Midnight Feast Read Online Free Page A

it’s the start of term – everyone’s brought goodies from home that we can share. Plus Winn says that –’
    Bimi’s wings felt stiff as the two of them excitedly carried on swapping ideas,. Already the party felt as though it didn’t belong to her any more. Sooze had taken it over.
    I’m being silly, she told herself. The important thing is that Twink has a good time. Besides, she’ll know it was my idea!

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    Chapter Three
    In the days that followed, Twink became certain that the fairies in her branch were up to something. They were always whispering together – and when Twink asked what they were talking about, they’d insist that it was nothing at all. Even Bimi was acting strangely! Twink’s best friend seemed to have something on her mind, and had gone very quiet lately.
    Things came to a head after dinner on Thursday night, when Twink flew into the first-year Common Branch. Madame Brightfoot had taught them some glimmery new dance moves that afternoon, and Twink was anxious to try them out with the others. And it was the perfect time – she had just seen Mariella and Lola heading for the library. The Common Branch without those two sitting sneering in the corner was something to be savoured!
    She flitted into the room and stopped short. The Daffy Branch fairies were all huddled together, and seemed to be softly arguing about something. Only Bimi, who stood off to one side with a pained expression on her face, kept silent as their whispered voices grew louder.
    Her pointed ears burning with curiosity, Twink edged forward until she could hear them.
    â€˜Well, it can’t be me!’ said Sooze. ‘I’m the only one who knows the way, so I can’t stay behind.’
    â€˜Oh, you just don’t want to miss any of the party!’ laughed Zena. ‘The place can’t be that hard to get to, if your wasp brain sister managed it.’
    Sooze gave her a mock scowl, but Pix interrupted before she could reply. ‘We’ll have to cast pebbles. None of us wants to miss any of the party, so it’s only fair.’
    Party? Twink stood rooted to the spot, wings frozen. ‘What are you talking about?’ she burst out.
    Suddenly the Daffy Branch fairies all looked as if they had swallowed ladybirds! ‘Oh, Twink, you weren’t meant to hear!’ wailed Sili.
    Twink put her hands on her hips. ‘But I did hear! What are you up to? What party?’
    Sooze grinned suddenly. ‘We might as well tell you in that case! Twink, we –’
    â€˜No!’ cried Bimi, flapping her wings. ‘It’s meant to be a surprise!’
    Twink looked at her friend in astonishment. Bimi had been so quiet lately, but suddenly she almost looked like she was going to cry.
    Sooze rolled her eyes. ‘Oh, the surprise is already ruined, so why not!’ She flitted over and squeezed Twink’s hand. ‘Listen, Opposite – we’re all going to have a midnight feast for your birthday tomorrow night. Well, except for Mariella and her little mosquito friend, of course!’
    Good-natured grumbles came from the other fairies. ‘Oh, trust Sooze not to keep a secret!’ scoffed Pix. ‘Twink, we meant to surprise you!’
    â€˜A midnight feast?’ gasped Twink. ‘Really?’
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    â€˜Even better than that!’ said Zena. She leaned forward and whispered, ‘Sooze has had the best idea – we’re going to have it at the Dingly Dell!’
    Pix nodded. ‘She’s thought of everything. It’s going to be the best party ever, Twink.’
    Twink’s wings tickled with excitement. The Dingly Dell! She had heard all about it from Sooze – it sounded like the most wonderful, magical spot in the world.
    â€˜Oh, how glimmery!’ she breathed. ‘Sooze, thank you!’
    She saw Bimi’s face fall, and groaned to herself. Oh, no – she might have known that Bimi would be