A Star is Born Read Online Free PDF

the case was closed and she didn’t want to hear any more about it. It wasn’t good but it was the only way to handle Mr. C.
    â€œYou think that Mr. C. is just going to let it slide?” I asked after I had whipped everybody.
    â€œHe doesn’t have a choice,” Kambui said.
    â€œThe thing with adults is that they don’t know when they don’t have a choice,” Cody said. He had been listening to me and Kambui talk and we had filled him in. “You just wait and see.”
    The Cruisers met outside Mr. Culpepper’s office and it was Bobbi who came up with the first cool observation.
    â€œWhy are we all here?” she asked.
    â€œBecause the announcement said we all had to be here,” Kambui said. “And we already did our no-show bit yesterday.”
    â€œBut why are we all here when it’s only LaShonda’s decision?” Bobbi went on. “He’s got to be thinking about using us to put pressure on LaShonda. He’s going to threaten us with something if we don’t go along.”
    â€œWhat’s he going to threaten us with?” LaShonda’s voice went up. “He’s not giving us anything.”
    â€œI don’t know, either,” Bobbi said. “But look out for Culpepper, he’s sneaky.”
    â€œHi, guys!” Caren Culpepper came out of her father’s office and waved.
    â€œMaybe he’s going to get Caren to try out her charms on Zander again,” LaShonda said, smiling.
    I was glad to see her smiling.
    We went in and sat on the bench in the waiting area. Mrs. Williams, the official Da Vinci secretary, looked up and smiled at us. We waited silently for about two minutes and then Kambui spoke up.
    â€œHe’s probably watching us on closed-circuit television,” he said. “I saw that once on The First 48 . They were watching to see how nervous this dude was before they interrogated him.”
    â€œDid he confess?” Bobbi asked.
    â€œYes, but we haven’t done anything,” LaShonda said. “So all I’m going to say is the truth, and the truth is that I don’t want any part of their program.”
    Mr. Culpepper came to his office door, twisted his face into a kind of smile, and then beckoned us all in. I was confident. I glanced over at LaShonda and she had her battle face on.
    We went in and sat down and I saw that Bobbi had her battle face on, too.
    â€œLaShonda, I really respect your decision,” Mr. Culpepper started. “I fully understand how much your brother means to you and what a sacrifice it will be for both of you to turn down this opportunity. But that’s what life is about, taking the road we see that best fits our needs. I know your friends have been supportive and will continue to be. I’ve asked you all here today simply to consider the problem as presented to me by St. Francis.”
    â€œI don’t care what they say.” LaShonda was getting mad.
    â€œI care because I see so much talent in you young people,” Mr. Culpepper said. “I can’t wait to see the play again just to see your costumes.”
    â€œI don’t want them to wear my costumes again,” LaShonda said. “As far as I’m concerned, they can go on naked.”
    â€œYou can’t do that, LaShonda Powell!” Mr. Culpepper was already turning a fifth shade of red. “There will be NO nudity involved with any students from Da Vinci!”
    â€œThen you better cancel the whole performance!” LaShonda was getting up close and personal, and Kambui was trying to get in between them.
    â€œThis is … this is … the chance of a lifetime, young lady.” Our assistant principal was beginning to sputter, and Kambui was practically dragging LaShonda out of the door.
    Bobbi McCall was in tears. Yes, tough-as-nails Bobbi was on the verge of a major boo-hoo.
    â€œWhat’s going on?” I asked Bobbi in the hallway. “I thought