Chapter 2

Memories

Bloom continued to look up into the sky, but nothing happened. What had happened to Daphne? She was her guardian. It was her sister's duty to protect her and help her. Why wasn't she there now?

Bloom hated the irony. Just when she didn't want Daphne's help, she had it. Yet, when she did, her sister wasn't there.

Her eyes filled with tears as she thought about the other girls. Did they all have similar days? She hoped so. Then maybe they could solve this together. Yet, the only way she could do that was if she got back to the Magical Dimension, and she didn't know how she got here in the first place. It didn't help that she couldn't even use a transportation spell.

Daphne's words began to go through her mind. You see, who you are Bloom, she'd said, what's in your heart; that can never be taken from you.

"But, if it can't be taken from me, why can't I use my powers?" Bloom asked, standing. She was getting frustrated. "I need your help Daphne. Please, be there for me."

Suddenly, as if her older sister had been pushing her thoughts together to help them make sense, she realized, if people are talking about stuff that didn't happen, I can go through my old scrapbook; that'll prove them wrong. I put tons of pictures of me and the girls in there.

So, she left the woods and walked back through Gardenia, not paying attention to anything going around her really. She thought as she walked. This whole thing has to be some kind of joke. Where are they getting these ideas? Me and Andy? Come on. I'm in love with Sky.

Finally reaching Mike and Vanessa's house, she walked in to see her mother home, washing some dishes.

"Hi Bloom," she said when she noticed her. "Enjoy your walk?"

She nodded. "It was interesting." More than you can imagine.

"That's good," Vanessa replied, drying a dish and putting it in the cupboard.

"Um, Mom, where's my scrapbook?" She asked.

Vanessa put her finger to her chin, as if it would help her thinking. "I think it's in your closet. You should check and…" But before she could finish a sentence, her adoptive daughter had already taken off.

Up the stairs Bloom went and into her bedroom. This time she noticed something she hadn't seen earlier: a picture that she'd drawn and it was of her and Andy. Taking a step closer, she noticed that she and her ex were holding hands as they laughed, both their eyes deeply showing emotion. And it wasn't just emotion…there was love.

Me, be in love with Andy? Bloom wondered. Of course not. Where did this thing come from? I know I didn't draw this.

Yet, she knew that she was once again deluding herself. There was a lot of proof. For one, it was done in her unique drawing style that was drawn first and then colored in mostly with pen or marker. This was left in black in white. Also, in the corner there was a signature: Bloom Liana Summers.

But, if she had drawn it, why? Since when had she gotten back together with her ex? This had to have been some cruel joke. What had Andy been talking about before about them dating for five years? She'd broken up with him a long time ago. And, why was she on Earth in the first place?

Bloom's mind felt jumbled. There were to many questions and far to few answers. She'd never understand. Then she realized that she had to keep looking for her scrapbook. That would give her at least a few answers to the mysteries.

She found it, just as her mother had said, in the closet. It sat on the shelf and she pulled it down and sat on her bed. The book was pink and on the cover, it read, "Memories". This would be perfect.

She turned to the first page, and, as she expected, she found a picture of herself as a baby under the caption "The Most Wonderful Day of my Parents' Lives". She laughed to herself. Mike and Vanessa always had referred to the day they adopted her to be that way. It must've been more special since they'd found her in a fire because of Daphne.

She turned to more pages and mostly just found pictures and drawings from when she was a child. Finally, she turned to a page and found one of her when she was fifteen.

It was that year that she'd begun to fill it with pictures of her and the girls when they had begun forming the Winx Club. She expected the caption to say, "The Winx Club", showing pictures of good times that they'd had during freshman year.

But, she didn't.

She opened up to the page and was filled with disappointment. Instead, she found a caption reading "High School Year 2", showing pictures of girls that she didn't know. Who were they? What were they doing in her scrapbook? Why weren't the other Winx girls there?

She flipped through more pages, and saw pretty much the same thing: She'd see a caption she didn't recognize, pictures of girls she'd never met, showing times she'd never had. Somebody had to have faked them…right? This wasn't her scrapbook. Somebody had switched this, taken her from Sparx, and convinced everyone to pretend that this was all real…right? That was the only way it made sense in Bloom's mind.

She grew upset again. What had happened? She was just going to have to accept it. So far, she'd been in denial all day, but everything she saw was true. Somehow, she'd ended up living a life that was different.

She gasped. That was it. What in her life when she was fifteen had become different? That was the question. As soon as she answered it, she may be able to figure out the puzzle as to why everything had changed.

"That's what I'm going to have to figure out." Bloom said. "As soon as I do, hopefully life can go back to normal."

As if on cue, Vanessa walked into the room. "So, Bloom, are you alright? You've seemed a little off today." She seemed worried.

Bloom shook her head. "No, don't worry Mom. I'm fine. So, Mom, did I have any friends in high school?"

Vanessa nodded, still a little surprised. "Of course. There was Libby, Allie, and Mary. They used to come over all the time, but then they all went away for college while you stayed in Gardenia."

