Sidekick Clio

Outside Royal Prep, the royals were at a party being held by Hidegarde.

"I want to thank you all for coming to my going-away lunch." Hildegarde announced.

"Of course, Hildegarde." Amber smiled.

"I would especially like to thank Clio for preparing the lunch." Hildegarde continued.

"Thank you for asking me to plan it." Clio smiled.

"Why are you having a going-away party when you're only going to be gone a week?" James asked.

"A week is a really long time to be away from my friends." Hildegarde answered. "And for them to be away from me."

"A really long time." Clio added.

Desmond gave Hildegarde a present.

"Desmond, a going-away gift?" She smiled. "How thoughtful! Clio, put it with the rest."

"Sure thing, Hildey." Clio nodded.

The coachmen by Hildegarde's coach sounded a trumpet.

"Oh, time to go." Hildegarde realized.

Hildegarde rushed to the coach. Clio followed, pulling a wheeled table full of gifts. The coachman took the gifts and stacked them beside Hildegarde.

"I'm going to miss you." Clio sighed.

"Oh Clio, of course you will." Hildegarde smiled. "But I'll be back before you know it."

Clio watched sadly as Hildegarde's coach rolled out of the school grounds.

Later, the students gathered in Royal Prep's theatre. Clio walked down the aisle, looking around.

"Cleo, are you okay?" Sofia asked.

"I'm not sure where to sit." Clio admitted. "I usually sit with Hildegarde."

"You can sit with us." Madeline offered, indicating an empty seat beside her.

"Oh, thanks." Clio took the seat.

"It must be hard, having your best friend gone." Sofia mused.

"It is." Clio sighed. "We do everything together."

"Helloooo, Polly!" A woman suddenly leapt on stage, wearing a multi-colored outfit. "That is what we call a big entrance! How do I know? Because I'm your new theatre teacher... Miss Elodie! And you're gonna learn all about entrances, exits, and everything in between, because we're... putting' on a play! 'Hello Polly' is a musical play about a young parrot searching for her runaway sister." She picked up some sheets. "Now, who would like to be in this play about a parrot on a mission of love?"

The students went wild.

"I do, I do!"

"Ooh!"

"Me!"

"Wonderful!" Miss Elodie smiled. She passed out the papers. "Tryouts will be Friday morning, right on this very stage. To try out, you must perform a song from the play. And for those of you who don't want to be in the play, you can help put on the play! We need someone to be in charge of... costumes!"

"Oh, my speciality!" Amber beamed.

"Excellent!" Miss Elodie grinned. "Background painting?"

"Ooh, me!" Desmond waved his hand.

"fabulous!" Miss Elodie sang. "Stage effects?"

"What are stage effects?" James asked.

"Things like making the actors fly like birds, making jungle mists, creating the illusion of fiery torches..."

"I love making stuff explode!" James cheered.

"Ooh, no explosions, I'm afraid." Miss Elodie said quickly. "Maybe next play. But for now, stick with what's on my list!"

"Okay, you got it." James took the paper.

Shortly after, the students left the theatre.

"I've never been in a play before." Madeline admitted.

"Me neither." Sofia agreed. "I hope I do okay in the tryouts."

"If you want to come over after school, I could help you pick a song and practice it." Clio offered.

"Really?" Madeline smiled.

"Sure." Clio nodded. "Since Hildegarde is gone, I have a lot of free time."

"Thank you, Clio." Sofia beamed.

"Yeah, thanks a lot." Madeline added.

Not long after, they travelled to Clio's castle in Corinthia.

"So if I were you guys, I'd choose 'Wings of a dream' or 'First Flight' for the tryouts." Clio suggested. "because those two songs would really show off your voices."

"I like the words to 'First Flight'." Sofia smiled. "I think I'll try that one."

"Mind if I join you?" Madeline asked.

"Sure, go ahead." Sofia nodded.

They entered Clio's room, where a lot of hats hung from a wall.

"Whoa, look at all these hats." Madeline gaped.

"You don't like them?" Clio fretted.

"No, they're great." Sofia declared.

"It's just... we've never seen you wear any of them." Madeline added.

"Oh, that's because Hildegarde doesn't think they look good on me." Clio admitted.

"And you like plays?" Sofia pointed out a little theatre in the rear.

"I love them." Clio smiled. "My parents take me to the theatre whenever there's a new show. Musicals are my favourite."

"Why don't you try out for the school play?" Madeline suggested.

