The big day was finally here. I took my time getting dressed, knowing that soon I’d be the focus of so many people’s attention. I’d spent a lot of time planning this outfit, and I wanted everything to be just perfect. I examined myself in the mirror. Yes, I decided, I would do.
Sadie tapped on the door. ‘Are you ready, darling?’
‘Yes, come in,’ I called. I turned around so Sadie could get a clear view.
‘Oh, Meg, you look amazing!’ she told me. ‘Now all you need is a little bit of make-up. I know you’re only twelve but this is a special occasion after all. Let me see what I have.’
When she had finished Sadie stood back to admire her work. ‘Fabulous, darling! Let me take a photo, and then we’d better get going.’
In the car, Sadie kept up a steady patter, commenting on everything we passed by. I replied in monosyllables, too nervous to focus on what she was saying. This was it!
Sadie parked just outside the hall. I got out of the car, my beads clacking together, and untangled my purple feather boa which had got caught in the seatbelt.
‘Meg, you’re here!’ Hannah came running up to me, squealing in excitement. She looked fantastic in her outfit, and she had put on thick orange foundation just like mine, and bright green eyeshadow. Laura and Ruby weren’t far behind, dressed in their costumes too and looking completely hyper.
‘Well of course,’ I said, smiling around at my friends. ‘I wouldn’t miss this for the world!’
‘I love your beauty spot!’ Hannah said, admiring the spot Sadie had drawn near my top lip. ‘You really look the part!’
‘So do you,’ I told her. ‘Everyone does. I’m so excited!’
‘Me too!’ Hannah and Laura said.
‘I’m terrified!’ Ruby said.
‘Me too,’ the rest of us admitted, laughing.
‘Well, ladies, we’d better go in, your audience will be here soon, and you can’t be seen in costume!’ Sadie said. ‘I believe there’s going to be quite a turn-out today.’
‘Where’s your grandad?’ Ruby asked as we made our way into the school.
‘He’s keeping guard at the front of the hall,’ I told her. ‘Making sure we don’t have any, um, unwanted guests.’
‘Brilliant!’ Ruby said.
Miss Brennan came rushing up to us as we entered the classroom near the hall which was going to be the ‘back stage’ area.
‘Oh good, you’re here!’ she said. ‘You look wonderful, all of you! Now, you know how the programme works, don’t you? We have the fifth class singing first – then their drama piece – then sixth class singing – and your drama piece is the last act.’
We all nodded, though Hannah whispered to me, ‘I wish we weren’t last! It’s so nerve-wracking!’
I didn’t mind, though. This for me was almost the best part – the anticipation of going on stage, knowing the audience was out there waiting for us to transform into our characters.
Sadie’s mobile rang. ‘Meg, it’s your mum,’ she told me.
I took the phone into a quiet corner of the classroom.
‘Meg, darling – all set for your performance? Sadie sent me a photo – you look amazing!’
‘Thanks, Mum,’ I said. ‘How was the premiere?’
‘Wonderful!’ Mum said. ‘All glittery frocks and flashing lights and razzmatazz. We’ve just been to an after-show party and we’re going on to another one. I’d forgotten how much I enjoy it all, darling. I’m so sorry to miss your performance, but Grandad has promised to record the whole thing for me.’
‘I think he’s a bit busy at the moment,’ I said with a grin, ‘but I’m sure he’ll be ready in time for the start of our piece. I’d better go, Mum. Miss Brennan wants us in our places.’
‘Good luck!’
I peeped into the hall. Even though I’d known there was quite a crowd coming, it was still a shock to see it so full. There must have been hundreds of parents, past pupils and local people, with the Lord Mayor in the best seat, sitting beside the principal. In front of the seated rows the younger classes sat on the floor, ready to watch the show.
Behind the closed stage curtains, fifth class were already in their places on the stage, lined up in neat rows in their school uniforms. They were whispering and giggling together, despite the best efforts of their teacher to shush them.
Just then, Isabel arrived, her face a picture. ‘Meg, your grandad is amazing!’ she told me, giggling.
‘What did he do?’ I asked, hardly daring to hope it had all been sorted out already.
‘There was some reporter at the school door, trying to get in to see the show,’ Isabel told us breathlessly. ‘Your grandad just took her by the elbow and walked her right off the school property, telling her it was invited guests only. She started protesting that she was an aunt of a pupil in the school but he told her it was a media-free zone. Then he said she was trespassing and if she didn’t leave at once he was going to call the police.’
‘Woohoo! Hurray for Meg’s grandad!’ Laura cried. ‘Three cheers, everyone!’
‘No thank you, Laura,’ Miss Brennan said hastily. ‘The show is about to start, we need to be quiet back here.’
I glowed with pride. Good old Grandad – I should have known I could trust him not to let anyone ruin our day.
Behind us, Tracey had a face like thunder. I smiled to myself. All her scheming had come to nothing.
The time sped by all too quickly, and soon sixth class were finishing their last song and it was time for us to go up on stage. The stage curtains were drawn and our classmates began to leave the stage, going in to the hall where they could watch the rest of the show.
‘I hope you fall off the stage and break your leg,’ Tracey hissed at me as she went by.
‘Thank you, Tracey,’ I said. ‘That’s so kind.’ Seeing her confused look, I added, ‘Didn’t you know that “break a leg” is how theatre people wish each other luck?’
Not waiting for an answer, I stepped up onto the stage, clutching Hannah’s hand in excitement. I thought of Mum and Dad at their after-show party dressed in their fancy clothes. And I thought of Sadie and Grandad, out there in the school hall, waiting to watch me perform. Some day, a long way off, maybe I’d be happy to be Daisy Sheridan, going to premieres and being chased by paparazzi. But right now, it was enough of a thrill just being me.