Chapter 1: That’s Showbiz THAT’S SHOWBIZ
Consider me old school when it comes to sending greeting cards.

I mean, seriously, does anyone other than me still send cards in the mail?

Well, I love to do it!

And I found a cute card at the bookstore today. It has a bunch of turkeys driving in an old-fashioned station wagon. It’s totally ridiculous, and I think Lucy will love it.



I grab a pen with brown ink and fill the space inside.

Hey, Lulu!

How are YOU?! MISS you fiercely!

Guess what? I’ll be home a week from TOMORROW for Thanksgiving!

Eeeee!

Can you believe it? I’m SO excited to see you!

And we have to have at least one sleepover while I’m home. We also have to do all the things we haven’t gotten to do lately, like paint pottery, make new friendship bracelets, go shopping, and bake chocolate chip cookies!

Can you tell I’m a little excited? Well, I AM!

And I’m begging you to reserve all your spare time for me!

No other friends allowed, except maybe Bruce… oh, and Melanie really wants to hang with us too. But WE come first.

Okay, gotta go!

Gobble, gobble and all that jazz!

Heidi Kins

P.S. Love ya!

Hearts everywhere!





I seal my envelope and send it magically, of course, because it positively has to get there before I do!

Then I whiz out the door and down the steps of my dorm. The sun warms my back and the leaves crunch underfoot as I walk down the path to the Barn.

Even though I’m excited to go home for Thanksgiving, I’m a little sad to leave too. Every day at Broomsfield Academy has been really amazing so far, minus a few little missteps.

Okay, maybe some major flub-ups.

But hey, I’ve gone a whole week without a single magical disaster. That’s a record for me!

And I’m not mad about my mistakes either, because according to my aunt Trudy, You should never fear failure, for that’s how you learn.

And I’ve learned a ton!

Hopefully, one day, all these lessons will pay off. For now I am happy learning magic right where I am.

I’m pretty good at staying calm through my magic mishaps—that’s because I’ve been practicing my daily meditation. I even meditated before I wrote to Lucy today.

I know that quiet thoughts equal better magic, and better magic means becoming a better witch—and possibly even a phenomenal witch!

Abracadabra to that!

As I walk along, I hear another person’s voice inside my head. I’m serious!

Hearing voices is a totally normal occurrence for me. Being able to read minds is my gift as a witch. And what’s more, I know who this voice belongs to.

I stop and turn around to see if I’m right, and there she is, my favorite teacher, Mrs. Kettledrum! She’s walking my favorite dog, Momo, and in her thoughts she just asked me to slow down for a chat. I happily oblige!

“Hi, Mrs. Kettledrum!” I sing. Then I drop to my knees and smoosh my face against Momo’s. Momo wags her plump little Corgi body and licks my cheeks.



One word: slobberrific!

We’re total buds.

“I must say, Heidi, your mind-reading skills have really improved,” Mrs. Kettledrum says. “You picked up on my thoughts and knew who I was without a problem. That’s a first!”

I hop back to my feet. Wow, she’s right! I did read her mind from far away and realized it was her without a hitch.

I really must be getting better at this!

That said, I’m still pretty much a beginner at mind reading, but I’ll take the compliment!

“Thank you, Mrs. K! I’m getting better at my meditation, too. I’ve been practicing every day, and I feel more focused and peaceful in everything I do.”

Mrs. Kettledrum smiles that warm, approving smile that feels as good as the sun on my face. This lovely feeling passes as my teacher’s eyebrows suddenly jump, like she just remembered something.

“Heidi,” she says in a more serious tone, “have you started studying for my potions quiz and your magical wishes exam yet? Potions is tomorrow and your magical wishes exam is at the end of this week.”

Her question puts me on the spot, and I fiddle with one of the straps on my backpack. I know she wants me to do well in all my studies, not just in her spells and potions class. And even though Mrs. Kettledrum gives me private advanced magic lessons, she still questions my study habits.

“Um, not y-yet,” I stammer. “But don’t worry— I’m on it!” I say, sticking two thumbs up to reassure her.



Mrs. Kettledrum lifts her foot out of the dog leash, which Momo looped around one of her legs.

“I’m sure you’ll do well, Heidi,” she says. “Just use your time wisely! There are only so many minutes in a day!”

No offense to teachers, including beloved ones like Mrs. Kettledrum, but why do they always state the obvious? Of course I’m going to study.

Duh, duh, and double duh!

Oh well. I give Mrs. Kettledrum a courteous “Thank you” and an “Of course I will.” Then I bend down and pet Momo between the ears one more time and wave goodbye.

