The Ruined Wish

CHAPTER 1

the party

Every year, the town of Goldbrook throw a party for Last Night. Some people call it New Year’s Eve. It’s a small town but a big party. Everyone goes, people dance, they eat, they chat; but mostly, they party. Past grievances are forgotten as they celebrate the end of one turn and the beginning of the next. It’s a joyous time for everyone. It has been for centuries. This one should be no different, yet Sapphire Dove couldn’t shake the feeling of unease for that evening. It was clear no one else felt it, everyone was having fun. Except for that one person hanging back from the music, but there was always a shy person, nervous to fully let loose. Sapphire didn’t spare another thought on him, she dance, ate, mingled, partied, all while trying to get rid of the looming shadow prancing at the edge of her thoughts. Luckily, you could always count on Angel Hall to keep your attention. She chatted non-stop. “I can’t wait for the New Year. Can you imagine? All those new opportunities. I could even try out for Head Rider again, I might get it this time. What do you think Saph?”

Sapphire tapped her lip against her glass. “I’m not sure. But I’m certain you’ll get Head Rider, you’re the best there is,”. Angel beamed then sighed. “I hate seeing people so dark on these nights. Why don’t you go talk to him?”

She looked at Angel, “Who?”

“Him.” Angel pointed to the guy still not dancing.

“Why me? Why not you?”

Angel set her gaze back on Sapphire. “Because you look as gloomy as him. Now go.” she insisted.

Sapphire sighed and put her glass down. “Fine,” she grumbled, Sapphire guessed she hadn’t hidden the worry enough.

She picked up two fresh glasses on the way to the stranger. That was different. There wasn’t usually any strangers in Goldbrook. Everyone knew everyone. Sapphire hadn’t noticed earlier, but he was also wearing foreign clothes. A long black coat and crisp black trousers. Dressed for a business in cold weather, but it was always sunny in the small town and no thing other than party preparation had happened that day. She walked up to him and offered the glass. He accepted with a tip of gratitude and drank a small sip before setting it down. She placed her away too and rocked on her heels, silently cursing Angel for making her do this. The man watched her curiously and just as she was about to ask if he wanted to dance, he dug into his pocket and pulled out a small box. “I have gift for you, if you’ll take it.” he murmured. Sapphire was too surprised to talk. She wordlessly took the box and opened it. Inside was a silver star pedant, surrounded by small crusted diamonds. She gasped in surprise and held the necklace in her hand. She glanced at the stranger and he whispered, “Close your eyes and make a wish,”. She shut her eyes and wished for a splendid start to the new year. Her hand started to heat up. She opened her eyes quickly and the necklace was gone. And the stranger had vanished.

CHAPTER 2

the spoiled snacks

Sapphire gaped. Where had they gone? She stumbled back to Angel who was looking at her funny. She shook her head and pointed to the clock. “It’s almost midnight!” Angel said excitedly. Together they join the group of people on the balcony of the huge house, waiting for the last chime and the first spark. They chanted every time the clock donged. When it reached twelve times, the black sky erupted into fireworks. They boomed and roared, soared and sizzled, exploded and meandered. Everyone cheered when they finally finished. The waiters came round with new drinks, to replace the abandoned ones, and fresh snacks to mark the first meal. Angel bit into a creamy truffle and spat out dark green lumps. Everyone gasped. “The cream’s soured!” someone yelled. The Chef came round then, “I don’t understand. They were perfect when I tested them.”

“Well then you clearly have messed up taste buds! That’s weeks old mold!” shouted Angel, furiously pointing at the green lumps. Someone gagged from the crowd. Someone else called out, “That might of well as been food-poisoning!” Angel went green and rushed inside. Everyone heard the retch and sound of slop hitting the floor. Sapphire gulped went to help her. What was happening? She didn’t believe in wishes but even if she did, she had wished for a splendid start to the year. Only a sick individual would call this splendid. As she went inside she heard the shout and the spit, “The wine’s gone off!” She gasped. Everything was going wrong!

CHAPTER 3

a lesson learned

The party ended after that. No one wanted to remain in a place with mouldy cream, soured wine, black strawberries, mushy apples, worms in the tiramisu… Sapphire shivered as she climbed into bed. She wasn’t tired but fell asleep instantly. Her dreams were full of the stranger.

He smirked and faced her, his black coat flapping in the not-there wind. “Such a splendid start wouldn’t you say? I just love the horror and the sickness of all of it. Isn’t it such an amazing thing that the beginning of a year could be considered the entire first half? Imagine, six whole months of this torture and vile foods. I think the next bit should be arguments. Shame it isn’t Christmas anymore. It would be wonderful if everyone hated each other on that sacred day. Oh well, i have six months don’t I?” He chuckled gleefully and Sapphire gulped. The stranger eyed her. “I would say be careful what you wish for but your ineptness at this as truly worked wonders for me. Would you like to make another wish?” Sapphire shook her head dumbly in shock. The stranger tsked. “Ach, I have other unsuspecting people to grant wishes with. See you in six months.” Darkness swamped over his form and Sapphire woke up sweating. As she got up, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something bad was going to happen.