Annatheia’s Coup d'état (Fairy Intervention)
By James R Brockett
MistyJen and Cindi were just average and just twenty-one. The two had managed to navigate high school as the BFF’s and were now in the spring semester of their third year at Sonoma State, jokingly nicknamed Cotati Tech, in Rohnert Park California. For no reason either of them could fathom they had decided to major in education. As intimates often do they had planed their futures to be together. Practical or not that’s just the way it is. They thought they wanted a safe and secure career path as high school teachers. Job security, health insurance; all that middle of the road stuff.
When I say intimates I don’t mean girl on girl lovers. I mean that they shared their inner most selves to the exclusion of their parents, their siblings and their other ‘friends’. They were best buddies. In high school they had not been in the elite clique nor counted with the shunned shrinking violets. They ran in the middle because their lives had always been in the middle. They didn’t know anything else and nether of them had the daring to explore any other way of being.
They had been raised in the Silicone Valley. They were the children of worker bees, not techies or burger flippers but right down the middle. Security was all they wanted out of life and that was the only legacy they had passed on to their children.
“I want to go dancing to night. I think my heart has stopped beating. I need some stimulation.” MistyJen announced, almost showing some emotion. “How ‘bout we mix up a salad then drive into Santa Rosa this evening and do a little wolf hunting. Who knows, we might get lucky.”
Cindi smiled. “I don’t know. The last time we tried that I got shit faced and you had to drag me home and put me to bed. Damn, what a hang over. Oh ya, I don’t quite remember, did I ralph all over some poor guy?”
“Let’s not go into that. This is a new day and I for one need a change. For some reason I’m feeling a li’l frisky and I need to release some pent up frustrations. Come on Cin, let’s dress up and flash some trash.” MJ chided trying to elicit some enthusiasm from her friend.
“What’s gotten in to you MJ. You’re getting’ a little spooky. I’ll think about it.” was all Cindi said, flatly.
They continued along the predictable paths between the nondescript 60’s institutional white bread buildings of the so so college heading toward their boring box apartment building just off campus.
“It never ceases to amaze me, just look at those beautiful hills with all those oak and eucalyptus trees. We live in heaven. Someone’s doin’ somthin’ right keeping subdivisions out of that magnificence.” MJ mused looking off toward the north east as they walked. The honey that defined this day was effecting her psyche with its sweet perfume.
Dusk was creeping across their world as they climbed the three flights of stairs to their compact little two bedroom apartment. MJ turned her key in the lock and started to push open the front door. She stopped, throwing her free arm across Cyndi’s chest to block her way. “Shush, do you hear that.” MJ said with alarm reaching into her bag for her can of pepper spray. The one her dad had given her when she left for college warning her about the predatory men she was sure to encounter.
Cindy nodded, adrenalin pulsing through her vanes , she already had her tazzer’s safety off and poised for immediate action. As quietly as they could they eased the door open and peeked inside. At first they didn’t see anything and all they could hear were the most beautiful tiniest little signing sounds coming from somewhere in the cluttered college girl room that opened before them.
“Who’s there?” MJ whispered into the room not able to make a very self assured challenge. They listened. Seeing nothing until, Cindi’s searching eyes looked down, and found in the middle of the room a miniature woman skipping and singing and dancing and wearing nothing but her emotions. Her skin was cherry blossom pedals; her ribboned walnut tresses cascading all around her in red and gold flashing ringlets. Her voice, though clear and small, was like a warm breeze on a grassy hill top. Her little chest heaving with joyous exuberance.
“What the hell is that?” Cindy burst out. Scaring the teeny creature so much that it just wasn’t there any more. “I didn’t see that, did you see that MJ?” asked Cindi. Not truly believing what she had just seen. “What the hell is it? That can’t be real…can it?” They stepped into their living room and stared at the floor where ‘it’ had been. There ‘it’ was again only this time there was only defiance.
“I am not an ‘it’ you sorry excuses for females!” ‘It’ exclaimed in a very high powerful yet sultry voice, standing there legs apart, hands on hips, chin aggressively for ward. “You two are smarter than that. You know what I am…just say it…I dare you! Oh, get a life, close your mouths. You look like fish out of water!”
Cindi and MistyJen gapped at each other and then back down at ‘it’.
