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scaffolding boards and then came tumbling downward. It was heading straight for her and Storm.
    Kirsten froze. Her legs turned to water as she gathered herself for a painful collision.
    But familiar bright sparks glittered in Storm’s shaggy fur and a huge spray of gold sparks shot upward. The bucket faltered as if Kirsten had pressed slow motion on a TV remote. A fine dusting of sparks drifted down to settle on Kirsten and weird rippling feelings ran up the ends of her fingers and toes and zipped through her body.
    There was a sudden jolt as the bucket crashed down on top of her and Storm.
    Kirsten gasped as it passed right through her. She felt a slurpy sensation, like jelly wobbling, and a sucking plop! as the heavy bucket clanged onto the pavement and bounced away harmlessly.
    She heard running steps. Two builders emerged from inside the building, looking white-faced.
    â€œThank goodness. It just missed her!” one of them said shakily.
    The other one picked up the bucket. He scratched his head. “How the blazes . . . You sure you’re all right?”
    Kirsten quickly gathered her wits. “I’m fine. No problem. Got to go!” As the green man flashed up on the crosswalk sign, Kirsten hurried across the road. “Phew! That was close! Thanks, Storm,” she whispered.
    â€œYou are welcome,” Storm barked.
    Helena and Tracy were hurrying along the pavement to meet them. “What just happened? We heard shouting and a massive crash,” Tracy said.
    â€œWas there an accident?” Helena asked worriedly.
    â€œNah! It was no big deal. Just two builders making lots of noise,” Kirsten said. Her face lit up with mischief. She stepped quickly around Tracy and began sprinting toward the shops. “Last one inside Smoothers pays for the milkshakes!”
    â€œYou’re on!” her friends yelled.

Chapter NINE
    Storm marched back and forth, proudly high-stepping around the gym. His tiny red top hat leaned at an angle, covering one ear. A sparkling red jacket with shiny gold epaulettes and matching buttons reached halfway down his body.
    Tracy wore her dress uniform of a pleated skirt and a cute red jacket, trimmed with gold braid. A red plumed top hat and knee-length gold boots completed her outfit.
    The Limelight Majorettes were having a full dress rehearsal. There was one day left before the town parade. Tracy and Helena, and the other members of the B team, stood watching everyone marching and twirling batons.

    â€œWay to go, Kirsten! Storm’s doing great!” Tracy called out encouragingly, clapping in time to the music. Although she was trying to smile and look happy, there was a wistful expression on her face.
    Kirsten knew her friend must be longing to take part. She noticed that Molly looked thoughtful. When everyone stopped for a break, Kirsten saw the trainer take Tracy aside and have a word with her.
    â€œI think Molly might be going to give Tracy a second chance!” she whispered to Storm.
    Storm wagged his tail. “I think so, too.”
    â€œYay!” Tracy suddenly cheered and punched the air before hurtling toward the changing rooms. “I’m on the A team,” she sang out.
    Everyone clapped, including Helena. Kirsten had a big grin on her face. She picked Storm up and whirled around with him in a little dance of happiness.
    Storm’s tail twirled madly and he yapped with delight.
    A few minutes later, Tracy reappeared, resplendent in full dress uniform, and proudly took her place in the ranks next to Kirsten.
    â€œWow!” Helena shrieked, jumping up and down. “Watch out, Kirsten. Watch out, Tracy. I’ll be marching beside you next year.”
    Kirsten looked toward her and smiled, her eyes glowing. “I really hope so!” she called out.
    Â 
    The day of the parade dawned bright and clear.
    Kirsten woke early. Two uniforms were hanging from a hook on her bedroom door. She leaped out of bed, too excited to