The Changeling Princess (11 page)

“
Okay, but only because you’re such a hard worker.”

“
Then I’m going to work even harder the next time.

Wade was true to his word. His skills with a sword improved with every practice session. He would eventually become a formidable opponent who couldn
’t be taken lightly. I was really proud of him.

I also adopted Wade
’s idea and added a thin force field to the open field. It worked perfectly. It protected the ground and it was easy to clean up afterwards. All I had to do was roll up the force field like a carpet.

CHAPTER 19

Christmas was just around the corner, my favorite time of the year. The shopping malls were filled with Christmas music and everyone was scurrying around with smiles on their faces. Whenever I hear the familiar ring of the Salvation Army’s bell, I always make it a point to drop something into the kettle.

I stopped at Wade
’s house on the day before Christmas to drop off some presents. When Wade answered the door, I shouted “Merry Christmas!”

Wade invited me inside and we exchanged gifts. When I was getting ready to leave, Wade said that he had a very special gift for the entire city of Charlotte.

We walked out onto the front porch and Wade looked up at the sky. I felt a sudden chill and then I spotted the first snowflake floating down to the ground. Within a matter of minutes, the sky was filled with snowflakes and the ground was turning white. The city of Charlotte was going to have snow for Christmas.

I wrapped my arms around Wade and hugged him.
“Wade, you have a beautiful soul.” I knew I would never forget that wonderful moment as long as I lived.

*
* *

Christmas morning was special this year because I had bought the
kitties some unusual presents.
This is for me,
said Missy as she eyed the gift-wrapped box. I opened the box to reveal a red cape with the words “Super Cat” embroidered in blue letters. Missy remained motionless as I fastened the cape around her neck.

Look at me, Izzy, I
’m Super Cat, defender of the clawless.

I opened Izzy
’s box to reveal an identical cape with the words “Super Cat’s Assistant” embroidered on it
. Look at me Missy! I’m your assistant. I can’t wait to fly.

“
No time like the present,” I said as I lifted the kitties up in the air. It was quite a sight because their caps were flapping in the wind as they circled around the bedroom.
Don’t show those varmints any mercy when you catch up with them!
yelled Missy.

Don
’t give it a second thought
, Izzy yelled back
. I’ll make them sidewinders wish they’d never set foot into Super Cat Junction.

I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. This was going to be a very special Christmas.

* * *

I turned seventeen in January of 1961. I was only a year older, but I felt more like an adult than a teenager. I
’d inherited a huge responsibility that had made me mature beyond my years.

Outside of morphing, I still hadn
’t told my parent about the powers I’d inherited. Sometimes I’d unload my thoughts to Pauline, but I hadn’t told her the entire story because I’d never mentioned Wade to her.

Not a day passed that I wasn
’t thinking about different ways to use my powers. One idea I’d come up with was creating my own superhero. It would still be me, but I wanted to alter my appearance. I also wanted an impressive costume to go with my new look. I’d even decided on a name for my new superhero —The Changeling Princess.

I started out with a body that was similar to the Egyptian Princess at Anna
’s pool party. That made me six feet tall and very shapely. I used my own face, but I wanted to look elegant. To do that, I lengthened my neck a tad, thinned my face, and raised my cheekbones. I decided to keep my auburn hair, but I wanted the length to be all the way down to my waist. For a final touch, I added curls.

When I was satisfied with my new look, I went to work on something to wear. A Roman toga was my first choice because I wanted a classic look. I kept the toga short, about four inches above my knees for easy movement. When I was finished, the toga was perfect because it added the touch of class I wanted.

The last thing I added was a pair of Roman sandals with laces. I stood back and looked at myself in the mirror. My face was still recognizable, but I was more statuesque. The Changeling Princess was awesome.

It suddenly dawned on me that the Changeling Princess was seven inches taller than Janis French. If my powers increased proportionately with my height, that made the Changeling Princess ten percent stronger
—a definite plus.

