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Andrew sat in his living room, he stared contemplatively down at the business card in his hand. “Want a new look? Visit The Enchantress who can give you a makeover for 12 hours!” Andrew stood up and looked at the mirror on the wall of his wooden cottage. He touched his face, grazed over his scar, touching his hair, gazing into the deep red eyes that stared back at him. He sighed. All his life he had been an outcast for his albinism, he wondered what anyone could see in him. It was best if he just stayed alone, right? Out in the middle of the woods no one could judge him, the trees couldn’t judge him, his garden couldn’t judge him,the stray cats couldn’t judge him, it was bliss. While it was blissful to be alone, he thought about when he goes to get groceries and all the eyes on him. The freak with albinism. Then that fateful day came, he was approached by a dark woman in strange makeup. She told him that he had caught her eye with his peculiar looks, Andrew looked away wishing he hadn’t looked this way. She slipped him a business card, “Come see me,then, I will help you kind sir.” From that day, he stared at himself everyday when waking up wondering about the encounter.
Maybe one day as someone else won’t hurt.
Andrew threw on some dark clothing and got out his sunhat and sunglasses. A good ol’ turtleneck and dark cardigan to keep him all covered up. Black from head to toe so his skin could survive. Andrew followed the directions on the back of the business card, going through town then heading west. It led him into more woods, but these were more muddy, more ominous. Is this really the right way? Andrew was used to creepy atmosphere and dark locations, but this just seemed unlivable. Then there in the distance Andrew saw a flicker of light. He moves the mossy branches out of the way and steps through the glowing green water cautiously. The smell, how wretched even for someone who’s around dead bodies. Knock. Knock. Knock. Andrew stood as he heard the sound of glass clinking together then the rather rubbish door open. There she stood, The Enchantress, a mysterious aura came from her.
“Well, if it isn’t the fine fellow from the market,” The Enchantress snided. “Care to take me up on the offer?”
“I-” Andrew paused for a minute. Is this what I really want? He pondered for a moment, images of people not looking at him everywhere filled his mind. The thought of living a normal life made his heart flutter. He took in a deep breath then exhaled, “Yes, I am.”
“Perfect, come on in, welcome to home.” Andrew walked into the small corroded house, glass bottles everywhere full of liquids of all colors and hues, various charms and masks, and even a small cauldron where, what looks like, a stove is.
“It’s very. . . small in here,” Andrew said.
“I’ve been here for too long to go anywhere else, please sit dear and let me show you what this place really looks like.” Andrew tilted his head as he took a seat on a stool. He watched as The Enchantress took her amulet and chanted something along with a dance. WHOOSH! BAM! The decrepit house had suddenly gotten a makeover! Andrew watched as the rotting wallpapered walls and the furniture looked brand new. He saw as the stove turned into a modern one and the light fixtures turned into hanging lights that bedazzled the scenery. The wallpapers went from faded to bright red, the floor went from brown and wet to brand new hardwood floors, it was a whole new atmosphere. Even the room felt less stuffy.
“Whoa,” Andrew mumbled, he’d really never seen anything like that.
“Now what do you think, dear?” The Enchantress smiled.
“That was. . . Very interesting to watch,” Andrew said.
“Thank you, if I kept it this way all the time it would stand out way too much to travelers who come for my elixirs.” That made sense. Andrew nodded. “Now, speaking of elixirs, let’s whip yours up.” Andrew watched as The Enchantress danced around the room grabbing various items like mushrooms and flowers, she got something that looked like glitter and another thing that vaguely resembled honey but blue. “I will let you know now, darling, I cannot tell you how you will look once you drink it.” The Enchantress threw the items into the cauldron and began mixing.
“O-oh. . .”
“That’s usually the reaction I get.” The Enchantress dipped an empty bottle into the cauldron and fills it with the liquid she concocted. “Don’t worry you’re still guaranteed to look different. I always ask, though, what makes you want to be different, my child?”
Andrew looked away as The Enchantress approached him with the elixir. Voices echo in his head of how cursed he is how different he is. “I-it’s. . . Personal.”
“I see, you do not want to talk about it. Well, I am just a shop owner after all. Here you are.” Andrew turns to see the elixir being held out to him. He tries to hide the giddiness in his heart as he takes it, but it still comes off as forceful.
“Sorry. I’m just a little excited.”
“It is alright, my child, drink up!”
Andrew looked at the elixir, a very enticing light blue color, probably the prettiest blue he’s ever seen. Well, I can’t turn back now. It’s already in my hand. And with that Andrew drinks the elixir like a tequila shot just without the relieving “ahh” afterwards. Andrew looked down at himself, no change. “Um?”