The only name Bloom recognized was Allie's. From what she could remember, Allie Simmons was a quiet girl with mouse brown hair, brown eyes, and generally stayed away from others. She took another look at the scrapbook. Yep, Allie was one of them alright. But, instead of shy, in some pictures with guys she was dancing with one. Where had she gotten the courage to do that?

"Mom, were me and Allie close friends?"

"Yes," Vanessa replied. "You, her, and the other two were inseparable. Sometimes you called yourselves a club."

A club?

"What'd we call ourselves? Sorry, can't remember," she added, half telling the truth.

"Well," Vanessa Summers answered, "I think you called yourselves the Gardenia Four. Yah, that was it. You guys always liked to hang out and talk. It's to bad they moved away. You were so close."

"So, if they're gone, do I hang out with anybody else?"

Her mother shook her head. "I hate to admit it Bloom, but I've worried about you. You almost never leave the house unless you're going to work, going to class, or seeing Andy. You really should just get out and try to make some new friends. I'm sure it would work for you. I know you're quite a friendly person."

Maybe to friendly, Bloom considered. Gardenia Four? Who came up with a name like that? "Mom, who named us the Gardenia Four?"

"You did," she answered quickly.

What? She'd come up with something ridiculous like that? That was sad. What happened to awesome names like the Winx Club?….The Winx Club. What had happened to the others?

"Bloom?" Vanessa asked, waving a hand in front of her face. "Are you okay?"

"Huh?" Bloom gasped, snapping out of it. "What'd you say Mom?"

"I asked you if you could go pick up some groceries from the store for me while I start dinner a little earlier than usual. Would you mind?"

"Don't worry Mom, I'm on it. What do you need?"

"Here's a list," Mrs. Summers replied, handing her a piece of paper.

Bloom looked it over quickly and nodded. "I'll be back in no time." Well, if I had my powers, I could do that literally with a time-freezing spell.

Bloom hesitantly walked back out and into Gardenia. Sure, she could take the car, but after all the time she'd spent in Magix where she mostly walked, she'd pretty much forgotten how to drive.

This time, her goal was to relax and enjoy the small city. It was a peaceful and well-run place, she knew that. It was home to her for many years, so she would always share a bond with Gardenia greater than what she had with Sparx.

"What happened?" she asked herself aloud. "Everything seems so wrong. I miss the other girls. Is this how they felt when I got taken over by Darkar?"

Just reminding of herself when she'd become "Dark Bloom" was not pleasant. The last she wanted to be reminded of was that she'd almost helped a vile villain in the universe get the Ultimate Power. If it hadn't of been for Sky…Sky.

"What happened to Sky? Is he still king of Eraklyon? Did he get married?" Once again, there were so many questions yet so few answers.

At this point, she'd forgotten what she was even doing, but then she realized that the only reason she'd left her house was to pick up some groceries for her mother. Back on track, she headed for the grocery store and bought all the necessary items.

To Bloom, shopping with regular Earth money again felt slightly strange. In the past few years, she'd grown accustomed to the money in Magix; sure, at first she only had human currency, but in Magix she could use it to still buy things. They took all sorts of money in that realm.

Walking in the small community Wal-Mart felt as if she'd gone back in time, though technically it felt more like the opposite. Even in a different life, the store hadn't changed at all really. But, then again, when does Wal-Mart ever change?

Back from the store, Bloom helped put the things away, but was distracted throughout the entire time. If she hadn't gone to Alfea, what had happened to the girls? To Sky? To the guys? Oritel and Miriam?

"Bloom?"

The princess of Sparx gasped and was relieved to see it was only her mother. "Yes Mom?"

"In case you've forgotten this too, are you still in the mood to help me with the flower shop? Your help is always appreciated."

Bloom smiled. Even though a lot was different, at least Vanessa's flower shop was still the same. "Of course."

"What happened to the shop??"

The question caught Vanessa Summers completely off guard as she and her adoptive daughter walked inside of her business. She turned around in surprise. "Honey, what are you talking about? It's always like this."

"What do you mean? The last time I was here, it was completely different. What'd you do?"

She looked at Bloom strangely. "Bloom, sweetie, it's been like this since you were seventeen. Don't you remember? You and your friends helped me decorate."

Oh, so now these so-called "friends" of mine are altering Mom's shop now too. What's next?

"So, Mom, what should I do? Make some bouquets?" That's what she'd usually done.

Again, Mrs. Summers didn't expect that. "You'll do what you always do Bloom: run the cash register."

Sighing, the fairy of the Dragon Fire turned to her position and stood, tapping the desk. Why did everything change? Was this all a dream? I hope so. Please tell me that when I go back to sleep tonight, I'll wake up on Sparx again.

She knew that couldn't be true though. For better or worse, Bloom was now living in a completely different life.

Hour after hour, Bloom gave people their purchases and change from the register. Business seemed to be going quite well, but she didn't care. All she could find her thoughts going to was the last conversation she'd had with Sky.

"Bloom." He'd smiled, embracing her as they conversed within one of the many sitting rooms of her palace. "It's so good to see you."

