8 The Fountain

She knew that creature who called himself a goblin pushed her into the fountain. She expected herself to hit the marble floor. But she didn't. She wanted to pull herself up but she couldn't. She willed her eyes to open but it wouldn't. And yet the light is blinding her. Its so white. And she felt herself going deeper into the water. Just how deep is this fountain? Even as a kid she never knew. She envied those who played around it. Toss coins into it wishing something. They would close their eyes tight, throw a coin and clap afterwards. They would ran around it, sit on it, splash water on each other. And she was never a part of them.

The light slowly disappears from the back of her eye and she began to panic. Wait! So, she didn't panicked when that thing pushed her? She was shocked but now she's afraid. Now she is seeing blue going darker into deep purple and now going black. What the hell is happening? She started to curse that goblin in her head. This has to be a dream. Her dream prince is coming soon. He is going to rescue her. Damn that stupid goblin!

There is only darkness. No prince. No goblin. No water. Water?! Where did the water go? She still floats but she cant feel the water. Is she numb? She cant open her eyes and now she is aware she cant move her body as well. Now she really is afraid. What happened to her? Did she fell asleep driving and met an accident? Will she wake up on the hospital? Oh my God! Her car is new! Karl is gonna get so furious! She is so doomed.

Then something flickered in her vision. A spark. Like a star. She concentrated on that small light until it seemed to come near her. Slowly. Like that of a child sticking her nosy nose on a candle light. As it nears her, or she nears it, she cant tell, she noticed its a bubble of light. Its translucent but she cant figure it out yet. She reached her fingers to it and realized its still far away. She wanted to touch it but she cant reach into it. She cried. She felt her tears hot in her cheeks. What is happening? Where is she?

Go to it.

She heard a voice. Who is it? Her prince? Goblin? She screamed in her head. But no one answered. She reached into the bubble again. She felt her right hand moved upwards into that light. She reached and reached but she still couldn't reach it. She willed her left arms to move. Its like reaching into the moon. She could stretch her arms to the limit and still wouldn't be able to get there.

She put her arms down. This cant be real. This has to be a dream. And yet,

Get into it!

Go to hell goblin! She answered back. Now she knew it has got be that thing. Its voice laced with impatience. And now you are in a hurry? You never even told me why you pushed me! When I get out of here, I'll make sure my car hits you hard!

But she need not reach into the bubble anymore. Its coming to her! Aha! I'm gonna get you little freak! She shouted in her head. She noticed it is a bubble. And that something, or someone is inside. As it nears her, she figured it is a human. A girl. Dressed in overflowing white dress floating inside the bubble. Her hair long and white blonde. The bubble came closer it almost touched her nose. Now she can see the girl's face. Rick's hair stood up behind her neck as recognition slammed her in the face. Harder and a hundred times more shocking than having a goblin pushed her in a fountain. The girl is her.

*****

It can't be. Has she a twin? A blonde twin? There is no mistaking that face. Only the girl's face is fairer and shimmery in the light. And she has that perfect long blond hair. She could be staring into Sleeping Beauty. And herself is no beauty she knew. Or she just don't look at her own reflection this way. But there's no way she is as radiant as this girl.

Her mind is full of contradictions. She wanted to go back. To the goblin and shake him out the answers. But she can't hear his voice anymore. She knocked into the bubble. But there is no response inside. She pound her fist, and still nothing. She tapped the bubble loud until her hands hurt, until she just stared at the girl inside. Is she her sister? Someone her family never told her about? Can sisters have the same face? Do they have the same eyes? Why is she here, and the other there? Is this real at all? She went around the bubble, mouth open as she cant see any difference to their faces. Who are you? Are you my soul? Are you even real?

The light is coming back and the bubble started to blur in front of her. She knew she is going to lose this sight. She tried to hold on it but it dissolves in her palm. Tears flowed in her cheek again. Unable to understand. She felt a hand grabbed her arm and pulled her. She looked up to see the goblin.

Hurry. Your brother will come soon. We must not be seen.

Wanting to know the answers to what just transpired, she allowed herself out of the water and back into the car. The goblin help himself inside.

You go home for now. I will meet you again. There is not enough time today.

She shot the goblin a questioning look as she drove away. Why is she not wet? Had she not been in and out the fountain just now?

There will be a time to answer your questions. Just not today. They knew someone saw her. Do not seek answers on your own. I will come to you. And do not ever tell anyone you have ever been near that fountain.

She doesn't know what to think anymore. But she asked, "what is your name?"

See you again, My Lady.

***