Twirling Tails #7 by Angela Andrew;Swan Sue;Farley Bentley Page A

felt a glow of pride. “Thanks. I love baton twirling. I even march all around the house doing it. Dad says it’s a wonder I’m not twirling in my sleep!”
    Molly laughed. “That would be one way to get more practice in. But I can’t say I recommend it!”
    The gym door opened and a girl wearing jeans and a fleece sauntered in carrying a sports bag. She went over to a corner and dumped her bag.
    It was Tracy Owen, Kirsten’s best friend.
    Kirsten and Tracy were in the same class at school and usually walked to majorette practice together. But tonight, Tracy had told Kirsten that she’d meet her there.
    Kirsten noticed Molly looking across at Tracy. The trainer was shaking her head with annoyance.
    Kirsten quickly got a second can from the machine and hurried straight over to Tracy. “Here you are. I got you this. Molly’s on the warpath about you being late,” she warned her. “Where have you been, anyway?”
    â€œThanks.” Tracy took the drink and popped the tab. “Nowhere,” she said in answer to Kirsten’s question. “I don’t know why Molly’s in such a huff. There’s not exactly much going on here.”
    â€œThat’s only because we’re having a break, silly,” Kirsten said, giving her a friendly dig. “We’ve all been practicing like maniacs. You should have seen me. I just did the most mega-high twirl and I managed to catch the baton!”
    â€œGood for you,” Tracy murmured without enthusiasm.
    Kirsten’s high spirits wavered a bit. Tracy seemed to be in a strange mood. She saw that Molly was coming over.
    â€œHello, Tracy,” Molly said. “I expected you to come straight over to me. Don’t you have something you want to say?”
    Tracy flushed. “Um . . . I suppose so. Sorry I’m a little late.”
    â€œYou’re over an hour late! And it’s not the first time. I think you owe me an explanation,” Molly said.

    Tracy shuffled her feet and looked at the floor. “I went to see one of my classmates. She’s . . . er . . . really sick. We got talking and I didn’t notice the time.”
    Kirsten was puzzled. Why hadn’t Tracy told her that? And she couldn’t think of any girls in their class who were out sick. She threw Tracy a questioning look, but her friend didn’t meet her eye.
    Molly sighed. “We’ll say no more about it. But will you make sure that you get here on time from now on?”
    Tracy nodded.
    â€œGood. Finish getting changed and then come and sit with the others. I’m about to make an announcement,” Molly said as she walked away.
    â€œShe’s really bossy,” Tracy grumbled, pulling on her sneakers. “I’m fed up with her ordering us all around like we’re little kids.”
    â€œWell, she is the trainer. That’s what they do,” Kirsten said reasonably.
    Tracy rolled her eyes. “Yeah, well. She should lighten up. So I was late. It’s not a crime, is it?” She stomped moodily over to a pile of gym mats.
    Kirsten followed her and they sat down to listen to Molly, who was already speaking.
    â€œ. . . and as you know, the new shopping mall on Main Street is almost finished. In two weeks, it’s going to be officially opened by the mayor. There’ll be street performers, jugglers, and a fair in the market square. And we’ve been asked to lead the Grand Parade. The Limelight Majorettes will be marching along to the music of a brass band!” Molly said with a smile.

    â€œWow! That’s cool!” Kirsten said, as excited chatter broke out all around her and even Tracy looked impressed.
    It was Kirsten’s dream to perform with the Limelight Majorettes, but only the A team marched in public and went to competitions. She and Tracy were still on the B team.
    Molly smiled around at all the eager faces. “This is a great chance for us to show everyone