Hello readers! The story continues….

Many thanks to Lalizi, who started editing this story!

I reloaded chapter 1 and 2, it now should be without spelling mistakes.

Enjoy!

Getting to know the fairy

Anna was a bit disappointed, but she liked to be challenged. Bates had tried to speak with Robert about his decision, but hadn't succeeded in changing his mind. By going to Robert, something told Anna that Bates liked being close to her. It could be for several other reasons, of course. Maybe it was just something she hoped.

It was time to work on some scenes with other actors. Only Thomas could see Fay. Others wouldn't notice her. It was funny to play, because every time she fluttered alongside one of the actors, they had to pretend they couldn't see her. Every few minutes they had to laugh and start over again, even when Anna did a really good – and serious – job.

After that, Anna watched Bates rehearse some scenes with Matthew and Mary. The sleazy lawyer wants the cottage for himself and Miss Charlene wants only Thomas' money and status. First thing Anna noticed about Mary, who's playing Charlene, was her appearance; very natural, with a beautiful white skin, brown hair and eyes, and great fashion sense. Anna was feeling a bit jealous. Even more now, when Mary was standing so close to Bates. She was glad Matthew was standing next to her and she did seem more interested in him than Bates.

In the play, Thomas falls head over heals with the pretty Miss Charlene, but she tries to trick him. They have a few touching and kissing moments. Anna really couldn't stand it, but she had to let it go. She would have enough scenes face to face with him. Unfortunately, without touching.

In the afternoon, everyone was called to the costume designers one by one. Sybil took Anna's measurements and showed her a drawing of what her costume would look like. She was definitely to become a forest faery, but it was a sturdy looking thing, yet feminine as well. She liked it very much. "I like it Sybil, only, what will my wings look like?" Anna asked the young girl. Sybil started laughing a bit. "Wings? It's a fairytale, but you do want to be taken serious, don't ya? This is not a children's play." Anna was shocked. "What? But I was looking forward to it. First no touching and now no wings! What will be next? No kissing?!" She spoke louder then she wanted. Everyone could hear her. She walked out the door and saw every one watching. She was becoming a bit upset and said, "Well, I think it's scandalous!", in an angry tone. The others where raising their eyebrows. Now Anna had to laugh a bit about her behavior and walked straight to the sitting room to take a breath and calm down.

She was just sitting down when she noticed Bates had followed her into the room. "You OK Anna?", he asked while he took a seat next to her.

"Yeah, nothing much. Bit frustrated. Things about the play don't turn out to be like the thoughts in my head…. But I'm sure Robert know what he's doing."

"That's how he his. But you'll see he's right, he does great things with theater. This will become a great success." John tried to reassure her.

"Yes, it has to be, the writing is wonderful. I will get used to the 'no touching' and being a fairy without wings." They both chuckled.

"Well, it's been a long day with meeting a lot of new people and a lot of work. Why don't you join me and Mary later, we're going to have a drink around the corner", John asked.

Anna liked the idea of spending more time with him – to talk some more, but she didn't want to interfere between him and Mary. "I'd like to,… but,… wouldn't you rather just go out with Mary alone?" Of course, this was her secretly trying to discover if he had an eye on Mary.

"No, absolutely not. I'm sure she would like to know you better. Maybe some others will join us too. She will probably invite Matthew." He winked at her. He isn't persuing Mary, that's good… Anna thought.

The four of them went to the pub when Robert finally let them go. Mary and Bates had been in a play together before, so it was kind of a tradition. Bates offered the first round of drinks. Anna felt really comfortable, sipping her cider. Matthew she knew and Bates was really nice. Mary seemed a nice woman too; she liked to get to know her better. She wasn't arrogant at all and really interested in Anna. She learned they where all single, with the excuse of 'being to busy with their careers'. It wasn't easy to find someone who didn't mind being alone most evenings.

The four of them talked the entire evening until Mary started yawning. They decided to head home. Matthew offered Mary to walk her home, as she was only living a few blocks away. They walked off together.

"They wont be single for long", said Anna to Bates, who was following her outside. "Well, I know Mary. She's not easy with men. She has high standards. I hope he's up for her."

"Well,..", Anna spoke, "You don't know Matthew, he might be the right guy for her then."

"I'm taking a cab home. I don't know where you live, but would you like to share one?", Bates offered. Anna hesitated a moment, but she was sure he didn't live in the same area. "I don't think you live in a ghetto right?", Anna joked. It wasn't that bad. "That's where I'm going… so, I'll just take the tube." Anna thought that the right moment to walk away, when Bates added, "Watch out for yourself, please." Anna stood still and he continued, "And Anna, I had a really nice evening. Maybe we can do it again sometime?"

"I'd like that. Maybe we can have a drink at my place next time… what do you think?"

"Sure, why not, you made me curious about your ghetto living space." Again a grin formed on his face. "Don't expect to much of it." Anna smiled. John smiled back.

Anna was suddenly feeling hot. Their eyes lingered on each other just a few seconds too long to be just friendly. Oh, how she wanted to touch his face, explore every inch of it - His stubble, his crinkles, his lips. His eyes burned into hers. She swallowed and lowered her eyes to the floor. She was glad Bates started speaking again. "Well, let me know when you arrive home safe. I'll give you my number." He searched his pockets for a piece of paper and wrote it down. When he handed it to her, their hands just touched for a second. It didn't go unnoticed to Anna, her heart fluttered.

"Thank you, I'll let you know."

There was now an uncomfortable silence, both didn't know what to say or do. Someone had to leave or say goodbye. It was John who took initiative. "Goodnight Anna" and leaned in to give her a friendly kiss on her cheek.

"Goodnight John", Anna managed to say before he walked away. Leaving a trail of his scent, Anna needed some time to recover to get her feet moving. She just stood there for a minute, letting everything in. Her body was still tingling because of his soft kiss.

I know this guy for a few days and he sweeps me off my feet. I'm in real danger. I don't want anything with an actor, certainly no direct colleague. Anna had seen enough around her; it made things difficult while playing or filming, not to mention being in the newspapers.

But he is really kind, smart and nice to talk with... and he smells good too… Oh Anna, don't even go there with your thoughts!, she interrupted herself.

When she was back on earth her feet started moving again and she walked to the underground. She knew she had a smile on her face. He had been so close… she had felt the heat from his skin against her. And she knew it would be happening again and again, every night on stage. Soon. She couldn't breath when she thought of it. It would mean more then just a stage kiss for her, but she was sure he would be his professional self. She was afraid it would break her heart. Don't fall in love with him Anna, she said to herself. Just have some fun, enjoy it, but not more.

She arrived home to her cozy apartment half an hour later and made herself a cup of tea. She knew she couldn't sleep right away. It was like his face was projected on her retina every time she closed her eyes.

Anna got the piece of paper out of her bag and typed a short message on her smartphone:

A - Your faery has arrived safely at her tree house. Goodnight –

J - Thanks for letting me know. Sweet dreams –

She was a bit disappointed with his reply, but after thinking about it for some minutes (and reading it more then hundred times), she was OK with it.

He doesn't know what's in my head. We just met! Maybe he just gave me his number because he felt he had to protect me. More like a father figure instead of… flirting. Well,…It will help me to keep a distance.

Not long after that, she fell in to a restless sleep.

Reviews are much appreciated!