Magic in Time: Fairy Tale Stories

By Jennifer N. Burns

Teenage twins Scott and Raylynn hope to make it through their senior year without any mishaps. Already they have plans to go to college and make a bright future for themselves. But on the eve of their graduation, fate takes them on an unexpected journey.

On their eighteenth birthday, the siblings are thrown into a time and place that is eerily familiar. Their mother, who passed away three years ago, used to tell them fascinating fairy tales before bedtime, and now they have been catapulted to a world just like she described. Only here, they are not ordinary teenagers, but a prince and a princess in the kingdom of Willowbare.

Scott is intended to take inherit the throne, but the existing ruler, King Raytheon, and his evil wizard appear ready to take any steps necessaryincluding murderto make sure that wont happen. While trying to figure out their new roles and stay one step ahead of the wizard, memories from the pastfrom when they really were the prince and princess of Willowbarebegin to emerge. Now they must decide whether to stay or return to their former lives.

But one question haunts them both: Is their future really in their past?

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Aug 21, 2012
• ISBN: 9781475939668

Jennifer N. Burns

Jennifer N. Burns is a wife and mother of six. She loves books, theater, and using her imagination. She currently lives in Utah.

Book preview

Copyright © 2012 by Jennifer N. Burns

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

iUniverse books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

iUniverse

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.iuniverse.com

1-800-Authors (1-800-288-4677)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4759-3964-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-3965-1 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-3966-8 (e)

iUniverse rev. date: 8/9/2012

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 1

S cott, let’s go! Dad wants us to pick up the groceries before we go get him, and you know how he is when we’re late. Come on! Raylynn yelled from the porch into the house at her twin brother. Ever since their mother died, Raylynn had been given all the jobs her mother used to do. The twins had always been close, but they grew even closer with the loss of their mother.

I’m coming. Don’t get your panties in a twist, Scott answered as he ran out the door.

Oh, shut up. Don’t give me that, Raylynn said as they headed to the car.

Or what? Are you going to spank me and take away my birthday? Scott only got a glare in response from his sister. I’m driving!

Not after that display of childishness. Raylynn was the younger of the two, but she was the more responsible. She’d had to grow up fast.

Oh, come on, Lynni! On the way back? Scott looked hopeful. He pouted his lips and looked at her with his brown eyes.

Maybe, she finally gave in a little. They got into the car with Raylynn in the driver’s seat and Scott in the passenger seat. Or maybe I’ll just stay where I am because you have now made us late, and Dad is going to be pissed. Scott hit his sister in the shoulder playfully. Hey now! Play nice.

That was nice.

Behave or I’ll tell Dad, Raylynn teased. They both knew that talking to their dad about anything was not going to happen.

Oh, the old man’s gonna kick my—

Raylynn covered his mouth with her hand to stop him. Don’t you even dare say it, Scott. If you even think of saying it, then I’ll most certainly not let you drive home. I won’t even consider it.

Okay, okay. Calm down. Keep your panties on. I won’t say it.

They reached the grocery store, and Scott got out to grab the groceries their father had called and ordered. You sure do know how to break a guy of his good habits.

Good habits? Raylynn squealed. Swearing is not a good habit. Go get the groceries. Dad already paid for them. And hurry. I don’t want any more of your crap. I have to clean up Dad’s enough as it is. I don’t need to clean up yours as well.

I forgot you had to take over Mom’s job. Sorry. I’ll watch what I say.

Yeah right. Raylynn laughed. Hurry up, will you? Dad is going to be mad. Scott went inside, grabbed the groceries, and climbed back into the car. He set the bags on his lap.

They pulled up to the repair shop where their father worked and saw him on the curb. His face was red, and he was pacing. Raylynn held her breath, and Scott rolled his eyes. Where have you two been? You’re five minutes late! When I tell you a time, I expect you to be here at that time, he snapped. His fists clinched until the knuckles were white.

Sorry, Dad. I couldn’t remember where I put my keys. It won’t happen again. I promise to be more responsible, Raylynn lied to cover her brother’s tardiness.

It had better not, the old man growled as he climbed into the backseat. Now drive fast. Raylynn nodded and turned the car around. I can’t believe you two are so late. I thought I taught you better. Did you get the groceries at least?

Yes, sir. Raylynn glanced at her brother, who just rolled his eyes and looked out the window. They listened to their father mumbling and grumbling under his breath in the backseat like he always did. He seemed to constantly be angry and upset ever since their mother’s death. Nothing they ever did was the way he wanted it. After almost three years, they had grown accustom to his moods, his mumbling, and their not being good enough. They had only three months before they were eighteen and graduated from high school. Then they would be off to college and wouldn’t have to worry about not being good enough.

Here we are, Raylynn said as cheerfully as she could when she parked the car in the driveway.

Bring those groceries in, Scott. And then help your sister make dinner.

Yes, sir, Scott replied. The twins got out of the car and watched their father walk up the stairs and into the house without them. I’m worried about him, Lynni. I don’t think he’ll make it if we leave.