"Oh no, I couldn't do that." Clio shook her head. "Um, ah, ready to start practicing?"

Sofia cleared her throat.

"I guess I'm a little hoarse." She apologized.

"I'll get you some water." Clio offered.

"That's okay." Sofia declined. "I can get it."

"Let me help, Sof." Madeline offered.

As they left the room, Clio checked the papers. She began to sing

I'm a bird
Who never leaves the nest
I don't take risks
I hide behind the rest

As she turned, Clio realized Sofia and Madeline were watching, having been drawn by her singing. She froze.

"Don't stop." Sofia urged.

"Yeah, you have an amazing voice." Madeline agreed. "Keep going!"

"Okay." Clio shrugged.

Clio: I'm a bird
Who never leaves the nest
I don't take risks
I hide behind the rest
But now my big sister has flown her perch
And its up to me to search

So I'm taking my first flight
I'm gonna leave tonight
And who knows what I'll find
When I leave my fears behind
Sofia/Madeline: I'm gonna spread my wings
Clio: Face what my journey brings
Sofia/Madeline: To end my sister's plight
All: I'm taking my first flight

Clio: So let the sun beat down
Sofia/Madeline: Let the sun beat down
Clio: And let the thunder crash
Sofia/Madeline: Let the thunder crash
Clio: Cause I won't be afraid
Sofia/Madeline: I won't be afraid
All: Gonna fly like a flash

I'm taking my first flight
I'm gonna leave tonight
And who knows what I'll find
When I leave my fears behind
Clio: I'm gonna spread my wings
Sofia/Madeline: Face what my journey brings
Clio: To end my sister's plight
All: I'm taking my first flight

Clio: I've overcome my fright
Sofia/Madeline: It's gonna be all right
Clio: Searching with all my might
All: I'm taking my first flight

"Clio, you've got to try out for the play!" Sofia declared.

"I'd really like to Sofia, but I can't." Clio declined.

"Why not?" Madeline asked.

"Because Hildey doesn't like plays." Clio declared.

"So?" Sofia frowned.

"Well, if Hildey doesn't like something, I don't do it." Clio replied.

"Because..." Madeline urged.

"Because we do everything together." Clio finished.

"As long as Hildey wants to do it?" Sofia asked.

"Exactly." Clio nodded.

"Well, maybe it's time to do something you want to do." Madeline suggested.

"What Maddie means is that just because Hildey is your best friend, doesn't mean you have to do everything she wants." Sofia explained.

"Right, Sof." Madeline nodded. "Clio, if you want to try out for the play, or wear one of your hats, you should do it, whether Hildey likes it or not."

Madeline handed Clio one of her hats. Clio looked at it, mulling things over.

Meanwhile, back at castle Enchancia, James was practicing his job, tying rope around a suit armor.

"Alright Rex, here we go." He smiled, donning a helmet. "If this harness works, I'll be able to make the actors fly like real birds."

James jumped on top of the table, looping the rope around a chandelier.. Rex, sensing trouble, left the room.

"Time to go for a ride!" James declared. He pulled on the rope, lifting the suit into the air. "Whoa!"

The chandelier's chain suddenly snapped.

"Oops!" James cringed, as it and the armor crashed to the floor.

Two guards ran into the room, followed by Roland.

"What was that?" Roland asked.

"Hey, dad." James smiled. "I was testing out a flying harness for the Royal Prep play. I'm in charge of the stage effects."

"Yes, I see that." Roland grinned. "Perhaps we could get Cedric to help out. The magical effects would be even more spectacular... and safer."

"Brilliant idea, dad!" James beamed.

"Cedric?" Roland called.

"Oh, your majesty." Cedric entered the room. "Whatever can I do for you? Conjure up magical creatures? Prepare powerful potions? Dazzle you with mystical illusions?"

"I'd like you to help James with the stage effects for his school play." Roland declared.

"His. School. Play?" Cedric said slowly.

"Surely you can handle that?" Roland smiled.

"Oh, of course." Cedric groaned. "Children's theatre is what I live for."

"Alright Cedric, let's do it!" James smiled.

The next day, Clio arrived at Royal prep wearing one of her hats.

"Hi, Sofia." She smiled. "Hi, Madeline."

"Hi, Clio." Sofia beamed.

"Hey, I like the hat!" Madeline grinned.

"Thanks." Clio nodded. "It's my favourite."

"I'm glad you're wearing what you like." Sofia declared.

"Me too." Clio nodded.

"Does this mean you'll be trying out for the play?" Madeline asked.

