Also by SHARON M.

DRAPER
Out of My Mind Copper Sun Double Dutch Romiette & Julio

The Jericho Trilogy:

The Hazelwood High Trilogy:

Ziggy and the Black Dinosaurs:

PANIC

SHARON M. DRAPER

ATHENEUM BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS An imprint of Simon & Schuster Childrens Publishing Division 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020 This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the authors imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Copyright 2013 by Sharon M. Draper All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Atheneum Books for Young Readers is a registered trademark of Simon & Schuster, Inc. Atheneum logo is a trademark of Simon & Schuster, Inc. For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Simon & Schuster Special Sales at 1-866-506-1949 or [email protected]. The Simon & Schuster Speakers Bureau can bring authors to your live event. For more information or to book an event, contact the Simon & Schuster Speakers Bureau at 1-866-248-3049 or visit our website at www.simonspeakers.com. Book design by Debra Sfetsios-Conover The text for this book is set in New Baskerville. Manufactured in the United States of America First Edition 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Draper, Sharon M. (Sharon Mills) Panic / Sharon M. Draper.1st ed. p. cm. Summary: As rehearsals begin for the ballet version of Peter Pan, the teenaged members of an Ohio dance troupe lose their focus when one of their own goes missing. ISBN 978-1-4424-0896-8 ISBN 978-1-4424-0898-2 (eBook) [1. Dance-Fiction. 2. Kidnapping-Fiction. 3. Sexual abuse-Fiction. 4. African AmericansFiction.] I. Title. PZ7.D78325Pan 2013 [Fic]--dc23 2012016339

This book is dedicated to dancers everywhere, but especially to Miss Crystal and the wonderful students of Kinetic Expressions Dance Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida (http://www.facebook.com/KEDAdance)

Acknowledgments
Many thanks to the following: All the KEDA families who support their children as they learn and grow through dance. All the KEDA students who work so hard and perform so beautifully. Yes, this book is about you. No, that character is not you. For real! To my family who supports me as I work to do what I do: Crystal Damon and Mary Larry Draper Cory and Wendy. And a special shout out to Diane Swirka.

Also, please be aware of the dangers of teen dating abuse as well as predators who stalk our children. I found these websites to be helpful and informative: http://www.ctcadv.org/WhatisDomesticViolence/ WhatisTeenDatingViolence/tabid/169/Default.aspx http://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/2010 http://klaaskids.org http://www.publicsafety.ohio.gov/links/cjs0034.pdf

JUSTIN, Friday, April 12

4 p.m.

Proud and insolent youth, said Hook, prepare to meet thy doom. Dark and sinister man, Peter answered, have at thee. from Peter Pan

Hey, dance boy! Sixteen-year-old Justin Braddock, wearing his favorite Timberland boots, tromped down the rain-slicked sidewalk, book bag slung over his left shoulder, heading to the bus stop. He did not turn aroundhe knew who trailed behind him. You heard me, dancing queen! Dont be tiptoeing away, now.

Justin sighed. Another fight. Zac Patterson, the wrestling teams sultan of the slam, was known to brandish both his biceps and equally massive ego. He yelled louder. What up, fag! Swish! added Ben Bones. Justin knew Bones would be hovering just a few steps behind Zac, safe like a shadow. Justin tried to ignore the idiots behind him. Guys had been teasing him for years, ever since he started taking dance lessons. He was as tall as Zac, more muscled than Bones. But most guys seemed clueless about the athletic skills required for the leaps and lifts he had mastered. And none of them knew how much he loved it. Look how he twitches those hips! Zac jeered. Justin wondered, amused, why Zac was so interested in his butt. Got your shiny pink toe shoes stuffed in that bag? Who braids your hairyo mama? Bones asked, laughing loudly with Zac. Your mama wears a tutu too! Zac and Bones hooted with laughter. Justin stopped walking. He tossed his backpack on the ground and spun around. Dont you talk about my mother! he hissed. A surge of rage and sorrow coursed through him. His mother had died less than a year before, and it felt like yesterday. It felt like forever. Your mama so stupid, she tried to put her M&Ms in alphabetical order! Bones sniped, still standing safely behind Zac. Justin was not in a mood to play the dozens. Not today. Not ever. Not about his mom.
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Your mama twice the man you are, Zac sneered. Nope. Not today. Justin did not hesitate. He wheeled around, tightened his right fist, then, with a whump, he planted a direct blow to the center of Zacs gut. Zac, all two hundred pounds of him, crumpled in a heap on the sidewalk. Oomph, he managed to mumble. Bones, looking terrified, placed both his hands in a strategic position to protect himself, but Justin just glared at him. Dance with that! Justin said as he picked up his pack. He continued down the street and did not look back.