“Just give it a second.”
Like she summoned it, a second later Andrew looks at his hands, the hard pasty calluses were suddenly peachy pink and soft. He felt the hair that usually tapered to his neck be lifted, when he reached back a ponytail was there and his bang turned a dark brown. The Enchantress brought him a mirror and in it was someone else. That’s me? Andrew stared at the dark brown eyes staring back at him. His skin was nearly flawless and toned. He took off his hat and saw his hair had turned a dark brown. Normal. Acceptable.
“What do you think, darling?”
“This. . . Is that really me?”
“Yes, dear.”
He felt The Enchantresses’ gaze on him as he touched his face and hair making sure it was real. “I look so normal.”
“Is that not what you wanted?”
Andrew smiles at his reflection. “It was.”
“It only lasts 12 hours, then you go back to normal.”
Andrew nodded happily, thanking her and taking his leave.
***
After a brief shopping trip Andrew hummed his way home. He couldn’t remember the last time he felt this happy. No stares. No eyes on me. People brushed by me like I didn’t exist for once. Is this how a normal life is? As Andrew approached his cottage’s front door he sees a man looking in the window - well trying to at least, Andrew always kept the blinds shut. He was dressed so luxuriously. A white veil and robe lined with gold and an owl on his shoulder.
“Excuse me,” Andrew said. The man jumped and turned. A blindfold? Strange. What strange makeup as well. “Who are you?”
“Ah!” The stranger put a hand around the back of his neck. “Is this your house?”
“I asked a question first,” Andrew said coldly.
“I’m Eli Clark, the Prince of Fortune around here.” Eli approached him and stuck ahand out for a shake.
Great some whacko claiming to be a prince is at my house on my one normal day . “Well, Prince of Fortune, this is my house.” Andrew walks by his hand and takes out his keys. “Why are you near my house?” A stray cat meows and purrs as it slinks through Andrews legs.
“Well, you see,” Eli started. He seemed to ponder for a moment, Andrew felt impatience boiling. Usually he wouldn’t be so impatient, but his house is sacred. His alone space. And now there was a trespasser. “I heard there was a gravekeeper that lived out here. I saw the grave site nearby and figured this would be his house. But I heard he would look unusual.” Ow, unusual.
“Why would a prince need a gravekeeper?”
“Well, since he’s usually underappreciated, I wanted to show my appreciation.” Eli pets his owl and the cat hisses at Andrew’s feet. “You see, he has to be very lonely.”
“Well, it mustn’t be me,” Andrew said as he opens his door and heads inside. Suddenly his wrist is in a tight grasp. He looks back to see the prince holding him.
“Wait!”
“Y-yes?” Andrew felt his face grow warm for some reason. Human contact.
“I- I um would like you to come to the Fortune Ball.” Eli digs an invitation out of his robe and hands it to Andrew. “Please.” Funny, even with a blindfold on Andrew could feel the pleading eyes. And he couldn’t resist.
“I-I suppose.” He jerks his hand out of Eli’s grasp. He sees a smile form on Eli's Face and takes the invite. “Now, please leave.” Andrew began to shut the door.
“Wait wait! One more question!” Eli cried.
“Yes?”
“What’s your name, sir?”
Andrew paused for a moment. He then sighed, “G-gravekeeper. Call me Gravekeeper. Now, please leave me alone Mr. Prince.” Andrew shut the door and then leaned against it. He fell to the ground as the stray nuzzled and purred against him. He puts his hands to his face. He replays the feeling of Eli’s hand on his wrist, even though he had a cardigan on he could still feel the warmth. Don’t overthink. Don’t overthink. He repeats in his head but he craved that feeling again. How long had it been since he came in contact with someone that actually spoke to him? Too long apparently.
He was kind of cute as well. . .Wait what? No. Don’t get close Andrew. Why would anyone cute want to take you to a ball you’ve never heard of? Why. . .
Andrew looks at the invitation, purple and gold embroidery that glistened in the dim sunset light. The writing in silver, but still legible.
“You have been formally invited to the Fortune Ball! Congratulations! Please come with your invitation, formal clothing, and a bright attitude at the date below!”
Andrew looked down at the date and his eyes widened. Tomorrow!? What if we hadn't ran into each other? Would he have even bothered? Andrew stood up and began putting his batch of groceries away. He then goes to his room and comes back with an apron. As he passes the small mirror on the wall next to the kitchen arch he takes in his looks again. Still normal. The words Eli had said echoed in his mind. Unusual. Unusual. Unusual. Andrew began cutting up vegetables for his dinner. After chopping some tomato, his last slice is forceful. CHOP! Andrew gritted his teeth and his hands clenched.
