Read Online Fae by C. J. Abedi - Free Book Online Page A

loser.
    â€œSorry to disappoint you.”
    â€œOh Caroline, you never disappoint me. You’re perfect.”
    â€œLove is blind.”
    My mom’s look said it all. “Honey, you’re a beautiful young lady. When are you going to see yourself the way that others do? The man who gets to be with you will be the luckiest guy in the world.”
    I stood up and walked over to the sink to get a glass of water.
    â€œWhen I do meet him, I’ll make sure to bring him straight over so you can fool him into believing that.”
    â€œHoney, don’t you think you’re being a little harsh on yourself?
    If you’ve lived through what I have the past two days…
    I smiled at her. “Let’s change the subject.” My mom looked down at Famous and patted his head. This time I noticed the strain on her face.
    â€œWhat’s wrong?”
    â€œNothing,” she quickly responded.
    Something was definitely wrong. I couldn’t believe I had been so selfish and not noticed right away.
    â€œMom, don’t lie to me.”
    She sighed then leaned back in the chair. “We had to let three people go today. It’s not anything to worry about, but it was hard. They were all like family. Not to mention, they have their own families to support. But we just couldn’t afford to keep them on. Business has been so slow lately.”
    I knew it had been slow, but I guess I didn’t realize that it had been this bad. My parents never wanted me to worry about money, and they shielded me from everything. But I appreciated her honesty tonight. It must have been really bad if she opened up so easily. I couldn’t bear to watch her struggle.
    â€œSo when does my shift begin?”
    â€œYou’re not working there. You’re too busy with school.”
    â€œYou know that once I put my mind to something, I always end up doing it. So you should just accept it. I can come by on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and I can help out on the weekend.”
    â€œHoney—” I knew she needed my help but didn’t want me to feel obligated.
    â€œMom. I’m showing up whether you like it or not. Besides, just think about how much extra time we’ll get to spend together.”
    She smiled. “That’s true.”
    â€œSee? It’s done. And I’ll get to make some extra money waiting tables. Maybe I’ll even use it to buy some new clothes!”
    â€œOnly if I get to come with you.”
    I nodded my head and started to walk out of the kitchen.
    â€œI love you, honey.”
    â€œI love you too, mom.”
D
    As I strode toward the large wooden doors of our house, they opened of their own accord. Odin must have known I was home. I walked into the massive foyer and looked up the spiral staircase hoping I’d find him there waiting for me. There was a lot I had to talk about with him.
    Instead, I found my half-sister sliding down the wooden banister. I hadn’t seen her in a while and couldn’t hide my surprise.
    â€œHi Devilyn,” Tatiana said, beaming at me.
    I tried not to roll my eyes. Tatiana was one of the most beautiful fairies in the kingdom. She had long, curly blond hair and cat-green eyes. She was tall, like most of our race, and graced with the physique of a supermodel. She knew her appeal and used it whenever it benefited her, playing endlessly with the mortal boys that adored her. She loved being worshiped.
    And it showed in her every move.
    Every action.
    Every word.
    â€œHow was school?” She laughed, seeming quite pleased with herself. Her laughter even sounded like music.
    â€œFine. When do you think you’ll finally make an appearance?”
    â€œHe wants me to start as soon as possible. But I think I may need a few more days before the torture begins,” she said, annoyed.
    â€œGreat.” I was not looking forward to Tatiana showing up at school. She had a propensity for bringing trouble along with her.
    She made