"No, I can't do that." Clio declined. "Wearing a hat is one thing, but Hildegarde will be here when the play's happening."

Clio walked inside.

"That's a pity." Sofia sighed.

"Hildegarde, Hildegarde, Hildegarde." Madeline frowned. "It wouldn't hurt for Clio to spare a thought for herself once in a while."

"I know." Sofia nodded. "But it's up to Clio to figure that out."

"With a little help from a couple of friends, right?" Madeline smiled.

"Right." Sofia grinned.

Meanwhile, James and Cedric were entering the school.

"Here's a list of all the effects Miss Elodie wants for the show." James showed Cedric.

"There's a list?" Cedric scowled.

"Yep." James nodded.

Inside, the others were already hard at work.

"Come, come, come, let's just get through it quickly." Cedric urged. "So I can get this lowly task over with as soon as possible."

"The first thing we need is something to make the actors fly around the stage like real parrots." James declared.

"Fine, I'll make some wings." Cedric waved his wand. "Parrotus popicus flyicus!"

Princess Penelope suddenly gained wings, and flew above the stage.

"Oh, I'm flying!" She cheered. "Look at me!"

"Whoa!" James gasped.

"Amazing!" Prince Zandar grinned as the students gathered in awe.

"Oh, you... like that trick?" Cedric smiled.

"That's the best trick I've seen all year!" Princess Kari declared.

"Oh, well... thank you." Cedric grinned. "So... what's next on that list?"

Meanwhile, Sofia and Madeline walked in on Amber in the costume department. Amber was looking through a chest full of clothes.

"Hi, Amber." Madeline smiled.

"How are the costumes coming along?" Sofia asked.

"Oh, they'll be fabulous when I find what I'm looking for." Amber declared.

"We'll help you." Madeline offered.

"Great!" Amber smiled. "Find anything that would look good on a parrot."

"Okay." Sofia agreed.

As they looked through the clothes, Madeline started talking.

"So, Clio wants to try out for the play." She declared.

"But she won't do it because Hildegarde isn't doing it, right?" Amber surmised.

"Yes!" Sofia nodded. "How did you know?"

"She follows Hildey around." Amber declared. "Does whatever Hildey does." Sofia pulled out a feather boa. "Oh, perfect!"

"Well, we're trying to figure out how to get Clio to try out for the play." Madeline declared. "Do you have any ideas?"

"Hmm." Amber pondered. "If Miss Elodie heard Clio sing, maybe she would make Clio try out. She seems very persuasive."

"That's a good idea." Sofia admitted.

"If you can get Clio to sing in front of her." Amber pointed out.

"Well, sidekicks like to help, right?" Madeline asked. "So if one of us asks Clio to help her sing in front of Miss Elodie..."

"You'll get her to sing without even knowing it." Amber finished.

"Exactly." Madeline nodded.

"Great thinking, Maddie." Sofia smiled.

Back on stage, Cedric lifted up a large golden cage with his magic.

"Floating bird cage, done." He smiled. "Now children, what's next on this list, hmm?" He perused the list. "Oh, you need a gust of wind, yes. Well, I can do far better than a mere gust. Windius puffius upius!"

Cedric conjured up a powerful wind, lifting several students off the ground.

"Cool!" James smiled, as the other students gasped.

"Thank you." Cedric grinned. "It does feel good to finally be appreciated."

"What's with all the noise?" Miss Elodie came on the stage. "Excuse me, what's with all the hubbub back here?"

"It's the wind." James declared. "For the scene when Polly gets stuck in the storm"

"You look a little too old to be a student." Miss Elodie glared at Cedric.

"I'm not a student." Cedric declared. "I am Cedric the Sensational. I'm a sorcerer!"

"He's helping me with the stage effects." James explained. "Isn't that great?"

"I suppose a little abracadabra couldn't hurt." Miss Elodie shrugged. "Just remember, Mr the Sensational, stick to the effects on my list. Thank you!"

"Clio, could you help Sofia with her song?" Madeline asked. "She can't remember the words."

"I'd love to." Clio nodded.

As Clio came on stage, Madeline winked at Sofia.

"Could you sing the first few lines for me?" Sofia asked. "That's the part I'm having trouble with."

"Oh, sure." Clio smiled.

Clio: I'm a bird
Who never leaves the nest
I don't take risks
I hide behind the rest

Miss Elodie gasped.

"You have the voice of a pitch-perfect parrot!" She told Clio.

"I do?" Clio gaped.

