Chapter 7 - Names

     “So,” I hesitated a moment, “Ms., um, Fairy Godmother? Is that what I should call you?” She laughed, not unkindly, and replied, “Drop the Ms. and the ‘um’ and that should do the trick. I’ve had many names and titles over the years, and that was one I didn’t despise, so it will work.”

       “Ok, Fairy Godmother it is.” I was starting to adjust, and trying to find my footing and comfort, since apparently I had just committed myself to a project that could last quite some time. I might as well get used to it! “So you’re really the Fairy Godmother from the Cinderella story?”

    She rolled her eyes a bit, and smirked. “I am the Fairy Godmother, or whatever magical intervention, from all of the Cinderella stories. I’m your birds in the Brothers Grimm story, your fairy godmother in Cendrillon, the fish in Yeh-Shen.”

    I lost a bit of the confidence I was trying to build up. “I’m afraid I’m not that familiar with the different versions of the story.” I glanced at the Crone. “Are you wanting to start her interview tonight? I suppose I could go ahead and set up what recording equipment I have here, but I’m not really prepared. And we had discussed getting some better equipment.”

    “Of course, this is just an introduction. We will begin our interviews on Monday evening, if that works for you. I am thinking about 7:30? That would give you time to go home after your work hours and eat some dinner, then come back? And tomorrow you can buy the recording equipment and read up a bit.”

    I was reeling less each time she spoke; I think I was adjusting to the spontaneity. But another question did spring to mind. “We did discuss rates, and a stipend for the equipment, but we didn’t discuss method of payment. I don’t know what kinds of transactions you’re used to, but I will need currency in a form that I can spend, and some kinds of record keeping or billing system to account for it, so that I can justify my income. I’m assuming you don’t have tax information on your end…” I trailed off.

    The Fairy Godmother’s head snapped back as she howled with laughter. “Tax information!! Oh that’s lovely, what an idea!!” She actually had a tear rolling down her cheek, she was laughing so hard. I blushed a little, but forced a smile and a shrug. “Yeah, I didn’t really think so, I just don’t want to have to launder money or like, get audited I guess. This project will increase my income substantially.” The Crone, smiling and chuckling, patted the Fairy Godmother on the shoulder and shushed her.

    “Not to fret. While we don’t have technology of our own, some of our compatriots have learned how to manipulate human technology quite well. I have a little friend who is quite good with money and computers, and he has set up an, I believe it’s called an ‘LLC’ for me, with a generous bank account, proper paperwork, and everything. All transactions will be handled by direct deposit to your bank account, and we will document everything sufficiently that it would pass the most stringent audit. Which, certainly, we will do everything in our power to prevent, since it just sounds dreadful. No fun at all.”

    The Fairy Godmother was looking back and forth at us intently, smiling and nodding as if this was the most entertaining conversation she had seen in years. She suddenly sat up, clapping her hands to her thighs abruptly, and said, “Well I think we should leave things there for now. You’ve clearly got things to do, and we’ve taken up enough of your time for today. We will see you Monday evening, then.”

    She stood up, and I could almost see the feathers that weren’t there rustling as she tidied her dress. I stuck my hand out, not sure how to do things, but wanting to be polite. “It was very nice to meet you, Fairy Godmother!” She humored me and shook my hand, smiling broadly. I suddenly gasped, “Oh! I never introduced myself, I’m-”

    “No.” She cut me off firmly. “I have a feeling it’s reasons like this that I was chosen to be your first interview.” She cut a sharp glance at the Crone, who smiled faintly. “Don’t tell your name to anyone she brings to you. It will give them power over you. You can choose to use your job title, or invent a name to use if you feel you must, but keep your own name to yourself. Understood?”

       “Yes ma’am,” I nodded, eyes wide. I hadn’t been rebuked like that since I was a child, and I wasn’t sure how else to respond.

       “Very good then. Take care, I will see you soon!” And she swirled her dress, shrinking back into the little bird, then diving back into the folds of the Crone’s dress. I stared, then looked up at the Crone. “Well, I guess that’s it until Monday?”

    She beamed. “I’m so glad things are working out. You should see that deposit in your account by the time you get home tonight. It will appear as if it posted during working hours yesterday, and you will get a letter in the mail this week with matching paperwork for your records. Enjoy the rest of your weekend! Goodbye!” And she winked out of existence, just as she had the night before. I slumped in my chair and pondered for a minute before gathering my things and heading home.