JUSTIN, Friday, April 12

5 p.m.

. . . who cuts whistles out of the trees and dances ecstatically to his own tunes. from Peter Pan

Justin stepped nimbly off the bus, half a block away from the Crystal Pointe Dance Academy. He came here almost every day after school, and the place felt like a second home. Roomy and airy, done up in tones of red and black and white, it housed well over a hundred studentsmost of them girls. He paused in the parking lot as a dark maroon Cadillac Escalade truck pulled in. In it was Layla Ridgewood, who

was dropped off every day by her boyfriend, Donovan. Donovan Beaudry rolled his window down; ear-splittingly loud rap music exploded from the trucks custom-installed sound gear. The SUV rolled on twenty-four-inch dubs and sported a shiny set of Sprewells that Justin knew cost around $2,000 a set. The hubcaps continued to spin even after the car came to a stop. He didnt even want to think about how Donovan could have paid for all that. Donovan kept his head shaved bald, probably to show off the tattoos on his neck, Justin figured. Another tat covered his entire left arm, spelling out Layla in script lettering. He glanced at Justin, coughed, then spit in his direction. Justin glanced at him coolly. He didnt move. He and Donovan had once been best friends. In elementary school theyd played soldiers outside and video games inside. But by their early teens Donny started to change. He was a year older, and when he got to middle school, he started to hang out with the boys who skipped classes and sold their mothers prescription pills behind the gym. By the time Justin got to sixth grade, the two had grown apart. Sup? Donovan said lazily. Just chillin, Justin replied. Still playin ballerina with the girls every day? Theres somethin just messed up with that, man. So you say. Why cant you play football or basketball like a real dude? Donovans voice was filled with scorn.
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I dont see you wearin cleats and shoulder pads, Justin countered. Im a lover, man. Aint got time for sweatin on some football field. But if thats what I wanted to do, Id be the best man on the team, not some sissy who dances with girls. Justin smiled. Dude, for four hours every day I get to hang with a room full of shorties dressed in shorts and tights and leotards. You the one who dont get it, man. Im just swagged out like that! Donovan pointed a finger at Justin. Just make sure you keep away from my Layla. She comes here to dance, not to be felt up by you. Justin flexed his forearms. I got mad respect for Laylaand all the girls here. You cross the line, Ill make you suffer. You got that? Donovan spat out the window again, then pulled Layla toward him and kissed her roughly. When she got out of the car, Layla swiped her hand across her mouth, then waved cheerfully as Donovan gunned the engine and drove away. He didnt wave back. Hey, Justin, Layla said. You know, you gotta just ignore Donny. Hes all smoke. Yeah, I know. He paused, then went for it. But I wonder if you do. Laylas eyes went flat for a second; she swallowed and then opened her mouth to answer, quickly changing the subject. How was school today? They both went to Broadway High, where Layla was a sophomore and Justin was a junior.
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Same old. Whats up with you? Chillaxin. Glad to get here so I can stretch out some of my stress. Girl, what you got to be stressed about? The show tomorrow? Donovan? Justin asked as they walked to the front door of the studio. Donnys great, but you knowstuff at home, stuff at school. This is the only place where I feel like I can really kick it. And OMG, the show is gonna be off the chain! I feel ya. Justin pulled open the heavy red wooden doors for her and breathed in happily. Layla was right. Music played softly from speakers in the ceiling. To the left was the Crystal Caf, a cozy little room with vending machines, a microwave, and an odd assortment of tables and chairs to lounge in. Students came in from school and gobbled whatever was available that week. I wonder if the Wi-Fi is up, Layla mused as she got a diet cola and granola bar from the machines. Justin got out his iPad and checked. Yep. Miss Ginger musta got it fixed. Youre free to update your Facebook status to Still lockin lips with Donovan! She looked at him, sipped her soda, then said, What? You jealous? Hes a lucky man, Justin admitted. I just dont think he realizes what a good thing hes got. Layla looked away. I think he knows. I just hope he remembers. Justin wasnt exactly sure what that meant, but he kept his face a mask and headed for the main dance room. He
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cued up Beat It by Michael Jackson. Yeah, it was old, but it was timeless. He turned the music up as loud as it would go and let it wash over him as he pulled off his shirt and his shoes. Wearing only sweatpants, he began to move to the rhythms that pounded around him. He stretched for a few moments, then he began to spin. He bounded. He leaped. He did coffee grinders and helicopters, body glides and freezes. Hed started as a B-boy dancer, popping and locking for fun in his living room, showing off for his parents as he spun on his head or balanced on his arms. But at the studio hed discovered jazz dance styles, modern, and even ballet. He was amazed how easily each form had come to him. It was like sampling new flavors of candy, each bubbling to its own soundtrack. Covered with sweat and breathing hard, Justin finally stopped when he realized several students were standing by the mirrors, watching him. A couple of them clapped. Great job, Justin, Miss Ginger called out as she breezed into the room. She tossed him a towel. Lithe and muscular, she could outdance most of the students who attended her studio, even though she had to be at least forty years old. Her frizzy brown-gray hair framed her face like a halo. Thanks, Miss Ginger. I was just warming up. He wiped his face and glanced back at Layla. She was busily textingProbably Donovan, he thought. Have you posted the cast for Peter Pan yet? Diamond Landers asked the teacher. Tryouts had been held two days
8

