Read Online A Light in the Window by Julie Lessman - Free Book Online Page A

high-ceilinged room that shimmered like a sea of noisy humanity. Music and mayhem bounced off white-washed, wood-planked walls and a scuffed hardwood floor that creaked and moaned when children darted or adults shifted in chairs. She peeked up at Marcy with a bit of the devil in her eyes. “Just punishment, I’d say, for a woman who near wore off my feet handing out flyers to every house in the Southie neighborhood.”
    Marcy nipped at her lip. “Do you think we went a wee bit too far?”
    Julie rose to tweak the back of Marcy’s neck. “Not ‘we,’ my friend, you!” She gave her a quick hug. “But then nothing is too far when it comes to people or a cause you hold dear, which is one of the reasons I love you so much. Besides, between Sister Francine soliciting students to help and our very successful volunteer meeting at your house last week, we are more than amply endowed with the help we need.” She patted Marcy’s arm. “So rest easy, my friend.” Her smile turned devious. “About the auditions, that is, not about my brother. He hasn’t taken his eyes off you since he walked through that door.”
    Marcy’s gaze flicked to where Sister Francine spoke with Sam and Patrick at the back of the stage, frantically motioning at the proscenium arch with a pointer as if angels alighted there. A lump bobbed in her throat when Sam’s eyes met hers, his look as penetrating as if he were only two feet away. She fumbled the clipboard, causing it to drop to the floor with a clatter. Quickly ducking to pick it up, she wished she could hide behind the piano forever or at least until the fire died in her cheeks. Head high, she rose with as much grace as she could muster to glance at the clock, venting a grateful sigh when Sister Francine marched to the front of the stage and blew a loud whistle.
    As if a billowing sheet had snapped into the air, silence fluttered and settled like a thick shroud, riveting all eyes on the rotund taskmaster whose legendary rap of the knuckles could make the most fearless of men tremble. She cleared her throat, the sound as threatening as it was practical, a squint of blue eyes almost disappearing into the heavy folds of soft, creamy skin dotted with two circles of pink. “I’d like to welcome you to the St. Mary’s auditions for this year’s Christmas fundraiser. Before we begin, if you did not receive a sheet to fill out at the door, please raise your hand and our volunteers will provide one. This sheet must be completely filled out with all pertinent information as well as the various positions for which you would like to audition, be it cast member, stagehand, scenery production, or various volunteer options.”
    Chairs squeaked and clothing rustled as whispers rose and hummed into chatter.
    Crack! Sister Francine’s pointer lashed the podium with cool intent, stilling the room into submission as she lanced a group of particularly noisy boys with a deadly glare. “Might I remind you there are a limited number of positions available in all areas, so it would behoove those who truly wish to participate to be on their best behavior.” She pivoted to the side, waving Marcy forward with an impatient twitch of fingers.
    With a quick glide of her teeth, Marcy hurried to the front of the stage to join Sister Francine, the leg o' mutton sleeves of her lavender blouse swooshing against her bodice while her heeled shoes clicked across the planked wooden floor. She was quite certain her corset had shrunk several sizes for she could barely draw a breath as she stood with a stiff smile, clipboard clutched to her chest like a shield.
    Sister continued, tone taut. “Miss Murphy is our chairman this year, and I expect you to give her your fullest cooperation.” For apparent emphasis, she slapped the podium with her stick once again, causing Marcy to jump and the audience to titter. “Anyone who gives this young woman any problems whatsoever will answer directly to me, is that clear?” Sister