New Girl by Titania Woods Page A

It was true! Even Bimi’s new preoccupation with her looks might have seemed different, if Twink hadn’t been so convinced that Kiki was Bimi’s new best friend. Oh, how could she have been so stupid?
    The year head smiled wryly. ‘And what did Bimi’s father say? That the crystal would show you what would happen – if you looked into it? He knew as well, you see. Trickster crystals can be so convincing that you often make the event come about, just by believing in it. But Twink, nothing at all can happen unless you let it. You’re in charge of your destiny, not a crystal!’
    â€˜Oh, but – but that means . . .’ Twink trailed off as a memory of how she’d been acting all term swept over her: keeping to herself, growling when the other fairies spoke to her, only taking part in their activities when she had to.
    No wonder everyone had been avoiding her! And Bimi – why, Twink couldn’t blame her for becoming so fed up. She’d been acting like a complete moss brain!
    â€˜Is there anything else, Twink?’ asked Miss Sparkle gently.
    â€˜No,’ murmured Twink. She got to her feet in a daze. ‘I mean – I mean, thank you!’ she burst out as relief rushed through her. ‘Oh, Miss Sparkle, thank you so much!’
    Unexpectedly, Miss Sparkle smiled. Escorting Twink to the door, she touched her shoulder. ‘Not at all, Twink. But next time, you might try listening when someone tells you not to do something!’

.
    Chapter Seven
    Twink stood on the sidelines in the Great Branch, watching as the final rehearsal for the fashion show started. ‘Right, everyone, let’s go!’ called Kiki, hovering overhead.
    The Branch plunged into darkness. On the platform, the school’s cricket band started up a jazzy tune as Sooze and Lola appeared, lit by dramatic white spotlights. They swished through the air, hands on hips, as the lights changed to green and blue. Up above, Jax sat in the rafters working the glow-worms, looking like she was enjoying herself at last.
    Twink glanced down and adjusted her hemline, taking care not to touch the prickles. She was wearing the dandelion-leaf dress, and the spiky cap was set at a rakish angle on her head.
    â€˜You look great!’ whispered Sili, bobbing in the air beside her. The silver-haired fairy tucked her arm through Twink’s with a friendly squeeze. ‘And Twink, I’m so glad you’re yourself again!’
    Twink grinned at her sheepishly. ‘Me, too,’ she whispered back.
    After her meeting with Miss Sparkle, Twink had apologised to Kiki that very morning after Dance class. Kiki’s eyes had widened as Twink stumblingly explained what she’d seen in the crystal.
    â€˜Oh, you poor thing!’ she breathed, touching Twink’s arm. ‘No wonder you hated me when we first met. I’d have felt exactly the same!’
    â€˜Then you forgive me?’ Twink held her breath. The two fairies were hovering near the circle of spotted mushrooms where Dance class was held, the rest of Peony Branch having gone on ahead.
    â€˜Of course!’ said Kiki warmly. ‘I couldn’t understand what I’d done to upset you – I’m just glad there was a reason for it!’
    â€˜Not much of one, I suppose.’ Twink grimaced. ‘I feel like such a moss brain, Kiki. I just hope Bimi will forgive me, too.’
    â€˜She will,’ Kiki assured her. ‘She’s really missed you, Twink. She’ll be thrilled to have her best friend back!’
    The two fairies smiled at each other and started flying back to school in the cool autumn breeze. She’s so nice! thought Twink, darting sideways to avoid a flurry of falling leaves. Miss Sparkle was right – it was all in my head.
    Suddenly Kiki stopped. ‘Twink, there’s just one thing –’ she broke off uncertainly.
    â€˜What?’ asked Twink, hovering beside her.
    Kiki