I locked the details firmly in my mind and morphed back to Janis French. I needed to do a test, so I took a deep breath and then morphed again. To my delight, I found myself staring at the Changeling Princess I had created. I couldn
’t wait to show her to Wade.

*
* *

“
I hope I didn’t bother you,” I said when Wade answered the phone.

“
No, I was just practicing my drums. I’ve been slacking off a lot lately.”

“
How do you practice without driving your aunt up the wall?”

“
I use a practice pad. It’s a wooden block with a pad of rubber secured across the top. It’s got a great bounce and it’s really quiet compared to an actual drum.”

“
I’d like to have the patent on that invention. Did you have a nice Christmas?”

“
I always enjoy Christmas. It seems to be the only time of the year when people make an effort to get along with each other.”

“
I can’t argue with that. It’s too bad we don’t have the power to make it Christmas the year around.”

“
I’d go for that. The world would be a much better place.”

“
The reason I called is I was wondering if you want to take a trip to the mountains tomorrow morning.”

“
You’ve got to be kidding. It’s probably knee-deep in snow up there.”

“
It won’t be after I’m through with it,” I said seriously.

“
Somehow I get the feeling you’re not kidding.”

“
I’m deadly serious.”

I sensed that Wade was having trouble making up his mind.
“Okay, Janis, what time do you want leave?”

“
Let’s go early, about seven o’clock.”

“
I want you to know that I’m only doing this because I’m dying to see how this works out. I’ll see you at seven.”

*
* *

Wade wasn
’t smiling when he got into the car the next morning. “We’re really going to the mountains? This isn’t a surprise birthday party or anything like that?”

“
It’s not your birthday.”

“
So what? 1t’s always fun to eat cake and ice cream and open presents.”

I glanced at Wade and snickered.
“You’re a little bit sillier today than usual.”

*
* *

The drive through the mountains got slippery at times. Wade and I both used our power of telekinesis to keep the car on the road. After we parked, we donned our backpacks and I took hold of Wade
’s hand. We morphed into Mists and arrived at the clearing quickly.

Wade studied the area.
“The snow’s not that deep here, Janis, but we’re going to freeze our butts off.”

I raised my arms into the air to resemble Moses parting the Red Sea.
“Oh ye of little faith watch and behold.”

I concentrated on forming a force field dome to cover the entire clearing. I made it about fifty feet tall so we would have plenty of room to set up our targets.
“Okay, Wade, concentrate your energy beam like a flashlight and sweep the entire area of the dome. Use full power.”

I joined Wade and watched the surface of the dome turn red in color. The heat from our energy beams was heating the dome and the temperature rose quickly. Wade looked pleased.

“This is really something, Janis. I never would have thought of it.”

“
Thanks, but now I want to show you a new project I’ve been working on. Take a deep breath and tell me when you’re ready.”

Wade took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.
“I’m ready when you are.”

“
Wade, I’d like you to meet your new partner . . . the Changeling Princess.”

I morphed into the Changeling Princess and watched the expression on Wade
’s face. My instincts told me he was pleased. “So how do you like the new me?”

Wade was speechless at first. The warmth in his voice told me he was more than pleased.

“What’s not to like? You’re beautiful! You’ve got the body of a goddess and I love the fact that you kept your auburn hair. I like your toga too. Excuse me, but do I still call you Janis?”

“
Yes, because that’s the Changeling Princess’s real name. Anything else you want to know?”

Wade tried to keep a straight face.
“Do you do piggyback rides?”

I shook my head and tried not to laugh.
“You never fail to amuse me, Wade. Are you ready to get to work?”

Wade turned serious.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”

I removed the swords and shields from the tree top. We practiced for an hour and then I erected several force field targets and positioned them around the clearing.

We started out with shooting energy beams at the stationary targets. It was obvious that our skills were improving with each practice session. Wade like to show off by alternating between both eyes. He liked to imagine himself as an old-fashioned gunslinger with two guns.