“Oh come on now. You really aren’t that ignorant are you? Or are you afraid to believe what you see. Come on just say it.” ‘It’ challenged the two stunned girls.
You, you, you…you can’t be a a a fairy, can you? Fairies aren’t real…they’re…made up.” MistyJen stuttered, her mind not focusing, almost unable to get the words out. “How can you be a fairy?”
“Smart girl, what do you mean how I can’t be a fairy? What do I look like, an ogre. What’s a fairy supposed to look like? Now, sit down before you fall down.” It said softening its tone a little. “I can look like anything I want to look like, see.” And just like in the children’s books she was an iridescent dragonfly hovering in front of their eyes. Then she was a blue bird perched on Cindi’s shoulder. Then she was her self again sitting cross legged on the coffee table with an “I told you so” smirk on her face.
The two astonished girls just stood there unable to speak. Tentatively MistyJen put her purse and back pack down and zombied her way to the couch and sat down all glassy eyed and confused. “Who are…why are…how did…” MJ stammered. “You are not supposed to be any more than dragons are supposed to be.”
“Give me a minute and I’ll answer your questions. I feel awkward and I want to change that.” not there. Then there. But now she was five foot seven and ravishing. Eyes as deep as emerald pools, bright perky breasts, slim hips and oh that hair, magnificent is all there is to be said. “What are you gawking at.” And she slammed the front door in the face of the guy next door who was frozen in awe of what his eyes had stumbled on. “Human men, they’re just too damn easy. Show ‘em a little skin and they might as well be your puppy dog.” Flash, ‘it’ was standing there in a simple burgundy tank top, skin tight low ridding denim shorts and a pair of cute glitzy sandals and, oh ya, a to die for jeweled belt. Real jewels no less. Right out of Vogue, only much much better!
“Please Cindi, sit down. You are making me uneasy.” ‘It’ said in a very comforting tone. “My name is Annatheia, Attie to you. And I got here the same way any self respecting fairy would get anywhere, the magic of the forest.”
Cindi sat down with a plop on the couch next to MistyJen; her head still in a fairy fog. “Why are you here? Why are you here with us? This isn’t making any sense. Where you singing when we got here? Aren’t you afraid of us? Why have you let us see you?”
“Why, why, why; ok, here’s the deal. I am here because I was bored. Bored with all that day-to-day fairy stuff. Contemplating the color green, dancin’ ‘round a fairy ring in the moon light, that kind of dribble. Why did I pick you to show my self too, ‘cause I have determined that you two gotta get out into the light. You have been invisible far too long and the three of us are going to cut loose and I’m going to teach you how to have some fun. I’ve been living around campus since the semester began looking for some one who needs a fire lit under ‘em. Oh my god do you two fill the bill. You’re the sorriest excuses for young women, much less college girls, on this campus.”
“Hey, wait a minute fairy girl. That’s not true.” Cindi had been jarred out of her stupor “Me and MJ are doin’ ok. We like things quite and predictable. Just the way they are. Right MJ?”
“Doin’ ok, that’s a good one.” Attie exclaimed. “You two are damn near non existent you silly little girl.”
“That’s enough. You are insulting me. I like the way I am. Go find some one else.” Cindi said straining to control here temper. “Just go away and leave us alone.”
“Cin, wait a minute. We are boring and I been thinkin’ I for one would like to break out and smile at the world a little more just to let it know that I am here.” MJ laid her cards on the table and her hand on Cindi’s hand.
“I thought you were happy.” Cindi was almost whining.
“I am happy Cin…I just want to be a little more happy is all I’m saying.” MJ said feeling a little guilty.
“Didn’t you say you wanted to go dancing, and, how did you put it, flash some trash?” Attie asked MJ. “If you really mean it let’s do it.”
“Ya, I really mean it. Aw, come on Cin, you need some stimulation as much as I do.” MJ prodded.
“I don’t think so. Be sides I don’t have anything I want to wear. My little black dress is dated. I would be embarrassed.” Cindi pouted.
“Bet it’s not.” Attie challenged. “Go get it and let me see.”
When Cindi returned with her little black dress on its hanger MJ could see that something had changed in her friend. There was a raw wanting that hadn’t been there before. “How?” Was all she could say? “It’s…stunning.” She was looking directly at Attie.