ago for the highlight of the yearthe June full-company dance adaptation of a major Broadway show. You can find the list online tonight, Miss Ginger replied. I am so looking forward to working with you guysits going to be awesome! Any hints? Diamond asked, teasing. Justin knew she really wanted the lead in that showthe part of Wendy. You know me better than that, Diamond, Miss Ginger said, her voice stern but kind. Im just so amped up! Diamond said, doing a couple of piqu turns across the floor. First things first, Miss Ginger told her. Weve got to get through our spring showcase, which is tomorrow! Im just sayin . . . , Diamond said to anyone who was listening as she pretended to float across the floor to her place on the barre. She twirled in place, then grinned at Justin, who just shook his head in bemusement. Miss Ginger called the class to order, and the rest of the students trickled in from the caf, the dressing rooms, and the lounge. She plugged her iPod into the speakers, chose a song, and gave a clap, Lets begin. We have a performance in less than twenty-four hours, and we have so much to do. Justin exhaled and then smiled to himself. It doesnt get better than this.

CRYSTAL POINTE DANCE ACADEMY CAST LIST FOR PETER PAN

Posted Friday, April 12

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DIAMOND, Saturday, April 13

2 p.m.

All are keeping a sharp look-out in front, but none suspects that the danger may be creeping up from behind. from Peter Pan

Were swingin by the mall to get new tights for tonights performance, Mom, Diamond yelled up the stairs. Didnt I just buy you tights last week? her mother answered as she leaned over the railing. Those were pink tights, Mom. I need beige ones. Pink is just for ballet! Mrs. Landers threw her hands up in frustration and

