The Fairy

Fairy

When I grow up, Ill be a fairy!

Daisy, why a fairy?

Because I just want to!

Daisy slipped down from her mothers lap (where shed been basking in happy birthday songs big five today!), smoothed her tulle tutu, and twirled haughtily.

Mum, all fairies are beautiful and clever! Plusthey can do anything! So Ill be able to do anything too.

Of course you will! Emma stretched her arms to scoop up her daughter, but Daisy wriggled away, shimmying out of reach.

What about cake?

Very soon! Go on, have a play with the others. Ill call when its time for cake, alright?

Okay!

Watching those ringletsso painstakingly curled that morningspringing at Daisys shoulders, Emma smiled to herself. Determined little thing, she thought. And bright too. How many five-year-olds can articulate their ambitions so crisply? All fairies can do anything! Brilliant.

The trick is not to shatter that belief, nodded her best friend, Helen. Too many parents hear dreams like that and bang on about realism and long roads and all that. Rubbish! Just believe in your child, and theyll make their own magic. Im telling you, when my Molly first joined drama club

Oh yes, everyone knows Mollys a superstar! Ladies, lend a hand? Cake time! Emma spun gracefully in her heels and sashayed towards the kitchen.

The airy house buzzed with childrens voices. The floor was scattered with rainbow confetti and shrivelled balloon fragments. A tulip bouquet someone had tossed in a corner gave Emma a moments frown as she passedthey were from her mother, Veronica, intended as a birthday greeting for her granddaughter.

Veronica had moved in recently, but back when Emma was younger, shed only rarely pay visits, preferring to watch her granddaughter on her own patch.

I feel out of place in your house, darling. Im forever worried Ill break something or spill tea on that designer rug. Its just all a bit too grand for me.

Mum, honestly! Emma would grumble. Its not grand. Its just comfortablewell within our means! Ben works day and night and so do I. Were allowed a few nice things.

Well, I just feel easier at home.

Thats fine, Mum. All I care about is Daisys alright.

Veronica had looked after Daisy since birth.

I havent got time, Mum, Emma would hurriedly apply makeup before heading to work. If I pause, Ill lose everything Ive built these past five years. Times are tough, Mumeveryones racing. Its not just my salary, either. I have staff relying on me. But above all, I need to secure Daisys future.

Wouldnt it be more important, perhaps, for her to have you around while shes so young?

Mum, dont start. I know what Im doing! Who else but me will look after my child and her future?

What about Ben?

Mum, are you joking? Yes, of course he would, but hes a man. He might be here today, gone to someone else tomorrow. And what then?

Where do you get these ideas, darling? Veronica would gasp. Is he seeing someone?

Oh, who knows! Ive barely had time for anything except being pregnant and having a baby. The world just bypassed me for a while. I have catching up to do, Mum. And Ill need your help, wont I?

Of course, love. Veronica would peer over the cot at Daisy. So tiny you were bigger, you know.

So what? Being smalls not a crime. Shell catch up.

Daisy suffered colds one after another. After the initial panic wore off, Veronica became a pro, phoning her GP at the first sniffle, which was just as wellEmma was always caught up with deadlines.

Mum, she doesnt have a fever! Keep calm, give her some Calpol. Im in a meeting.

Daisy, hands burning hot, would cling to her grandmothers neck, nose burrowed into Veronicas shoulder.

All right, sweetheart. Ill make you some cordial, well have a nap and all will be well. Want a story?

One about a fairy?

Why not? A fairy story it is.

The dazzling storybook with its shiny pictures came all the way from Londona gift from her dad.

Ben, the books all in English! Veronica turned the pages.

So? Let Daisy get used to a second language! You taught at a college for yearsyou can handle a childrens book, cant you?

Im sure I can. Ill just have to start our English lessons a bit earlier than planned.

Veronicas days soon revolved around Daisys little joys, disappointments, and learning. She was secretly delightedlife finally had meaning again.

