The Tooth Fairy's Mistake Read online

  Table of Contents

  Table of Contents

  Cover

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Also by Linda Dawley – Wee Mac

  Back cover

  The Tooth Fairy’s

  Mistake

  Linda Dawley

  The Little Red Hen Community Press

  New Zealand

  Linda Dawley asserts her moral right to be identified as the author of this work under the terms of Section 96 of the Copyright Act of 1994 (New Zealand). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be produced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  The Tooth Fairy’s Mistake

  (2014) © Linda Dawley, 2nd revised edition

  Originally published by Oceanbooks

  ISBN 978-0-9941011-6-7 (paperback)

  ISBN 978-0-9941011-7-4 (eBook)

  Cover design/illustrations by Nikki Slade Robinson,

  www.penandink.co.nz

  Cover art by Lynda Harford

  Pre-press production and ongoing distribution of Linda Dawley’s book, The Tooth Fairy’s Mistake, in both print and e-book editions is provided by CCB Publishing (www.ccbpublishing.com).

  In memory of Melvin James Aide,

  the true Gnome of the Forest

  Acknowledgments

  Grateful thanks to Peggy Coburn for her love and belief in me, to Jenny Argante, for her editing and encouragement, to Heather MacMillan, my writing buddy, to Leslie for his constant help and support, and to Margaret Stewart who started it all.

  CHAPTER 1

  “Oh, I’m so tired.”

  Annabelle’s yellow bag slid from her shoulder and landed with a musical clink. She plopped on top of it, wings askew. Blonde hair hung in lifeless strings, framing her face. Dark circles under brown eyes made her look like a panda. Her pink gown, bright and cheerful this morning, was now the colour of dirty dishwater.

  “You must be tired. Flying all over the world constantly—and you have to carry all those teeth. That must weigh you down.”

  Sara popped a feathery kiss on Annabelle’s pale cheek. Behind a nearby bush an elf watched and listened.

  “It does. I was hoping to get some help, but the Tooth Fairy in Training isn’t working out.”

  The two fairies sprawled under a resplendent leafy tree that protected them from the heat of the sun. The grass cradled them as if they were in a floating hammock. The river flowed past carrying twigs and leaves with it.

  A couple of elves in a small boat were practicing their rowing. They kept going in circles and laughed so much they hardly moved at all. An occasional boat full of holiday makers chugged by with fairies and elves cavorting on the decks.

  Fairyland was sparkling with the new day but Annabelle, the exhausted Tooth Fairy, was not enjoying it.

  “Something has to be done. I just cannot continue on this way.” She heaved a huge sigh. “All I have to look forward to is teeth, teeth and more teeth.”

  Her face was scrunched and scowling.

  “Ahem.” The sound came from behind the bush. “Ahem...”

  “Who’s there?” Sara asked, looking around. “Oh, it’s you Eddie,” she said. “What are you doing here? Are you spying on us?”

  “I could help you, Annabelle.” Eddie’s face turned red and he spoke to Annabelle’s feet.

  Annabelle didn’t know what to say. She looked at her feet, too. Was there something wrong with them? Eddie always looked at her feet.

  “Eddie, that’s kind of you. But you have to grow up a lot more before you can help the Tooth Fairy.” Sara smiled and turned back to Annabelle. “Have you spoken with the Grand Fairy?”

  Eddie, ignored by both fairies, edged closer and sat cross-legged on the grass, listening.

  “I have. She’s looking into it.” Annabelle sighed. “Sara, I nearly got caught last night. That’s a bit concerning.” Tears welled up in her eyes, her voice wobbled, and she nibbled her bottom lip. “It’s more than a bit concerning. It’s downright frightening.”

  “Must be.” Sara caught her breath, leaned closer, and asked, “But what was it like—nearly being caught? That must have been exciting.”

  Her bright eyes were fastened on Annabelle’s face.

  “I don’t need exciting, Sara.” Annabelle glared at her friend. “I need help.” Annabelle sat up. “It was not exciting. It was scary.”

  She fell silent, remembering the encounter. The little boy, whose tooth she had gone to collect, sat up and looked straight at her. Luckily he was only half-awake. He went right back to sleep. She shivered...she could still see his face.

  “I’d better go. I have to catalogue this lot then get the list for tonight.”

  Annabelle struggled to her feet and bent to pick up the bag of teeth.

  She stood, stretched, and unfolded her gossamer wings. With an experimental flap, she called, “See you later.”

  Then Annabelle hopped, skipped, jumped and soared into the blue sky. She flew over the glade, swooped down and landed in front of the Hall of Information. She ran up the steps of the massive old building. Annabelle went straight to the Recording Room to finish her night’s work.

  She plucked a tooth from her pack, labelled it, wrote the details in the huge book resting on the table, then pulled out a box from hundreds lining the wall. She tucked the tooth in the small, velvet lined, wooden space, slid the box back into the wall, gave it a little pat and went on to the next tooth.

  Annabelle kept working until all the teeth in her bag were recorded in the book and snug in their wall box. When she left, she closed the door behind her, double-checking to see that it was locked. Annabelle nodded. Safe and sound.

