The news went round the school like wildfire. Denzil had sent back his customised Rainbow Boots! And all because they were a rush-job!
“He’s so cool!” most of the kids gasped.
“That’s if you think it’s true,” Lorna sniffed. “We’ve only got Denzil’s word for it.”
“You mean he’s telling lies?” asked a kid.
Lorna scratched her head. “Nah,” she said, after a while. “Not even Denzil would dare do that.”
That morning, in assembly, there were Rainbow Boots everywhere. They even got a smile from the headteacher, Miss Hooper.
“I’m not very fond of Rainbow Boots,” she said. “But today I’m really glad to see them.”
She went on, “Next week is the Grand Opening of our brand-new school hall. I’ve been waiting for someone special to come and cut the tape for us. Can you guess who I’ve asked to do it?”
All the kids shook their heads.
Miss Hooper’s eyes twinkled.
“Our visitor is rather keen on Rainbow Boots, I’m told,” Miss Hooper said. “He’s Stevie Glossop – the captain of England’s football team. And today he said yes to my invitation!”
Nobody spoke. They were too stunned.
The rest of the assembly passed in a daze. So did the rest of the day.
When the bell rang for home-time, everybody was still in a happy dream. They were all thinking about Stevie Glossop. The captain of England was coming to their school!
At the school gate, Denzil and Nadeem bumped into Lorna.
“Oh, Denzil,” she said, sweetly. “I’ve got good news.”
“What?” asked Denzil.
“I told Miss Hooper about your customised Rainbow Boots,” Lorna said. “I asked her if you could show them to Stevie Glossop.”
“What did she say?” said Denzil.
“Miss Hooper thought it was a great idea!” said Lorna. “She said she would call you up on stage so everyone can see them!”
“On stage?” said Denzil. His voice sounded odd. “In assembly?”
The two boys stared at Lorna in horror. She smiled and turned away.
Her Rainbow Boots were just like everyone else’s boots. But they still looked flashy as she walked along the pavement.