Yippy! It’s lunchtime! I think as I skip down the path. And this week lunchtime means one wonderful, fantabulous thing.

I get to see my crush, Nick!

Woo!

Nick Lee and I have been in a “flirtationship” for a few weeks. He’s smart, funny, cuter-than-cute, and oh-so-sweet!

And to top it off, we’re actually at the SAME cafeteria table this week. This is the first time we’ve ever been assigned to the same table.

One word: YES!!!

My stomach growls the moment I step into the cafeteria and breathe in that saucy, spicy smell, with a hint of baking bread.

My tray clatters as I set it on the counter. Today’s choices are grilled chicken sandwiches with macaroni salad, and veggie burgers with sweet-potato mash. I go for the veggie burger. The server nestles the veggie burger onto a bun and slides it onto my plate. Another server slops sweet-potato mash onto the side. I pour myself some ice water and head to my table.

Sunny and Annabelle wave madly, like I’m some long-lost friend. This week they’re at the table next to mine.

Oh geez, they’re wiggling their eyebrows and making super-silly faces at me.

Aagh!

Why do they have to act SO goofy when Nick is around?

I guess since I’m crushing, they want to get in on the fun. I throw them a stern glance, like, Act normal, you two! Nick doesn’t need to see all this excessive silliness!



Note to self: Educate besties on how to behave around my crush.

I finally dare to glance Nick’s way, and clearly he’s been looking at me the entire time I’ve been walking toward him.

“Heyyyy, Heidi!” he croons, scooching over to make room for me at the table. He very quickly sizes up my lunch choice. “Are you a vegetarian?”



I laugh loudly. Me? A vegetarian? I think.

My family would love that one. I only ate buttered noodles, chicken nuggets, and absolutely nothing that resembled a veggie for my entire childhood. But for some reason—most likely nervousness—the word “yes” flies right out of my mouth. Oops, I’d better correct this!

“I mean NO!” I say a little too emphatically. “I’m not a vegetarian.” Then I giggle awkwardly. I have to pause to ponder something: Will I ever be able to act like a NORMAL person around Nick?

And then I think of another big oops! I forgot to say hello to him!

So much for being calmer in everything I do.

MERG!



I take a deep breath and start over. “Hey, Nick! Um, I’m not a vegetarian. I just like to try new things, so I thought I’d give this veggie burger a whirl.”

Ugh! Did I just say “give this veggie burger A WHIRL”?! Who says that? That sounded like something Dad would say when he tries something new.

Two words: Stone Age!

“You’re cool,” Nick says, and blushes. “I mean, that’s cool that you like to try new things.”

I look at my plate for a sec. Well, at least he sounds as uncool as I do—and he also thinks I’m COOL.

That’s a relief!

Then my thoughts are interrupted. I look up because I can tell someone is thinking about me. I’m getting more sensitive to other people’s thoughts all the time.

And sure enough, my eyes lock on Melanie, who’s sitting across the table from me.

She’s grins and points two fingers at her eyes and then back at me like, I’m watching you and your BOYYYYfriend!

She probably thinks Nick and I are awkward and pathetic, or maybe I’m the only one who thinks that, but either way, who cares?!

I shrug at Melanie, like it’s no big deal—even though I’m a swarming mix of emotions, including angst, self-doubt, and worry.

The usual suspects that come knocking when I have a crush.

I pick up my veggie burger, and I’m about to take a bite when my mind-reading gift kicks in again.

This time I can actually hear what Melanie is thinking, and her thoughts are coming in loud and clear.

You’re totally blushing, Heidi! she says in my head.

I drop my veggie burger.

Splat!

It lands on my plate and bursts apart. The patty looks suspiciously like the sole of an old shoe.

Ew.

At the same time my hands fly to my cheeks because of what Melanie just said. I mean, what she just thought.



And what’s worse, Melanie is looking at me with wide suspicious eyes, like she’s reading into my reaction.

That’s when I suddenly realize that I’ve never told Melanie that I can read minds, not to mention that I’m getting better at it.

Oh no! I should probably clue her in, because now she thinks something’s up.

There is so much happening.

Moment of meditation, Heidi! I take another deep breath and decide that I’ll tell her later.

But my moment of peace only lasts a second, because Nick just gently elbowed me in the ribs, and it made me jump. I bang the table with my knees.

Bam!

“Ow!” I yell before I can stop myself.

“Oh, sorry! I didn’t mean to startle you!” Nick says. I smile, like, No problem, even though I’m mortified for sounding like such a baby.

Nick wrinkles his brow and points at my plate. “Don’t you like your veggie burger?”