She returned the smile. "Great to see you too." She admired her engagement ring. "I can't believe we're really getting married."

"Same here." Sky put his hand on hers. "But, I'm sure that you'll make a great queen of Eraklyon."

Bloom gasped. He'd remembered. At their last time they'd had to talk, she'd said that she was afraid that she wouldn't be a good queen since she hadn't had much experience in being royal. That showed that he was the wonderful man she'd fallen in love with. Good. But it wasn't enough to reassure her of her sour thinking.

"That's good to know," she replied softly, her eyes closed as she was deep in thought. "How's being king going?"

He shrugged. "Boring mostly. I spend a majority of my time doing all this paperwork and going to meetings." He smiled again. "But, it'll be much more worthwhile when you join me."

Blushing, she said, "Well, it sounds like it'll be so complicated." Then she asked something completely out of the blue. "Do you think you'd still be with Diaspro if you hadn't of met me?"

He instantly shook his head. "No, she and I just weren't compatible. I think even if the whole Baltor thing hadn't happened, I probably still would've ended it between us."

That was good to hear. "Well, it's nice to know that you did choose me, because I love you Sky."

"I love you to Bloom." He kissed her gently and they sat there, looking at each other with intense feelings showing in their beautiful bright eyes. Suddenly, Sky's cell phone rang, ending the moment. He looked to his fiancée. "Mind if I…?"

She nodded. "It's okay."

He answered. "Hello?…What do you mean I have to go to that meeting? I cancelled that to spend time with my future wife."

The princess of Sparx sighed. She knew where this was going; it would end just as all the other times: Sky would leave, she'd put on a tough face and accept it as he left, and she'd be left alone again, her heart continuing to break.

He sighed as he hung up the phone. "Listen Bloom, I'm really sorry but I have to…"

She cut him off by closing his lips. "It's okay Sky. I understand. You're a king and your kingdom needs you." She was tempted to add, But not as much as me. Especially right now.

He frowned, kissed her cheek, and said, "I promise I'll come back and visit you as soon as they let me off again."

She smiled. "I'll be waiting. Bye Sky."

"Goodbye Bloom!"

She waved as she watched him walk away. As tears began to pour from her delicate, sparkling eyes, she thought, If only life was normal. If Sky wasn't a king and I wasn't a princess. Then we could just live happily ever-after without having to worry about being royal.

She got so caught up she almost missed it when a customer walked into the small flower shop. Putting on a straight face, she asked, "Can I help you?"

The person nodded, her eyes as sad as a puppy's. "Yes," she answered, holding up a bundle of flowers, "I'd like to purchase these, please."

"Coming right up." She scanned it in and said, "That'll be eight dollars and twenty-two cents."

The young woman pulled a pink bag from her shoulder and began to dig inside. Accidentally, she caused what looked to be a driver's license fell to the floor. The woman was about to pick it up but Bloom insisted she do so since she was closer.

As she went to the floor to hand it back to her customer, Bloom felt a voice inside her, and if felt like Daphne, say, "Bloom, you asked for my help, and you have it. If you want to figure out what's going on, first you must examine that license more closely."

Standing back up, the fairy of the Dragon Fire did just that. She obeyed her guardian's wishes and froze. Did that just say what she thought it did? Handing it back to the young woman, she tried to put on a straight face.

"What?" She asked. "Is there something wrong?" She placed a ten dollar bill on the counter.

That voice, Bloom realized. It has to be. There's so much proof.

"Miss, is there something wrong? You look distressed?"

Bloom shook her head. "No, there's nothing wrong. In fact, this is the first right thing that's happened to me all day." She sighed and looked the young woman over. Gaining courage, she asked, "Is that you Flora?"

The young woman gasped. "H-How did you know my name?"

Bloom smiled. It was her alright. What she didn't understand though was why she was on Earth. "Flora, what are you talking about? It's me, Bloom."

Again, the fairy of nature shook her head. "I've never met you before. If I had, surely I would've recalled."

"Flora, we went to school at Alfea together. Don't you remember? We were roommates."

Now it was Flora's turn to look up at her, clearly amazed. "You know about Alfea? But, I thought Earth was a non-magical zone."

"It is. But I'm not from here. I was just raised her. I'm from the Magical Dimension too."

Flora suddenly changed her expression, as if she did believe her. "Really? Where?"

"Sparx. I'm the princess."

Flora shook her head, as if what she'd almost considered had to have been false. "No, it couldn't be. Sparx has been in ruins for almost two decades."

Bloom didn't say anything to that. If people now claimed she was dating Andy, then it must make sense if she hadn't saved her kingdom. Instead, she inquired, "Flora, I'm King Sky of Eraklyon's fiancée."

Her friend gasped in clear surprise. "Now I know you must be kidding. King Sky is married to Queen Karina."

Well, it took me long enough, but here's the next chapter. To think about...

Why is Flora on Earth? What's goign on with the others? What kind of people are these friends that Bloom had instead of the other Winx girls? Who is Karina?(I'll let you know she's a minor character in the real show.) Why did Sky marry her instead of Diaspro?