My Epic Fairy Tale Fail Read Free

on the mission,” said Dr. Bradley, pushing his glasses up his long nose. He hobbled over to an armchair and settled into it, like he was getting ready for story time.
    â€œCan’t Anthony tell me everything once we get there? I don’t think I can wait another minute.” I’d never been so eager to go on an assignment in my life.
    Dr. Bradley glanced at Anthony, and the two of them had a silent conversation, nodding and blinking and nodding again.
    â€œIs there a problem?” I asked. “Are you guys having some sort of episode?”
    â€œNo, no,” the doctor said finally. “I suppose it would be all right if Anthony briefed you. But be careful, Jenny. We’ve heard very little about what’s been happening in the Land of Tales since your parents disappeared there. You never know—”
    â€œDon’t worry about me.”
    â€œIt’s just, the Committee is concerned that…” Dr. Bradley’s words faded away, and he looked suddenly interested in some invisible lint on his sweater vest.
    â€œThe Committee members don’t think I should go, do they?”
    â€œThey’re just worried, Jenny-girl,” said Anthony. “They think it’s dangerous.”
    I shook my head. “That’s not it. They don’t think I can do it.” That’s why they’d had Jasmine babysitting me, to make sure I was following all their rules and being a good little adventurer. It stung that the Committee members didn’t have faith in me, especially after I’d been going on mission after mission for them for over three years. If anyone should have a chance to go to the world where my parents had vanished, it was me.
    â€œCome on, Anthony,” I said. “We’re going.”
    â€œBut, Jenny,” said Dr. Bradley, “there are some things you should know before—”
    â€œI’ll be fine. I promise.” I shot Anthony an insistent look. He sighed and nodded.
    There was a loud Pop ! and Dr. Bradley’s house faded away, replaced by a blinding mix of colors. Normally, I dreaded traveling in between worlds, but this time I barely even noticed it. All I could think about was that after all these years, I might finally get some answers.

Chapter Three
    When I opened my eyes, I expected to find myself in a magical kingdom. So I couldn’t figure out why we were outside Aunt Evie’s house again, standing in her flower beds.
    â€œAnthony?” I said, brushing mulch off my sneakers. “Did you miscalculate or something?”
    He grinned. “Just a slight detour to pick up a couple of passengers.” He plucked a marigold and popped it in his mouth.
    â€œPassengers?” I echoed just as someone came out from behind the bushes. Technically, two someones. A tall girl with long, straight hair, and a shorter, rounder girl with bright purple glasses. “Melissa? Trish? What are you guys doing here?”
    â€œWe’re coming with you!” Melissa cried, her hair swirling around her shoulders. “Isn’t that fantabulous?”
    â€œThis is finally our chance to see what you do,” said Trish. She seal-clapped with excitement, reminding me way too much of a crazed mermaid.
    I glared at Anthony. “What’s going on?”
    â€œI figured it couldn’t hurt,” he said, not meeting my eyes. “It’s only a tiny mission, and they were very convincing.”
    â€œAre you crazy? What about the Committee? Those old women will totally flip if they find out you brought regular humans to a magical world!” The Committee loved wiping people’s minds if they knew too much about magic. I couldn’t let that happen to my friends. Not again.
    Anthony shook his head. “The Committee members will never know unless we tell them.” He turned to Trish and Melissa. “So, do you have my payment?”
    My mouth dropped open.