  She walked down the hall to the Assignment Room to pick up the list for tonight’s tooth donors. She memorized it and put the paper back. Annabelle left the building and soared into the darkening sky, with her yellow bag over her shoulder.

  Her night’s work had begun.

  All night long Annabelle reached under pillows, picked up teeth, left a gold coin then flew on to the next name on her list. With dawn imminent, she had one more stop to make.

  Molly Andrews. Hmmm, that’s a new one. Wonder what I’ll find there?

  The glow of the night light made the room peaceful and inviting.

  The desk under the window was tidy, books and papers lined up in order. Pencils waited patiently in a flowered pottery cup holder, ready when needed.

  The carpet was as soft as lamb’s wool and perfect for landing. When Annabelle touched down, she wanted to relax, let go, sink in, and drift off to sleep. It would be so easy.

  The fairy shook herself. Couldn’t do that. She hopped up on the window sill and looked around her.

  Molly’s room was different from most other children’s rooms. Hers was neat and tidy, the bookshelves packed with leather-bound books in order from large to small. Important books full of information.

  In the trundle bed, a dark-haired child was sound asleep beneath a quilt decorated with dancing fairies.

  Annabelle leapt over to the bed and landed beside the child’s head where it nestled on the pillow. She slid down and moved her hand beneath the pillow, as gently as a butterfly kiss.

  The girl opened her eyes and looked
at her.

  “What are you doing in my room?” she asked.

  CHAPTER 2

  Annabelle fell over, landing on her back and onto her full tooth bag. She heard a squeak and hoped she hadn’t damaged any teeth. Even with the inbuilt padding to protect them, sharp tooth edges were digging into her.

  “You can’t see me,” she whispered.

  “I can see you. And hear you. What’re you doing in my room?”

  Molly moved her head back to peer at the tiny fairy lying on her pillow. “What’re you looking for under my pillow?”

  “Your tooth.”

  “Why do you want my tooth? Besides my teeth are in my mouth, not under my pillow.”

  The girl flipped over onto her stomach. She propped herself up on her elbows, violet-blue eyes riveted on Annabelle.

  “Didn’t you lose a tooth today?”

  Annabelle tried to sound like she was in control. What would the Grand Fairy say about this?

  Lying on her back, the bag of teeth under her, she had to twist and turn in an effort to sit up. She was at a distinct disadvantage. She heard more squeaks from the bag.

  “Yes, a tooth came out. Mum says that’s what happens when you get to be my age. I didn’t lose it.” Molly brushed at the hair tumbling into her eyes. “I still have it. Just not in my mouth. And not under my pillow either. Why are you looking for it?”

  “I’m Annabelle, the Tooth Fairy.” Unable to right herself, she lay back on the bag of teeth. “It’s my job to collect the teeth and leave you a coin.”

  “Please take me off your list. My teeth are not for sale.”

  Annabelle sighed. Why wasn’t Molly surprised to see a fairy in her room? Why didn’t she know about the Tooth Fairy?

  Waving her legs in the air and twisting her body, she again tried to manoeuvre to a sitting position. The squeak became an ‘oof’. Annabelle didn’t even notice.

  “I will be in such trouble,” she whispered to herself. She gazed up at Molly. “Why won’t you let me have your tooth?”

  “I grew it. I like it. Why should I sell it?”

  “But everybody does.”

  “I shouldn’t have to if I don’t want to.”

  Annabelle was flabbergasted. She didn’t understand how the child could both see, and hear her. Not to mention arguing with her.

  “I’m responsible for collecting the teeth and entering them in the Hall of Information. We have records for everybody. We have always had records.”

  Fear made Annabelle’s mouth clamp shut, as if Velcro strips had been sewn inside. She was dizzy and black spots swam before her eyes.

  “You could explain that this time it didn’t work,” said Molly.

  Surprised, Annabelle stopped struggling and stared at Molly. “I hadn’t thought of that. You know, that might just help me.” She tipped her head to the side and said, “Why don’t you know about the Tooth Fairy? I thought every human child knew about me.”

  “My parents only believe in Scientific Truths. Are you a Scientific Truth?”

  “I’m not sure,” Annabelle said. “I don’t think I know what a Scientific Truth is.”

  She squirmed. Things were not going well.

  “So, what were you going to give me for my tooth?”

  “A gold coin.”

  “That’s okay, I guess.” Molly blinked her eyes. “Don’t I even get to negotiate the price?”

  With a persevering twist, Annabelle righted herself and jumped up to stand on the pillow. Her brow was furrowed and zingy little sparks shot from her eyes.

  “No, you do not get to negotiate the price!”

  What an insufferable child. How on earth could her parents put up with this kind of behaviour? Perhaps Scientific Truths were more tolerant than Tooth Fairies.

  Still watching Annabelle, Molly scrambled to sit with her legs tucked under her in front of the pillow.

  “What did you mean when you said ‘that might just help’?”

  “You are not supposed to see me. Maybe my powers are fading and I’m becoming visible to humans.”

  Annabelle shook her head, then pushed her long hair back from her face.

