Page 14 of Scarred Temptation

The school was well known for catering to the children of the rich and famous.

I moved through a group of them, heading away from the crowd and toward the fountain. The stunning work of art was close to the back gate and the street running perpendicular to the school, but as secluded as the buildings themselves with dozens of bushes and trees covering the ornate, gothic iron fencing.

Even from where I stood in the thick foliage, I could clearly hear the kids’ chatter and laughter. For a little while, I was transported back to almost the same situation as a child. Private schools had been the only choice acceptable. Only it had been rare that I went home after school, required to stay in the boarding facilities for almost nine months of the year.

Maybe in coming here, although less frequently given my heavy workload, I’d been trying to create a cathartic moment.

Of forgetting.

Or at least of forgiveness.

Sadly, the memories would prevent me from completely blocking the pain.

Still, I’d survived and the ordeal had made me the strong woman I was today. I studied the fountain as I’d done a hundred times before, wondering about the artist and the inspiration used to bring a simple creature to life. As I walked around the circumference, coins tossed into the water caught my attention.

Every small token represented a dream or a wish like the ones I’d made a few times as well. As I stood watching the water cascading from the mermaid’s mouth to the ripples of water below, time passed. Seconds turned into minutes, the noise from the school diminishing until there was a sweet silence with only the breeze creating ambience.

I pulled my fanny pack around my hips, unzipping while never taking my eyes from the water. A sly smile twitched at the corners of my mouth after digging and finding a few coins, a rarity these days. I’d had the fanny pack for years, which was best part of finding such a treasure. I held the nickel into the light, twirling it in my fingers while thinking of a wish.

My toss was much more dramatic than necessary but also freeing at the same time. Even the slight plop meant way too much.

“What did you wish for?”

The small voice was still startling, soft and almost embarrassed. A child’s voice. I turned my head and the little girl standing only inches away was staring into the water without blinking. Her long brown hair was secured in a single braid, haphazardly done as if time had been a concern.

In her uniform, she could be like any of the other children I’d seen, except she appeared forlorn, almost as if she was all alone in the world.

“Did you know that if someone shares what they wished for, the fairies who grant wishes aren’t happy?”

The look of concern on her face deepened, her dark brows furrowing before she peered up at me. Her eyes were mesmerizing, not only because of the unusual cerulean blue color, but also because they offered a challenging glimpse into her soul.

She was much older in spirit than she appeared, truly concentrating on what I’d told her. Debating the odds, the mere suggestion that likely went against everything she’d been told. “I understand. I hope your wish comes true.”

In truth, so did I, although I wasn’t at the point of admitting what I’d wished for to anyone, including myself.

“Would you like to make a wish?” For a brief moment, the heaviness of her world disappeared, the simple gesture allowing a bright smile.

“Really?”

I dug into my pack once again, discovering a quarter. As I held it into the sunlight, I knelt to her eye level, studying the profound sadness in her eyes. There was a heartbreaking vulnerability in the way her lower lip trembled, and I found myself frantically searching her face for the source of her pain, wishing I could absorb it all and shield her from whatever had stolen her smile.

“Absolutely. Wishes and dreams are very important. Without them, our world would be filled with shades of gray instead of all the beautiful colors of the rainbow.”

This time, she accepted my reality even though she hesitated before taking the coin from me.

“Now, don’t forget to make a wish and keep it in your mind until the coin lands in the fountain. Can you do that?”

Her nod was insistent, determined. As she flipped the coin, she sucked in her breath in the delightful way children did when they were excited. Through her eyes, I watched an excitement I hadn’t experienced in a long time. One pure and devoid of everyday complications.

I was gifted with a sweet giggle when the coin made a sound as it hit the water. She covered her mouth with her small hand. Perhaps she’d been taught to hide her expressions of joy. In my mind, an utter sin.

“Perfect,” I told her while turning my head and scanning the area. I would think whoever was responsible for picking her up would be waiting, indulging her in a few minutes by the fountain. But there was no one. I didn’t even see any teachers lingering outside or security guards either.

She turned her head toward me, the sadness returning while searching for affirmation. “Thank you. I’m Mina.” Offering her name felt like I’d won a test of her trust.

“You’re very welcome, Mina. I’m Isabel, but you can call me Izzy.”

After repeating my name by enunciating the syllables, her smile was brighter. “Izzy. That’s a cool name.”