Idiot.
***
The next morning Andrew woke up normally with a stretch. He looked down at his hands. Hard, calloused. He ran to the bathroom, there in the mirror stood himself. Back to normal. He ran back to his room and looked at the invitation on the nightstand, he picked it up and stared at it for a moment. He doesn’t want me there. He wants who he saw yesterday there. No one would want me anywhere. Andrew sighs. He sits on his bed and looks around. Am I lonely? I’ve never thought about it. Suddenly the feeling of warmth flushed his face as he saw Eli’s smile in his mind and his hand grabbing his wrist. It was nothing. I don’t need anyone. Andrew shakes his head and looks back at the invitation. Maybe. . . A little company wouldn’t hurt. Andrew got up and put on his dark clothing again. He checked the time - 10:30 A.M. He decided he should head over to The Enchantress. He sets out again.
Andrew looked up from the card, there it was, the old building in the distance that he now knew was a disguise. He knocked on the door, this time he heard beads clatter as The Enchantress opened the door.
“Well, if it isn’t you!” The Enchantress greeted. “Are you back for more?” Andrew nods and she leads him in. “I have to tell you, it is very dangerous to keep doing this continuously. If you have a feeble body it could take a toll. My limit is two per week per customer.”
“I-I understand. I don’t mean to be a bother, I got invited somewhere and the person who invited me doesn’t know. . . Well, doesn’t know I’m me.”
“I see, poor child. Having to hide your looks. You know you are quite beautiful.”
Andrew’s face flushed. “Th-thank you.” Once again he watched The Enchantress dance around the now fancied room collecting items. She brings the elixir to Andrew once again, except this time he sits at a dining table.
“Here you are, if you are lucky you’ll get the same look you had yesterday!”
“Ah, luck. . . I guess we will see.” Andrew downs the elixir once more. He checks the time - 12:00 P.M.
“The elixir countdown starts the second you ingest it. At midnight you will transform back, okay?” Andrew nodded as he watched his body shift again. The Enchantress brought him the mirror once again, he closed his eyes, afraid he might be too different. Please. Please. He opened his eyes and sees the same reflection from yesterday and smiles. “You are quite lucky, my child!”
“Th-thank you for your hard work. I must be going.”
“Have a good one and do not forget about midnight.” Andrew nodded as he took his leave. He looked behind as he left this time watching the new fancy house return to its decrepit state, nearly blending in with the moss and trees surrounding it. Andrew quickly made his way back home, he had errands to run, a tux that needed dry cleaning immediately, his garden of flowers tended to, his laundry to take inside from its lines. Suddenly, it felt like he had so much to do and all by eight o’ clock.
***
Nighttime was finally coming, he rushed inside with his tux wrapped in plastic on a hanger. So fresh and clean. Should be perfect for this occasion. Andrew slid the tux out and laid it neatly on the bed. He removed his watch and proceeded to undress, he headed to the bathroom and started up the shower water. Thankfully, I have enough time for a short shower. I may have showered earlier but those errands made me so sweaty.
After Andrew stepped out of the shower and dried off, applying deodorant and such he slipped the tuxedo on. He looked in his body mirror next to his television. Normal. I look like a normal party attendee. He smiled and touched his dark hair and peachy face again. He put his beloved purple flower where a tuxedo napkin would go. He looked over at his clock it was almost seven-thirty! He picked up the invitation and headed out immediately. He carefully makes his way on the paths throughout the forest he took every day until he got to town. He saw all the fancy dresses and tuxedos throughout the town and saw everyone heading towards the palace that sat on a hill. Andrew breezed by it, the tall black barred fence with shrubbery around it, the huge perimeter, the flower garden and in the middle was the big white palace. Covered in golden stars and statues of ancient gods that Andrew didn’t even believe in. He saw as the massive crowd headed towards the palace. Maybe I’ll be a little late, that’s a long line.
***
After Andrew returned to the palace after about an hour or so, the line had gone down. They must have really fast entrance systems. Andrew walked up to the gate where two soldiers stood. They stopped him immediately.
“Do you have an invitation?” One of them asked.
