Chapter 3

Chapter THREE 'There you are, Mirabelle!' said Carlotta when I reached my friends. 'You took ages!' 'Sorry,' I replied. 'But I'm here now. Let's play! Shall I go in the middle this time?' 'I guess you can if you want,' said Hazel, looking a bit disappointed. 'Although it is the most difficult position.

Are you sure you'll be able to handle it?' 'I should think so!' I said confidently. 'And besides, it's only fair to take it in turns. I switched places with Hazel and then waited for Carlotta to kick the ball. WHUMPH! It went soaring across the grass and I sprinted forward to try and stop it before it got to Hazel. I found I didn't need to try very hard though, as the ball seemed to be on a mission to reach my feet. Faster and faster it came, dodging Hazel and then bumping against my toes.

'Good!' I thought, feeling pleased. 'Oh!' said Hazel, looking surprised. 'Er, well done, Mirabelle.' 'Thanks!' I beamed, feeling just a tiny twinge of guilt. I lifted my foot to kick the ball back to Carlotta, but I was surprised to find that the ball stayed stuck to my toes. It didn't even fall off when I shook my leg!

'Umm,' I said, immediately feeling my cheeks turn red. Hazel narrowed her eyes at me suspiciously. I reached down to grab the ball, hoping that I could just throw it to Carlotta with my hands, but it slipped out of my grasp and started to roll up my legs. It carried on all the way up my body before finally perching itself on top of my head.

Hurriedly, I reached up to take the ball off my head. But it seemed to be stuck there quite firmly! It was as though I had suddenly become some sort of very strong football magnet. Carlotta stared at me with her mouth open, and Hazel crossed her arms over her chest.

'Mirabelle!' said Hazel. 'You know we're not supposed to use any magic during PE this morning.' 'I know!' I squeaked, feeling my face go all hot. What spell did you use?' she asked accusingly. Before I could answer, Carlotta suddenly gave a loud shriek, startling both me and Hazel. 'Look!' she cried, pointing behind me and then clapping her hand over her mouth. 'Oh, my stars! Mirabelle!' I whipped round, panic rising in my chest. Racing towards me, across the grass, was a swarm of footballs. Other