I pick up the patty with my fork and lay it back on the bun. Then I pop the top back on. Nick is watching my every move.

“Actually, I haven’t tried it yet,” I tell him. “It was too hot.” And even though the burger looks less than appetizing, I take a big bite, because (1) I’m a good sport, and (2) I have an audience who knows that I like to try new things.

I squeeze my eyes shut, chew, and force myself to swallow. Then I gulp down half my water, which leaves me out of breath.



“It doesn’t taste like a hamburger, that’s for sure! It kind of tastes like… smushed peas and mushrooms!”

Nick, and everyone else at the table, cracks up, even Melanie. She seems to have lost that Something fishy’s going on look. Phew! And thankfully, the conversation goes back just to Nick and me.

“Well, this cafeteria usually has pretty decent food, but I admit that the veggie burgers here aren’t the best I’ve ever had,” Nick says. “Not by a long shot. I’ve had some that were really good.”

I nod. “I’ll try them again sometime,” I say. “Just not here!”

Nick grins. “So, what’s your favorite food, Heidi?” he asks.

Oooh, that’s a great question with such an easy answer, I think.

“Doughnuts!” I declare with conviction. Doughnuts are my best friend Lucy’s favorite food too.

“Mmmmm!” Nick says, leaning back in his chair.

Two of the chair legs leave the floor. “Doughnuts are my favorite food too!” He holds up a hand, and I slap it.



Wow. Another thing we have in common! It feels like we just cleared another hurdle in this relationship.

Eeee!

“And you know what, Heidi?” Nick asks. “My dad has a doughnut machine, and he makes fresh doughnuts all the time—any kind you can think of! Glazed, powdered sugar, blueberry, s’mores, cream-filled, maple, birthday cake…”

My eyes grow larger with every flavor Nick names. “Wow, Nick, you are SO LUCKY!”

Clunk!

Nick’s chair legs come back to earth.

“I’ll bring you some after Thanksgiving break,” he promises. “You’ll LOVE them!”

The only thing I’m loving more than doughnuts right now is Nick. I am so crushing on him!

Melanie sees it too, and out of the corner of my eye I see her wink at me, but I keep my focus on Nick.

“I’d love a box of doughnuts, Nick, but on only one condition—we have to share them,” I say.

“Deal,” Nick agrees, tossing his napkin onto his plate and pushing back his chair.

Nick stands and picks up his tray. I do too, because with that not-so-pleasant bite, I’ve completely lost my appetite and it’s time to get to class. “So, what do you have next, Heidi? Maybe we can walk together?”

I almost drop my tray because Nick just asked to walk me to class!

Another FIRST!!!

I’m about to blurt out an overeager YES when I realize I have history of magic next.

Bzzzzzt! That game show buzzer sound goes off in my head, and suddenly I’m the unlucky contestant.



I’m sorry, Heidi! “YES” is the WRONG answer!

I scramble for a response. Nick isn’t a student at the School of Magic, so I can’t exactly tell him I have a magic class next, but I don’t want him to think I don’t want to walk with him either.

In the midst of my jumbled thoughts, the bell rings. And at the same time, Melanie pops in between Nick and me, like some kind of photobomber. She grins at Nick.

“She can’t,” Melanie says bluntly. “Heidi promised she’d walk back to our room with me first.” Then my broommate gives me a hard stare. “REMEMBER, Heidi?”

What’s Melanie up to NOW? I wonder, but I go along with her act and nod.

“Um, y-yeah,” I stutter. “Sorry, Nick. I’d love to walk with you next time. But friend duty calls!”

Nick’s face looks like what any guy’s face would look like when he gets caught up in some mysterious girl thing. Confused.



Melanie grabs me by the elbow and drags me away. “Talk to you later, Nick!” I call over my shoulder.

Melanie steers me to the dish-drop window, and I set down my tray. She’s still has a firm grip on my arm, so I can’t even scrape my plate or separate the silverware.

Once we’re outside, she finally lets go of my arm.

“Why do you look so shocked, Heidi?” Melanie asks. “I just saved you!”

I rub my arm where she was squeezing.

“Well, maybe this is a look of pain and not shock!” I counter. “And what do you need to get from our room anyway? We’ll be late for history of magic.”

Melanie waves me off. “Oh, that was just an excuse so you didn’t have to think of something to say to Nick on the spot. And you’re welcome!”

I sigh and then laugh. “Okay, thanks, Mel.” Because that was pretty nice of her to save me.

“Anytime,” she says. “And, on second thought, I am going to go to our room and grab a sweater. Save me a seat in class, Heidi!” And with that, Melanie flees for our dorm.