I know what you mean. But I don’t know that I can handle living with him much longer. Don’t get me wrong; I love the man. But ever since Mom died, he’s become a total stranger. I can’t stand him. Scott saw a glimpse of his sister’s pain for the first time after the death of their mother. Come on. She quickly covered it up and buried it again. We have to make dinner before he gets even testier. She gathered up two of the grocery bags and headed inside. Scott stood back a moment and stared at his sister.

She is so beautiful, he said to himself. I forget that sometimes. He brushed his hands through the waves of his hair and let out a sigh. Maybe it’s because she acts so much like a boy most of the time. He gathered up the rest of the groceries and followed his family inside.

What are we making for dinner tonight, sis?

I’m thinking we’ll go simple and have mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls, cooked carrots, peas, and some baked chicken.

That’s simple? Doesn’t that take at least an hour or more? Scott had a bit of panic on his face.

I was kidding. Ray smiled at her brother to calm him down. How about mac and cheese with fried chicken? Is that simple enough for you?

Were you thinking box or homemade?

Homemade. It’s the only kind Dad will eat. She pulled her hair back into a ponytail to ready herself for the work.

I’ll do the chicken then.

How did I know you were going to say that?

You’re my sister. It’s like your twenty-eighth sense. Raylynn smiled and rolled her eyes. Scott wrinkled his nose at her and then winked. I love you, Lynni.

I know. How can you not? The two exchanged looks but kept quiet while making dinner. They were almost finished when their father entered the kitchen. The air thickened, and movements became more precise.

There are two of you making dinner, and it’s still taking forever. Why do I even have you around? he growled. Raylynn pursed her lips to keep from saying anything. Scott raised his right eyebrow.

"Because, Dad, you can’t afford to hire a real maid, cook, and chauffeur." Their father stared at them for a minute before he smiled.

You’re right. I guess I am little hard on you. I suppose it’s not easy taking over your mother’s job. Will you forgive me?

Always, Daddy. The underlying tone in Raylynn’s voice was covered by a sickly sweetness. You’re under a lot of stress. I understand. Raylynn smiled at her father. Dinner will be ready in five minutes. I just need to set the table. She quickly slipped into the dining room with the plates. Her stomach twisted, and her heartbeat had picked up.

Will you talk to her? I can’t seem to get through to her. Ever since your mother died she’s been so distant from me, their father asked Scott once they were alone in the kitchen.

Scott raised his eyebrows a little. I’ll see what I can do. Why don’t you go sit at the table and wait? Their father shrugged his shoulders and went into the dining room where Raylynn was setting silverware on the table. Scott shook his head and closed his eyes a moment before entering the dining room with the mac and cheese and chicken. Raylynn placed a hot pad on the table, and her brother put the pot of pasta on it.

Will you get me a scoop, Scott? Raylynn asked. She then took the serving fork and placed chicken on each plate. Thank you. She took the spoon from her brother and dished out the mac and cheese for the three of them. Then she sat down and waited for their father to tell them it was okay to start eating. He nodded, giving the cue to eat.

The silence had become so much a part of their everyday routine that it made dinner taste bland. Mrs. Richmond had loved conversation. She would talk and laugh for hours, making dinner last almost all night. It made Raylynn sad to think about it.

As soon as everyone was finished, Raylynn took their plates into the kitchen and began to wash them. Scott took the chicken plate and the pot of mac and cheese into the kitchen after her. Thanks, she said as her brother took the now clean plates and began to dry them. What did he say to you when I left the room? Scott said nothing. He just went back into the dining room for the glasses. Okay, she said to herself as she continued to work.

If you take these to her, you just might be able to get through to her. Maybe she’ll open up a little to you, Scott said to his father, who was getting up from the table. His father just stared at him for a moment before he gave a short nod and took the glasses.

Okay. Here goes. Their father sighed as he went into the kitchen, feeling awkward.

Do you plan on telling me what he said? Raylynn didn’t look up or turn when she heard the kitchen door open. She just kept putting the mac and cheese into a smaller container. I know you two said something about me. So what was it? I was very cold to him.

Why was that? her father asked quietly.

Raylynn gave a scoff and then a tired sigh. I guess I feel uncomfortable around him. You know how it is. Mom and I could talk about anything and everything. We’d talk for hours. I don’t feel like I have any sort of connection with him anymore. All he does is yell and scream at us, and he seems so distant and mean now. I guess I’m just whining. But you know how he is.

No, I didn’t know. Raylynn turned sharply when she realized it was her father in the room with her, not her brother. Her mouth dropped open, and she couldn’t breathe. The mac and cheese bowl slid from her hands to the counter. I am so sorry, baby. I wish you would have told me sooner. I didn’t mean to.

I know, Daddy. You’re just under stress and having to pay all the bills, and all that work is hard on you. She tried to cover quickly but knew it was too late. I’m just trying to do my best to keep things the way Mom always had them.

My being stressed does not excuse my attitude and actions. Baby, I just miss her so much.

