Stage Fright (5 page)

“You're right,” said Mrs. Price. “Where's Lee?”

It was true. Gappy, Snappy, Flappy, Creepy, Chompy, and Shock were all sitting in their cottage around the fire—but Gnashful was nowhere to be seen.

Lee reappeared in the next scene, when the dwarfs flew home as bats and changed back into vampires—only to find Snow Fright in a faint from the Wicked Queen's poisoned apple.

But after Count Alarming had saved Snow Fright, Lee vanished again just before she sang her song for the last time.

“Look!” whispered Ollie to Lee's mom. “He's behind that tree.”

“Which one?” whispered Mrs. Price.

“The blue one,” said Ollie. “Next to Snow Fright.”

Ollie was right. After Bella's song, Mrs. Price spotted Lee slipping out from behind the tree to join the other dwarfs. He was just in time to watch the Wicked Queen scream in fury—Lucy was very good at screaming—and disappear in a puff of smoke.

“And that,” chorused the dwarfs, “was the end of the Wicked Queen. And Snow Fright and Count Alarming lived snappily ever after.”

The children all took a bow amid cheers and clapping. Ollie and the other werewolves bayed and howled, and the mummies flapped and waved their bandages. The phantomime had been a terrific success.

Mr. and Mrs. Price and Ollie left their seats to go backstage and congratulate Lee.

Excuse us,” said Mr. Price as they pushed along the row of zombies. The zombies were the only ones not applauding wildly.

They sat in total silence, staring blankly at the stage. As Ollie went past, one of them turned to his wife.

“Mildred, my dear,” muttered the zombie. “When does the show start?”

Chapter 6

The Mystery Guest

“Well done, Lee!” beamed Mr. and Mrs. Price when Lee had changed back into his normal vampire clothes. “You were great!”

“Yeah,” said Ollie. “That was a scream.”

“Thanks,” smiled Lee.

“Just one thing, Lee,” said Dad. “Why did you keep hiding during Snow Fright's songs?”

“Yes dear,” said Mom. “Didn't you like Bella's singing? We thought she sang beautifully.”

Lee grinned.

“Thanks Mom! I mean, er … it's kind of a long story. I'll explain on the way home.”

Billy came over with his mom and dad.

“Phew!” said Billy. “I'm glad that's finished. I'd rather do math any day!”

“But you did really well,” said Mr. Price. “We loved that part where you knocked off the Wicked Queen's hat. Brilliant comedic timing!”

“It wathn't meant to be funny!” came a familiar voice. “Billy totally thpoilt my hair.” Accompanied by her mother, Lucy West stomped past them with her nose in the air and a furious look on her face.

“Please don't fret, my precious Lucy,” said her mom. “Why doesn't Mommy buy you a present to cheer you up?”

“That's right, you w ill!” snorted Lucy. “I want a new houthe for all my Tranthylvanian Families!”

“Yes, precious.”

“And a complete thet of My Little Zombies!” said Lucy.

“Yes, precious.”

“The really big ones, not the thtupid little ones!”