“I will!” I shout, shaking my head, because seriously, Melanie is a total conundrum sometimes.

Are we friends, or are we still rivals? I never really know.

I keep going, but I’m not alone for long. I hear friends calling my name.

“HEI-I-I-I-I-I-DEEE!” shout Sunny and Annabelle. I’m pretty sure everyone at the entire school can hear them.



My friends stampede to catch up with me.

“What happened with NICK at lunch?” Sunny says breathlessly. “You have to give us the love lowdown!”

What am I, a twenty-four-hour news feed? I wonder.

Well, I guess I don’t mind when the news is good. And it’s kind of fun to be the center of attention, too.

“We-e-elllll,” I begin, trying to make my news sound as juicy as possible. “For one thing, Nick called me COOL.”

This makes my friends both go, “Oooh!!!”

“And he also offered to walk me to class!”

Annabelle shoves me playfully. “No waaaay!”

I stick out my lower lip to emphasize the downside of the invitation. “But I couldn’t walk with him because I have history of magic next!”

My friends waste no time making me feel better about it.

“I guess that’s the only downside to being a witch with a crush on a non-magical boy,” Sunny says. Then she stops in her tracks. “But Annabelle and I have some news that will really cheer you up!”

I stop and look at Sunny.

“What?!” I ask. My friends look so excited.

“Well, we just saw Natalie and Jenna putting up posters in the cafeteria,” Annabelle says.

Sunny is jumping up and down. “There’s going to be a TALENT SHOW this Saturday, and anyone can enter!”

This news makes my brain glitch and go:

Yay!

Really?

Oh no!

And eek!

All at the same time.

“A talent show?” I repeat. “You mean like dancing?” I say, wiggling my hips. “And singing?” I place my hand over my heart and sing, “D-o-o-o-R-e-e-e-M-i-i-i!”



Sunny and Annabelle practically fall over laughing, most likely because of my sheer lack of talent.

“YES!” Sunny affirms. “And it’s not just about singing and dancing. It can be anything you want to showcase, like sculpting, painting, poetry, photography, creative writing, telling jokes—anything you’re good at!”

Then Annabelle gives me one of her intense stare downs.

“But NO magic, Heidi!”

I sigh. “Funny you should mention that,” I say. “I actually entered a talent show in elementary school. I used a spell that made me tap-dance like a pro! It was fun, but I’d never use magic in a talent show again.”



Then I make a fake sad face. “But can’t I even use fake magic, with a silk top hat and a white rabbit?” And even though I’m only joking, I’m kind of bummed, too, because magic is the one thing I’m good at.

Wouldn’t it be so cool if I could make Momo speak in front of a non-magical audience? It would be epic.

“Well, I suppose you could do magician tricks, Heidi, if you know how,” Sunny says. “I’m going to do an original painting, something bright and happy that will make everyone smile when they see it.”

Annabelle and I grin because that is SO Sunny.

“If anyone can paint something like that, it would be YOU, Sunny,” Annabelle agrees.



“And what about you, Annabelle?” I ask as we enter the library.

Annabelle looks off into space.

“Hmmm, I think maybe I’d like to sculpt something,” she says dreamily.

Sunny and I look at each other in amazement.



“Have you ever sculpted anything before?” I ask.

Annabelle shakes her head. “No, not really, just a bowl and a pencil holder at summer camp. But I love to squish clay. It’s very satisfying.”

We slip behind the grandfather clock into the secret passageway that leads to the School of Magic.

“Well, that’s adventurous of you,” Sunny says as we pass all the witch and wizard alumni paintings.

I lift the iron latch on the arched door at the end of the hallway, and we enter the rotunda, which is a large round room with a domed ceiling, and also the center of the School of Magic.

“I’ll catch you two later!” Annabelle says as she races off to her broomstick riding class with Mr. Craftwood.

Sunny and I wave goodbye to Annabelle and head to history of magic on the other side of the rotunda. My mind has begun to mull over the idea of entering the talent show. I’d love to be a part of it, but seriously, what can I possibly do to dazzle an audience?

I take a quick inventory of my talents. Hmmm, let’s see.… I can wiggle my ears, and I can raise either eyebrow separately. I can also blow a mean bubble gum bubble.



Or better yet, I can make a super-loud whistle with an acorn cap. That might be a good one!

Then in one fell swoop, my inner critic shoots down all my ideas. Sure, Heidi, these would be great talents if you were still in elementary school!

It’s true. These ideas don’t do justice to the mature middle schooler I am today.

I have to come up with something!

What can I do besides magic?

Two words: Stay tuned!