Raylynn shook her head. She couldn’t take it anymore. Scott and I miss her too. But we go to each other when we need to talk or cry. You pulled away from us completely. That’s why it’s so hard to live with you now. You’re not the same man we grew up with. The man who lives with us now is a total stranger. Have you even noticed dinners now? We don’t talk at all. We wait for you to tell us that it’s okay to eat. Daddy, I miss you. Not only did I lose my mother, but I lost you as well. Tears threatened to fall, and she turned away from him. This was Scott’s cue to enter the kitchen.

Is it really true, Scott? their father asked. Scott nodded with a little shrug. Oh. I didn’t know.

You haven’t really been our dad for two years now. We’ve been like servants that you boss around, and we never seem to please you.

I’m sorry. I didn’t know. Why didn’t you tell me? Raylynn rolled her eyes and took the glasses from him. Scott sighed and folded his arms across his chest. I wouldn’t let you. Okay, I get it now. Is there any way that I can make it up to you? Raylynn closed her eyes, held her breath, and held back her tears. Her father let out a sigh and went over to wrap his arm around her shoulders. I love you, baby. Raylynn pushed him off. Scott stood back and watch with an uneasy feeling. He didn’t know if he should save his sister or let her fight it out. She set the glass down into the sink and walked away. I’ll finish the dishes. You two to play or something; that’s fine with me. He acted as if he were doing her a huge favor. Raylynn stared at her father from where she stood in the doorway. Her eyes were narrowed and sad. Scott took her hand and led her out of the kitchen and upstairs to his room without a word being said.

Once they were in his room, Scott said, I think if we had told him sooner, it wouldn’t be so awkward. Give it some time. I’m sure things will go back to normal again.

They will never be back to normal, Scott, Raylynn said in a soft voice as she sat down on his bed. Her brown hair fell into her eyes a little. He may not be a stranger now, but he’s not the same man he was when Mom was alive. He never will be. Tears once again came to her eyes. This is too much for me. I’m going to do homework. She stood up and headed for the door when Scott grabbed her arm and pulled her into him. She hugged him tight, wrapping her arms around his neck. He was almost a head taller than her and was all muscle. Raylynn always knew her brother could protect her if she needed him to because he made sure he was strong enough to. She always felt safe in his arms.

Just take it one day at a time, Lynni. Things will work out in the end. I promise you that. Besides, you only have two more months, and I’m sure he’ll be back on his feet by then. And now that he knows …

I hope you’re right, Scott. She pulled away. I really hope you’re right. She walked out of his room, closing the door behind her. She saw her father at the foot of the stairs. Their eyes met. She quickly turned away and slipped into her bedroom, closed the door behind her, and locked it. I hope to the stars that you’re right, Scott, she said to the empty room before taking out her schoolbooks to do homework.

star.jpg

I know this isn’t going to be easy. I know it’s going to take a lot of time. I just hate the way she looks at me.

Dad, she’s been looking at you that way for two years. You’ve thrown us to the wolves and haven’t even noticed. Sometimes I feel like we could leave, and you wouldn’t even notice until it was time to eat or for us pick you up from work or do your laundry. We’re more than just your slaves. We’re human beings too. You seem to have forgotten that.

I have had only one thing on my mind lately.

Lately? Scott blew up. He couldn’t stand there and pretend it didn’t hurt him. Dad, it’s been two whole years! Where the hell have you been for two whole years? Raylynn and I are almost eighteen. We’re almost adults. You’ve missed everything. Our prom, making basketball teams, football teams, soccer, tennis, and track. You don’t even know that our graduation is coming up. No idea when or if we date or have sex. You don’t know anything about us. Life goes on, Dad!

I know that. Why do you think I kept working? Mr. Richmond snapped back at his son.

To forget, Scott said in a softer tone that was still filled with much anger.

Well, yes. I wanted to forget the pain; they say the best way is to go on with life. I did that.

No. That’s not what you did. What you did was go on with keeping busy and keeping your mind off of life. If you went on with life, why were you not there when Ray and I turned sixteen or seventeen? Where were you when Ray’s boyfriend cheated on her? Where were you when I got my first kiss? Where were you when we both went out and got super drunk? Where were you? Where were you, Dad? Scott calmed himself down. You weren’t living. You were forgetting and dwelling in the past—a past that Ray and I could never be a part of. You completely forgot about us. The past you live in is way before Ray and me. Dad, I’m done. I wash my hands of this. You don’t seem to understand what you’ve done. Scott walked away from his father and went outside. The screen door slammed gently behind him.

Raylynn stood in the doorway of her bedroom listening. She had tears in her eyes and pain so strong in her heart that she could hardly breathe. She closed her eyes and pulled herself back together. Her father slipped into his study like he always had since their mother’s death. Once the door was closed, Raylynn went downstairs and outside to her brother.

It would have been better if we would have left it alone and never said anything to him. Scott was sitting on the porch swing. "I regret sending him to you. I regret trying to fix things. I’m