she meant business I’d heard peculiar words sayings and stories from my grandmother for the better part of my eleven years Grande Louise was from the Mother Isles a cluster of tropical islands off the mainland and she kept her traditions alive This was Tropiville after all Every islander who settled here brought their culture with them As I darted to my locker I passed bright splashy posters in the hallway The posters announced auditions for my favorite Tropiville tradition the Islanders Day Karnival Karnival was a huge celebration where top bands played and squads 2
of dancers dressed in masquerade costumes leapt and spun through the streets Tropiville kids were allowed to perform at Karnival but they had to audition first My dance audition was the next day although my parents wanted me to try out as a musician instead But I was a dancer And the audition was my chance to prove it I even planned to wear a special costume during my tryout Grande Louise would help me make it if I was home on time As the other sixth graders from my class reached their lockers I slammed mine shut and headed for 3
Now Up Auditions
the door Just as I was about to exit I saw my classmate April She stood wide with her hands on her hips blocking my way What’s the rush Josie April singsonged a sneer on her lips April was a dancer too and ever since she’d found out that I was auditioning for Karnival she’d been treating me like her rival The way I saw it there was room for both of us Weren’t we all Tropivillagers Getting ready for my dance audition Good luck at yours I said With one fast dart I sidestepped her and raced outside The fresh breeze cooled my face and the afternoon sun tickled 5