“A nip here, a tuck there and Princess Die is ready to rumble.” Attie quipped. “Now get your pretty little ass in there and take a shower. We’re goin’ OUT.”
They could feel their animal tensions building as they readied them selves for the hunt. Be the predatory animal in question more than a mouse but not yet a tigress.
“Let me make a couple small adjustments to your hair and make up Cindi.” Attie said with a coy little smile. Sit here on the bed and hand me that brush. MJ, you’re not intending to wear those panties are you, cotton, with an evening dress, not good. Toss ‘em over here. ”
MJ sheepishly tossed the mousy undies to Attie who caught them in one hand, crumpled them up and shook out the most elegant stylish and sexy black lace panties MJ or Cin had ever seen. They were just enough to kindle a flame but in no way were they vulgar or trashy.
Attie started on Cindi’s hair as MJ reached for a nondescript bra. “Lose it.” Attie said with authority. “Your dress will take very good care of you. I don’t think you know how pert and alluring your girls are. How ‘bout you let ‘em do what they are intended to do, tempt.” With that MistyJen went to her closet to reacquaint her self with her run of the mill red evening frock. “Oh please, Attie, did you do to mine what you did to Cindi’s, please, please, please.” MJ’s mind was running in little electric circles.
Cindi sat dumb struck looking at herself in the mirror as Attie ‘adjusted’ her hair. The coarse black dye job on a short shapeless cut was being reborn. “Not black, fairies don’t use black, black is just too much nothing. Now Ebony, that’s different. It has life’s breath in it. It shimmers and draws you to it.” As Attie caressed the nothingness out of Cindi’s hair the apparition of a satiny starry night took its place. “Now that’s the color it should be.” Attie picked up the brush and began to change the shape of the night sky from unruly to stylishly short and sleek. You know. Like the alien leader in “V”.
Cindy gently squeezed Attie’s hand. “Is that really me? You haven’t put a spell on me so that I think I’m pretty when I’m not?”
“That’s no spell Cindi. That’s really you. I watched her do it. You are like Lautrec with a woman Attie. Will you do that for me?” MJ said praying for a yes. When Cindy stood up her boring cotton panties and shapeless Penney’s bra were gone. They had transformed into something delicious, straight out of Victoria’s Secrete. “Cin, look at you. You are dazzling. Your skin is translucent and you have Cleopatra’s eyes. But it’s all you. There’s no mistake. I want to look as assume as you. Oh Please Attie.”
“Now you’re mine MJ.” Attie said with her eyes. “Come over here and let’s play.”
Cindi watched Attie change MJ from a dry dusty briquette into a dazzling fiery gem as she tried to absorb her own image in the full length mirror. When Attie had finished, MistyJen took one look at her self and began to prance around the room emitting pleasurable little giggles and waving her hands in time to some unheard rhythms. MJ slid her ruby evening dress over her head and let it float over her body. To MJ’s delight it wasn’t the same plain on plain frock she had hung in the closet who knows how long ago. It was diaphanous. About two inches above her knees and the back and the front were cut as low as they could be and still be a lady like. Sexy yes but in no way whorey. All she was showing were teasing little hints of her supple lovely body. She slid over to Attie and gave her a ‘from the bottom of my heart’ thank you hug.
“You are welcome.” Was all Attie said as she turned her attentions on her self. Attie’s choice was green and silver. The green of a forest at sunset and the sparkling silver of a clear cool brook. She kept it simple, not wanting to overshadow her two stunning creations. She was the epitome of subtle glam. From the fabulous silver filigree and emerald hair pin to the simple vines that made up the straps on her sleek jade heels.
“Almost ready. Let me look at you. Humm, almost.” A long strand of facetted jet beads appeared between Cindi’s breasts and matching facetted jet cabs up the outside lip of her patent peep-toe pumps…flawless. And for MistyJen a collar of tiny emerald beads strung in an organic pattern of leaves with ruby berries that she had seen the elves wear. Not to forget the shoes Attie created a crisscross of rubies to finish the sexy red strappy heels. Just what the doctor ordered.
“Let’s do it.” Attie said as she led her changelings out the door.
