Lulu Bell and the Christmas Elf Read Free Page A

they’re sad today because Bonnie is missing. I hope everything is all right.’
    Lulu nodded. The bell on her elf hat jingled.
    â€˜Of course, Miss Baxter,’ said Molly.
    â€˜We’ll be as fast as we can,’ added Lulu.

    Molly and Lulu raced out of the classroom. ‘Where do you think they could be?’ asked Molly.
    â€˜Let’s start by checking all the classrooms on this level,’ suggested Lulu. ‘Maybe they are visiting the other year three class.’
    Every classroom was filled with excited children in different costumes. There were reindeer, Christmas trees, fairies, nutcracker soldiers and animals. But there was no sign of the twins.
    Molly and Lulu kept searching in the bathrooms, the library and the computer lab.
    At last they checked in the art room. As Molly pushed open the door, Lulu could hear a funny noise coming from inside. It sounded like crying.
    Olivia and Jo sat huddled together under the window.
    â€˜What’s wrong?’ asked Molly. She ran over to the girls.
    Jo looked up, her eyes red from crying. Olivia wiped her face with a tissue.
    Lulu thought it was awful to see the girls so upset. They were usually so happy and cheerful.

    â€˜There’s still no sign of Bonnie,’ said Olivia. ‘We put up all those posters and no-one has called.’
    â€˜Something terrible must have happened to her,’ said Jo.
    Lulu gave each of the girls a hug.
    â€˜I know you’re worried,’ said Lulu. ‘But Miss Baxter sent us to find you. The concert is starting any minute. You need to come and join the class.’
    Olivia and Jo shook their heads.
    â€˜I couldn’t possibly sing when I feel so bad,’ said Olivia.
    â€˜Or play the piano,’ added Jo.
    â€˜We’d spoil the concert,’ said Olivia.
    Molly looked worried. ‘But your performance is beautiful,’ she said. ‘I saw you rehearse it last week.’
    Olivia gave Molly a watery smile.
    â€˜Everyone is looking forward to it,’ said Lulu. ‘You are the stars of the show.’
    Jo shook her head. She sniffled and blew her nose. Molly sat down next to Jo and put her arm around her shoulder.
    Lulu thought quickly. How could she help the girls feel better? She smiled at the twins.
    â€˜How long has Bonnie been missing?’ she asked.
    Jo rubbed her eyes. ‘Four days. Since Friday.’
    Lulu nodded. ‘That’s not so bad. We’ve had cats brought into the vet hospital that have been missing for weeks. We always find their owners.’
    Olivia and Jo looked at each other hopefully.
    Lulu picked up a water bottle that was sitting on a desk. She gave a cheeky smile.
    â€˜Anyway,’ said Lulu, ‘it doesn’t matter. If you can’t perform, Molly and I will do it for you.’
    Olivia and Jo stared at Lulu in surprise.
    â€˜What do you mean?’ asked Jo.
    Lulu struck a pose. She held the water bottle as though it were a microphone.

    â€˜O, holy night!’ sang Lulu. She wiggled her hips and shook her head from side to side. She pointed at the two girls. ‘The stars are brightly shining.’
    Molly laughed. Olivia and Jo giggled at Lulu’s antics. Lulu had a nice voice but it wasn’t deep and strong like Olivia’s.
    â€˜Your mum and dad are here,’ said Lulu. ‘And your ninny and pa, and even your great-grandmother. But I’m sure they wouldn’t mind if Molly and I sang instead.’
    â€˜I can’t play the piano,’ said Molly. ‘But I could play the air guitar.’
    She jumped around and strummed an imaginary guitar like a rock star. Lulu banged on the desk like a drum. The noise was terrible.
    Everyone laughed. Olivia’s dimples came back.
    Jo shook her head. ‘Ninny is so looking forward to it,’ she said.
    â€˜And Pa,’ added Olivia.
    â€˜And your dad helped make all the sets,’ Lulu reminded them. ‘He would be so sad if he