The past decade, since Emma had left for university and gotten married, had blurred by for Veronica. Emma was always rushing, too busy to call by, and after too many rebuffed invitations, Veronica had stopped asking. She missed the days when Emma would, after school or lectures, curl up on the kitchen settee, feet tucked under her, tea in hand, reciting the days adventures. For Veronica, Emma was her whole world.

Shed had Emma young. Not quite nineteenan ill-fated whirlwind marriage to a classmate. They separated a year later, and little Emma was the only reminder of those turbulent days. By the time Emma hit two, Veronicas own mother was bed-bound, memory failing, and the following twelve years were a sleepless nightmareincapacitated parent, small demanding child. She barely looked in the mirror.

As for beauty, Veronica considered herself average at best, but there was something about the set of her jaw and nosea quiet presence people didnt forget.

Where Veronica had only a glimmer, Emma owned in spades. She was stunning; Veronica had to bite back her smiles just to hide her pride. She wanted to give Emma every opportunityballroom dancing, music lessons, languagesby sixth form, she could honestly say shed given her daughter the best a mother could.

It bothered her, though, how fiercely ambitious Emma was. Nobody got away with rudeness; Emma could silence even the sharpest gossips. Her wishes always took priority, even if meant a few hungry months for the family.

Mum, I need those shoes, seriously. I cant go to my first interview in these! Emma would say.

Veronica would hand over her holiday savings. Who needs the seaside anyway? Emmas prospects were what mattered.

Emmas wedding to Ben felt like the pinnacle of all that hard worka proud but tearful Veronica watched her dazzling daughter walk through the most expensive hotel in town on Bens arm. Did Ben strike her as perfect? Not quite, but she brushed her doubts aside. After all, people are different. And Emma, ever the pragmatist, had her own views:

Mum, its not all about romance. Theres a partnership agreement toowhich is important, makes it more stable.

Oh?

Im not taking a penny of Bens assets pre-marriage. All I have to do, strictly speaking, is provide a son

Thats a little transactional?

Its modern, Mum. Things change. Relationships too.

As long as it makes you happy

After that, they didnt discuss it again. Emma busied herself with the business Ben set up for her, all while chasing a second line in their agreement.

Daisys birth, in fact, surprised everyone.

So much for those fancy blood tests! Emma scowled at a baby blue blanket (shed been convinced she was having a boy). Three times they told me boydoes she look like a boy?

Sweetheart, girls are wonderful.

Of course, Mum, its just I wasnt ready. And time is tight.

Therell be a son. Just wait.

But time seemed to slow. Emma ran between doctors, chasing hope. More clinics, no luck.

I dont know what else to do, Mum. Tried everything.

Why not focus on the child you have?

Mum!

What? Daisys nearly fivewonderful girl. Who says fathers only love sons? Youre smartrewrite that contract!

Emma paused, mums words made sense.

In that case, Daisy should be at home.

Shes settled here, Emma

Well, shell get used to it. She spends too long here anyway. Therell be a driver, everything she needs. Why dont you move in?

No, I think not. But I do want Daisy as much as before.

Of course, life had its way. Daisys first big fever, the day after the parents decreed home only, had Veronica moving in anyway.

Loads of space here, Mum. And you can rest easyDaisys close by.

Veronica scanned her new room, sighing, Yes Daisys close

Focusing on her granddaughter, she tried to shut out the marital mishaps going on in the house. Emma and Bens relationship was lets say, not exactly hearts and roses. Little Daisy, always slightly unkempt, raced around the cavernous rooms, only occasionally catching an adults notice.

Gran, theres more space here than at yours! Daisy spun in the middle of the lounge. Can I have a dog now?

I dont know, love. Youd have to ask your mum and dad.

Why not you? Isnt this your house too?

No, darling. This is your parents house. I have my little flat, where Im in charge. Here, things are up to your mum and dad.

So you cant even say no?

Well I can say no to you spilling your milk ever again. But as for dog-ownershipcant help you there.

