LILAC DID NOT sing brilliantly at all, but the fact that the song was good enabled her to pass it off quite well. Her friend Fern Zitelli was on guitar, with Lulu Lamont on drums, and they did a passable cover version of Chocolate Sundae Girls even though it was nothing like the Beach Babes’ version and they had no backing vocals or dance routine to speak of.
The judges seemed very impressed. As far as they knew it wasn’t a cover version of another song; it seemed truly original, as well as catchy.
Poppy felt hot tears pricking in her eyes. Daisy’s palms were warm and clammy. Honey was in tears. Rose and Lily had never been so furious. How could this have happened to them?
Suddenly Lily began to sob. “It’s all my fault! Remember when I dropped my song sheet in the Lighthouse Café and me and Fleur couldn’t find it the next day? Well, Lilac was at the next table – she could have stolen the song sheet then. And when their own song didn’t shape up, she must have decided to use ours instead and then ask to sing before us!”
“What a rotten thing to do!” exclaimed Daisy, but it was the only explanation that made any sense.
As Lilac’s band took their bows on stage, Lily spread the word of what might have happened amongst their families. They were all appalled. They knew that the girls had been singing that number all along and had written it themselves.
Soon it was time for the Beach Babes to take the stage. But instead of the whole band going up, Daisy walked on alone, bravely took the microphone and tried to explain what had happened.
“We will not be able to take part in the contest because our song has been sung by Lilac and the Mermaids. We’re not sure how this happened, but a song sheet of Chocolate Sundae Girls went missing from the Lighthouse Café.”
There was a gasp of confusion from the audience, other performers, the judges, presenters and crew. Then there was a hush. Johnny McDonald walked towards Daisy and took the microphone from her.
“Well, folks, looks like there’s been a bit of confusion here. But, hey, that’s what rehearsals are for! I guess that’s it for tonight. Thank you, everybody. We need to try to get to the bottom of this.”
As the Beach Babes were being comforted by their families, Lilac, Lulu and Fern walked past. None of them even looked at Poppy and her friends. They couldn’t believe that after all their hard work and commitment they were out of the contest and it seemed like there was nothing they could do about it.
Daisy’s mum, Delphi, couldn’t stand it – it was so unfair. She jumped up onto the stage and spoke into the microphone, managing to say her piece before she was escorted off by a burly bouncer.
“You haven’t heard the last of this. I don’t know what Lilac and the Mermaids are up to, but they won’t get away with it. I saw my daughter and her friends write that song and I will not rest until the truth comes out – and the truth will out, I am sure of it!”
There was nothing more anyone could do or say to make a difference so they returned to The Pebbles feeling very frustrated, angry and disappointed at the way things had turned out. Poppy had never felt so low. It seemed there was no way out of this horribly unfair situation.
Back at the house, they all settled down in the living room.
“Right!” said Poppy’s dad. He hardly ever got angry, but now he was feeling furious. “Let’s discuss what options are open to us here. This is a very difficult situation.”
“Why don’t we confront Lilac and her band and get them to confess?” suggested Mum. “She must have a heart. I’ve always thought she was very sweet. Sometimes I think her dad puts too much pressure on her to be the best at everything. Maybe she just needs a bit of sympathy.”
“Hmmm, I think we should talk to people in the town and see whether they can shed any light on this,” said Rose’s dad.
Granny Bumble thought this was way too complicated. “Why not just wait? The truth will come out all by itself. I’m sure Lilac’s father knows what’s going on. He can’t stay silent about this – he’s a respected member of the community. I saw him last night when our girls were performing their song on the balcony. He was out for a stroll on the beach with his dog. He even stopped to listen and gave a wave.”
Daisy’s brother, Edward, nodded in agreement. “I saw him too!”
“Is that so?” asked Grandpa. “Well, I think my old friend the Colonel might know more about this than he’s letting on too.
He was with me when I heard Lilac and the Mermaids singing their dire song in the cave. But he can’t see any wrong in that girl.”
“That’s all very well,” replied Lily’s mum, “but we don’t have much time. I think we should see whether they can re-enter the competition with a different song.”
There was a mixture of reactions to all these ideas, but most people thought the only quick way round the problem was for the girls to get started on a new song right away.
“In the morning I’ll check that you’re still allowed to perform with a new song, girls,” promised Dad. “And you’ll have to get your heads together and come up with one as soon as possible. I know you can do it, you’re all so talented. And of course, if we can get the judges to see the truth before Saturday, then you can still sing Chocolate Sundae Girls.”
Poppy had rarely seen her dad so bossy. He was determined to find a way through for his princess and her friends.