Paper Avalanche by Lisa Williamson

Author:Lisa Williamson [Lisa Williamson]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781910989999
Publisher: David Fickling Books Ltd
Published: 2019-11-18T16:00:00+00:00

I’ve never been to Birmingham before. As I make my way through the bustling train station, map in hand, it dawns on me just how few places I’ve actually been to, just how small my life in Ostborough with Bonnie truly is. The audition venue, an arts centre, is sleek and modern, all glass and sharp angles. Boys and girls my age and a little older mill about on the steps. My competition. The sight of them makes my tummy flutter. Until now, I’ve been focusing purely on getting through my performance.

Most of the other auditionees appear to be accompanied by their parents, even the older ones. My heart puckers. Quickly I scold myself for being so silly. You operate best when you’re on your own, remember?

In the foyer I’m directed to the registration table. A smiling woman wearing a red National Youth Choir of Great Britain T-shirt who introduces herself as Carla, ticks my name off on a list and gives me a number to pin to my shirt.

‘Now, where’s your parent or guardian?’ Carla asks, looking expectantly over my shoulder.

‘I’m sorry?’ I say.

‘All auditionees under the age of sixteen need to be accompanied by an adult.’

My heart begins to beat faster. How did I not know this? I’ve read the audition letter at least twenty times. Was there some small print I’d somehow missed?

‘I-I didn’t know that,’ I stammer.

‘It’s just that it’s an official requirement. For insurance,’ Carla says. ‘We need a signature.’ She taps the list with her pen and gives me an apologetic smile.

‘Does it mean I can’t audition?’ I ask. Disappointment surges through my body; all those hours of practice flashing before my eyes.

‘I could keep an eye on her,’ a voice with a thick Birmingham accent says.

I turn round.

‘I’m here with these two anyway,’ a tall woman with long jet black hair and an expertly contoured face continues, nodding at the twin boys at her side. ‘It’ll be no bother.’

‘I’m not sure if that’s really acceptable,’ Carla says.

‘Oh go on, the poor kid’s come all the way here.’

‘You’re sure you’re happy signing for her?’

‘I think I’ll manage.’ The woman winks at me and scribbles her signature.

‘Thank you,’ I say once she’s registered her two sons.

‘Don’t mention it,’ she replies with a wave of her hand. ‘It’s a daft rule anyway. How old are you?’

‘Fourteen.’

‘Exactly, you’re not a little kid. And it’s a choir audition, not an illegal rave.’

I smile gratefully.

‘Well, good luck,’ the woman adds. ‘C’mon, lads.’

She struts off, the boys trotting after her. I watch them go, resisting the urge to follow.

For the next little while, I mill about, trying not to feel intimidated by the unmistakeable confidence of the other auditionees warming up around me. With their straight backs and self-assured faces, they remind me of the singers on the front of the leaflet. As I quietly siren up and down the scale, I hope beyond hope that someone might think the same of me.

While I’m waiting, I get a message form Noah asking what I’m up to today.

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