Morning Star by Judith Plaxton

her breath and clamped her eyes shut.
    â€œNo, leave that be!” The driver’s sharp command
kept them hidden. “That bit’s for the Jensons! We’ll put the rest on top.”
    Six things were thrown into the back of the cart,
landing with thumps above them. The air was dusty again. Eldon’s hand covered
his daughter’s face, and Cleo clasped her baby close to her.
    â€œNext thing we know, it’ll be snowing.”
    â€œThat’s the truth.”
    â€œHow’s Jenson? Hear he’s poorly.”
    â€œI’ll find out soon enough.”
    The driver climbed up onto his seat and picked up
the reins. “I’ll be off then.” He clucked his command to the horse, and the
wagon moved forward. The family stayed silent even after they left the town and
were again on country roads. Flower fell asleep.
    She woke up as the wagon jolted to a stop. The
driver lifted off the supplies and then the box lid. “We’re here.”

CHAPTER 22
    Felicia
    FELICIA ARRIVED at the tryouts just as Mr. Butler bustled in, carrying a large folder under his arm. She watched as he placed it on the table with a dramatic flourish. “Welcome, everyone! I hope you’re feeling creative.”
    Questions rang out. “What’s the play about?”
    â€œAre you giving out copies?”
    Mr. Butler raised his hands. “Just give me a minute and I’ll tell you. I have written a play about the pioneers who came to this area. There are six main characters and twenty secondary ones. I have copies available for those who would like to audition.”
    â€œIs the play complete, or do we have a chance to work on dialogue, say—”
    Josh was interrupted before he finished his question. “It stays as it’s written. I don’t want any changes.”
    â€œDoes it have any funny bits?” asked Matt.
    â€œNo. This is a serious subject.”
    Matt turned to the group of drama club students and crossed his eyes. Josh doodled on a piece of paper.
    Mr. Butler lifted a script out of the folder, pushed his glasses farther up on his nose, and began to read. “There once was a time when the timber was high, and all of the trees grew straight up to the sky…” His voice rose and dipped with emotive intensity, despite the undercurrent of sighs and shuffling feet. Three loud sneezes interrupted the flow of words. The teacher pulled a tissue from his pocket and blew his nose.
    â€œHow long does this take, Mr. Butler?”
    â€œCan you give out copies now?”
    â€œIs there any music in this?”
    â€œYes. There are several songs, and there will be a pianist who will accompany them. All cast members will do some singing, and, by the way, I need four singing pioneers. You’ll only have about twelve speaking lines, not much to memorize.”
    â€œWhat do you think?” Dodie whispered to the others.
    â€œOkay,” said Felicia. Renate and Sophie nodded.
    Dodie spoke up. “Excuse us, Mr. Butler, there are four of us here and we can sing.”
    â€œYes? Good. Come up on the stage. Let’s hear you.”
    Felicia felt fine until she stood in the center of the stage and looked out at the sloping seats of the auditorium, curious students now staring in her direction. “What are we going to sing?” she asked Dodie.
    â€œGirls? Anytime,” said Mr. Butler.
    Dodie took charge. “We’ll sing what we sang before riding yesterday. Turn around and face the audience. We’ll each do a verse. I’ll go first, then Renate, then Sophie, then Felicia. We’ll all sing the chorus.” They looked out to the back of the vast room and took deep breaths. Dodie muttered “here goes” and began to sing. Her voice was clear and controlled. Three voices joined her in the chorus. Renate sang the next verse, their voices melded in the chorus, and then it was Sophie’s turn. She was shy but brave, and her voice