Double Trouble by Sue Bentley

Chapter ONE
    â€œMia’s here. I’ll let her in!” Kim Taylor called excitedly to her mom, who was putting sheets on the spare bed.
    Kim ran down the stairs two at a time. It had been a year since she saw her cousin.
    Mia’s parents were both musicians. They took turns living in the houses they owned in France and Italy. Now Mia was staying for a week during her spring break, so there would be tons of time to catch up and do exciting things. Kim couldn’t wait.
    As she opened the front door, Kim smiled at the young girl standing in front of her.
    Mia was tall with short, feathery, blond hair. She was wearing expensive-looking clothes, sneakers, and held a glittery pink backpack that dangled by its straps.
    â€œYour hair looks so cool!” Kim said, leaning forward to give Mia a hug. “I’m so glad you’re here. We’re going to have a great time!”
    Mia pulled away from Kim, looking awkward. “Yeah, well, that’s what Mom and Dad said and I didn’t believe them either. They don’t care if I die of boredom as long as I’m out of the way while they go and do a tour of nightclubs with their band!” She rolled her eyes and sighed dramatically. “Anyway, I’m here now.”
    â€œExcuse me, you two!”

    Mia and Kim stood back as Kim’s dad staggered in with two enormous suitcases which he had brought in from the car.
    â€œAre you staying for a whole year?” he joked to Mia. From the look on Mia’s face, she did not think that was a funny joke.
    Kim felt awful. She thought Mia had really wanted to come to their house for vacation. She wasn’t sure what to say.
    â€œMeow-row!”
    Kim looked down. The complaining noise came from a cute, plastic pet carrier at Mia’s feet, which she hadn’t seen to begin with.
    â€œAll right, Bibi. You can come out in a minute,” Mia said.
    Kim crouched by the carrier to look inside. All she could see was a mass of fluffy cream fur and big round eyes. “What kind of cat is she?” Kim asked excitedly.

    â€œA pedigree Persian,” Mia said proudly. “Mom and Dad bought her for me before they went on tour. Bibi cost a lot of money and she’s won so many ribbons and cups at cat shows. Her full name is Beautiful Lady of Bromford Farm.”
    â€œThat’s a long name. No wonder you call her Bibi!” Kim said.
    Mia put her hands on her hips. “All pedigree cats have long names. Don’t you know that? Where’s Aunt Joan? I have a card for her from Mom.”
    Mia picked up the pet carrier and marched right past Kim into the house.
    Kim frowned as she followed her in and went through to the kitchen. Maybe her cousin was just tired. She knew that could make people mean and grumpy.
    Mia sat at the pine table. Mrs. Taylor was giving her a glass of orange juice.
    â€œThanks, Aunt Joan. And thanks for letting me come and stay,” Mia said sweetly.
    â€œYou’re welcome, Mia,” Mrs. Taylor said. “Kim’s been dying to spend some time with you. You know, you two were very close when you were small.”
    Mia gave Kim a long look. Kim thought she saw a ghost of a smile cross Mia’s face, but it was gone before she could smile back.
    â€œMeow-wow-wow!” Another loud wail of protest came from the pet carrier.
    â€œIt sounds like poor Bibi’s fed up with being shut in there. Should I let her out or do you want to do it, Mia?” Kim asked helpfully.
    â€œNo. You can do it, Kim,” Mia said.
    â€œHello, girl. Don’t be nervous,” Kim said gently, kneeling down to open the door. She was dying to see what a champion, prize-winning Persian looked like.
    A huge fluffy cream cat came out slowly into the room. Bibi backed up against the fridge and gazed around the kitchen with big orange eyes. She had a flat face, with a wrinkled forehead and a tiny nose.
    â€œDo you want to make friends?” Kim rubbed her