Panic by Sharon M. Draper Read Free Book Online Page B

whispered. “No blame—got it?”
    Mercedes nodded and tried to relax. She could feel the love and concern Miss Ginger’s eyes reflected as she looked at them all. She paused before she spoke. “This show is a little different tonight, my young friends, because one of our own is missing, and we’re all worried. But for the few minutes each of you are onstage, I want you toconcentrate on your dance, on your skill, on your God-given talent.”
    â€œI’m scared I’ll mess up, like I can’t find my zone,” Lil Bit admitted.
    â€œYou won’t. All your hard work and practice comes down to this moment in time, and I don’t want any of you to stress tonight. Have fun . Diamond is right here with us. And Zizi, you forgot to put on your lipstick.”
    Zizi shrieked and slapped her hands to her mouth. “Oops! My bad. I’ll be sure to do it before the curtains open. Or I can do my makeup onstage, just to stall for time. The audience might like to see me do a lipstick dance.”
    â€œEnough, Zizi!” Miss Ginger said. “I’m not in the mood for your silliness tonight.”
    Zizi tried to explain. “I’m just trying to lighten things up. Everybody is about to crash and cry.”
    â€œShe’s kinda right,” Layla admitted.
    â€œI’m still worried about the ‘Pixie Dust’ preview dance, Miss Ginger,” Mercedes admitted. “It’s gonna look funny without Diamond.”
    â€œLook. It’s just like if somebody is sick and misses a rehearsal class. Don’t we just fill in that space?”
    â€œBut if we fill in Diamond’s place tonight, won’t it seem like we don’t care?” Mercedes’ voice caught, and the tears came.
    Jillian reached over and handed Mercedes a tissue. “Fix your face, girl. Diamond is expecting you to dance like a Broadway star tonight!”
    Mercedes sniffed and wiped her eyes carefully. “Thanks, Jillian. And hey . . . ”
    â€œYeah?
    â€œYou’re not the icebox I thought you were.”
    â€œMe? Cold?” Jillian shrugged the idea away.
    Miss Ginger glanced at her circle of young people and said, “Join hands, dancers. Feel the strength of each other. I’m going to start by squeezing Zizi’s hand. Then I want you each to squeeze the hand of the person next to you until I feel that power return to my hand.” She began.
    When Mercedes felt a strong, assured squeeze from Tina, she felt a little of the power going around the circle, then she quickly passed it to Layla.
    A few moments later, Miss Ginger said, “I’m very proud of each and every one of you,” she said. “You are each unique and so very special to me and to the Crystal Pointe Dance Academy. We are all very blessed.”
    â€œIs this when we do the prayer?” Lil Bit asked in a whisper.
    â€œYes, Lil Bit, I think it’s the perfect time for a little help from above,” Miss Ginger replied. “First, let’s say a special word for Diamond. Lord, please be with Diamond tonight, and please let her find her way back home safely.”
    â€œAmen,” the group said.
    â€œNow, let’s say our group prayer together.”
    They all bowed their heads and, still holding hands tightly, they said in unison, “Lord, bless this stage as we dance tonight, bless the dancer to my left and right. Bless my head down to my toes, and if I mess up, I pray no one knows. Thank You for the music, thank You for the lights, thank You for the gift of DANCE that we will share tonight. Amen.”
    Miss Ginger beamed. “What’s the point?” she asked them. They all knew the chant.
    â€œCrystal Pointe!”
    â€œWhat’s the point?”
    â€œCrystal Pointe!”
    â€œWhat’s the point?”
    â€œCrystal Pointe! Yay, Crystal Pointe Studio!”
    Feeling newly energized and now less shaky from the police interview,