Lucky Break #6 Read Free Page A

introducing a slightly built boy who looked very nervous. “I’m putting Jack in your room, Ravi. So, could you show him around the house and help him settle in?” Then he turned to Marmalade. “Mr. Penardos has told me that you’ll take care of Jack during the school day,” he added.
    â€œYeah,” said Marmalade. “No problem.”
    â€œGood,” said Mr. South. “It’s tough joining a school halfway through a semester, but I know you’ll all make Jack feel welcome and help him out.”
    The boys had to hurry to assembly, and then afterward there was no time for Jack to meet Marmalade’s friends as they headed to their first class.
    â€œI’ll introduce you to everyone later,” Marmalade told Jack, feeling very important. “Come on, we’d better get going. We don’t want to be late for dance.”
    It didn’t take long to get changed into the loose pants and T-shirts needed for the class. Mr. Penardos was waiting for them in the studio. The class was small. Only five students in Marmalade’s year were taking dance as their major subject, but every one of them was utterly dedicated.
    â€œWelcome to our group, Jack,” Mr. Penardos said. “Meet Martin, Ellie, Megan, and Alice. I think Marmalade and Martin will be glad to have another boy!”
    Jack smiled shyly. Marmalade showed him where to leave his towel before taking him over to the full-length mirror at the far end of the room.
    â€œI suppose you’re used to warming up before classes, aren’t you?” Marmalade asked as everyone began their stretching exercises.
    Jack watched as Marmalade carefully lifted one arm above his head and used his other hand to push the arm back over his shoulder. “Yes,” he agreed. “I know similar exercises, but these aren’t exactly the same as the ones I use. Do you mind if I copy you? I think I’ll get them right soon.”
    Marmalade grinned. “That’s fine,” he said. “And if you’re not sure about anything, just ask.”
    â€œI have a question,” said Jack right away.
    â€œGo ahead,” said Marmalade, ready to explain the finer points of the stretch he was doing.
    â€œI hope you don’t mind,” Jack said, then hesitated. “Why are you called Marmalade?”
    Marmalade burst out laughing. “It’s because of my hair,” he explained, tossing back his long, curly red hair. My real name is Marmaduke, but it’s such a terrible name that even the teachers call me Marmalade.”
    â€œI see,” said Jack, smiling. “It’s a cool name.”
    â€œThanks!” said Marmalade, liking Jack more every minute.
    Jack kept watching Marmalade, and had soon learned Mr. Penardos’s favorite warm-up routine. Once they had stretched their muscles, they were ready to move on to the lesson. Although they were all concentrating hard on Mr. Penardos’s instructions, Jack kept looking at Marmalade to reassure himself that he was following properly. He seemed very grateful to have Marmalade nearby, and even though Jack was a talented ballet dancer, his lack of knowledge as far as modern dance was concerned made Marmalade feel superior.
    â€œThis half of the term, I want you all to create your own individual dances,” Mr. Penardos announced at the end of the class. “You’ve learned a lot over the past year. Let’s see if you can put it into practice.” Mr. Penardos looked at Marmalade. “Perhaps you can help Jack a little,” he suggested. “I know you have only just joined us,” he added to Jack, “but give it a try anyway. Don’ look so worried! It’s not an exam!”
    While Jack was getting his towel, Mr. Penardos had a quiet word with Marmalade. “I expect he’ll need you less as he gets used to the way we do things here,” he told him.
    â€œOh, I don’t mind,” said