Page 141 - EarthAngelsMatos

NICHOLAS BOOTHMAN
silence. Then she changed her mind, raised her arms,
and said, “Sorry. Thanks.” Then she walked down the
steps at the side of the stage.
Crisis worker Helen Lapierre shuffled after her.
Regretting the whole event Cassidy Cox returned
to the podium.
“I am so sorry,” she said fanning herself with her
notes, “This is not what we had in mind.”
Ben got up and came to Cassidy’s side. “No.” Ben
said into the mike. “That was solid gold. Yes? Yes?”
Mr. Dodd once again sparked a round of applause,
and the audience eagerly joined in, rising to their feet
in a standing ovation. The enthusiasm gradually
subsided, allowing Principal Cox to continue.
"With that impressive display behind us, let's move
on to a lighter note," Principal Cox said with a smile.
"Please welcome Sophie Mendoza for the Speak-Ups!"
Mr. Dodd started clapping and the audience joined
in and slowly got to their feet. Ben returned to his seat.
“Oh yes,” said Principal Cox talking over them,
“and delivered in two minutes and twenty four
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