Chapter 3

Chapter THREE That night as I lay in bed, my mind went round and round. What sort of business could I start? It needed to be something fun and interesting. I fell asleep thinking of ideas, and I was still thinking of ideas when I arrived at school the next morning, landing on the playground with a skid. I was early for once, but Carlotta was already there.

'Mirabelle!' she cried breathlessly, running up to me and holding out her new pair of roller skates. 'I'm sorry I didn't let you have a go with these yesterday. I feel really bad about not inviting you to the park. Here! Have a go with them now!'

She thrust the skates into my arms, looking guilty. I noticed that today she was wearing a new bracelet with lots of pretty charms hanging from it. I looked around to check that Miss Spindlewick wasn't anywhere nearby. Then I whipped off my shoes and put the skates on. They felt wobbly at first, but with the help of Carlotta keeping me steady, I was soon gliding around the playground. Finally, she let go of my hand and I went whizzing across the tarmac, sparks shooting out of my heels. It felt amazing! It was better than flying! 'I love them!' I cried. 'I want a pair of my own so badly!'

The playground was getting busier now. I knew the bell was about to ring at any moment. And then Miss Spindlewick would come outside. I sat down on the ground to take the skates off. 'Listen, Carlotta,' I said. 'I have to

have a pair of my own! Even more so now that I've tried yours! I've had an idea. I'm going to start my own business. I'm going to earn some money to buy my own pair of witch skates.' 'That's a great idea!' said Carlotta.

What are you going to do?' 'Well, that's the problem,' I replied. 'I can't think of anything!' 'Hmm,' said Carlotta. As we thought hard, my eyes suddenly fell on the bracelet around Carlotta's wrist. The little silver charms hanging from it were very pretty. There was a tiny broomstick, a miniature cauldron, a black cat with green crystal eyes, a sprinkling of stars... 'I could sell bracelets!' I said. 'Like yours!' Carlotta held her wrist out, and we both inspected the bracelet carefully. 'I could easily make them,' I said