"How am I supposed to drive with all that racket?" They were, quiet for a moment. Then, as Charlie stopped for a red light, Dawn saw a cute guy walking across the street, holding a newspaper over his head to keep off the rain. "Woooo!" she said loudly. "Follow that guy!" "Dawn!" said Kristy, blushing. "Stop it! What if he hears you?" "He can't hear her," said Claudia. "The windows are rolled up. Watch - I'll prove it. Hey, gorgeous!" The guy turned around and stared at the Junk Bucket. All of us ducked down in our seats, giggling. "Can you believe it?" asked Claud. "Do you think he heard me? Oh, I'm going to die!" "Well, please don't die in my car," said Charlie. "What would I tell your parents? Now, come on, quiet down." "Okay, Charlie," said Claud. "I'm sorry." For a few minutes, there was silence from the backseat. Then the giggling started up again, as Stacey and Claudia discussed Jennifer Cooke's latest outfit.

    1 was hoping that Charlie wouldn't get too mad and put us all out on the street to walk the rest of the way. I was nervous enough about this rehearsal, and I at least wanted to be on time for it. But Charlie kept his cool. And actually, I was glad for the distraction that the rest of my friends were providing. It kept me from thinking too much about the rehearsal.

    Why was I nervous? Well, for one thing, I was worried about my dancing lately. All the little "accidents" during class and the notes were really throwing me off, and I knew I wasn't dancing as well as I usually do. I was worried that Mme Noelle would lose patience with me if I didn't shape up soon.

    Also, I knew that I really shouldn't be letting my friends come to this rehearsal. I hadn't asked Madame's permission - mainly because I'd been pretty sure she'd say no - and I was worried that they'd be caught. Then we'd all be in trouble.

    1 was also a little nervous about having to dance in front of an audience - even if they were my friends - so early into a production. Usually there was absolutely no audience until the dress rehearsal. Would having them there affect my performance? What would they think of my dancing?