came downtairs. I cant keep up with you kids and your dance stuff. So when do you need the red tights? Those were for that little show we did at the middle school last week. Dont you remember? Diamond looked at her friend Mercedes Ford, who grinned at the nearly identical mom conversations they both were forced to endure before they left the house. Now tell me again what time the show starts and where its going to be, Diamonds mother said. Diamond sighed. Seven thirty, Mom. Miss Ginger is using Broadway Highs auditorium for this performance, remember? You got the tickets? I got the tickets. Shasta and Dad and I will be there, right up front. Remember, this is just the spring showcaseI dont have a very big part tonight. And Im in the back row. I dont care. I simply love watching you dance, even if youre only onstage for a hot minute, her mother said, smoothing Diamonds curly brown hair and adjusting her pink flowing cover-up so her bra straps didnt show. You know I wouldnt miss this. Can I come to the mall with you? Diamonds nineyear-old sister, Shasta, asked, popping in from the kitchen. She was busy peeling a banana. Sorry, Shasta-blasta. Not this time. Weve got rehearsal, and this show is just for the older kids. Ill see you after the performance, with Mom and Dad, okay? Diamond told her. Is Justin in the show? Shasta asked. Well, yeah. Duh! Hes the only advanced male in our
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studio right now. Hes, like, vital. Who else can do duos and lifts and stuff? Hes cute, Shasta said with a giggle, stuffing half the banana into her mouth. Hes sixteen! So? Shasta tossed the peel in the trash and put her hands on her hips. So you better behave, young lady, Mrs. Landers said with a laugh. Dont forget, banana breath, youll be in the next show! Diamond reminded her. I am so hyped for Peter Pan. Me and you will be together for every single rehearsal and every single performance. Thats not till June, Shasta groaned as she gulped down the fruit. I need to hang with you so I can learn all the juicy stuff about dance. She twirled clumsily, stumbled, and caught a teetering lamp just before it toppled over. Sorry, Mom, she said as she continued to whirl around the sofa and chairs. Her sneakers blinked and sparkled with every step. Diamond laughed. Theres no juicy stuff, Shasta, unless you count the sweat. Ick! Shasta flopped down on the sofa. Hey! Did Miss Ginger post the parts yet? What did I get? Yeah, she posted them online last night, Mercedes told her. Really? The list is up? Why didnt you tell me? Diamonds mother asked. What part did you get, sweetie? Diamond shrugged. I didnt get the role of Wendy like I wanted.
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Any part you play makes me proud, her mother said. Yeah. Well, glad youre proud. I get to be Smee the pirate. She paused, looking at the floor. That totally sucks. Mrs. Landers pulled Diamond close. You are my star, Diamond, she whispered into her ear. Never forget that. And you will be the best Smee ever. Diamond leaned into the hug and let her mom smooth her hair. Shasta, up again and now trying to balance on her toes, interrupted. What part did I get? Can I be Tinker Bell? Im little enough. Diamond got down on her knees, eye level with her sister. No, but you can be one of Tinker Bells assistants! Do I get a cute costume? Shasta asked warily. I think all the little Tinks get costumes that light up! Shasta did a happy little wiggle. Awesome! So let me come with you to the mall so I can get some sparkly tights. Youd have holes in them by the time we do that show. Diamond laughed. Youve got plenty of time to get your costume together and tons of rehearsals before that. Do I get a magic wand? Probably. Ill ask Miss Ginger. I want a purple one! Shasta insisted. Pinkie promise. She held out the little finger of her right hand. Diamond hooked her finger to her sisters tiny one. Ill do my best. Appeased for the moment, Shasta headed back to the kitchen.
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Mom, we better go, Diamond said. Miss Ginger will kill us if were late for rehearsal. You be careful driving, Mercedes, Mrs. Landers said, glancing out the window. Its pouring rain out there. I will. I promise, Mercedes replied. I got my drivers license on a rainy day, she added, so Im cool. Mrs. Landers continued to look worried. And no texting while you drive. You dont need to be on your phone at all until you get to the mall. You got it, Mrs. L. No cell at all. Well just make a quick stop at the mall, and well call you when we get to the school. Bye, Mom. Love you! Well see you there! Diamond yelled as she grabbed her hot pink dance bag and headed out the door. Bye, girls. Dance well. Cant wait to see the showcase. Diamond slammed the door and laughed out loud. My mother is a trip! I swear! Shes just doin her thing. Dont sweat it. Mercedes, pulling the hood of her Cincinnati Reds sweatshirt over her head, ran with Diamond, dodging raindrops, to her car. Too bad you dont get to drive a car as cool as your name, Diamond said as she climbed into the sturdy blue 2004 Ford Focus. Your ride is messed up. Hey, my name is my carno matter what I drive! Mercedes replied with a smirk. Today I drive my last name. But a Mercedes waits for me in my future. She checked her hair in the rearview mirror, nodding with approval. Slicked back and sprayed into a bun, not a strand was out of place.
