Piper's Perfect Dream Read Online Free PDF Page B

“You absolutely think I don’t do my share of work at the farm,” said Gemma.
    â€œOh, please,” said Tessa. “Forget about it, Gemma. Enough is enough.”
    â€œNo, really, just admit it,” Gemma continued.
    Right then the door slid open and Lady Stella swept in.
    She stood in front of the room and smiled, seeming calmer than she had earlier. “I’m glad to see you all here, given the kind of starday we’ve had. I’ve decided to cancel the guest lecture and talk to you about what’s been going on. It’s very, very important for all students to get along, but it’s imperative for the Star Darlings to regain positive—”
    â€œVibrations,” finished Piper.
    Lady Stella smiled. “I was going to say feelings, but that works, too. Now I’d like everyone to gather in a circle and hold hands. We will offer Star Kindness thoughts, face to face.
    â€œWhy don’t you begin, Vega?” the headmistress said.
    Vega frowned slightly, then nodded. She turned to Astra. “You’re great at all sports. But most of all, I like to watch you play star ball.”
    Astra beamed. “Star salutations, Vega. And I think you are very organized and good at puzzles.”
    Lady Stella smiled encouragingly. “Yes, that is the way it’s done. Continue, please.”
    Clover opened her mouth to go next. But a knock on the door interrupted the compliments. Lady Cordial stuck her head in.
    â€œS-s-s-s-so wonderful to s-s-s-s-see everyone together after those horrid holo-texts this morning. Lady St-st-st-st-stella, I was hoping to observe the c-c-c-c-class today.”
    Lady Stella smiled at the awkward head of admissions. “Normally, I’d welcome you, Lady Cordial,” she said gently. “I hope you realize that. But today is not the best startime. Another starday would be best.”
    Lady Cordial ducked her head, looking embarrassed, and began to edge away.
    â€œBy the way,” Lady Stella added, “I obviously don’t think you are disorganized.”
    â€œSt-st-star s-s-s-salutations,” Lady Cordial said, already halfway out the door. “And I don’t think you’re an ineffective leader.”
    â€œUnderstood,” said Lady Stella as the door closed quietly. “Now let’s go on with our exercise.”
    Everyone took turns giving and receiving compliments. And while the class ran longer than usual, the girls left feeling much better.
    It’s amazing how a little positivity can improve your outlook,
Piper thought. She grinned at Leona. Who would have known Leona liked Piper’s sleep masks so much she wanted to borrow some for a holo-vid she wanted to make with the band called “Star in Disguise”?
    Libby whispered in Gemma’s ear. Gemma nodded. “Hey!” said Libby as they all moved toward the door. “Is everyone up for a sleepover in our room tonight?”
    It was rare for all twelve Star Darlings to get together outside the Celestial Café or SD class. “What a great idea,” said Piper quickly. She knew what Libby was thinking:
We need time together, without any outside stresses, where we can be like any Starling Academy students, hanging out with friends.
    But the girls weren’t really like other Starling Academy students. They had responsibilities and pressures no one else could imagine. When everyone agreed to go, Piper could only hope for the best.

At lightfall, Piper was busily packing for the sleepover. “Let’s see,” she said, looking around. She wanted to take her dream diary, her toothlight, a few carefully selected pillows and sleep masks—in case anyone wanted to borrow one—and a star-shaped stone she’d found by Luminous Lake the first week of her first year at school. The stone was smooth and pleasing to hold. Whenever she slept somewhere new, Piper always took her “serenity stone.” It made her feel