An Ordinary Fairy by John Osborne Read Free Book Online Page A

as Shadow paddled about, a relaxed, giggling laugh. “You sure stirred things up,” she shouted to the dog. He paddled his way to a stone beach below her and climbed out, following a narrow path cut in the rock. The dog shook from tip of nose to tip of tail, showering the ledge, the birds and Willow, who laughed again and threw back her hood, at the same time speaking over her shoulder. “How’s the water?” She reached for the belt, untied it and dropped the robe, revealing her nude little figure.
    “Oh, wow!” Noah whispered.
    Willow stretched unashamed in preparation for exercise. Noah’s vantage point was fabulous, except he couldn’t move. He didn’t dare try to leave.
    Besides, he didn’t want to leave.
    I should have warned her I was here.
    I’m not exactly harming her … I guess.
    Jeez, with her temper, if she catches me, I’m a dead photographer.
    While the rational part of Noah’s mind debated what to do, another part of his consciousness watched Willow’s every move, spellbound. She had a gymnast’s physique, with broad, powerful shoulders and arms that displayed sleek muscles. Firm pectorals spread across her chest, giving perfect support to her broad breasts, which though as wide as the muscles beneath, protruded little. A long torso ended at her moderate waist and tight belly, which displayed a sweet womanly roundness. Hips that flared slightly fashioned a charming curved transition to sturdy thighs. Short legs with muscular calves emphasized her tiny feet. She was at once feminine, yet brawny.
    She’s so perfect.
    I should feel guilty about this. So why am I … lighthearted? Or is it lightheaded?
    The beautiful image before him so enthralled Noah that he nearly missed a most curious anomaly. The robe lay in a pile at Willow’s feet on the rock ledge yet the white glow remained on her face, and the soft radiance spread down her neck and across her upper chest. It must be reflected sunlight. He turned toward the sun for a moment, missing Willow’s dive off the ledge. She swam a long time underwater, sank deeper for a moment, and then shot straight up and burst through the surface amid a shower of spray and a loud buzz—and continued into the air and hovered, facing Noah, ten feet over the water. Two pairs of gossamer wings had appeared behind her and vibrated with a soft drone.
    Blessed be the Goddess!
    Noah’s legs wobbled. Willow remained erect and lifted her arms straight out to her sides. The palms of her hands glowed with white light. She dropped her arms to her sides and then raised them again. The water below gurgled and large bubbles formed and burst, each releasing a glowing cloud of vapor that coalesced into a distinct luminous ball. She spun slowly in the air, turning full circle twice as the globes rose and spiraled around her. When her back faced him, Noah could see the wings were no trick or apparatus.
    Willow’s merry laugh sounded in the silence, and then she pitched forward and dove into the water, the wings folding flat against her back. She swam underwater this way and that for fifty feet or so. The balls of light followed every move, until she emerged from the water and soared into the air above the treetops with a loud buzz. She hesitated, looking across the forest for a few moments, and then twirled and plunged toward the water to sweep along inches above the surface, her body now held horizontal, arms at her sides.
    Noah’s stomach lurched as he followed her roller coaster course through the air. His hands shook and grew clammy.
    Please stop flying.
    The lights and the birds formed a living escort that flew alongside, above and below Willow as she flew a circuit about the pond. Near the ledge, she slowed, shifted to an erect position and dropped feet first into the water. She swam quietly on her back, an occasional wingtip peeking through the surface. She spoke softly to the birds, which had landed on the rock nearby.
    Noah was having difficulty breathing. He glanced