“A-Ah, yes, here you are,” Andrew nervously fumbled in his pocket and took out the invitation. The soldier took it and looked at it, front and back, then nodded,
“Go ahead.” The gate opened as the soldier pressed a button on his wrist, it immediately closed after Andrew’s entrance. He looked in front of him, a long winding sidewalk leading to the front door. He could see lights and hear loud music. This seems more like a party than a ball. He cautiously approaches the front door where a lady holding perfume stood. She welcomed him, offering some perfume on his way in, he declined quietly. As he opened the door to the palace he was overcome with colors, noise and people. Loud music played, lights flashing, people talking and laughing. This doesn’t seem very formal at all, is this the right place? Andrew takes out his invite again and looks at the picture on the back. Yep, looked like the place he was in, just real. Andrew immediately felt a need to escape. This was not his thing. Even if it was more formal, it still wouldn’t have been. Why did I even accept an invite from a stranger to a strange place? Andrew grabbed some water and headed to the corner. He stared at everyone with their perfect skin, their fancy dresses, their happy attitudes.
How many of them have to fake it like me? I don’t belong here with such beautiful people. They’re all so perfect already and I have to use magic to make myself presentable. I really don’t know why I came here. Wait- Andrew sat his drink on a table and felt his pockets and looked at his wrist - I forgot my watch. Andrew sighed and wiped his face with a groan. Could it get any worse? Maybe I should just leave. I don’t even see the Eli guy that called me here. Andrew took a sip of water. Led on once again, good job Andrew. This is why you don’t trust anybody. He gently placed his hand over his flower. Not since she’s been gone. Andrew shook his head, not the time for reminiscing, he had to get out of here. Andrew didn't even realize he went to the opposite side of the room from the front door. He chugged his water. You can do this, Andrew. He began to make his way through the crowds of people dancing and grinding. Very informal! With many “Excuse me”s and sliding uncomfortably through people he finally made his way to the front door. Andrew drew a cross over himself with his hand and said a mini prayer under his breath, panting. Finally, time to go home. Andrew reached to push the door outwards when suddenly he was grabbed by the wrist yet again.
“There you are!” A familiar voice welcomed. Shit. “I was wondering when I would find you!”
Andrew turned his head slowly, his face turning bright red, and there he was, the Prince. Andrew had done some research that day, as he stared at the prince he wondered why he was called The Seer so often. “Are you leaving? Did you get here just now? I’ve been looking for so long.”
“A-ah um. . . Th-this isn’t really my thing. I think I’m going to go home,” Andrew said. He found himself not jerking away from Eli as he had done the day before.
“So soon? Can we have a couple dances?” The squeeze on Andrew’s wrist grew tighter.
“W-well. . .” Andrew hesitated. Why did this guy make his heart and mind race? THUMP. THUMP. THUMP. That’s all that rang through his head. “I-I guess a couple.”
“Great! I’ll get things to calm down for you!” And so he did. Eli led Andrew back to the dance floor asking everyone kindly to make a lot of space for the two of them. And so they did. Before he knew it, Andrew found himself alone with Eli on the dance floor as everyone else enjoyed themselves. Andrew watched as Eli began dancing to the music in the same luxurious makeup and headdress he wore yesterday, except this time he was dressed normally from the neck down - well, as normal as formal is. “C’mon Gravekeeper, don’t you dance?” Eli cheered.
“N-not really,” Andrew looked away nervously. Eli hummed as he took Andrew’s hands and began dragging him into a dance. “A-ah w-wait I don’t-! I-I don’t know how to!”
“What a better time to learn than the present then,” Eli snickered.
Before he could rebuttal, Eli was teaching Andrew steps and they clumsily stepped on each other’s feet. As the night went on Andrew started to relax, their steps became more synced, they were able to look each other in the face and dance at times. For once, Andrew felt his heart be filled with warmth that he hadn’t felt in years. Acceptance. Ah, wait he still doesn’t know the real me. Andrew had nearly forgotten about his new looks. He looked down solemnly. Eli opened his mouth to speak but before he could the music changed, now slow and romantic.
“It’s the slowdance part, Gravekeeper,” Eli said softly. Andrew didn’t reply he nodded. “Here, if we stand like this it’ll be a better experience.” Andrew felt his face get warm as Eli pressed them together, a hand on Andrew’s waist and the other holding his hand up. Eli slowly began to guide them into a ballroom dance. Andrew felt all his worries flushing away, he wasn’t sure what was so different about the Prince that made him feel this way. He finally feels at ease.
“Prince, may I ask the time?” Andrew said.