"You do!" Miss Elodie smiled. "And I can't wait to hear you sing your little wings off at tryouts tomorrow, princess..."

"Clio." Clio answered. "But, um... I won't be trying out."

"But you must!" Miss Elodie urged. "A voice like yours is a bird in a cage, yearning to be set free! Open the cage door, princess Clio. Spread your vocal wings! Set your little voice freeee!"

Clio took a deep breath.

"Okay, I'm going to do it." She decided.

"Oh, happy day!" Miss Elodie cheered. "I'll see you tomorrow after school, on this very stage. Ta-ta, darling!"

As Miss Elodie departed the stage, Sofia and Madeline gave Clio encouraging looks.

The next morning, Clio arrived at school in a cream and pink dress with matching hat. Sofia and Madeline came to greet her.

"Clio, you look great!" Sofia smiled.

"Yeah, really incredible!" Madeline added.

"Thanks." Clio did a twirl. "I thought I'd dress up for the tryouts."

"So what song are you going to do?" Sofia asked.

"'Wings of a Dream'." Clio answered. "I've been practicing it all night."

"Clio!"

The girls froze. Turning around, they saw Hildegarde entering the grounds, a servant past large rolls of paper behind her.

"Wh-what are you doing here?" Clio gulped.

"There was a sudden warm spell in north Freezenburg, so we came home early." Hildegarde declared. She suddenly gasped. "Why are you wearing that hat?! You know I don't like it!"

"I... forgot!" Clio took off the hat.

"I can't wait to show you all my travel paintings!" Hildegarde pulled out one of the rolls. "Here, hold this."

"Um, I... I can't right now." Clio said awkwardly.

"What do you mean?" Hildegarde frowned. "Why not?"

"Sofia, Madeline and I are, er..." Clio mumbled.

"We're trying out for the school play!" Madeline announced.

"Without me?!" Hildegarde gasped. "You can't be in a play without me! We're best friends. We do everything together!"

"You guys can still be best friends, even if Clio does some things on her own." Sofia pointed out.

"But it'll take weeks to rehearse and perform a play!" Hildegarde pulled Clio down the path. "Who'll pour the tea at my tea parties? And who'll do my homework? And look at all the travel paintings from my trip?"

"I think I can do all those things and still be in a play." Clio admitted.

"Impossible." Hildegarde scowled. "You have to choose: the play, or me."

"But you shouldn't have to choose." Madeline told Clio.

"Maddie's right." Sofia agreed.

"Girls, this is between me and Clio." Hildegarde said bluntly.

Clio thought it over for a moment. She gave Madeline her hat.

"Okay, let's look at your travel paintings." She told Hildegarde.

"Thank you!" Hildegarde hugged Clio. "Now come on. I can't wait to tell my best friend all about my vacation."

Hildegarde and Clio walked down the path, Clio lugging the rolls behind her.

"That really didn't turn out the way I thought." Madeline sighed.

"I know." Sofia sighed.

Back at the theatre, Zandar was performing an odd dance, waving his hands around.

"High marks for originality!" Miss Elodie applauded lightly. "Now, who's next to try out?"

Calid got on stage.

Meanwhile, backstage, James was looking over his list.

"We did the wings, the bird feeder, the wind, the lights... that's everything on the list!" He smiled. "We're finished!"

"Nonsense!" Cedric zapped away the paper. "We can't stop now. This is the best sorcery I've ever done!"

"But what else can we do?" James asked.

"Hmm, well, this play takes place in a tropical jungle, yes?" Cedric smiled. "Well I shall conjure a jungle that magically grows right before the audience's eyes! Their amazed, adoring eyes..."

"Brilliant!" James grinned. "Can we have monkeys?"

"Of course!" Cedric waved his wand. "Can't have a jungle without monkeys! Jungle bungle flymungle!"

Plants and trees started growing everywhere.

"Whoa!" James gasped.

Monkeys appeared on the tree branches, playing and cavorting.

Back on stage, Khalid was still auditioning.

"And the carpet keeps on flying..." He sang, until a monkey jumped on his head. "Hey!"

Khalid ran off stage as more monkeys appeared.

"What?" Miss Elodie gasped. "What? what is going on? Where did all these monkeys come from?"

The plants continued growing, spreading onto the stage.

"Look out!" One student yelled, just before the branches tore down the backdrop.

"The backdrop!" Vivian gasped.

Miss Elodie marched over to James and Cedric.