As Cindi began to unlock her student grade Honda Civic Attie mewed softy. “This will never do. Not for what I have in mind. I’m no fairy godmother but I can handle this.” She looked around for unwanted eyes and swoosh, there was a neat little midnight Mustang in its place. “Not to over the top is it?” She asked knowing full well that they weren’t about to make any kind of a fuss.
As the Terrible Trio, as they would come to be known, rounded the corner up the street from the club every thing ground to a hauntingly silent halt. They were in command and they knew it. The bouncer Charles, a full back from the Santa Rosa Junior College football team, opened the door as those lined up to get in just shrank away with out so much as a by-your-leave and let them enter.
Attie’s magic filled the club. There’s just something about a decked out five foot seven inch fairy that wants to own the room.
Cin and MJ could hear in their heads “remember now, I have unleashed two very desirable sophisticated self assured young women. Ya, I mean you. You are going to be the center of attention tonight. Don’t let it go to your heads and by all means don’t act like sluts. Men are your new playthings. They want you. Not necessarily the other way round. You keep control…always. Ok, let’s go play.”
They took a moment to assess their surroundings. The music was loud and up beat; just right for dancing. The atmosphere smoldered with glitz and glam and seduction. What a rush. MJ and Cin had heard tell of night clubs like this but had never summoned the courage to actually visit one.
“Ladies, if you will follow me I have a table waiting.” Said a well dressed young man who had appeared at Cindi’s shoulder. That brought them back to the here and now. Attie just smiled as the three obediently trailed behind. “May I bring you something to drink.” He asked as he seated each of them in turn.
“Yes, a bottle of Bertoli Sauvignon Blanc would be nice.” Attie answered with a demure little smile. You could almost smell him burning. Just the effect Attie wanted. He disappeared into the undulating throng.
A rather attractive young man leaned over from the next table. “Cindi, MJ, I didn’t recognize you at first. Chris from the kids with special needs class. I’ve not seen you here before.”
“This is our first time. We needed a break from the constant study study study. Our friend Attie came to visit and we thought this might be fun.” Cindi replied.
“Do you go to Sonoma State? I don’t think I’ve seen you around.” Chris asked Attie.
“I go to USF, Mythology and Folklore studies.” That got a secrete giggle from the other two. “Who’s your friend, the one that can’t take his eyes off MJ?”
“Oh, that’s Jason. He’s my roommate. From the color in his face I think MJ has dazzled him. Never seen him look like that before. Jason, hey Jason, close your mouth you’re drooling man you’re embarrassing yourself.” Chris chided his friend good naturedly.
Attie turned from Chris and motioned to MJ and Cindi that they ‘go get loose’. Attie didn’t let Chris dangle there for long. She gave him a quick little ‘later’ smile as they joined the fiesta on the dance floor.
Now Chris, being quick on his feet some said, gave them a polite pause to let them internalize the fire and passion of the music, then, confidently picked up the rhythmus with all three.
“I like this guy.” Was Attie’s mental message. “But not tonight. He is not our prize.”
They danced and frolicked and unmercifully teased until they began to glow and then one by one they returned to their table. The wine was there in a properly iced urn with its cork suitably repositioned so as to be easily removed for pouring. There he was again. The greeter at the door, expertly and with panache transferring the wine from bottle to wine glass.
“Thank you.” Attie purred.
“You have to try this.” Attie said to MJ and Cin with a knowing little glance. “Some of my relatives are the eternal care takers of these vineyards. They are very proud of this vintage.”
“Oh my yes. I don’t know anything about wine but this is wonderful.” Exclaimed MJ as she took another delicate little sip.
“Easy girl...you are going to need all your wits in a moment. Take it slow.” Attie caushioned.
“So you like the wine.” The stunning woman of about thirty who had just walked up behind Attie ventured raising a well curved critical eyebrow. “May I sit down?”
“As you please,” answered Attie indicating the chair between MJ and Cindi.
“That’s my families wine. I’m Genevieve Bertolli. I handle PR and marketing for the family.” She turned slightly and motioned to an interesting artsy looking guy a little way away. “His name is Steve. He is our photog. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.” Attie said business woman to business woman. “Now it begins. Follow my lead”
The question ‘now it begins’ was written all over their faces. “Patience, patience little ones, you’ll see.” Came Attie’s reassurance.
Steve made his way through the elbow to elbow frenzy and took the only vacant chair. You could tell his arrival pissed off Chris. “They’re mine damn it, I saw them first.”