I didn
’t have any poker chips, so I fashioned similar looking chips with compressed air. These chips were better anyway because they didn’t shatter when they were struck. We’d come a long way since our first practice session. We’d reached a point where we could toss five chips into the air and hit all five of them before they hit the ground.

I was really proud of Wade. He clowned around a lot, but he was deadly serious when it came time to go to work. It was easy for me to understand why Wade had been chosen to be my partner. He had a fierce determination and I knew he would never back down from a fight.

“Let’s test your tornado power,” I said.

Wade nodded his head and focused. I was surprised because we had a raging tornado in a matter of seconds. I motioned for Wade to remove the tornado. The height of the dome was much too low and the tornado was spreading rapidly.

“We need a bigger area for you to practice in, Wade. Your powers are still increasing and that’s a good thing.” We cleaned up the area and morphed into Mists for the trip to the car.

Wade had adjusted to flying, so I made a suggestion.
“If we morphed into Mists and flew full speed, I bet we could fly from Charlotte to the clearing in less than half an hour.”

“
That makes sense. We could save a lot of time.”

“
I’m glad you agree. What’s the sense of having special skills if we aren’t going to use them?”

The first time we traveled as Mists, Wade commented that the trip to the mountains was a combination of a roller coaster ride and being shot from a cannon. Wade finally admitted that he looked forward to flying as a Mist. Wade had the heart of a warrior, but he was still a little kid at heart.

CHAPTER 20

Winter was soon behind us and the feeling of spring was in the air. Missy was strictly an indoor kitty, but Izzy loved the outdoors. Missy was extremely suspicious the first time she was taken into the back yard. She
’d tiptoe through the grass and Izzy was running around her in a circle shouting,
Let’s play!

It wasn
’t long before my kitties were running around the flower garden playing hide and seek. Missy still loved playing cowboys and she was always giving instructions
. Go behind the bushes, Izzy, and sneak up on them varmints. You flush‘em out and I’ll finish them off.

I still remembered the day I brought Izzy home from the animal shelter. She was Missy
’s long lost little sister and the kitties fell in love with each other. I was happy for both of them.

*
* *

I liked double-dating with Bruce and Sherri. The drive-in theaters opened in May and everyone enjoyed the outdoor atmosphere. The drive-ins in the
‘50s and ‘60s showed some really bad movies. The worst of the lot were the science fiction films. Movies like “Devil Girl from Mars” and “The Crawling Eye” kept me in stitches. Wade’s favorite was “The Astounding She-Monster.” Half of the fun was watching to see if the second movie was as bad as the first one.

After the drive-in we
’d head to Heidi’s Drive-In for root beers, burgers and onion rings. Heidi’s onion rings were to die for. No one knew how they made the breading and they kept the secret to themselves. Instead of ordering two burgers and an order of onion rings, I always ordered a single burger and a double order of onion rings. The second order of onion rings was my dessert.

*
* *

Graduation was drawing near. Wade was taking me to the Junior Prom and we were going to meet Bruce and Sherri at the dance. Dad remained silent when I told him I going to the Prom with Wade. I figured it was time to have a talk with my mom.

“Be truthful with me, Mom. Do you think dad’s upset because I’m going to the Prom with a Witch?”

“
You must understand that all Changeling fathers are concerned if a member of the family is dating outside the Clans. Your father is concerned with the Clan’s survival, but he also realizes that there aren’t any male Changelings your age in the Charlotte area. And don’t forget that he dated a Witch in high school.

“
Dad’s really a great guy. I guess there are times when I don’t appreciate him enough.”

“
All children go through that stage.”

“
I think you’re wonderful too, Mom.”

“
Now we’re getting too serious. Let’s concentrate on what you’re going to wear to the Prom.”