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At least you got a car. Diamond sighed. I cant wait until I get my license. One more year! Im so sick of my mom driving me everywhere, I could scream. She glanced at Mercedes sleek black hair. Her own curls were tousled and unruly. It took practically a whole can of hair spray to make hers behave on performance nights. I bet your mother is just as sick of being your driver. My mom cant dance worth nuthin, and she jumped around the house like a hoochie-coochie girl when I got my license. Im glad I didnt have to see that, Diamond said with a laugh, buckling her seat belt. Mercedes turned the radio up. The windshield wipers seemed to move to the music. Hey, text Steve for me, will ya? Mercedes asked. Remind him to bring my chocolate bars to the backstage door. Cant you just get some from the mall? Diamond asked her as she took out her phone. Yeah, but candy from Steve tastes so much better, Mercedes said, licking her lips. Youre a mess, girl. But Diamond tapped in the message. Steve texted back in seconds. He said hed bring the candy to his favorite chocolate bunny. Oh, gag me now! He texts me every single morning, Mercedes said happily. Yeah, I know. Its so sweet I cant stand it. You want to hear what he sent this morning? I dont knowdo I? My head might explode. He said, Morning, butterfly. Hope you slept well.
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Then he sent me a link to Mariah Careys old song Butterfly. Im bout to choke up in here! Mercedes and Diamonds cell phones then beeped at the same time. Whos double-texting? Mercedes mused. Duh. Miss Ginger, reminding us not to be late. Diamond held up both phones, which blinked the same message. Text her back on both phones and tell her were on our way. We never shoulda taught that woman technology! Oh, man. Diamond groaned as she glanced at the bars at the top of her phone. My phones about to die, and I forgot my charger. I think Miss Ginger has a charger at the studio that will fit, Mercedes said. Its probably one you left there! You go through chargers like Shasta goes through Popsicles! True that. Mercedes upped the volume on the radio and sang along whenever a favorite song came on. During a commercial, though, Mercedes turned off the radio. She glanced at Diamond a few times, and finally asked, So, are you upset about not getting the part of Wendy in Peter Pan? Youve been kinda quiet about it. Diamond sighed. Im glad Layla got it. She works really hard, and I guess she deserves it. But its still a bummer. Ive never had a lead in any of Miss Gingers shows. Im starting to think . . . well . . . that Im just not good enough. Oh, youre good enough, girlfriend. Maybe Miss
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Ginger is saving you for a lead in next years show. I heard shes doing Cinderella. Mercedes drove in silence for a moment. Yeah, but to just be a stupid pirate . . . She paused. But hes the main one after Hookyou get to be onstage a lot, Mercedes said encouragingly. Big fat whoop. Jillian will be pretty good as Peter Pan, Mercedes continued. I figured that role would go to her. Id never tell her, but shes probably our best dancer. I feel ya. Shes flat-chested and skinny and perfect for that part. Shes probably texting and tweeting to the world that she got the lead role. Diamond grunted. Yeah, but dressed like a boy. She can have it. Mercedes turned the corner to the mall. Still, its gonna be a good showMiss Ginger always turns it out. Justin will be dynamite as Captain Hook. What about you? Diamond asked. Are you cool with Tiger Lily? For real, Im geeked. Its the part I wantedIm dying to do that insane fight scene with the pirates. I cant wait for rehearsals to start! I guess, Diamond agreed, but she wished she felt as excited as Mercedes sounded. Mercedes, mimicking their teachers grab-your-gutsand-stand-up-straight voice, said, All performance experience is good for the soul! Diamond cracked up, nodding. Park by the back
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entrance, she suggested. Its closer to the dance store. And the food court. Im desperate for a slice! Me too, Diamond said, grabbing her dance bag as they headed inside. The rain had slowed to a drizzle. Why dont you just leave that in the car? Mercedes asked. I dont care if somebody steals my school bag, Diamond said, slinging it over her shoulder. Actually, I hope they do! But my dance bag is my life. Its like I cant breathe without it. You crazy. They hit Cest La Danse first. Owned by a woman who had been a dancer in Paris, it was like heaven to Diamond and Mercedes. They could find their favorite Capezio tights and Sansha shoes, plus dance bags, warm-ups, even sparkle-studded earrings and key chains designed to look like ballet slippers. Hey, Madame Jolie. Theyd been in the store so often that the owner knew them by name. Welcome back, mes cheries. What do you need on this rainy day? We need nude tightssize adult medium, Diamond said. Ah, oui, she said. Of course. And have you seen these new leotards with the cutout backs? Madame Jolie asked, pointing to a display. Cest trs sexy! Oh, thats whats up! I gotta try this red one on, Mercedes said excitedly. Diamond checked her watch. Look, girl, you got a weakness, but Im starving, and were gonna be late for
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rehearsal. Meet me at the food court in ten. Gotcha. Get me a plain cheese slice, okay? Ill eat it in the car. Mercedes was already disappearing into the tiny dressing room. Diamond paid for her tights and stuffed them into her ballet bag. Slinging it back over her shoulder, she waved good-bye to Madame Jolie and headed out.