Attie gave Chris a knowing little smile that said ‘this is business, latter, OK’.
Genevieve carried her self with a confident air yet she still presented with grace and elegance. “Let me get straight to the point. Steve and I have been watching you and we feel you have a look we have been seeking. It’s hard to put into words but ‘organic sophistication’ describes it best, yet with out being ‘granola’.” She paused to let that sink in. “I have a proposition for you. Have either of you had any modeling experience? Doesn’t matter, you two are what I want so here’s the deal. Tomorrow morning we are shooting for this seasons advertising campaign, stills and digital video. The shoot will take two to three days and will be conducted at our winery just north of St. Helena…I want to make you two (indicating Cin and MJ) the face of our thrust toward the top half of the twenty-one to thirty-five demographic. Are you following me so far?”
Cindi and MistyJen were quivering inside with excitement and at the same time fearful of something this exotic happening to them.
“Don’t be afraid. I know what I am doing. If this is something you want to follow through with just think ‘yes’ and we will move on. If you do this it is going to change your lives for ever. For the better as far as I’m concerned.” Attie planted the thought in their minds.
Attie could see the twinkling in their eyes as they contemplated the question.
“YES, YES, YES.” was the answer.
“No need to shout, I’m not deaf. Then, very calmly tell the lady so.”
“Thank you. I think this will be fun” Cindi said in a firm and worldly voice. Are you in MJ?”
“I’m with you Cin.” MJ replied.
“Very nicely done. You are quick studies.” Attie smiled.
Attie had been looking deep into both of them. Now she moved her attentions to Genevieve.
Before Cin or MJ could open their mouths. “My name is Annatheia Fae. I am agent/manager and council for Cindi and MistyJen. Now the ball is in our court. Tomorrow morning you say. That’s very short notice.”
“I know but it is already in the works and now that karma has put you in my path I want to take immediate advantage of our good fortune. I will arrange for our company plane to pick you up at six am.” Genevieve said. “Where would you like to rendezvous?”
“Rohnert Park Air Field, It’s behind the golf course.” Attie replied.
“Good, than it’s a deal. You and I can negotiate the contract while Steve and the models are shooting. We will provide accommodations, wardrobe and hair and make up.” Genevieve said as she and Steve rose to leave.
“Just on little thing” Attie put in. “I will handle the fitting and hair and makeup.” Attie said leaving no room for discussion.
Genevieve studied her for a moment. “Good.” Was all she said. There was no argument.
When they were gone Chris leaned over and asked MJ to dance. “Chris, I would love to. Some important business has come up. Next time, promise.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” He turned and rejoined the conservation with his table.
MJ and Cin could hardly contain themselves as Attie filled them in on the ins and outs of their new adventure. A few minutes after Attie saw Genevieve and Steve leave they to left the club.
When they were back at the apartment and the first flush of exhilaration had worn off MJ began to show a little doubt. “Can we do this? I know it’s thrilling but I’m getting scared. I’ve never done anything like this before.”
Attie came over to her and gave her a big hug. “I know you have fears but you have to overcome them little one. Your life is changing and believe me you’re going to love it.” Cindy joined and the one hug became an emotional group hug.
The shoot at the winery went without a hitch. It was an unbelieveable dream for Cindi and MistyJen. Elegant guest rooms over looking the picturesque vineyards on rolling hills surrounded by magnificent ancient oaks. Wonderful, stimulating company and, oh, the food. They were given their shot wardrobes as is customary for high end photo sessions when the all is concluded and to top it off a three year contract with Bertoli to be their icons at $250,000 a year…each. They could also work for any one else, except those in the libation industry of course.
“This exposure is fantastic. I don’t even have to shop you around. Every one in the Bay Area knows who you are and soon it will be the world.” Attie observed one afternoon over cocktails by the pool. “Are you having fun yet?”
“Oh Attie, to try to find a way to thank you seems so impossible. I just don’t have words to tell you how I feel.” MJ said, truly, from her heart.
“You need say nothing. I can feel your love.”
Attie remained a member of The Terrible Trio for two more years. She said goodbye when a letter from Channel, Paris arrived…the transformation was complete.
Oh ya…
The End…or is it just the beginning…?
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