Phoebe Finds Her Voice Read Online Free PDF Page A

smile, couldn’t they?
    â€œThe Razzle Dazzle Smile is a smile that shows ALL your teeth,” it said. “Think Hollywood! Think Toothpaste Ad! Think Crocodile! A smile is the singer’s disguise. A smile will hide the fact that you might be tired or sad or downright terrified. Smile, my friends, and the whole world will smile with you.
    â€œPerfecting the Razzle Dazzle Smile took many months of practice but once I’d mastered the technique I knew I was on my way. Future stars of the stage and screen – never forget the Razzle Dazzle Smile . It worked for me and it could work for you.”
    Months to perfect??? I didn’t have months to practise a stupid smile. Surely it couldn’t be that difficult – except I’ve always been rubbish at smiling even when I’m happy. My smiles come out all weird and twisted and sometimes they don’t come out at all.
    I tried to smile in the mirror but it looked awful; like I had some manky disease that affected the muscles around my mouth. I tried again but it looked even worse. I was just about to try singing and smiling at the same time when the phone rang.
    â€œCome and talk to your gran, Phoebe,” Mum shouted up the stairs, “and then it’s time to eat.”
    I trailed downstairs thinking about the Razzle Dazzle Smile, and about how I had less than seven days to get it right. Mum was in the kitchen. She handed me the phone and carried on making tea.
    â€œHello, Gran.”
    â€œHello, Phoebe, sweetheart. Did you survive the dreaded drama club?”
    â€œJust about, Gran. It was good. A bit scary – well very – but good.”
    â€œDid you know many people?”
    â€œErm, Polly Carter was there, worst luck, and Ellie and Sam. Oh, and you won’t believe it but Monty B was there. You know; our old next-door neighbour.”
    â€œOh, I remember Monty B. He was a lovely little boy. Was it nice to see him?”
    â€œNot really. He’s not little any more and he’s definitely not lovely. His hair is bright red like a traffic light and he kept following me around. Anyway, we’re putting on this show, called The Dream Factory . And we learned this song that Sabine sings, she’s the main character, and it’s so cool. I’ve been practising ever since I got home. But then…but then…”
    â€œBut then what , love?”
    I could imagine Gran’s creased-up, worried face at the other end of the phone.
    â€œOh, nothing. Then the phone rang, that’s all.”
    â€œWell, you just wait until that Miss Howell of yours hears what a fantastic voice you’ve got. She won’t believe her ears. I’ve got to go now but you’ve no idea how much I miss you. I’ll come down and see you as soon as I can. Oh and Phoebe, love, how’s Mum today?”
    I glanced at Mum. She looked awful.
    â€œShe’s fine,” I lied. “Take care, Gran. Bye.”
    â€œCan you give me a hand with these drinks?” Mum said, when I’d put the phone down. “It’s teatime. And when you’ve done that, go and get Sara, would you? She’s upstairs having a strop about Dad’s nose or something.”
    I carried the cups over to the table. There were four.
    â€œWho’s coming to tea?” I asked, a funny feeling growing in my stomach. “Why have you laid the table for four? Who’s coming?”
    Mum whipped round as if I’d slapped her and snatched the extra cup out of my hand.
    â€œJust go and get Sara,” she said. Her voice was rock hard.
    â€œYou forgot, didn’t you?” I said. “You forgot again. ”
    â€œFor goodness’ sake, Phoebe! I don’t want to talk about it. Now go and get Sara.”
    â€œI’m already here!” cried Sara suddenly, standing at the door clutching her favourite teddy, Barney. “And stop shouting, can’t you?” she said, clamping her hands over