The next day was the rehearsal in front of Lukas Jones. Callum was excited but nervous. Aaron was still fed up that he had lost his chance to be in the play. But he didn’t want Callum to miss out on his chance too.

‘You’ll be okay,’ Aaron said. ‘I won’t let you down.’

‘I know,’ said Callum. ‘You’re the best cousin ever.’

‘I wish I could say the same about you,’ said Aaron. ‘Just remember, you owe me for this.’

Miss Spark and Lukas Jones came in and sat in the middle of the hall. Callum and the other boys walked out on to the stage.

Lukas Jones looked at the three boys. ‘I thought more students than this would want to be in my show,’ he said to Miss Spark.

Miss Spark thought about Aaron, but all she said was, ‘These are my best students.’

Callum’s plan worked perfectly. Whenever he had to shout his lines, Aaron shouted for him. Lukas Jones smiled and nodded at Miss Spark. Callum knew he should have been happy, but he wasn’t. He had to put things right.

Halfway through his next song, Callum stopped singing. ‘I’m sorry,’ he whispered. ‘I can’t carry on. I’ve lost my voice.’

Miss Spark looked worried. ‘But it’s too late to get anyone else for the lead role,’ she said. ‘Are you sure?’

‘Aaron knows the role,’ said Callum. ‘He’s right here.’

‘Get him on stage,’ said Miss Spark. ‘Quickly.’

Aaron sang Callum’s song and finished the rest of his rehearsal. He did a perfect job. When Aaron had finished, Callum went over to Lukas Jones.

‘I’ve got to tell you something,’ said Callum.

Lukas looked surprised. ‘What is it?’ he asked.

‘My voice is breaking so I can’t shout,’ said Callum. ‘Aaron stood in the wings and did the shouting for me.’

Lukas called Aaron over. ‘What you did for Callum was great,’ he said. ‘It’s good to help your friends, but you have to help yourself as well. If you just hide in the wings, you’ll never be the star. I don’t think either of you are quite ready to be on the West End stage just yet. Sorry, guys.’

Callum felt really disappointed, but at least he’d have time for his voice to break. He was sure it would get even stronger. Aaron just got out his phone. ‘In that case, can I “help myself” to a photo with you?’ he asked cheekily.

Lukas laughed. ‘Are you sure? You’ll be sick of my face soon,’ he said.

‘Why?’ asked Aaron.

‘Because you two work so well together that I want you both to work with me in a special show for charity,’ said Lukas. ‘Are you interested?’

‘YES!’ said Aaron and Callum together.

‘Great! No need to shout!’ said Lukas.

‘It’s just as well!’ laughed Aaron. ‘Or I’d have to shout for both of us!’