Alex sighed contentedly as she braided her daughter's locks of strawberry blonde hair. Alexis was almost a splitting image herself, with Arthur's personality and Alex's brains. Today, 18th of June, was Alexis' birthday. It was also Charlie, Conner's son's birthday. The two cousins, Alexis and Charlie, were the best of friends. They went to Willow Crest Elementary School in the Otherworld on weekdays, and a magic school in the Fairy Kingdom on weekends, to have an experience of both science and supernatural. The past fifteen years had been difficult for Alex as she had a hard time filling her grandmother's shoes. With the help of Emeralda and the other members of the Fairy Council, her workload was much lighter. Just as Alex finished braiding Alexis' hair, Conner walked into Alexis' bedroom.
The lilac fabric of Alexis' dress billowed as she rushed forward and hugged Conner. "If it isn't my favorite nice!" Connor said, hugging Alexis back.
"Where's Charlie?" Alexis asked, looking behind Conner.
"Coming," Conner replied. Just then, Charlie walked into the room. Alexis kissed Charlie on the cheek," Happy Birthday," she said
"Happy Birthday to you too, 'lexis," Charlie replied.
Alex slipped a hand into the pocket of her dress and produced a vial of blue liquid. Holding it out to Alexis, she said," Happy birthday 'lexis. This is for you."
Alexis looked at her curiously. " What is that?"
"Portal potion?" Conner asked before Alex had the chance to reply," I remember the first time we used it. Remember?" He looked at Alex expectantly.
"Yes," Alex said, shooting Conner a mock glare,"you decided to rename all of us when you introduced us to Dorothy, Connermoondo."
"You must admit that I am good at naming people, Alexandra the Bearded Lady," Conner smirked.
"But she has no beard," Alex said in Dorothy's voice.
" She shaved this morning," Conner said. The twins burst out laughing while Charlie and Alexis looked at them in surprise. Conner handed them a blue colour book entitled," the Land of Stories: Beyond the Kingdoms"
"Mrs Peters wanted me to write this," Conner said. Charlie flipped to one of the creased pages, pages 168 & 169. It read:
*168: She was more excited to see the twins and her friends than they were to see her. Dorothy ran across the field to greet them. Henry and Em were so surprised by the visitors, they didn't move.
"Hi there, Dorothy," Conner said.
Dorothy gasped. "How did you know my name?"she asked with large eyes.
Alex shot Conner a dirty look and he panicked. "Because…because…" He struggled.
A huge smile grew on Dorothy's face. "I know," she said. "You're a fortune teller, aren't you? I knew it from the moment I saw you—you're a traveling circus!"
With nothing better to say, everyone just nodded.
"Indeed," Conner said, and instantly broke into an outrageous character. "I am Master Connermoondo —psychic extrodinare. The men, women and bird behind me are part of the world-renowned Bailey Travelling Circus."
Dorothy excitedly jumped up and down. Toto barked at them; even he seemed overdue for some entertainment. This was the most exciting thing that had happened to them.
"Allow me to introduce my friends," Conner said with over dramatic gestures. Meet Jack , the circus strong man; Goldie, the sword juggler; Red, the uptight mistress of the tight rope. Straight from the wild Madagascar jungles, meet the Lestersaurus —and his tamer, Madam Goose. And last but not least, my sister, Alexandra the bearded lady."
169: "What?" Alex said.
"But she doesn't have a beard," Dorothy pointed out.
"She shaved this morning," Conner said.
Alex rolled her eyes—nothing was ever easy when she travelled with her brother.
Smiles crossed Alexis and Charlie's features as they read the pages.