Magic Kitten: A Circus Wish Read Online Free PDF Page B

and put her arm round Sadie’s shoulders. ‘You’re all shaken up, love! Did that big dog bite you?’
    Sadie shook her head. ‘I’m fine. It’s not that. It’s… it’s… everything,’ she sobbed.

    Her mum gave her a cuddle. ‘I knew it. You and Jenny haven’t been getting on like you used to, have you?’
    Mr Allen stared at his wife and daughter in confusion. ‘What’s that got to do with that kitten?’ he asked, mystified. ‘No wonder I’ve been sneezing! Sadie’s had that little mite in the house. In her bedroom too, I shouldn’t wonder.’
    ‘We’ll get to that in a minute,’ hiswife answered calmly, passing Sadie a tissue. ‘Can’t you see that Sadie’s upset?’
    Sadie gulped and wept, realizing for the first time that she was actually crying for real. She couldn’t stop. It had all been so mixed up between her and Jenny lately. Having Flame as a friend had helped her cope. Now it looked as if she might lose him too and she didn’t think she could bear it.
    ‘About this kitten…’ Mr Allen tried again.
    Sadie gave a loud wail. ‘I can’t give up Flame! He’s my f… friend.’ She looked at her dad through her tears. ‘Please, please, please let me keep him,’ she begged
    Mr Allen looked at his wife who nodded slowly. ‘Well – if he’s thatimportant to you, I suppose he can stay,’ he decided. ‘But you must make sure he stays in your bedroom.’
    ‘I will!’ Sadie almost threw herself into her dad’s arms and then she remembered she was holding Flame. ‘I’ll make sure I keep Flame miles away from you. And I’ll buy you a giant box of tissues, just in case! Thanks, Dad. You’re the best!’
    Back at youth club on Monday, everyone was talking about the circus performance. Victor Tomani smiled at all the eager faces. ‘I’m glad you found it inspiring. Because you’re all going to get a chance to perform!’
    ‘What do you think he means?’ Sadie said to Jenny, who was standing next toher. At least they were speaking again now, although Jenny had arrived with Grace.
    Jenny shrugged. ‘I don’t know.’
    ‘There’s a carnival in a couple of weeks’ time,’ Victor continued. ‘And I’ve been asked if the youth club would like to take part. We’re putting up a circus ring in the park, where the carnival ends up. So you can put on a display’
    Everyone started talking at once.
    ‘OΚ, details can come later,’ said Victor, shouting above the noise. ‘You need to decide what you want to do. I suggest you team up in twos and threes and work out some routines.’
    Sadie didn’t have to think about it. There was only one person she wanted to team up with.
    ‘Come on, Flame,’ she said. With him at her heel, she turned round to Jenny before she lost her nerve.
    Jenny had her back to Sadie and turned round in surprise as Sadie shook her arm.
    ‘Why don’t you and I get together?’ Sadie said excitedly. ‘We could be a comedy double act with acrobatics and juggling. I don’t mind wearing a clown suit…’
    ‘Look at her trailing around with the kitten! She’s trying to be just like Lena with Presto!’ Grace scoffed.
    ‘Oh, shut up, Grace!’ Sadie snapped impatiently. ‘What do you think, Jenny?’
    ‘I don’t know…’ Jenny looked uncertain.
    ‘Well, I do!’ Grace planted herself infront of Jenny. ‘You’ve hardly bothered with her for ages. Now you’re sucking up, just because Lena’s too busy rehearsing to make a fuss of you!’
    Sadie’s jaw dropped. ‘That’s rubbish. Jenny? You don’t believe that, do you?’
    Jenny flushed. ‘I don’t want to. But Grace does have a point…’
    Sadie felt a hot wave of anger. This was so unfair. She stamped away, her fists bunching with temper. ‘Fine!’ she shouted over her shoulder. ‘Believe what you like! I wouldn’t team up with you now, Jenny Coleman – even if you paid me!’
    That night, Sadie lay awake staring into the dark for ages. She wished she could take back what she’d said