Star Time Read Free Page B

to clap.

    Onstage was a big black cat.
    The cat didn’t pay attention to the clapping. Instead, it held one round paw up to its whiskers.
    Slowly it washed one ear.
    It waved its curved tail.
    It was almost as if the cat were real. It acted like Grandma Maroni’s cat.
    Soon a girl came out onto the stage. She wore a long dress. It had green look-like-real diamonds on it. It had roses down the front.
    It was gorgeous.
    The girl was singing a little. “Tra-la.” She had flowers in her hand.
    Gina leaned over. She whispered to Mitchell, “See. It’s good to have singing.”
    This is a perfect play
, Gina thought.
It is about a princess and a frog
.
    The cat reached out with one paw.
    Would it catch the frog?
    Gina took a deep breath. Poor frog.
    But the cat sat back. It licked its paw.
    It seemed as if the cat were smiling.
    But Gina knew what would come next. The star would kiss the frog.
    The frog would turn into a prince.
    And that was just what happened.

    The cat closed its eyes and yawned.
    The curtain came down. The lights came on.
    Everyone clapped for a long time.
    It was time to ask Mitchell again. “Did you have time to think hard?”
    “I guess Peter and I can do it alone.”
    “Maybe not,” she said.
    “Mrs. Farelli says I’m a good writer,” Mitchell said.
    “You’re the best,” Gina said, before she had time to think.
    The stars came to the front of the stage.

    They all bowed.
    The cat took off its mask.
    Gina drew in her breath. It was Madam Ballantine.
    What a surprise!
    It was time to get back on the bus. They had to hurry.
    “Oh, dear,” said Mrs. Farelli. “It’s Bus Thirteen again.”
    The bus driver turned on the motor.
    Nothing happened.
    “I knew it,” Destiny said. “We’ll be here until midnight. We’ll be starving.”
    Gina didn’t care how long it took to get home. She needed time to talk to Mitchell—
    To beg Mitchell.
    Besides, there was still a little purple yogurt left in her purse. She might be hungry, but she wouldn’t starve.
    She followed Mitchell to the back of the bus.
    She passed Charlie. “I might grow some frogs in a tank,” he was saying.
    “That’s not a neat idea at all,” the bus driver said.
    Sumiko was doing a handstand on the seat.
    It was a good thing Mrs. Farelli didn’t see her. Mrs. Farelli’s head was stuck under the hood of the bus.

    The used-to-be-famous actress came outside. She was smiling at everyone.
    Too bad her hair was a mess.
    Gina poked her head out a window. “You were the best cat in the world,” she said.
    “That’s what acting is all about,” the actresssaid. “I’m a great cat.” She gave a little hop. “I’m working on being a frog.”
    Gina shook her head. “Frogs aren’t easy.”
    There was a rumble from the bus.
    Mrs. Farelli had fixed the problem. She jumped back on the bus.
    Her auditorium-colored dress was engine-colored now.
    There was a roar and some smoke.
    They pulled away from the curb.
    The actress waved after them.
    “Whew,” said Mitchell. “I didn’t want to stay here until midnight. I’m hungry already.”
    “I’ll share my yogurt,” Gina said.
    She reached into her purse.
    Everything inside was gooey.
    It felt like Destiny’s Curls Galore gel. It wasn’t, though.
    It was the rest of her yogurt.
    It had dripped onto her pencil, her paper, her just-in-case dollar.
    Mitchell was watching.
    She pulled out his play-writing pad.
    It was covered with yogurt.
    Mitchell tried to wipe it off.
    “I can’t read one word,” Gina said.
    “Me neither,” Mitchell said. “I’ll have to start over.”
    “I’m sorry,” Gina said. “I’m really—”
    Mitchell rubbed his hands on his shirt. “I just changed my mind,” he said. “You can help.”
    “Enchanting,” she said.

CHAPTER 8
WEDNESDAY
    G ina sat on the edge of the Afternoon Center stage.
    It was like the one at the Star Theater. So was the soft blue curtain.
    It made her think of Madam Ballantine.
    She remembered the actress’s