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DIAMOND, Saturday, April 13

2:30 p.m.

Our last glimpse of her shows her at the window, watching them receding into the sky until they were as small as stars. from Peter Pan

With headphones snugly in place, Diamond glided down the mall, so intently focused on the music that she nearly crashed into a man heading in the opposite direction. Oh, Im so sorry, sir. I wasnt paying attention, Diamond said, pulling out the buds. Not a problem, young lady. Im just here to pick up

my daughter, and this place is a maze! Can you point me in the direction of the food court? Diamond laughed. Turn around. Its right behind you. The man, who looked to be about forty or so, was slender, handsome, and well dressed in a charcoal business suit. His dark blond hair, which looked to be spiked with just a touch of mousse, almost gleamed. Forgive my manners, the man said cordially. Im Thane English. My daughter is Chloemaybe you know her? She a freshman at Broadway High School. He reached out his hand and shook Diamonds with a confident squeeze. Im Diamond. I go to Broadway High too, Diamond said. But Im a sophomore. I dont know all the freshmen its a pretty big school. We just moved here a few weeks ago, the man told her. Chloes still adjusting; Broadway High is a lot different from the school she went to in California. He fell into step with her as they approached the sparsely populated food court. It smelled of cinnamon buns, strong coffee, and onions. Id give anything to go to school in California, Diamond admitted as she bought two slices of cheese pizza. Why is that? He glanced around, evidently looking for his daughter. I dont know. Close to Hollywood. Movie stars. The ocean. All that stuff, Diamond replied. Thane tilted his head. You have that look, if you dont mind my saying so. Huh? What look?
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He checked his watch. Where can that girl be? Then he looked back at Diamond as if hed just remembered her question. That star look. Youre a dancer, right? Diamonds eyes went wide. How did you know? Well, you walk like a queentall and graceful. And it says dance all over that bag youre carrying. Diamond laughed. Well, duh! Yeah, Ive been dancing since I was four. My dream is to get on one of those shows like So You Think You Can Dance or Dancing with the Stars. You can do better than that, Thane replied. He looked around the food court once more. She better not be late again, he grumbled. What do you mean? Diamond sat down at a table and nibbled her pizza. Chloe is always latedrives me bonkers, he said, still glancing around. No, I mean, what did you mean when you said I could do better than being on a dance show? Diamond asked. Well, my Chloe was in the last two Harry Potter movies and the first Twilight movie as well. Not huge parts, but she had small speaking roles in all of them. Diamond almost choked on her food. What? How? I was the assistant director for all those films, Thane explained. It helps. Chloes got a portfolio that most kids her age would kill for. Shes had a chance to work with some of the best teen actors. Wow. Lucky kid. So why did you move here to Nowheresville? There are no movie stars around here. Trust me. I would know.
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Its just temporary. Were filming a new movie here on location outside of town. Really? Why? His cell phone jingled. He pulled an iPhone from his pocket and glanced at the screen. Excuse me, its Chloe. He sat down at Diamonds table and slid the bar across the face of the phone. Hey, sweetie. Where are you? Im here at the mall, waiting for you in the food court, where youre supposed to be, talking to a classmate of yours from school. He stopped to laugh, giving his wedding ring a twirl. Well, Im glad you called, Chloe-girl. Ill see you at home. Tell Mom I already picked up the dog food. He tapped his phone off. Shes already on her way home. Her mom and I got our wires crossed. He stood up and reached out his hand. I gotta run. But it was a pleasure to meet you, Diamond. Me too, Diamond said, shaking his hand. She noticed his nails looked nicer than her own. Her pizza was growing cold. Thane started to walk away from Diamonds table, then turned, frowned, and walked back. I just had a thought, he said. A thought? Would you like to meet Chloe and my wife and our goofy dog? Diamond tilted her head. What? She wasnt sure what he was asking. Chloed love to meet more kids from school, so I just thought you might . . . Well, of course you couldnt just
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drop everything this minute . . . Thane ran his fingers through his hair. I just had a crazy ideaand Chloes got some of her Hollywood friends visiting for the weekend. In facthe glanced at his watchtheir flight landed twenty-three minutes ago. But Im sure its too last-minute for youforget I even mentioned it. Well, Im waiting for someone, and Ive got to get to dance. We have a performance tonight. But Diamond looked at him quizzically. Friends from Hollywood? She wondered what she might be passing up. Of course, Thane said. I understand. You kids are always so busy. Chloes friends are here to audition for the movie I mentioned. They know how to combine work and play! Diamond paused. Chloes LA friends werent just kids from Californiathey had to be actors and actresses! Youre casting this weekend? she asked. Thane shook his head. I wish. I have to get my recommendations to the director tomorrow morning, so tryouts are tonight. Itll be tricky, because Diva Dawson and California Clover both want the main role, but Im wanting a new face to grab that part. Youre tellin me Diva Dawson and California Clover are gonna be at your house? Diamond was incredulous. Yep. A drivers at the airport right now. This time it was Diamond who checked her watch. Practice started in half an hour, but she could be a little late. The show wasnt until seven thirty. And it was a chance to meet real movie stars! This was insane. Theyre your daughters friends? she blurted out.