Eli stops the dance to look at his wrist watch. How does he see through that thing? “It’s 11:55, Gravekeeper. And please, call me Eli.” Andrew gasped and shoved Eli away, fear covering his face. Everyone looks over at the scene. Eyes. Eyes everywhere. Soon they’ll see what’s behind the facade. Soon they’ll know I’m not like them. Andrew stumbled and almost tripped over himself as he left through a door hastily, not even realizing his flower fell from his tuxedo.
“Gravekeeper! Wait, come back!” Eli yelled. He took off with his owl in tow, of course, and headed after Andrew, picking up the flower.
***
Andrew panted as he ran through the field of flowers. Where is it? Where’s the entrance? How did I go out the wrong door? Where even is this? It seems endless! Andrew looked around feverishly and patted his chest. No no! My flower! I thought things couldn’t get worse! Andrew put his hands on his head, almost ready to pull his hair out. God dammit! I knew being around people would make me look more like a freak!
“Gravekeeper! Gravekeeper, where are you?” Eli’s voice called in the distance. “Gravekeeper come back! Please!” Andrew looked over his shoulder seeing Eli running out into the field then took off once again. He can’t see me. He can’t see who I really am! Andrew runs as he pants, his mind racing. The images of a disgusted Eli ran through his mind, then images of those who outcast him, then those who stared at him all the time. Tears began to form on his eyes.
Unacceptable.
Unworthy.
Evil.
THUD! Andrew felt the cold hard ground on his face, his mouth full of dirt as he started coughing. All he could see around him was flower stems illuminated by the bright moon. As he got to his knees to get up, Andrew saw as his peachy skin looked pasty white against the moonlight. He felt his hair taper back down to his head, and he knew his bright red eyes had returned. His face covered in mud from where tears had been falling.
CRUNCH. CRUNCH. CRUNCH. Andrew knew that was the sound of Eli approaching him. He closed his eyes as the tears fell. He hears the Prince stop just behind him, breathing hard. “Gravekeeper?”
“Don’t look at me! I know you have that blindfold on but somehow you see things still! Don’t look at how ugly I am!” Andrew sniffles,his voice shaky.
“What do you mean?”
“I’m unacceptable, an abomination! You don’t want to see the real me. You don’t want to have me around now. I know it.”
Andrew heard Eli walk next to him and kneel next to him, using his feet as support, as he saw from the corner of his eye. “An abomination? What are you talking about?”
“Don’t you see this ugly face of mine? This ugly hair of mine?” Andrew picked up dirt as he clenched his fists. “Don’t you see how undeserving I am?” Andrew turned his head as he saw Eli hand him something. He looked at the flower and up at Eli, sniffling.
“I’m not sure who told you those things. I’ve known you were like this the whole time, Gravekeeper. I knew you were the myth”
“Huh?” Andrew’s eyes widened with surprise. “How?”
He watches the Prince remove his blindfold, his glowing blue eyes matched those of his owl. Such a blue reminded him of the elixir, the prettiest blue he had seen. “They don’t call me The Seer for nothing. I know what you’ve done and will do to an extent.” Eli smiled. “You’re pretty out of touch with who I am, huh?” Eli chuckled. There’s silence between them as Eli chuckled. Andrew couldn't control himself any longer. He lunged at Eli and embraced him. He was still crying. “There. There.” Eli reassured and patted Andrew’s back as he sniffled grossly. “It can be hard to accept yourself when you have expectations set onto you your whole life. But no one can be you but you, Gravekeeper. And you are beautiful.”
“Andrew. . .” Andrew’s voice trailed.
“Excuse me?”
“My name. . . My name is Andrew, please call me that.”
Eli wrapped his arms more comfortingly around the gravekeeper. “As you wish, Andrew. As long as you call me Eli from now on.”
Andrew pulls back from the hug and stares into Eli’s eyes. “Okay.” Eli smiled down at him and Andrew returned it. Acceptance. Andrew closed his eyes and leaned in, brushing his chapped dry lips against Eli’s soft glossy ones. The two feel a warmth as they kiss. Andrew pulls back quickly. “A-Ah sorry! W-we technically just met. . . S-sorry something came over me.”
“I saw it coming, but I didn’t stop it did I?” Eli chuckled. Eli leaned forward and returned the kiss gently. The two find themselves entranced with each other’s lips and warmth. Eli gently pushes Andrew onto his back as they continue to kiss. They finally pull away for air. The two of them smiled, staring into each other’s eyes then giggling.
“Isn’t this like that one fairytale?” Eli asked.
“Which one?” Andrew asked.
“You know, I can’t remember right now. But it had a glass shoe,” Eli chuckled then leaned down and kissed Andrew more.