When I got home that evening, I had something to ask Dad.
Neil: Dad? I found an old book that once belonged to an alchemist before our move from Transylvania. Is it possible that the book could have come from somewhere else?
To my surprise, my dad smiled as if he already knew about the book.
Mr. Shadowton: Now, you know! That book was given to your great-great-grandfather by an old wizard from somewhere called Fairyland. He told your great-great-grandfather to hide it somewhere safe because if someone evil got their hands on it, it could bring destruction and terror to the whole world.
Neil: Hide it?
Mr. Shadowton: Yes, sport! No one had seen it, but people had been told of the potions and spells it provided. But if you found it, then that means someone tried to grab it, but was unsuccessful.
I gasped! I couldn't believe that the book had belonged to my great-great-grandfather. I even wondered who would want to steal his book. That had me stumped!
For the next four days, I've spent my time practicing my magic and trying to impress Cindy. By the time the sun was setting on fourth day, I noticed that Cindy looked sad.
Neil: You still miss Ahmed, don't you, Cindy?
Cindy: Yah! I really can't help it if I meet a charming boy.
Neil: I know what you mean! I've seen it happen multiple times. Boys and girls trying to impress their crushes. But sometimes things go wrong! But maybe someday, when you meet the right boy, you'll know he's the one.
Cindy: I will? But how?
Neil: You may feel like you have butterflies in your tummy.
Of course, I had felt that already when I was near Cindy.
Neil: But, of course, that's the problem. Because, well, people have trouble finding the right one for them in a certain place. "Love can transpose to form and dignity. Love looks not with the eyes but with the mind and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind."
Cindy: Where did you hear that?
Neil: William Shakespeare once said it. It means that love doesn't come from the eyes or the mind. It comes from the heart, where it matters most.
Cindy: Really?
Neil: Of course! You know, since Ahmed has moved away, I was wondering if-if- (sighs) Can I go with you to the school dance instead?
Cindy: (gasps) You would go with me?
Neil: Yes! That way, you can still go to the school dance with someone.
At that moment, she smiled a smile of a person who knows someone cares about them.
Cindy: Thank you, Neil! I accept!
Later after I escorted Cindy home and went on my way back to my home, I smiled a great big smile.
Neil: (thinking) Yes! She accepts! I did it! Success!
Meanwhile in her bedroom, Cindy thought about what I said about love coming from the heart. And to her surprise, when she thought about me, she suddenly felt like she had butterflies in her tummy.
Cindy: Can it be true? Is he really the one? My very own one and only true love?
Later that night at my home, Dad saw me smiling.
Mr. Shadowton: I've never seen you so happy in a long time, sport. What is making you smile now?
Neil: I've asked Cindy Fairiksen if I can go to the school dance with her and she accepted.
Mr. Shadowton: What? You asked her? But why?
Neil: Because, Dad, I love her!
Dad understood! He felt that way about Mom long ago. Later, he told Mom and Hexton what I told him.
Mr. Shadowton: That explains about Neil changing his appearance. He did it for his friend, because he loves her.
Mrs. Shadowton: After all this time, he's finally found his zing.
Hexton: He zinged? With a human?
Hexton was shocked when he heard it. So when my parents weren't looking, he slipped away with a grumpy look on his face.
Hexton: If that Neil has zinged with a human, I'll never get my revenge. This Cindy Fairiksen must see the monster he truly is!