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core, the more balance and strength you’ll have.
    I tried to focus all the way through jazz class, but I was worried about the audition. What if I hadn’t done enough to get in? What if I didn’t even get into the chorus?
    I didn’t know how I would be able to bear the wait until I found out.

Chapter Ten
    At the end of class, and after many snakes had been devoured, I slung my dance bag over my shoulder and trudged down the steps of Silver Shoes to go home.
    â€˜Ellie!’ my little brother, Lucas, squealed. He scrambled off from where he was playing on the monkey bars and flung himself towards me, giggling. ‘A somersault, Ellie,’ he squealed. ‘I did a somersault from the monkeys!’
    â€˜That’s so brave!’ I said, picking him up and giving him a cuddle. It instantly made me feel better, like it always does. ‘Did you get dizzy?’ I asked him.
    â€˜Not me!’ he said, and then he caught sight of Paige and wriggled out of my arms.
    â€˜Paige, Paige!’ he yelled. ‘I did a somersault from the monkeys!’
    While Paige fussed over him (she doesn’t have any brothers or sisters, so I think she really loves spending time with Lucas), I dumped all my stuff in the car, which Mum had parked out the front.
    â€˜Hey honey,’ she said.
    â€˜Hey.’ I took a big swig from my water bottle.
    â€˜Guess who I got a call from today,’ Mum said.
    â€˜Um, Nan?’ I said, swallowing my water and taking another big gulp.
    â€˜Hmm,’ said Mum. ‘Do you happen to know a director of the musical Mary Poppins ?’
    I stopped drinking and stared at Mum, water dribbling down the sides of my mouth.
    â€˜That’s one of your best looks, sweetie,’ Mum teased.
    I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand. ‘And?’ I asked, almost too scared to hear the answer. My stomach cramped up and my skin got all hot.
    â€˜And,’ Mum said, with a sneaky smile, ‘she might have said something about welcoming you to the main dance chorus of Mary Poppins !’
    I stared at her.
    â€˜Congratulations, honey!’ she said.
    â€˜The chorus?’ I repeated. ‘She didn’t say anything about Jane?’
    â€˜No,’ said Mum. ‘But you got in, Ellie! On your first try. You should be proud!’
    â€˜Who got Jane then?’ I asked. ‘Did she say?’
    Mum frowned at me and put one hand on her hip. ‘We had a good chat, actually,’ she said, watching me very carefully. ‘Turns out I know the director from the gym. She was telling me all about the sho–’
    â€˜Mum,’ I interrupted. ‘Did she say who got Jane?’
    â€˜Yes,’ said Mum.
    â€˜And?’
    â€˜Cadence Kohdean.’
    I felt my musical theatre career crashing down around me. All my nightmares had come true. Paige chose that moment to walk up with Lucas hanging off her hand.
    â€˜Hi Mrs Irvin,’ she said. ‘How are you doing?’
    â€˜I’m doing very well,’ said Mum. ‘As should Ellie, here. She got into the chorus of Mary Poppins !’
    â€˜Oh, Ellie!’ Paige said, rushing to give me a hug. ‘That’s so amazing. Well done! You’ll get to do so much cool dancing in the chorus!’
    â€˜Don’t, Paige.’ I pushed her away. ‘What would you know about it?’
    â€˜Ellie,’ warned Mum.
    Lucas took a tiny step away from all of us.
    I sighed. ‘Sorry,’ I said. ‘I just really wanted to get Jane.’
    â€˜That’s okay,’ said Paige, very quietly.
    â€˜It isn’t,’ said Mum, turning to me. ‘It was very rude.’
    â€˜I said I was sorry!’ I yelled.
    Mum gave me a look that said I should get in the car quick-smart or there would be trouble.
    â€˜Sorry again,’ I said to Paige. ‘See you tomorrow at school.’
    She gave me a small wave. I felt bad about snapping at her.
    But I felt even