"Prince James, Cedric!" She yelled. "There are no jungles, or monkeys, on my list!"

"Well I know that, but how can I show the crowd how magnificent my sorcery is with just the few things on that list?" Cedric retorted.

"Yeah!" James nodded.

"Oh, I do love your enthusiasm, but you cannot get carried away, adding all these things we do not need." Miss Elodie declared, narrowly dodging a monkey's leap. "Why not simply make the things we need as great as you can? Then, everyone will see your talents shining through!"

There was a loud crashing noise.

"And no-one will get hurt." Miss Elodie added. "Sound like a plan?" She clapped her hands. "Great! So you can begin by removing your jungle." A monkey jumped on her head. "...And your monkeys, before they chew up all the scenerey."

"Alright, I suppose we can do that." Cedric sighed.

Sofia and Madeline came onstage.

"Have either of you seen Amber?" Madeline asked.

"I think she's in the dressing room." James answered.

"Thanks." Sofia smiled, dodging another leaping monkey.

Sofia and Madeline rushed to the dressing room, where Amber was helping Desmond with his costume.

"Amber?" Madeline called.

"Amber?" Sofia added.

"Over here, girls." Amber smiled.

"Hildegarde's back." Madeline announced.

"And she talked Clio out of auditioning for the play, right?" Amber sighed.

"Yes!" Sofia nodded. "And now neither of us know what to do!"

"Oh girls, it's easy." Amber smiled, leading them back to the stage. "Find a way to get Hildegarde into the theatre, and Clio will follow."

"Right." Sofia nodded. "But how are we going to Hildegarde here before tryouts are over?"

"We don't have much time!" Madeline added.

"Hmm, there has to be some way." Amber mused.

The boys put up the broken backdrop.

"I know!" Sofia grinned. "We need a new backdrop."

"So?" Amber asked.

"That's how we can get Hildegarde to the theatre." Sofia declared. "Here's the plan..."

Outside, Hildegarde was showing off her travel paintings to the other students (Clio doing the actual holding).

"And then we hiked all the way up the tallest mountain in Freezenberg." She declared. "And then-"

"Oh, Hildey!" Amber rushed over. "We need you in the theatre right away!"

"Why?" Hildegarde asked.

"The backdrop for the play broke." Amber declared. "And Sofia and Madeline told me about your amazing travel paintings. So I suggested we use your paintings as backdrops for the play."

"My paintings?" Hildegarde gasped.

"Yes." Amber nodded. "So let's see how they look on stage. Come on!"

"Okay." Hildegarde got out of her throne. "Clio, let's go!"

"Coming!" Clio rolled up the painting and followed Hildegarde, pushing the cart containing the others.

Back at the theatre, Sofia and Madeline were doing their audition.

Sofia/Madeline: To end my sister's plight
I'm taking my first flight

"Excellent effort, girls." Miss Elodie smiled. "Thank you!" She looked around. "Well, I guess that's everyone..."

"Where's Clio?" Sofia hissed.

"I don't know." Madeline whispered. "We need to do something."

"Wait, we're not done that!" Sofia said aloud.

"Yeah, that was just the... first part of our try out!" Madeline added, miming a spider to Sofia. "Here's the second!"

Sofia started singing again.

The itsy bitsy spider
Went up the waterspout.
Down came the rain and
Washed the spider out.

"Oh, what a lovely rendition of a classic tune." Miss Elodie grinned. "Now, I really have seen all I need-"

"My turn!" Madeline yelled.

Up came the sun and
Dried up all the rain.
And the itsy bitsy spider
Went up the spout again

Madeline held the last note until she saw Amber, Hildegarde and Clio enter.

"Okay, we're done!" She declared.

"But look." Sofia pointed. "Princess Clio's here to try out!"

"Oh, happy day!" Miss Elodie beamed.

"Oh, no, no, no." Hildegarde shook her head. "She's not here to try out, Miss Elodie. She's with me."

"I'm with her." Clio sighed.

"And I've got the paintings for the backdrop." Hildegarde announced.

"You are adorable, but I have no idea what you're talking about." Miss Elodie frowned. "Clio, you must try out. You must!"

"This was all a trick to get Clio back here, wasn't it?" Hildegarde glared at Amber.

"Maybe..." Amber cringed.

"Come on, Clio." Hildegarde made to leave.

"Wait!" Sofia and Madeline called.

"Clio, you were so excited about this play because singing and dancing makes you happy!" Madeline declared.

"And you're really good at it." Sofia smiled. "So it doesn't matter who else is doing it."