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Sure, since they were children. Thats why Chloe was here at the mallto get a new outfit for tonight. She goes crazy with my credit card! Diamonds heart began pounding. Could it be possible she had the chance to hang out with real movie stars? Theyre a great bunch of kidsthey go to some pretty awesome parties together, Thane told Diamond with a smile. But this is all so spur-of-the-momentI just thought youd like to meet them. But maybe next time. Diamond hesitated. Would there ever be a next time? Stars like that in her hometown? Wow. Id give anything . . . Thane nodded. Itd be pretty specialI can just imagine the photos youd be able to post on Facebook. My friends will die of jealousy! Diamond exclaimed. Then she glanced down at her flip-flops and cutoff tights and frowned. I look like a mess. Im dressed for dance, not for meeting famous people. Not a problem, great way to break the ice. Dancing, actingits all art. Then Thane thumped his forehead. It just occurred to meone of the key roles in the movie is a dance part! Its a modernization of Peter Pan. Youre kidding! Diamond jumped up from her seat. This was totally crazy! Our studio is doing the ballet version of Peter Pan in June! It was Thanes turn to look surprised. What a coincidence. I guess great ideas float in the universe at the same time. He paused. So, whats your part? Wendy, I expect?
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Diamond flushed, embarrassed. Uh, not exactly. Im a pirateSmeeand Ill probably fill in with a couple of small company parts. But not a lead? Thane looked like hed been personally insulted. Our teacher gives the big parts to different people every year. Im hoping for the lead next year when we do Cinderella. Thane frowned. A year is a very long time to wait. He paused again. Well, anyway, that settles that. I guess if youre already in a Peter Pan, you wouldnt be interested in our version. Sure I would! Id love to see it when it comes out, Diamond told him as she picked the cheese off her pizza. Ill tell you whatwhy dont you aim for better than that? Why dont you try out for a role? Youd be just the kind of freshness Im looking for in the part of Wendy. What? Youre kidding. Diamond felt her heart racing. Was he for real? I never joke about my profession, Thane assured her. In fact, Id be honored if youd try out for Wendy with the other kids. Me? Flustered, Diamond didnt know what to say. Now? she managed. I knowits pretty last-minute. But my director is antsywe cant cast Pan until we cast Wendy, and I had to wait until some of the girls schedules opened up Ms. Dawson, for instance, is one busy lady! A half dozen other girls flew in from New York this morning from the Alvin Ailey studiothe part is an amazing opportunity
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for a dancer. But I have to be bluntnone of them have your presence. Diamond tried to remember the last time someone told her she had presence. Miss Ginger had often told her to stand straighter or balance better, but shed never actually been given a compliment like that. Really? she sputtered. Thane smiled. I have no need to lie to you. But . . . but I cant leave my friendshell be here in a few minutesand we have a show tonight, Diamond said, straining around to see if Mercedes was coming. Her mind was doing crazy spirals as she let herself think about the possibilities. I understandreally, I do. I wouldnt want you to miss your performance. Actually, its just a three-minute piece tonight called Pixie Dust. Our teacher always does one group dance as a preview to our upcoming showkinda like a teaser, Diamond explained. I cant believe how your universe seems to be colliding with ours, Thane said, shaking his head. Do you at least have a good part in this one? Diamond frowned. Nothing special. Im in the back row. You feel like you ought to be in the front, dont you? Thane asked. Diamond nodded miserably. She hated to admit it, but he was right. Look, I know this is a little unusual, but leave your friend a note. Text herwhatever you kids do. Then as
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soon as we get to my house, well call your mother and have her come over to watch the auditions. Shell need to sign permission papers and income tax forms anyway. Permission? Tax forms? For what? For you to audition. If you get the part, it would come with a significant salary. He paused and pursed his lips, as if he were thinking. Im not sure I could get you seven figures, as youre an unknown, but it would be at least half that. Half a million dollars? Diamond reeled as she tried to visualize the number of zeros next to that dollar sign. Thats the minimum going rate for a lead role in a movie. Ill be honestkids already in the business make a lot more. But youve got to start somewhere. Thane nodded thoughtfully. Ive been in the business long enough to know when someone has that something special. And you, my dear, have that glow all over. I do? You do. I couldnt possibly . . . Thane held both hands up. I understand completely I didnt mean to pressure. I wish we had another day, but as I said, the director wants to see first takes in the morning. He checked his watch. Diamonds thoughts raced frantically. She imagined how proud her mom and Miss Ginger would be if she got a part in a real Hollywood movie. She thought back to the dozens of times her mother had told her to start thinking like a grown-up instead of a kid. Maybe it was
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time to start making her own decisions. This just seemed so right. But the show tonight . . . To Thane she said, This is a lot to think about. Im really not sure what to do. He looked her straight in he eyes. Do what you know is right for you. I, uh . . . Thane offered his hand to Diamond once more. It really was nice to meet you. Break a leg at your performance tonight; I know youll be terrific. And I wish you luck in getting a better role in Cinderella. But I must hurryIve got to go get the camera crew in place. He turned toward the exit. It only took half a second. Wait, Diamond called out. Let me text my friend. She tapped the message in quickly, hoping her phone had enough juice to send it.
m, ill call u ltr. i hve a chance 2 try out 4 the lead in a ptr pan dance movie w/ diva dawson and california clover. awesum, huh? my mom nos all abt it. (or she will soon.) sry 2 leave u out, but this was 2 good 2 pass up. tell miss g im sry 2 miss the sho, and not 2 b mad @ me. cyl d

