Read Fairy for Free Online Page B

Looks very much like you.”
    The boy stood, never blinking, never unfastening his smile, and ran off out of sight. There were some pounding sounds, followed by a cacophony of squeals and grunts.
    â€œHe’s just hungry,” Judy said. “Got him in a cranky mood.”
    â€œAnd you…you got him from a fairy?” Just saying the words made Cecilia feel ridiculous, and she couldn’t help but titter.
    â€œI think maybe we need to sit down.”
    They made their way into the living room where they sat on the sofa beside each other.
    â€œCan I get you something to drink?”
    â€œPlease, Judy, what the hell is going on? Help me understand all of this.”
    Judy sighed, gripped her knees, and half faced Cecilia. “I tried to explain it to you last night, but I understand your apprehension. Hell, when I first heard about it, I laughed it off. But Billy is proof. The fairy is real, and he can help you.”
    â€œBut…a fairy? Really? You mean like an angel?”
    Judy flared her nostrils. “No, not exactly. It’s not something I can really describe, but he’s real. That much I can tell you.”
    â€œWhy would I put a dead baby under my pillow? It’s so…”
    â€œI know. Believe me, none of this is pleasant. None of it. But think about it like childbirth. After all the pain, after it’s all said and done, it’ll be worth it. You’ll have your baby.”
    All the pain?
    Judy stared at the floor, squinting, lost in some memory. “I’m not sure why you have to put it under your pillow. Maybe that’s just how fairies work, I don’t know. All I know is that you have to. He won’t come if you don’t. And you have to hang the placenta outside of your window so he knows to enter. Think of it as an invitation.
    â€œAnd then…and then he’ll come. He’ll take the baby…and…and he eats it. He eats it right then and there. And…”
    Cecilia shook her head. “Judy, I’m doing my best to have an open mind here. I really am…but come on—”
    â€œYou came here because you wanted to know, now shut up and listen. He eats it, and then he impregnates you.” She covered her face with both palms.
    â€œImpregnates you?”
    Judy turned and faced Cecilia, eyes wide and red rimmed. “He fucks you. He fucks you until the job is done, until you’re pregnant. And it works, Celia. It works.”
    Another squeal.
    â€œI have to feed Billy. And Cliff should be home soon.” She scooted closer, reached over and squeezed Cecilia’s thigh. “I have something for you. Just wait here.”
    Judy hurried off. The air filled with the same savory smell, and Cecilia was reminded of how hungry she was. But even with her stomach churning, she knew she wouldn’t be able to eat. Not now…not today.
    Judy returned with a small cooler, set it at Cecilia’s feet.
    â€œIs this…?”
    â€œYou know what it is. I had a feeling you’d be back. Your maternal instinct…it’s impossible to ignore, Celia. And yours is strong. You deserve this, deserve a baby of your own.”
    Cecilia stood, almost ran out of the house, leaving the cooler behind and pretending none of this was happening. But she reached down and picked it up.
    â€œBe strong. You can get through it, and when it’s all over, just think of how happy you’ll be.”
    Cecilia nodded, hugged her friend with her free arm. “Th-thank you. This is—”
    â€œGo. And good luck.”
    The door clicked shut behind her the moment she had crossed over the threshold. She hurried to her car, slid into the driver’s seat, set the cooler in the passenger seat, and just stared at it. Red fingerprints stained the lid, and a gamey scent swirled off of it.
    Just then, a green SUV pulled into the driveway. Cliff stepped out of the car, the sun deepening the lines on his haggard face. He