"You can make your own choice." Madeline encouraged her.

"No, she can't!" Hildegarde glowered. "Let's go, Clio."

Hildegarde walked away, but Clio stayed put.

"Clio!" Hildegarde growled.

"I'm not going." Clio said firmly.

"What?!" Hildegarde gasped.

"I'm trying out for the play." Clio declared.

"No, you're not." Hildegarde glared.

"Yes, I am." Clio insisted.

"But we always do everything together!" Hildegarde protested.

"That's because I always do everything you wanna do." Clio pointed out. "And now I want to do my own thing. And I don't think I have to choose between being your friend, and doing something I love."

"Well, it looks like you just did." Hildegarde pouted. She turned and left the theatre.

"Uh, excuse me." Amber followed Hildegarde. "Hildey!"

"Are you alright?" Sofia asked Clio.

"I wish it didn't have to be like this." Clio sighed. "But I'll be okay."

"Princess Clio, are you ready?" Miss Elodie asked.

"Yes." Clio walked up to the stage. "I'm ready."

Outside, Amber caught up with Hildegarde.

"Hildey, wait!" She urged.

"What do you want now?" Hildegarde huffed.

"I'm sorry I trickled you, alright?" Amber apologised. "But I had to do it."

Hildegarde turned away.

"Come on, Hildegarde." Amber pleaded. "Are you really not going to be friends with Clio any more?"

"It was her choice, not mine!" Hildegarde said bluntly.

"It's you who has to make a choice, Hildey." Amber retorted. "What's more important: Having everything your way, or having a best friend?"

Amber walked away, leaving Hildegarde to think it over.

Meanwhile, Clio was on stage.

"I'm going to be singing 'Wings of a Dream'." She announced.

Clio: I flew through wind and snow
Strange lands I did not know
Through midnight woods and hills
I've had my share of spills
And my friends-

"Enough!" Miss Elodie said suddenly. "I have found my lead. Princess Clio, you are Polly!"

"I'm Polly?" Clio beamed. "I got the lead, I got the lead!"

Sofia and Madeline rushed over to hug her.

"Congratulations, Clio!" Sofia smiled. "You deserve it!"

"You really do." Madeline agreed.

"Thank you, girls." Clio grinned.

On the night of the play, the actors (all dressed like animals and birds) reached the final number.

Clio: On these wings of a dream
I will face my fear
On these wings of a dream
My sister dear

Cedric used his wing spell on Clio, causing her to fly above the audience.

Clio: On these wings of a dream
Through any weather
We'll soon be together

"These are really impressive effects for children's theatre." Roland admitted.

Clio: I used to be afraid
But now I won't be swayed
There is no storm too strong
To stop this parrot's song

Cedric conjured up the cage, with Kari joining Clio in the air.

Clio: Oh what's that up ahead
With feathers blue and red?
Who is that bird I see?
Could if finally be

"Molly!" Clio gasped.

"Polly?" Kari smiled, floating down to Clio. "I can't believe you found me!"

"Will you come home?" Clio asked as they held hands.

"Yes, yes, yes!" Kari cheered, as they spun around.

Just then, Hildegarde entered the theatre.

Clio and Kari: On these wings of a dream
At last I'm here
On these wings of a dream
With my sister dear

Kari: On these wings of a dream

Clio: We'll be together

Hildegarde smiled as she listened to Clio's singing.

Clio and Kari: Sisters forever
On these wings of a dream
On these wings of a dream
On these wings of a dream

The crowd gave them a standing ovation. As the curtain fell, Hildegarde walked over.

"Fabulous work, everyone!" Miss Elodie smiled. "Clio, what a performance!"

"Thank you, Miss Elodie." Clio said as the teacher hugged her. She then noticed Hildegarde was there. "Hildegarde?"

Clio rushed over.

"You came." She held hands with her best friend.

"You were great, Clio." Hildegarde complimented her. "I have such a talented best friend."

"Thank you." Clio beamed.

"Clio, I've missed you." Hildegarde admitted.

"I've missed you, too." Clio confessed.

The two hugged.

"And I was thinking." Hildegarde added. "We don't always have to do what I want. We can do what you want. I just want to be friends again."

"Then let's be friends who don't tell each other what to do." Clio suggested.

"Okay." Hildegarde smiled.

The curtain went up, and the cast and crew took one last bow.

"Oh, thank you!" Cedric waved. "Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Clio stood in the spotlight, while Hildegarde smiled at her from the wings.