I see! Daisy plonked down on the floor, thinking. Veronica recognised that lookit was the same determined face Emma had at a problem: the face that usually meant no ones getting in my way.

Ill ask Dad myself! Daisy hopped up, already plotting.

By that evening, Daisy was in Bens study.

Do you love me? she demanded.

Ben was, frankly, puzzled. He didnt really spend much time with Daisynever quite knew what to say, always busy, always distracted.

Of course. All parents love their children.

I dont care about all. I want just you.

What is it you want? A new toy, pet?

No! She scowled. I want a dog!

A robot dog?

Her eyebrows shot up into her fluffy, flyaway fringe. Why a robot? No, a real dog!

Ben pinched the bridge of his nose, looking resigned. Big one?

A small, nice one is fine.

You picklet me know.

Emma was not at all thrilled. The heated bedroom debates that followed meant Daisy, ear pressed to the door in the hallway, heard all sorts. Veronicas blood pressure soared; after an early bedtime for Daisy, she retreated to her own room, unaware her granddaughter was still awake.

Its not a toy! We cant just spoil her with everything. Dogs are actual living thingsthey need care.

Your mums here, plus the cleaner. Pay them extra. A kid and a dog are good for each other.

How about vets, or dog shows, and the rest?

In this town? Open your own clinic if you must. And shows we dont need pedigree, just get a rescue mutt. Look, Emma, I barely see Daisy as it is. The least I can do is grant a simple wish. Why not?

Because its not simple. Its responsibility and wanting everything at once.

Whats so wrong with that? Why shouldnt our child have what she wants when she wants it?

Emma said nothing. Daisy crept away, victorious: the dog dream was happening. The rest was white noise.

A tiny Pomeranian arrived within days. Two months later, a week after Daisys birthday, Veronica and Daisy moved back to Veronicas flat. Emma, subdued and hollow-eyed, drank black coffee in the mornings and avoided conversation with everyone.

Gran, is Mum alright?

Shell tell you in time, darling. Veronica stroked Daisys curls and the puppys fur. For now, were here together.

Are we staying long?

I think so, lovey. I think its for a while

Veronica barely understood herself. Days after Daisys birthday bash, Emma had come into her room, quietly set her suitcase down, and said,

Pack your things, Mum. Were moving. Can you pack for Daisy, too? Im busy.

Veronica saw the look in Emmas eyes, didnt dare argue. Ill get us sorted give me thirty minutes, sweetheart.

That night, with Emma curled up on the settee, tea in hand, Veronica tentatively asked,

Whats going on, love?

Were getting divorced, Mum.

Veronica gasped, looking towards the door, but Daisy was safely giggling at a cartoon.

Oh, hes already moved on. Theres a new woman. And a son

Emma buried her face in her knees, and when Veronica went to comfort her, stopped in surprise when Emma started laughing.

I thought you were crying

He wishes! But honestly, its over, Mum. It just didnt work out.

Why Ben abandoned them for another family, Veronica never did know. Ben was decent enough to handle everything civilly, and within half a year, Emma bought up the next-door flat, renovated it, and they muddled on. Narrower prospects, yes, but at least it was familiar ground.

Daisy grew clever and oh, so stubborn. Her own priorities ran the show, and Emma, frankly, had stopped resistingshe went along with almost all Daisys whims.

Emma, she needs boundaries.

Mum, what do you want? Shes a clever, sharp girl, not afraid to take whats hersI reckon thats the only way to survive today. Put yourself first.

I dont agree. Im worried for Daisy.

Im not. And why not? If Id put myself first, maybe Id still be with Ben. I spent too long worrying what he wanted. Silly, really

Its silly to lose sight of your childshe wants her mum!

Shes got you.

And thank goodness! But shed be better with you too.

What for? She listens to you anyway.

Because I can tell her ‘no,’ Emma. And you never do.

I want her to know she can get what she wants, if she goes after it. Id rather be her friend than a dragon, wouldnt you?

Veronica would throw up her hands. But what if, she wondered, one day Daisy couldnt get everything she wanted?

