Flying High Read Free Page B

Lightwing, her wings fluttering so hard that she shot up several centimetres in the air. ‘It’s not about talent at all, you silly girl!’
    Mariella coloured up, scowling, as the other fairies snickered.
    â€˜Instinct is doing something without thinking about it,’ Mrs Lightwing went on. ‘Fairies are meant to fly, and you’ll all fly beautifully if you just relax and let your wings do the thinking for you!’
    â€˜Why do we need flying lessons, then?’ asked Sooze.
    Mrs Lightwing almost smiled. ‘Because you need to learn certain skills to get the most out of your wingwork. Watch!’
    With that, she shot straight up in the air. As the girls watched, open-mouthed, she did a series of loop-the-loops over their heads, turning and twisting in a sparkling blur. A few barrel rolls and back flips later, and she dived straight down at the line of girls, pulling out at the last moment to land neatly in front of them.
    The First Years burst into applause. Mrs Lightwing smoothed her sky-blue hair, trying to hide her smile.
    â€˜You get the idea,’ she said sternly. ‘Now then – let’s get the fairy dust out and get you girls flying!’
    â€˜About time!’ whispered Sooze. She and Twink smiled at each other and clutched hands.
    Mrs Lightwing and an assistant – a serious-looking girl from one of the upper years – made their way down the long line of girls. As each fairy closed her eyes, there was a sudden sparkling of gold and pink in the air, and then squeals of delight.
    â€˜Stay on the ground, please!’ ordered Mrs Lightwing. ‘No flying just yet!’
    Finally it was Twink’s turn. She held her breath as Mrs Lightwing’s assistant carefully measured out the fairy dust in a ladybird shell. The dust twinkled and shimmered.
    â€˜Eyes closed,’ said Mrs Lightwing, taking the shell.
    Twink screwed her eyes shut, holding her breath. There was a singing sound, like tiny silvery chimes – and then the most wonderful, laughing sensation burst through her wings!
    â€˜Oh!’ she cried, her eyes flying open. ‘I can feel it!’
    â€˜Stay on the ground,’ Mrs Lightwing repeated firmly.
    Once all the girls had been dusted, Mrs Lightwing flew in front of them, gazing up and down the long line of excited fairies.
    â€˜Right!’ she said. ‘We’re going to learn the basics this morning, so we can get you girls flying to your classes and branches. When I give the signal, I want you to all slowly rise up in the air until I say stop. Ready?’
    Yes! thought Twink. Her wings trembled in anticipation.
    â€˜Rise!’ cried Mrs Lightwing.
    Twink’s wings beat wildly and, before she knew it, she had shot up several feet in the air. ‘Eek!’ she screamed as the ground grew smaller beneath her. The world swung crazily, and she screamed again. This was worse than being on a bird!
    â€˜Slowly!’ said Mrs Lightwing, appearing beside her. ‘Deep, controlled wing strokes!’

    â€˜I can’t!’ yelled Twink. Her wings had a life of their own, flapping and fluttering. She looked down again and saw the class, back on the lawn, gaping up at her. Their faces were as tiny as poppy seeds. A coldness swept over Twink. Oh, wasps! She was up in the air, with nothing but her wings to support her!
    All at once her wings froze. The world went black, and Twink plummeted towards the ground.
    When she came to, she was lying on the grass with Mrs Lightwing leaning over her, frowning and gently slapping her hands.
    â€˜Great Mab, girl,’ she said when she saw Twink’s eyes open. ‘I’ve never seen a fairy do that in all my years of teaching! I had to do some fancy flying to catch you before you hit the ground, I can tell you that!’
    She helped Twink stand up. Embarrassment blazed through her when she saw that the entire first-year class stood staring at her.
    â€˜What did I say