  “I’ve been telling them and telling them I need help. No one listens. Maybe this will strengthen my case.”

  “I’d be glad to help you. Why don’t you take me to this Hall of Records place and let me tell them I don’t want to sell my teeth?”

  “Information. Hall of Information.” Annabelle shook her head. “I do think that’s carrying things too far.” She squared her shoulders and tightened her mouth. “No, I’ll deal with this myself. You go back to sleep and forget about me.”

  “That won’t work. I never forget anything.” Molly pushed her hands through her thick dark hair, and folded her arms across her chest. “What do you think of that, fairy dear?”

  Her chin tilted in a ‘dare ya’ position.

  “This time you will,” murmured Annabelle under her breath. Her lips tightened, she furrowed her brow then flicked her wrist. A stream of dust sparkled through the air settling on Molly who gave a huge yawn, and snuggled back down under the quilt. Her eyes closed. Her breathing was soft and regular.

  “That’s that. You’ll sleep now and not remember this little talk. Not a problem. But no tooth. That is a problem,” she sighed. “I have to go back without it—and explain to the Grand Fairy why I didn’t get it.”

  Annabelle fluttered to the windowsill, wiggled her toes under it, flattened her body and slid under the wooden frame like the paper from a fax machine.

  Outside she took a deep breath, puffed herself up and using the window ledge as a launching pad, jumped and flew up into the stars.

  CHAPTER 3

  Annabelle stood on the steps outside the Hall of Information. She needed help. Last night’s fiasco was definite proof of that. She came back without a tooth that was on the list.

  That had never happened before. Would it upset the entire balance of the universe?

  She clenched and unclenched her fists beneath the imposing building with its marble arches, huge pillars and steep flight of steps. She’d been coming here every day since she was a year old. Why did it seem so forbidding now? Was it because she had to ask for help?

  No.

  She had to demand help. Demanding was something she didn’t usually do. Nor was it likely to please the Grand Fairy.

  Annabelle sucked in a deep breath, clenched her jaw and pushed the big door open. She walked across the marble floor of the main hall and into the Recording Office. She slipped her bag off her shoulder onto the floor, opened it and jumped back.

  “Eddie! What ...?”

  Eddie had been in her bag! He must have been in there before she left last night. And she didn’t notice!

  The little brown elf crawled out of the bag. “I want to help you, Annabelle.” He stood up, red-faced, one hand rubbing his bottom. “Didn’t know I’d get sat on and dropped.”

  “How did you even get in here? Get out! Get out!”

  Eddie scooted past Annabelle and out the door, not looking back.

  Annabelle felt her insides quake. How had Eddie gotten in this room? And into the tooth bag! No one but the Tooth Fairy was allowed in this room. Things were much worse than she thought.

  With shaking hands, she entered information in the book, tucked the last tooth in its little box, then left the room. Annabelle double-checked the locked door and stood still for a moment to quiet her breathing. She walked back to the main hall to the massive desk in the centre of the large, open room.

  The high ceilings and open space created an echo as her tiny feet clap-clapped on the grey marble floor. Each clap made her wince inside.

  “I need to see the Grand Fairy,” she said to the elf who was sitting at the desk shuffling papers.

  Her words bounced off the walls. She felt small and insignificant, at the mercy of the person manning the desk. His title, according to the sign in front of him, was ‘Presiding Elf’.

  “Nobody s
ees her without an appointment and I know you don’t have an appointment.” He paused to sniff. “I’m in charge of appointments.” He cleared his throat, “So you can’t see her. Try someone else.”

  He delivered his clipped words to the air over Annabelle’s head, to the left of her shoulder.

  “There is no one else. I must see her. How do I get an appointment?”

  “Go through the proper channels,” was the curt reply.

  The Presiding Elf’s eyes narrowed into slits. He looked down his long nose and past Annabelle, who was standing directly in front of him. Did he treat everyone like this?

  “What are the proper channels?”

  Annabelle gritted her teeth. Her white-knuckled hands gripped the edge of the desk.

  “Filling out forms, naturally.” Smacking his lips he continued, “And, supplying references, providing your ID number, your bank account number, your place of residence.”

  He took a breath.

  “And that’s just for starters.”

  He shuffled more papers, then began to tap his pen rapidly on the desk. Presumably he liked the sound, as a ghost of a smile hovered on his lips.

  “No one has an ID number, a bank account, or a place of residence. We live in Fairyland.”

  “Then you don’t see her.”

  Annabelle’s face turned bright red, her fingers twitched. Steam gathered inside and would leak out her ears any second. She was so caught up in her discussion with the Presiding Elf that she didn’t hear footsteps behind her.

  When a hand touched her shoulder she shot up. She came perilously close to bumping her head on the ceiling.

  “Annabelle! What is wrong with you?”

  Sara’s voice was floating up to her.

  “Oh, Sara. I have had the most awful night and this oaf is obstructing everything.”

  Tears gathered in her eyes as Annabelle drifted down to stand beside Sara.

  “Annabelle, you have to get some rest.” Sara’s arms went around her friend. “Have you talked with the Grand Fairy?”