Phoebe Finds Her Voice by Anne-Marie Conway Read Free Book Online Page B

bowing down to the ground.
    â€œOh, hello, Arthur,” said Mandy. “How are you today?”
    â€œJust dandy, Mandy – top of the world. And so kind of you to ask. Now the reason I’ve popped in is to give you a little advance warning about next week.” He pulled on his beard, dislodging a few old cornflakes. “You see, I’ve had to arrange for some redecorating and essential maintenance work to take place in the hall, so there might be some workmen here and some…er, ladders and things. Don’t worry, my dear, it won’t be anything too drastic…” He trailed off, backing towards the door.
    â€œWell, thanks for telling me, Arthur,” Miss Howell said, “but are you sure it won’t be dangerous? I mean, I am working with children.”
    â€œ Dangerous? No, no, it won’t be dangerous. And anyway, you know what I always say about danger?”
    â€œI don’t actually, Arthur,” muttered Miss Howell, looking pained. “But I’m sure you’re going to tell me.”
    â€œI always say, Danger? Pah! I laugh in the face of danger .”
    He threw back his head like a horse and snorted with laughter, spraying toast crumbs all over the floor. Everyone started to giggle, but I couldn’t tear my eyes away from his beard – it was so disgusting. I swear if he got stranded on a desert island with nothing to eat he’d be able to feed himself for weeks.
    â€œThe thing is Mandy, it might just be a bit, well, you know… Anyway my fellow thespians, I’m sure I can hear the telephone ringing in the office – always in demand – so I’ll love you and leave you if I may.”
    And before Miss Howell could say anything else he spun round and escaped through the door, his black cape billowing out behind him.
    â€œWell done for today, guys,” she sighed, rolling her eyes at Arthur’s back as he disappeared down the corridor. “You were all stars. And don’t worry if you didn’t sing this time, there’ll be tons more opportunities in the future.”
    I knew she was talking about me, and I knew she was being kind, but it just made me feel worse.
    â€œCan you hand your scripts in. I’ll give them back next week with your name and character written on the front. And bring a folder in with you, especially you, Ellie Matthews. I don’t want to end up photocopying heaps more scripts because you’ve lost them, or the cat’s weed on them! Now, are there any questions before we finish?”
    â€œHave you decided any of the parts yet, Mandy?” Monty B asked. “Because I honestly don’t think I can wait until next week. I mean, just imagine if I was struck down by some deadly, tropical disease and I never got to find out who I was. Oh, and Mandy, what does thespian mean?”
    â€œIt means actor, Monty,” said Miss Howell, grinning. “And now it’s time to say adieu, and in case you were wondering, that means goodbye.”
    In the car, I stared out of the window watching drips of rain run down the glass. I tried to trace them with my finger as they went from the top of the window to the bottom. Mum looked at me in the mirror.
    â€œYou’re quiet, Phoebs. How did the audition go?”
    â€œOh, it was great. I got up and sang and I was so good Miss Howell fainted in a heap on the floor. Okay?”
    â€œThere’s no need to be sarcastic, I was only asking.”
    â€œHow do you know I was being sarcastic?” I said. “Anyway, I don’t want to talk about it – I’m too busy.”
    Sara poked me in the side. “How can you actually be busy sitting in the back of a car?”
    â€œI just am. I’m busy thinking. Do you have a problem with that?”
    â€œ Ooooh touchy! Don’t get your knickers in a knot round your big, fat bum!”
    â€œOh, Mum, tell her to shut up, can’t you?”
    â€œStop bickering, both