Centre Stage: A Novel
already is,’ Jessica groaned.
‘I suppose this means we’ve got to put up with you prancing around the house and learning another script,’ Tom said teasingly.
‘Not only that, but this time you’ve got to come and see me actually perform,’ I told him.
‘Oh no,’ Tom said. ‘Nightmare.’ He grinned and ruffled my hair. ‘Just think, isn’t it weird? There’s going to be loads of people coming to watch you — my bratty little sister.’
‘Get off,’ I said, shaking his hand away and quickly smoothing down my now standing-upright hair. ‘And don’t call me bratty!’
But I didn’t mind really. It was nice to have Tom teasing me instead of just grunting and ignoring me like he usually did.
‘I think it’s time for a toast,’ Dad announced, holding up his glass. ‘To Sophie. For getting the part of Lucy.’
‘To Sophie!’ everyone said.
I took a gulp of champagne and immediately spluttered as the bubbles fizzed up my nose.
‘Very cool, Sophie,’ Jessica grinned.
‘Yep, very film starry,’ Tom teased.
‘Shut up!’ I told them. But I didn’t mind about their teasing. I’d got the part of Lucy. That was all that mattered.
Chapter Six
‘It’s brilliant!’ Harriet said to me for about the hundredth time as we walked back to the changing rooms after PE the next morning. ‘Loads of people will come and see you.’
‘I can’t wait,’ I grinned.
‘I wonder if Justine is going to be in it,’ Harriet said.
I nodded. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t asked Sheila who the other Lucy was going to be. But I’d been so excited at finding out that I was going to be Lucy I just hadn’t thought about it.
‘I guess I’ll find out on Saturday,’ I said. ‘It’s the first rehearsal then.’ Realizing that all we’d done all lesson — actually, make that all morning — was talk about me, I changed the subject. ‘So, have you been practising for the quiz?’ It was the quiz try-outs that lunchtime.
‘Yeah — are you and Ally going to come and watch?’
I nodded. ‘Course!’
I began to change out of my sports kit — white polo shirt and maroon shorts — yuk! I’m sure the people who invented our school uniform tried to make it look as disgusting as possible. As I took off my shorts, I glanced surreptitiously round the changing room just to check out what everyone else was wearing. Knowing I would have PE that day, I’d made sure I’d worn high-leg knickers. Jessica had said that it was really uncool to wear anything else. I was also wearing a padded bra with Little Miss Naughty on. OK, so I don’t exactly need a bra — in fact, to be honest, I couldn’t be further from needing one — but Jessica had told Mum there was no way I could go to secondary school in a crop top or vest, and so when we went shopping for my school uniform, Mum had bought me three bras as well. Looking around and seeing that almost everyone else had a bra on too, I felt very glad.
‘I really hope I do well at lunchtime,’ Harriet said, taking off her shorts and shirt. ‘I want to get into the club so much!’
‘Love the pants, Harriet!’ Kelly called out.
Harriet looked startled. ‘What?’ she said, glancing down at her plain white sensible knickers.
‘Where did you get them from?’ Kelly grinned. ‘Some old granny shop?’
‘Comfy are they?’ Rachel said. ‘They’re certainly big enough.’
‘And the crop top’s great,’ Leanne joined in.
Harriet went as red as a plum tomato.
‘Did Mummy buy it for you?’ Kelly said. Leanne and Rachel cracked up.
‘Shut up!’ I said angrily to them as Harriet turned away and quickly pulled on her school shirt. ‘Leave her alone.’
Kelly looked at what I was wearing but seeing as she and I had on almost exactly the same bra and knickers she couldn’t find anything to tease me about. Instead she just smirked at the others, and then turned away.
I glanced at Harriet. Her fingers were trembling as she did up her buttons and her eyes were bright with tears. I bit my lip, wondering whether to say anything but I didn’t want to, not with Kelly and the others still there.
We got dressed without saying another word. Harriet half ran out of the changing rooms, her head down. Grabbing my bag, I hurried after her.
As soon as we were a safe distance away from Kelly and the others, I looked at Harriet. ‘Are… are you OK?’ I said, feeling awkward.
She nodded, looking at the ground.
‘Are you sure?’
‘I’m fine,’ she
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