Lady Sealia NOTICES The only thing missing was the audition sign-up sheet It should be up by now whispered Orla They said it would go up this morning Why is it taking so long Marnie checked the large starfish clock that clung to the wall above the headmistress’s door for what felt like the hundredth time It had hardly moved I guess we just have to wait she whispered back And we’d better keep our voices down Lady Sealia was not someone who liked to be disturbed Orla glanced at the small freckled mermaid beside her Why are you here Pearl she asked This audition sheet is for the singing parts Pearl Cockle’s singing voice was well-known at Lady Sealia’s Mermaid School And not for any good reasons
I’m not here to audition Pearl said flicking her golden tail I just got up early so I could do some fish spotting And then I saw you guys so I followed you into school Her eyes shone I spotted a luminous carnival fish this morning They only come out at dawn and they are SUPER rare Boring said Orla You promised never to be mean to Pearl again Marnie reminded Orla Not since she helped rescue you from the East Lagoon Rocks Orla blew her dark hair out of her eyes Sorry she sighed You’re right Then she folded her arms and glared at the wall as if she could change the time with the power of her mind Although I am going to be in the show Pearl added I’m playing the rock tuba in the orchestra Really Don’t you have to audition asked Marnie I’m the only rock-tuba player in the school Pearl explained So I’ve definitely got the part Rock-tuba players were rare Marnie knew that Rock tubas were rare too There were only two in the whole of Mermaid Lagoon one in the school Music Cave and a huge one in Clamshell Grotto where the show took place 3
Aunt Christabel says the rock tuba in Clamshell Grotto is so powerful that if you blow the low notes too hard the whole place falls down said Marnie Orla’s dark eyes widened Seriously Aunt Christabel is full of stories Marnie admitted I never know what to believe I’ll avoid the low buttons anyway said Pearl with a giggle Just in case Marnie felt a ripple in the current More mermaids were arriving They swam straight up to the bulletin board pushing Marnie and the others out of the way as they tried to find the sheet for the Clamshell Show auditions The water churned and swirled Where is it Where can I put my name I’m going to audition for the lead The sheet isn’t up yet Marnie tried to tell them But no one was listening Marnie was jostled around and pushed into the wall Pearl and Orla disappeared underneath a pile of multicolored tails Marnie fought her way to the top of the pile and waved her arms trying to get everyone’s attention The list isn’t up yet she shouted as loudly as she could IT’S NOT UUUUUUP 4
Lady Sealia Suddenly Lady Sealia’s door burst open Marnie froze at the sight of the tall silver-haired headmistress All the other mermaids fell silent Who is shouting outside my door Lady Sealia demanded You’ve woken up Dilys Lying in Lady Sealia’s arms Dilys the dogfish blinked sleepily at Marnie Marnie’s heart sank She knew what was coming Marnie Blue Lady Sealia fixed Marnie with her icy stare I’ve said all along that you are a troublemaker Just like your aunt 5