Emma would snap, That wont happen. She knows what she wantsshes clever. Anyway, you see for yourself.

Veronica gave up arguing; it was hopeless. For Daisy, too, it hardly matteredher mother was on her side, and her gran loved her regardless.

Emma was all but absent, swallowed by her job. Occasionally Daisy would be whisked off for a shopping spree.

You mustnt be outdone by anyone, Daisy. Never mind about your looksstyle is everything. Good skincare and smart clothes, darlingalways look your best.

And Daisy listenedEmmas taste was faultless. Though they had little facial resemblance, Daisy inherited her mothers build, and soon Emmas wardrobe was fair game.

This, this, and maybe thatnothing else. The rest is for grown-ups, not you, Emma would decree.

At school, Daisys posh makeup provoked envy. Your skin deserves the best, not rubbish! Use it properly, Emma would scold, tossing away cheap mascara. Gifts are one thingbe grateful, then bin them. Value yourself!

Veronica saw it all, but interfering was pointless. She tried to gentle Daisys iron will, with limited success. Daisy went on to study at the same university, same faculty as her mum (and gran). With new student life, she all but vanished from home.

So it was only after all the rumours that Veronica found out

Getting married? To whom? Her hands shook, best mug slipping to the floor.

Edward Robinson Daisy sang, clambering on the sofa. Well, Ed, really. My Ed!

And who exactly is Ed, darling?

Oh, a lecturer. Not my lecturer! Calm down, Granhe just works in the department!

And hes

Dont fret, he isnt old. Perfectly nice, really.

That Ed was already married, Veronica found out from Emma.

Oh dear Godhow can you say it so calmly?

Why should I worry about his wife or his son? Mum, I care about Daisyand she loves him. Thats enough.

Emma Where did I go wrong? Veronica leant, woozy, against the counter. Its just not right

Whats wrong?

Snatching a husband and father from someone else!

Hes a person, not a dog on a lead! Stop with the melodrama, Emma snapped, passing her mum a glass of water. Calm yourself and wish your granddaughter happiness!

But will she be happy? Veronica muttered, flinging her glass at the wall.

The wedding was a gloomy affair. Eds parents refused to attend or meet their new in-laws. Ben, now living up north, sent a new flat as a wedding gift but otherwise kept quiet. Emma did the decoratingDaisy had bigger worries.

Mum, look at this dress! Its magicalI want it! Daisy serenaded her reflection.

Its called the Fairy Dress.

The bridal shop assistant unboxed the veil for Emma. Shed already twigged whod be making all the decisions.

An omen, Daisy! Remember when you wanted to be a fairy as a child?

Yes! Its all coming true now! My life is going to be a real fairy tale! Everything will happen!

Yes, everything will Emma replied, scrunching lace between her fingers.

Veronica barely saw out the registry office. She took a taxi home, after pecking Daisys cheek.

Not feeling well. Dont want to spoil the day, she murmured.

Outside in the car, Veronica turned to watchDaisy, brandishing a dove, danced beside her new husband. For a moment, she looked so much like that frightened bird, longing to escape those well-meaning hands.

What can I do now, Lord? Veronica thought with a sob. Whats left to do? Grant me strengthIll need it yet.

Daisy and Ed split before their daughters first birthday. Ed ran off with one of Daisys university friendspredictable plot twist. Pregnant, Daisy found them canoodling in an empty classroom. She quietly backed awaybut not without slamming the door so furiously the windows rattled.

Whats wrong? they called after her.

Time to fumigate. Theres vermin she quipped.

Snatching her documents, Daisy called her dad for help.

Running home now, are you? Emma scolded. Why not set him straight?

What for, Mum? Why force it?

Because its yours now. Thats what matters.

Is it, though? Daisy stared, coldly folding baby clothes. Who says thats right? Maybe right is when your choices hit you right back? I always thought life would go how I wanted. Never wondered what its like when someone else wants it differently

What do you mean?

