Star of the Show Read Free

floated toward them. Tessa asked for a big breakfast and then slipped bits of bacon and egg under the table for Storm when no one was looking.
    Lessons with Judith started immediately. Storm curled up for a nap on Tessa’s lap. When a tiny rumbling snore rose from him, it was all Tessa could do to stifle her giggles.
    It was history today and Tessa worked steadily, but she was glad when class finished for the day. “I wonder when the director will want us,” she commented to Storm as she, Fay, and Kelly put away their schoolbooks.
    â€œDuh! When he’s ready,” Kelly scoffed. “Or maybe you think you deserve special treatment, Princess?”
    Tessa blushed. She must have spoken louder than she meant to and Kelly had heard and thought she was talking to herself. She realized that she was going to have to be a lot more careful about keeping Storm a secret.
    â€œStop calling me ‘Princess’! I don’t like it!” she snapped at Kelly.
    â€œOkay, Your Royal Highness,” Kelly crowed.

Chapter THREE
    â€œFay Hinson, Kelly Lucas, Tessa Churchill to wardrobe and makeup, please!” a woman with a clipboard called out later that afternoon.
    Judith Raunds showed them the way and they all set off eagerly.
    â€œYay! This is it. We’re going to get our costumes and have our hair and makeup done,” Tessa whispered to Storm as he trotted beside her.
    There was a big sign that read “Wardrobe” on one of the rooms. Inside thousands of gorgeous dresses hung in neatly labeled rows and there were countless shelves and racks of hats, gloves and shoes, and wigs on stands. Assistants fetched armfuls of Victorian clothes, complete with underwear, petticoats, and black boots for the three girls.
    As Tessa was helped into her costume, she noticed that her name was sewn into every item, just like a real movie star. Once the girls were dressed they went to hair and makeup. A whole hour passed before Fay, Kelly, and Tessa were finished. Tessa hardly recognized herself under the curly brown wig! She did a twirl in front of Storm so that her skirts swung out with a silken rustle.

    Storm tucked his little rusty-colored tail between his legs and looked up at her with anxious midnight-blue eyes.
    â€œWhat’s wrong? Don’t you like it?” Tessa whispered after quickly checking that everyone was busy.
    â€œIt is a very good disguise,” Storm woofed. “But who is the fierce enemy you are hiding from?”
    â€œI’m not hiding from anyone,” Tessa reassured him. “I have to wear this for the film, the same as Kelly and Fay. We’re all dressed up because we’re supposed to be three Victorian children who find a magic watch. We have to act in three scenes. You’ll get the idea when you see us on set.”
    â€œWhere is on set?” Storm barked.
    â€œIt’s anywhere the day’s filming is going to be. They set up lights and pieces of scenery. And the floor’s marked out so you know where to stand to say your lines.”
    Storm frowned. “It sounds very strange.”
    Tessa smiled. “I expect it does if you’re not used to it. Acting is really like having the most amazing game of pretend. It’s just the best.”
    â€œI like games, too, especially with balls and sticks,” Storm yapped, looking much happier.
    â€œI’ll see what I can do about that later,” Tessa promised.
    A young man with another clipboard appeared at the door and called for them to follow him to the rose garden at the back of the house.
    Tessa let Judith, Kelly, and Fay walk on ahead, so that she could talk to Storm without anyone noticing. At first the tiny puppy kept treading on her long swishing skirts and almost tumbling over his own paws.
    â€œYou’ll have to walk a little farther away or you’ll get swept off your feet,” Tessa told him, trying not to laugh and hurt his feelings.
    Storm finally got the idea