Page 227 of Naughty Nelle

CHAPTER 19

“Good morning, birdies,” I chirp as they pull down my covers. “I’m going home today!”

I don’t need caffeine to get me out of bed. I’m pumped up enough.

“Lalalala,” I sing on top of my lungs. It’s my last day at Faraway.

“Shut up!” grumbles my new roommate Gothel. Her head is buried under her pillow. I don’t blame her. My singing is painful.

“Why are you so friggin’ cheerful?” she asks, finally getting out of bed.

It’s time to tell her. “It’s my last day here. I’m going back to Lalaland this morning.”

“Go to hell.” She swats at the birds. “And take these freaks with beaks with you.”

I know just how she feels. Trapped and hopeless. “Don’t worry,” I say. “You’ll get out of here one day too.”

Breakfast. After today, no more berry picking. And no more sunshine. Tomorrow, when I wake up, I’m going to have real meal. A big cup of steaming black coffee served to me in bed. My bed in my castle. And then, my magic mirror and I are going to have a little chat about the future.

Hook swaggers up to me. Now, what does he want?

“Jane, I want to apologize for my behavior and wish you good luck back in Lalaland.”

Wow. He actually has a conscience. Maybe the swine really is on the road to recovery.

He brushes up against me. “So, do you think you can introduce me to your new roommate? She’s a real babe!”

Some things just never change.

My last morning meditation with Fanta, Flossie, and Fairweather. With my eyes closed, I chant my final OM. When I open them, I decide I’m going to make meditation a part of my new life. It releases stress and empowers me. I’m going to send peace and healing into the world and make those three Badass Fairies proud of me.

I bound up the spiral stairs to Shrink’s office, taking two steps at a time and counting each one. I think back to the first time I made the climb and was panting every step of the way. Now, it’s effortless. I reach Shrink’s office in no time—333 steps in all.

I lie down in the chaise in the same position I’ve assumed every day at this time for the last three weeks (except for the time I was ill). Instead of relaxing, my heartbeat accelerates from excitement and anticipation.

As usual, Shrink’s late. How rude of her! The least she could have done is get here on time knowing how eager I am to go home.

At last, she makes her grand entrance, flying into the room at lightning speed. Fairy dust surrounds me.

“Jane, since it’s our last session together, I’ve brought you a little going away present.”

A present for me?

She hands me a small blue box that’s wrapped with a messy white bow.

“Sorry about the wrapping. I’m not good at those kinds of things.”

“It’s okay.” I’m touched by the gesture. Besides, I’m not a bow person anyway.

I carefully unwrap the package. Inside is a shiny gold locket on a chain. It’s beautiful.

“I’d like you to stand up and open the locket,” Shrink says.

I rise and almost collapse back onto the chaise. Inside the gold case is a mirror, about the size of the magnifying glass Shrink used in our first session.

“Jane, take a look at yourself.”

I’m trembling all over. The locket shakes in my hand. It’s been over seven years since I’ve seen myself in a mirror.

---