I mean, maybe the woman before me wanted things too. Maybe she hoped her child would have a father. And then, magic me swept in, decided she didnt need any of that. Now someones doing it to me. Thats right, is it?

Now youre being silly, acting like a wounded child.

No, Mum. Ive finally grown up. The little fairy lost her wings somewhere along the way.

Emma kept talking, but Daisy wasnt listening. Life decisions were waiting.

Veronica packed up, brushing away tears and watching the great-granddaughter.

Itll be alright, sunshine. Your mums strong. Well get through.

Emma didnt visit. Veronica left her the keys (Look after the geraniumsoh, never mind, just look after yourself), and off they went.

Years later, a young woman wandered a leafy park, her daughter skipping ahead, then running back to grasp her hand, chattering all the whilea carbon copy, unmistakably her own.

Look what we made at nursery, Mum! The little girl rummaged in her backpack, producing a battered foil-wrapped wand. Oops, its a bit squashed.

Whats this, Pippa?

A magic wand! Like a fairys. Only its crumpled.

So what? Minor detail! Daisy smoothed the foil, flicked the wand. See? Works fine!

How do you know it works? gasped Pippa. What did you wish for?

That wed all be happy! And everyone healthy!

Didnt work, Pippa grumbled. Grans still in hospital.

Oh no, it did. Shes home now!

Really? Pippa bounced with excitement.

Really. Shell be waiting when we get back.

Let me try! Give me the wand! She snatched it, gave it a solemn wave, and muttered something.

What did you wish for?

Not telling!

Thats not fair! Daisy laughed, tucking stray curls behind Pippas hat.

Alright, one wishjust one. I made more, but one Ill say.

Go on, thenwhat?

For us all to be together, always, Pippa whispered.

Daisy knelt in front of her, eyes serious. Pippa you mean Gran?

Pippa nodded silently.

I cant promise that, love. Im not quite a fairyonly a little bit, maybe. Life isnt always up to us. But we can be together as much as were able. And even when were apart, we can think about each other, right?

Pippa nodded, wand brandished high.

In that case, Ill wish again, okay?

Go ahead!

I wish Gran gets better and were together for ages and ages. Is that alright, Mum?

Daisy stood, dusted off her skirt, and gave a solemn nod. Its the perfect wish, darling. Now, lets show Gran your magic wand. I bet shes got a wish tooshes the real fairy round here.

Really?

Of course! The best fairy in the world, if you ask me!They walked hand in hand through the dappled sunlight, Pippa marching ahead with her wand, Daisy following, heart light in spite of all it had carried. Up the path, Veronica sat wrapped in a blanket on the front bench, pink in her cheeks again, watching for them with an eager, nervous smile.

Theres Gran! Pippa shouted, breaking into a run.

Veronica opened her arms, catching her granddaughterand her great-granddaughterin a careful, trembling hug. The puppy, now grey-muzzled but ever loyal, gave a little bark from the doorway. The three generations, pressed close, laughing and nearly crying, didnt care that time had passed or that wishes sometimes fizzled.

For a long moment, no one spoke. Then Pippa held up her wand, as if blessing them all.

Gran, youre the fairy now! You have to make a wish too, she declared.

Veronica smiled through her tears. I wish for exactly thisfor you, and your mum, and all of us, together. For love that forgives and outlasts. For second chances, and maybe even third or fourth ones. For each of you to be a little magic in the world.

Daisy squeezed her hand tight. You already made that wish come true, Gran.

Sunset painted the little flat in gold and rose. Through the open window, the far-off sound of childrens laughter drifted in. Daisy rested her head on Veronicas shoulder, Pippa curled up beside her, wand forgotten now. All three of them sat still, listening to the quiet togetherness, hearts full.

And if, sometimes, the world outside felt too sharp or uncertain, inside this momentthreaded through with forgiveness and hopethe oldest magic worked its miracle. It wasnt the granting of every wish, nor the guarantee of forever. It was simply this: that love, given and given again, would always find a way to make ordinary lives shine, just for a while, with real fairy light.