Sparkling Steps Read Online Free PDF

said you gave it to her,” she said, frowning.

    Olivia nodded, feeling awful that she couldn’t let Tamsin know why. “Yes, I did.”
    â€œHow come? You can’t stand her any more than I can!” Tamsin’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. When Olivia looked away, she held up her hands. “Okay, you don’t have to tell me anything. But I’ll help you get your book back if you like.”
    â€œThanks, Tamsin, but it doesn’t matter now,” Olivia said. She glanced across at the tiny ball of blue-gray fur on top of the piano. She still had what really mattered to her—Flame!
    Miss Frances clapped her hands for attention. “Places, everyone. Let’s go through the Garland Dance again. I want you all perfect for tomorrow.”
    As Olivia waited for the music to begin, the door of the studio opened. A frail-looking elderly woman, with black hair and a silver walking stick, came in.
    Miss Frances quickly fetched a chair for her.
    â€œIt’s Nina Svetlova!” Tamsin whispered. “She founded this school!”
    â€œShe must be going to take class!” Olivia guessed, glancing at the almost legendary ex-prima ballerina.
    Nina banged on the floor with her stick. “Begin!” she ordered. She watched everyone closely, making corrections when she thought they were needed. “No, no! It’s not meant to be like that!” she said, pointing her stick at Lucy. “You are too stiff. Move your arms like this. Hold up your head and smile!”
    Lucy pressed her mouth together as she danced. Her face was beet red.
    Then Nina turned her attention to Olivia. Olivia danced for all she was worth, trying not to think about the sharp, critical eyes watching her.
    â€œGood!” said Nina, when Olivia finished. “That is how the dance should be! You!” she said, pointing to Lucy. “Watch and learn!”

    There were hushed whispers as the class ended and everyone went to get changed. Mariko had her arm around Lucy, who was in tears.
    â€œPhew! I thought Miss Frances was strict, but she’s got nothing on Miss Svetlova,” Olivia said to Tamsin. “She must have made us do the Garland Dance about a hundred times! And she really grilled Lucy! I couldn’t help feeling sorry for her.”
    Tamsin shrugged. “It’s her own fault. She should make more of an effort.” She flashed Olivia a pleased grin. “But I think we both did okay!”
    Olivia nodded, feeling a flush of pride. She was going to call her parents as soon as she could and tell them that the famous Nina Svetlova had just coached her!

Chapter NINE
    Olivia woke up the following morning with butterflies in her tummy. “This is the day! Mom and Dad will be on their way here soon,” she said to Flame. “It’s the final dress rehearsal this morning.”
    She jumped out of bed and got dressed quickly. Usually Flame followed her everywhere, but today he seemed reluctant to get off the bed.
    â€œHey! Sleepyhead,” she teased gently. “Are you coming?”
    Flame peeped out of his cozy nest in the duvet with dull, troubled eyes. “I think I will stay here for a bit longer,” he meowed quietly.

    â€œWhat’s wrong? Do you feel sick?” Olivia asked, beginning to feel alarmed.
    â€œI think my enemies are getting close,” Flame told her with a tiny shudder. “If I stay very still, they may pass by.”
    â€œOh, no!” Olivia gasped. She was dreading the moment when Flame would have to leave, but it was a million times worse to think of him being hurt. “That’s it. I’m going to stay here with you. I’ll say I have a tummy ache or something . . .”
    â€œNo. It would draw attention to me. You cannot miss this important rehearsal,” Flame meowed.
    Olivia knew Flame was right, but she felt torn. “All right, I’ll go. But I’ll come back and check on you when I can. You will