*
* *

It was Prom night and I was giving myself a final once-over in front of my bedroom mirror. I was wearing a knee length formal with rows of white lace and pink taffeta trim. My shoes and hand bag were both white. All that was missing was the pink rose wrist corsage that Wade was bringing with him. I had a pink rose for him to wear on the lapel of his tuxedo. I felt like a fairy princess as I twirled around in front of the mirror.

How do I look?
I asked the kitties.

Real pretty
, said Missy.

I
agree,
said Izzy.

Well, if I have approval from both of you, I must really look good.

I walked slowly down the stairs and into the living room. Mom and Dad both rose to their feet to greet me. “You’ll be the prettiest girl at the Prom,” said my dad.

“
No doubt about it,” said my mom.

“
You’re both big fibbers, but I really do feel beautiful tonight.”

The doorbell rang and my dad answered the door. I took a deep breath when I saw how handsome Wade was in his light grey tux. As far as I was concerned, he was going to be the best-looking guy at the Prom.

Wade slipped the corsage over my wrist and I pinned the pink rose to the lapel of his tux. “I’ll see to it that Janis is returned home at a decent hour,” Wade assured my parents.

“
No one is going to be watching the clock tonight,” joked my father.

“
That’s right,” said my mother, “but don’t leave yet. I want you kids to wait right here so I can take some pictures.”

*
* *

We stopped at Wade
’s house because his aunt also wanted to take pictures. “My, but aren’t you beautiful tonight, Janis!” said Miss Wilson. “You look like a princess.”

I was beaming.
“I feel like a princess, too. And Wade’s going to be the best-looking boy at the Prom.”

Miss Wilson smiled.
“I’m sure of it.”

Miss Wilson took several pictures before we headed for the Prom. Wade and I were in such a good mood, it would have taken an earthquake to wipe the smiles off our faces.

* * *

The ballroom was filled with swirling colored lights. The live music sent chills up my spine and the atmosphere was pure magic. I looked around and saw Sherri rushing toward us.

“We’ve got a table on the other side of the room. Follow me.”

Bruce stood up like a gentleman as we seated ourselves at their table.
“I was afraid they were going to hire one of those old fuddy-duddy bands,” said Sherri. “This band really rocks.”

“
I agree,” said Bruce, “but I’m afraid some of the guys here will feel self-conscious after seeing Wade dance at Peyton Park.”

I interrupted.
“Don’t worry, Bruce, I’ll slow him down. I can’t dance like his cousin Darcy.”

“
Who can?” said Sherri. “I got goose bumps watching Darcy in the dance contest. Some people have all the talent.”

“
Don’t belittle yourself,” said Wade. “You haven’t had the training Darcy’s had. Her parents were professional dancers and she’s been dancing since she was old enough to walk.”

I thought it was really sweet that Wade made up a story to make Sherri feel better. He had a kindness about him that was really special.

The band played a slow tune and Wade escorted me to the dance floor. I rested my head on Wade’s shoulder and breathed in deeply to savor the moment. When the dance was over, the band went into a rousing rendition of “What’d I Say?” Wade stood there snapping his fingers.

“
Let’s not try to show off,” I said. “And you won’t be dancing with Darcy.”

“
I didn’t come to the Prom to dance with Darcy. I came to the Prom to dance with you.”

The remainder of the evening was pure magic. I had my picture taken with Wade and then we had our picture taken with Bruce and Sherri. When the four of us left the Prom, we headed to a local steak house to pig out. I was hungry enough to eat everything on the menu.

* * *

It was three o
’clock in the morning when Wade walked me to my front door. We stared at each other until I broke the silence. “I had a wonderful time, Wade.”

Wade didn
’t say a word as he took me in his arms and kissed me. When we parted, Wade started to speak, but I placed my finger to his lips. “You know how I feel about you, Wade, but it’s too soon to have a serious relationship. We’ll just have to be patient.”

Wade kissed me again and then turned and walked away. It took every bit of self-control I could muster to keep from calling out to him. I felt a tear slip down my cheek as I stepped inside and locked the front door. Life isn
’t always fair and you just have to make the best of it.