She sent the text, grabbed her hot pink dance bag, and left the mall with Thane English. The rain continued. Thunder rumbled in the distance.

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LAYLA, Saturday, April 13

3:30 p.m.

. . . a nameless fear clutched at her heart and made her cry. from Peter Pan

She did what? Zizi Cho cried out in disbelief, bugging her eyes out. Zizi was the studio comedy and drama queen. She could make herself hyperventilate over a lost peanut butter sandwich and distract an entire class into giggles as she mimicked Miss Gingers moves behind her back. But this was no time for humor. A half dozen dancers were huddled around Mercedes in the small rehearsal room behind the auditorium, which smelled of old sweat

and fresh baby powder. Justin, hearing Zizi, hurried over and joined them. Layla was staring at Mercedes, her hand over her mouth. Whats going on? Justin asked. Diamond left the mall with somebody who told her she could be in a movie, Mercedes explained. The lead role, she wrote in her text. How dumb is that? Jillian Aylor said with a sniff, continuing her deep knee bends, exhaling breaths of superiority with each dip. She said in her text that California Clover and Diva Dawson are going to be in it, Mercedes added. And its gonna be based on Peter Pan, like our show. Shut up! Zizi crossed her arms across her chest. Id kill to meet those two! And to be in a movie with them . . . man! Itll make our little performance look like a kindergarten show. Jillian stood up straight and frowned. If theyve already cast two big stars for the movie, what do they need with Diamond? Theres no way shed get the lead part if they already have roles. Mercedes cocked her head. You know, youre right! I never looked at it that way. I guess Diamond didnt either. Did you tell Miss Ginger yet? Zizi asked. Though she was shorter than the others, Zizis prowess at unbelievably high leaps with seemingly little effort more than made up for her lack of height. Yeah, as soon as I got here. She was freakin out, tryin to locate Diamonds parents, Mercedes explained.
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Miss Ginger isnt canceling the show, is she? Jillian asked as she held a stretch. Mercedes and the others exchanged glances. That was just like Jillianmore interested in her own agenda than in anyone else. I dont think so, Mercedes said, but Im not sure if I can perform tonight. She took off with someone she didnt even know! I feel all messed up and kinda scared. Several other dancers nodded in agreement. Layla told the group, I heard Miss Ginger say the show will probably go on without Diamond, but I cant believe Diamond would dump us like this. Hang on a minute. If all this is on the level, Justin said, holding up his hands, its an amazing opportunity. Even if all she gets is a small role, that would be awesome. You really think shell get a part? Layla asked. She picked up a carrot stick from the fruit and veggie platter Miss Ginger always put out on performance nightsLayla worried about every pound she carriedand nibbled on it nervously. What shed give to be as thin as Jillian! Justin looked at Layla. I bet if you took that carrot out of your mouth and auditioned, theyd give you the lead. Oooh, I heard that! Zizi said. You better not let Donovan hear you talkin like that. I aint sweatin Donovan. I just gave my opinion, Justin said with a shrug. Layla blushed and quickly turned to Mercedes. So, do you think this is on the level? I have no idea. All I know is what she texted me.
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Mercedes fisted her hands to keep them from shaking. Then she admitted, It seems pretty shady to me. Have you tried to call her? Zizi asked. A million timesno answer. But her phone was almost out of juice when we were at the mall. Layla pulled Mercedes into a hug and whispered miserably, Shes got no phone! Hows she gonna get in touch with us? At that moment, Miss Ginger hurried into the rehearsal area. Her face was etched with worry. Diamonds parents were right behind her. Mrs. Landers looked stricken; her husband looked furious. He was clutching Shastas hand tightly. Shasta looked like she was about to burst into tears. Mercedes, we need you a moment, Miss Ginger said, beckoning her over. Her friends moved closer so they could hear the conversation. Yes, Miss Ginger? Layla gasped as Miss Ginger said, Weve contacted the police, and theyll want to speak to you as soon as they get here. The police? Why? Diamond didnt do anything bad! Just stupid, Mercedes said, confusion on her face. Mercedes, she left the mall with a strangerits a potentially dangerous situation, Miss Ginger said, loud enough for them all to hear. So we cant be too careful. Well, yeah, but . . . Diamonds mother reached out and touched Mercedes hand. Are you sure you didnt see who she left with? Do you know if it was a man or a woman? she asked, desperation in her voice. Why would she do something so foolish?
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Layla watched as Mercedes bit her lip and struggled with that impossible question. No, I didnt see anybody. For real, Mercedes told them. When I got to the food court, she was already gone. Like I told Miss Ginger, all I got was the textthe one I showed her. Diamond is pretty solid, Mrs. Landers, Justin added. She wouldnt have gone with someone unless she felt pretty confident he was on the level. Shell call you in a minute, and youll seeits all a big freak-out over nothing, Layla chimed in. So why has no one heard from her? Miss Ginger asked.

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