Panic Read Free Page A

‘Butterfly.’ ”
    â€œI’m ’bout to choke up in here!”
    Mercedes’ and Diamond’s cell phones then beeped at the same time.
    â€œWho’s double-texting?” Mercedes mused.
    â€œDuh. Miss Ginger, reminding us not to be late.” Diamond held up both phones, which blinked the same message.
    â€œText her back on both phones and tell her we’re on our way. We never shoulda taught that woman technology!”
    â€œOh, man.” Diamond groaned as she glanced at the bars at the top of her phone. “My phone’s about to die, and I forgot my charger.”
    â€œI think Miss Ginger has a charger at the studio that will fit,” Mercedes said. “It’s probably one you left there! You go through chargers like Shasta goes through Popsicles!”
    â€œTrue that.”
    Mercedes upped the volume on the radio and sang along whenever a favorite song came on. During a commercial, though, Mercedes turned off the radio. She glanced at Diamond a few times, and finally asked, “So, are you upset about not getting the part of Wendy in Peter Pan ? You’ve been kinda quiet about it.”
    Diamond sighed. “I’m glad Layla got it. She works really hard, and I guess she deserves it. But it’s still a bummer. I’ve never had a lead in any of Miss Ginger’s shows. I’m starting to think . . . well . . . that I’m just not good enough.”
    â€œOh, you’re good enough, girlfriend. Maybe MissGinger is saving you for a lead in next year’s show. I heard she’s doing Cinderella. ” Mercedes drove in silence for a moment.
    â€œYeah, but to just be a stupid pirate . . .” She paused.
    â€œBut he’s the main one after Hook—you get to be onstage a lot,” Mercedes said encouragingly.
    â€œBig fat whoop.”
    â€œJillian will be pretty good as Peter Pan,” Mercedes continued.
    â€œI figured that role would go to her. I’d never tell her, but she’s probably our best dancer.”
    â€œI feel ya. She’s flat-chested and skinny and perfect for that part. She’s probably texting and tweeting to the world that she got the lead role.”
    Diamond grunted. “Yeah, but dressed like a boy. She can have it.”
    Mercedes turned the corner to the mall. “Still, it’s gonna be a good show—Miss Ginger always turns it out. Justin will be dynamite as Captain Hook.”
    â€œWhat about you?” Diamond asked. “Are you cool with Tiger Lily?”
    â€œFor real, I’m geeked. It’s the part I wanted—I’m dying to do that insane fight scene with the pirates. I can’t wait for rehearsals to start!”
    â€œI guess,” Diamond agreed, but she wished she felt as excited as Mercedes sounded.
    Mercedes, mimicking their teacher’s grab-your-guts-and-stand-up-straight voice, said, “All performance experience is good for the soul!”
    Diamond cracked up, nodding. “Park by the backentrance,” she suggested. “It’s closer to the dance store.”
    â€œAnd the food court. I’m desperate for a slice!”
    â€œMe too,” Diamond said, grabbing her dance bag as they headed inside. The rain had slowed to a drizzle.
    â€œWhy don’t you just leave that in the car?” Mercedes asked.
    â€œI don’t care if somebody steals my school bag,” Diamond said, slinging it over her shoulder. “Actually, I hope they do! But my dance bag is my life. It’s like I can’t breathe without it.”
    â€œYou crazy.”
    They hit C’est La Danse first. Owned by a woman who had been a dancer in Paris, it was like heaven to Diamond and Mercedes. They could find their favorite Capezio tights and Sansha shoes, plus dance bags, warm-ups, even sparkle-studded earrings and key chains designed to look like ballet slippers.
    â€œHey, Madame Jolie.” They’d been