When You Wish Upon a Star by Elizabeth Lim

Author:Elizabeth Lim [Lim, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Disney Book Group
Published: 2023-04-04T00:00:00+00:00

“How was it?” Mrs. Belmagio asked when Ilaria returned home. It was well past her mother’s bedtime, but she was still up, sitting beside two plates of Ilaria’s favorite cake with matching forks. One for Ilaria, one for Mamma.

When Ily and Chia had been little, they used to sneak slices of cake before bedtime and share with their mother. Any other day, the sight would have melted Ilaria’s heart, but not tonight. Tonight, Ilaria’s heart was stone.

Inwardly, she thought the truth: I’m tired, Mamma. It’s been a long day. My dreams were shattered and I have nothing left. I just want to be left alone and go to bed.

“Ily?” Mrs. Belmagio’s tone leaked concern, and the brightness on her face dimmed. “Ily, is everything all right?”

Mamma handed her a square of chocolate cake—speared on a fork, which Ily accepted numbly.

“Thank you.”

She said it automatically; ate the cake automatically, too. But inside, her dreams of traveling the world, of singing in the great opera houses—crumbled like the cake under her fork.

She couldn’t tell that to Mamma. “It’s delicious,” she said as brightly as she could.

“Are you all right?” Mrs. Belmagio asked again.

Taking the plate from Mamma, Ilaria started up the stairs, the creaks in the wood sounding louder than they ever had. Then she forced her most brilliant smile. “Of course I’m all right. I’m going to be a star, Mamma! The brightest star that Esperia has ever known.”

Mamma’s hand flew to her mouth. “The audition was a success? From the way you sounded just now, I thought…”

“That they rejected me?” Ily threw back her head and laughed. “I was acting. They took me, Mamma! I’m going to Vallan!”

“You devious girl!” Mamma pinched Ily’s nose, then hugged her close. “To the theater for you. What an actress you’ve become. I did believe you.”

Ily struggled to keep her voice even: “Were you disappointed?”

“No. Your papa and I would have been just as content for you to stay in Pariva with us forever. We’re selfish that way.”

“I won’t be staying,” said Ilaria, the words rushing out before she could think. “I’ll leave for Vallan as soon as winter is over.”

Mamma wiped at her eyes. “First Chia, now you. It seems Fate has grand plans for both my girls…” Her voice trailed. “Your hard work has paid off. Soon, your dreams will come true.”

Ily’s smile faltered, and she pushed her mother away. Regret filled her chest, but she didn’t dare take back the lie. She’d tell Mamma the truth in a few days. When her head and her heart hurt less and every word she uttered didn’t taste so bitter.

Mamma caught the hitch in Ily’s composure, and held on to her hand. “What brings you joy brings us joy, Ily. Are you happy, my darling?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Ily said airily. “This is what I’ve dreamt of my entire life.” She took a step up the stairs toward her room. She had to get away before her mother saw through her lies. “I should get to bed, Mamma.

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