Read Online Polly Plays Her Part by Anne-Marie Conway - Free Book Online

place.”
    Mandy opened her mouth and closed it again. The smile slipped right off her face.
    â€œIt is for charity after all.”
    â€œGo on, Mandy,” urged Monty B. “It could be your Big Chance . I can see it now. Arthur and Mandy – the new Bruce and Tess!”
    Arthur did a few fancy steps and slid across the floor towards Mandy.
    â€œWhat do you say, Tess ?”
    â€œErm…I’ll have to think about it,” said Mandy. “I’ll let you know later on today. We were right in the middle of something.” She tried to put the smile back on her face but I could see the effort was nearly killing her.
    Arthur slapped his own hand. “Naughty boy,” he said. “Interrupting again. Come and find me in my office at the end of the session. I’ll be waiting!”
    We all looked at Mandy as Arthur danced out of the room.
    â€œOh, you have so got to do it,” squealed Neesha. “You’ll be on the telly and everything.”
    â€œThat’s exactly why I’m not going to do it,” said Mandy firmly. “Now let’s get on with casting the show. Following her fantastic audition…”
    I closed my eyes.
    â€œThe part of Marcia goes to…”
    I stopped breathing.
    â€œPolly!”

I sat there in a daze. I couldn’t believe I’d heard right, but everyone was grinning at me and clapping; well, everyone except for Sam.
    â€œYou all did great auditions,” said Mandy, “but it was Polly who really brought her scene to life. You totally convinced me that you were trapped and frightened and far away from home, Polly, so well done.”
    I was so chuffed I wanted to tell Mum right that second. I couldn’t wait to see her face when I told her that out of the whole, entire drama group, Mandy had chosen me to play the part of Marcia.
    â€œAnd it wasn’t just Polly,” Mandy was saying. “You were pretty good as well, Monty B. There was a great chemistry between the two of you – well, until you decided to add your own individual twist to the scene.”
    â€œDoes that mean I’m Tarn then?” asked Monty B.
    Mandy shook her head, grinning. “I’m sure I’ll live to regret this, but yes, I do want you to be Tarn. But listen, you’ve got to promise to take it seriously – for Polly’s sake as well as mine.”
    Monty B leaped to his feet. “I swear on Elvis Presley’s life, Mandy. I’ll take it so seriously you won’t even recognize me. I’ll be so serious you’ll think I’ve been invaded by body snatchers or something.”
    â€œI wish you would be invaded by body snatchers,” I muttered. I couldn’t believe Mandy was letting Monty B have such a big part. I thought Adam was going to be Tarn, or maybe Sandeep. I was really looking forward to acting with one of them – but instead I was going to be stuck with Monty B again!
    â€œDon’t worry, Polly,” Monty B said, coming over and putting his arm round me. “We’ll be the dream team.”
    â€œNightmare, don’t you mean?” I said, ducking out of the way. But I couldn’t help laughing. I didn’t want to be with Monty B but it was worth it if it stopped Mum going to Spain.
    Mandy read out the rest of the cast and it was brilliant because Phoebe got the part she really wanted as well. “You mean you actually trust me to sing that solo?” she said, her face turning crimson.
    â€œOf course I trust you,” said Mandy. “You’ve got one of the most beautiful voices in the group and you’re so much more confident this time round than when we started the last show.”
    Catharine and Adam were Marcia’s parents, and Sam was Cydore – the virus with the ability to replicate itself.
    â€œScary thought!” joked Monty B. “I’m not sure the world needs any more Sam Lesters.”
    â€œVery funny,” snapped