The Elf Girl (48 page)
Authors: Markelle Grabo
Tags: #Fiction : Fantasy - General Fiction : Fantasy - Epic Fiction : Fairy Tales, #Legends & Mythology, #Folk Tales
Most importantly,
would I ever
have one day without anything major to think about? A day where all that mattered was the weather outside and the company I shared?
Probably not,
I decided. That was my life, at least for now.
Until I figured a few things out, problems and issues would follow me wherever I went. Nevertheless, I could be happy at the same time. It would work out if I found a balance. I would
make
it work.
I was the Elf Girl, and no matter what troubles came my way, I would be the one to shape my future.
A future I was prepared to fight for with endless determination.
***
I received an answer to one of my questions when we returned home, without Addison, a few days later. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a very good answer.
I walked into my room while Zora checked on the eggs. Stellan planned to take me out to his restaurant later that night, and I was excited about seeing him. We wanted to spend as much time together as possible before he had to go.
As I opened my wardrobe to choose an outfit, my eyes briefly scanned the room. I noticed something unusual, something out of place.
Lying on my bed, perfectly centered on my pillow, was a note. Confused, I picked it up, wondering who could have left it there:
See you again soon, Ramsey. Don’t forget that. Don’t forget me.
I dropped the note and screamed. Zora ran into the room to see what was wrong, and I looked down at the note, now lying on the wooden floor. Shaking, I could still read the name signed at the bottom, the one name that could unnerve me so completely.
Finn…
Acknowledgements
Words cannot even express the gratitude I feel for the many people who have contributed to my successes today. However, I will do my best to give them the thanks they deserve.
First, to Maryanne Grabo, my mother, my reason for existence, my support system, who acted as my reader, my agent, my proofreader…and a bunch of other positions I can’t remember because there are so many. She has been with me every step of the way, and without her, I can honestly say that I wouldn’t be a published author.
To Scott, my father, who encouraged me to write, even though he isn’t much of a reader. And for introducing me to coffee. It really helped with the writer’s block!
To Yia Yia, my grandmother, who read my book for teens and loved it anyway. To my family, for supporting me and promising to buy my book even when they had no idea what it was about…as long as I autographed it for them.
To my closest friends, for being great marketers for the book, giving me my personality, and keeping me sane through all the stress. I, “Marcel” (happy now?), am very grateful for all you have done for me.
To my fellow choir geeks, for taking the edge off as we belted out choral numbers and for putting great songs in my head as I sat down to write.
To my English teachers, Mrs. Hudaj and Mrs. Schwane, for
cacophony
and countless other big words.
To Emily Young, my best friend, proofreader, and original cover designer. Through all the ups and downs of writing, editing, and publishing, she has remained by my side, continually providing the added encouragement, hope, and strength only a best friend can do, and giving me a good laugh when I desperately needed one. Without her, my life would be far less interesting.
To my editor, Patricia Lantier, PhD. She taught me so much, helping me grow as a writer. She transformed my manuscript of ideas into something readable. With her help, my writing became a novel.
To Vasilena Slavova, my graphic artist. You brought my creativity to life in the cover and portrayed the perfect vision.
To Angela and Booklocker.com. for believing that my novel was worth publishing. They made my dream a reality.
To everyone who has supported me by buying my book, spreading the word, or even just saying congratulations or asking me about my writing – every bit has made a difference.
Finally, to God. It always comes back to Him. Without Him, I wouldn’t have this passion for writing. Without Him, I wouldn’t be who I am today.
Thank you.
About the Author
When she’s not spending countless hours writing or absorbing book after book, Markelle is active in Chamber Choir, Theater, Varsity Tennis, Bible Club, Destination Imagination, running, taking care of her two cats and four rabbits, and spending time with friends and family. At the age of fourteen, she began taking a serious interest in writing. Two years later she completed this, her first novel, as a Junior in high school. Her plans are to attend a 4-year private college in Wisconsin and earn her degree in Creative Writing. And yes, she definitely believes in fairies.
Table of Contents
~7~ The Elfen and the White Picket Fence