Whispering Suits

It's been 5 days since the wake, but today is my first opportunity to get away from Gran without raising suspicions. She hasn't given me a moments peace for days, though it isn't clear if that's because she is pissed about what I said at the service or if it's because she just needs something to do. She cleaned the house from top to bottom, spent a whole day just baking, reorganized the kitchen twice, and this morning she started cleaning again even though there's nothing left to really clean. I've wanted to go and talk to Nat about those cards. And, about what happened the night mum died. I've laid the groundwork, as far as Gran knows I have plans to go to a local bonfire night event to see the fireworks. Somehow, I convinced her I have friends who are expecting me. I suppose she hasn't been around long enough to know any better. Mum was the only real friend I had. It's difficult making friends when everyone thinks you're crazy. I remember the first time I told someone about the Faeries. I was six, and I was playing round a friend's house. I told her mum that there was a Faerie in the apple tree at the bottom of the garden She laughed, I guess she assumed I was just like any young kid with an imaginary friend. She stopped laughing when I told her the Faerie had hurt my friend. She ran outside to find my friend holding her arm and covered in blood. She said I'd done it, and I didn't understand why they didn't believe me when I swore it wasn't me, it was the Faerie. Mum had to come pick me up, and my friends mum kicked up quite a fuss about the damage I had done to her kid. Mum apologised, and said she'd talk to me about it. On the walk home, mum explained to me that our family was unique, that we could see, hear and feel things that other people couldn't. She called it The Sight, and explained that it was a rare gift that allowed us to see Faeries and their world. As you can imagine, I had a lot of questions. The biggest one being how could the Faerie hurt my friend if she couldn't see it. Mum looked sad when I asked that, I suppose she had hoped to protect me from the dark truth of our gift for a little bit longer. It's true that most mortals cannot see Faeries, but unfortunately that doesn't mean they are safe from them. Faeries like to play with mortals, they like to mess with us, hurt us even. I asked mum why, and she couldn't answer that. It was a few more years before she introduced me to Nat, and then I had even more questions. After all, mum had warned me of how dangerous Fae could be, and yet here she was with a Selkie as her best friend. Mum said that as I got older, I would have to learn to make my own judgement about any Faeries I might encounter. Some would be dangerous, and I should continue to avoid them. Others might not have any ill intent, but that didn't mean they meant well eithers. But there are friendly Fae out there, who quite like co-habitating with mortals and, so long as you play by their rules, they can be trusted. Mum said she and Nat had an understanding, and that she had made sure that understanding extended to me, and to Dan when he came along. So, I grew up with a Selkie for an aunt, and she taught me all about her kin, about their world, and helped me hone my ability to better see Faeries not just as their true form but as their true selves. So, I know that if there is anyone who can answer the questions I have now, it will be her. I've sent her a letter telling her where to meet me, it might sound old fashioned but I didn't want to risk Gran seeing a text on my phone. Plus, Faerie mail is surprisingly fast. The plan is to meet on the new bridge, and then when everyone is distracted by the fireworks display, we can sneak off to talk. I'm probably being overly cautious, but, I know Nat will understand. I have to be careful, especially after what happened to mum. Daniel can't lose anyone else. I've gotten myself ready, making sure to wear warm layers as the air has gotten icy recently, and sneak into Dan's room before I go. He doesn't really like bonfire night, finds the large crowds and loud noise a bit too much to handle. It's only 6pm, but it's dark out and some house nearby is already setting off fireworks. Dan is huddled up on his bed with his hands over his ears. I realise that Gran won't have thought to get him set up, she doesn't know any better I suppose. I go over to his desk and set up a nest for him with blankets and a couple of pillows. Then I find his favourite plushy, it's this tiny penguin that Dan named Pepito and according to Dan Pepito is the bravest penguin alive, he protects Dan from all the scary monsters. It takes me a couple of minutes to find Dan's headphones, Grab has ‘tidied’ them away. I'll have to wait till another night to explain why Dan's things need to be left where they are. Once I've got the nest ready, I give Dan a gentle nudge and help him get his headphones on. I've set them playing his latest favourite audiobook, and then I carry him over to the hideout I've made. He smiles up at me gratefully, and gets snuggled up with Pepito under the covers. I make sure he has his phone nearby, and then give him a quick cuddle before heading off. On my way out, I let Gran know where he is and explain that he'll need a snack in a bit, but that she shouldn't try and put him to bed until I get home. She asks when I'll be back, and I try to give a non-commital answer of ‘not late’. I can tell she isn't impressed, but I'm over 18 so there isn't much she can do to keep me home. She calls out “Have fun!” As I leave, and for just a moment I imagine I'm a normal person, with a normal family, and I'm just going out to watch the fireworks with friends. But, then I feel the weight of the deck in my pocket, and I'm reminded that normal is just a pipedream, and I have questions to answer.