonight.”

“Thank you, I have never been to a party before. I am glad you shared it with me.”

          A smile fell over Kai’s face. He leaned down a placed a kiss on Ana’s lips.  Anastasia could only imagine her mothers face now, if she saw her not only hanging around with but kissing mortals!