Free The Elf Girl by Markelle Grabo Page B

then I had to ask more questions. I was sick of being confused.
    “Why did you come and find me?”
    “I came because I owed it to your sister. She is my best friend and she helped our family a lot. She is like a sister to me. When she was taken, I was devastated. I felt like it was my duty to find you. Besides, I thought if anyone could bring you back, it should be someone who knew Zora. I thought it would make things easier if you heard the news from me.”
    “You are a good friend, Addison. Thank you for being there for my sister when I couldn’t.”
    “It’s not your fault, Ramsey.”
    “Yes, it is. If I weren’t so different, I would have been there for her. My parents wouldn’t have taken me here. I could have helped her, or maybe she wouldn’t have been taken at all.”
    “You will help her, just in a different way,” she assured me.
    “Do you think the fairies took her because of me, because of my secret?”
    Addison sighed. “Yes.”
    We didn’t talk again after that. I didn’t want to hear any more. It was too difficult. When we reached my house, I thanked God that my parents had decided to go out tonight. The house looked deserted, leaving me the perfect opportunity to pack without anyone seeing.
    “How much do I bring with me?” I asked.
    “Bring as little as possible, and remember, no technology.”
    “Okay,” I said.
    I opened the door with my key and rushed upstairs. In my room, I grabbed the backpack I used for trips. I stripped from my dress and decided to pack it. Maybe they dressed medieval there. I still didn’t know much about the Elf Realm or its culture. I would have to see it when I got there.
    I quickly changed into jeans, my favorite green t-shirt, and my black hooded sweatshirt. Then I slipped on my most comfortable tennis shoes.
    In my bag, I added a family photo, a picture of Carmen and me, the black ballet flats I had worn to the ball, and The Mysterious Guide to Fantasy. I also kept on the necklace with my name on it and my silver cross. I had all that I needed.
    I was ready to go. I couldn’t believe how frightened I felt.
    I had to leave something for my parents, Dina, and Carmen. I didn’t want to tell them where I was going, because they would never believe me, but I wanted to tell them how much I loved them and that I would be all right. I just wanted to make things easier for them to understand.
    I decided to quickly email Carmen and leave letters for my family. In each letter, I said only that I was going to my birth home. I thanked my parents for taking care of me and that I loved them. I told Dina to be careful as she grew up and that I loved having her as a sister. I told Carmen how much she had meant to me over the years and that I would always miss her. I left Dina’s note on her pillow and my parents’ on their pillows.
    After sending the email to Carmen, I ran downstairs to join Addison, who was waiting just outside.
    “Ready?” she asked, obviously ready to go herself.
    “Yes.” Still, I was fighting tears.
    I couldn’t believe I was really going to leave. I was leaving my whole life behind and a new one would follow. I hoped I was ready.
    “It’s not too much farther from here. Just follow me,” she said.
    I nodded and locked the door, shoving the key under the welcome mat. I hoped my parents wouldn’t be out too late. I thought of Dina and felt bad that she was alone. She was probably looking for me right now. The dance ended at midnight and it was eleven fifty.
    I realized we were going through the woods behind my house. Childhood memories flashed through my mind, making me want to cry even more. Then I remembered all the times people made fun of me, and of being alone, which caused me to walk faster. I didn’t have time for memories tonight, not anymore. I was entering a new chapter, a new life.
    “So…,” I started to say, eager to keep my mind off depressing or frightening thoughts.
    “What?” Addison asked.
    “Your name is