Jane E.M. Atkinson - Anna & Bellas Big Break

Hi, Im Anna.

If youve read my other books, then you can skip this part. But if you havent, Ill need to explain a few things.

Over a year ago, I found a very special gem that whisked my sister, Bella, and me away to a magical land called Flower.

In many ways, Flower is just like our world. There are people, schools, libraries, and stores. But one thing Flower has that we dontis magic!

In Flower, there are mermaids, fairies, and even a magical family. Some of our best friends live there.

Tulip, Lily, Ivy, Rose, Daisy, and Poppy These are some of our fairy friends. I just love being a fairy. You have no idea how amazing it is to fly!

Amelia, Julia, and Jack They live in the village and are regular kids like us.

Finn He lives with his magical family in Winter Woods. Bella and I know his secret (that hes magical), and were hoping hell tell our other friends soon.

Kate and Maria Theyre our mermaid friends. We always have an amazing time exploring the ocean.

Keira Shes a real princess, but dresses and acts just like Bella and me. Keiras mom, Queen Katherine, is like a second mom.

And speaking of moms, I have a feeling that my mom might know something about Flower. Although, I havent said anything to Bella yet, because I need to gather more evidence.

The last thing I need to tell you is the most important thing of all, especially if youre reading this book at bedtime. I promise that you will never, ever find any mean or scary characters in my book.

So now that youre all caught up, just sit back, relax, and enjoy the book!

Anna, are you awake? Bella cries, as she bursts into my room.

Im awake now, I say sleepily, glancing at my alarm clock.

Its only 6 a.m.! Why are you up so early? I ask her.

Dont you remember? Todays the big race! Bella exclaims, bouncing up and down on my bed.

The grade one cross-country race is today, and its all Bellas been talking about for weeks.

I decide to tease her. Race? What race? I ask, pretending I forgot.

Bella looks shocked. You really forgot about my race? Then she sees the grin on my face and tosses a pillow at me. Very funny, Anna, she says with a laugh.

Bella is already dressed for the race. Shes wearing a red school T-shirt and a pair of black running shorts.

From the pocket of her shorts, Bella removes a sparkly pink gemone of our Flower gems.

Do you mind if I take this for good luck? Bella asks.

Thats a great idea, I say. Of course you can take it. Im going to do the same thing tomorrow, for my race.

I jump out of bed and pull on a tank top and pink shorts. Its odd to be wearing summer clothes in November, but the weather is unseasonably warm.

Through my bedroom wall, I hear the shower running in my parents bathroom. Mom and Dad must still be getting ready. Usually, Bella is the last one up in the morning, but not today!

Lets start making the smoothie, I suggest. We can surprise Dad.

Great idea, Bella says.

The two of us sneak past our parents room, then hurry downstairs to the kitchen. From the fridge, I take out the kefir and a container of berries. Bella grabs the grapes, carrots, pears, spinach, and a couple of clementines.

Bella pours a cup of kefir into the blender. I dump in the berries and then throw in two handfuls of grapes. Bella starts peeling the clementines, while I wash the pears.

What a nice surprise! Dad says, walking into the kitchen. He gives Bellas shoulder a little squeeze. Let me guess... someone is excited about school today?

Bella smiles and nods her head.

What you need is a healthy breakfast, Dad declares. It will help you run as fast as the wind. Oatmeal and smoothies, coming right up!

When breakfast is done, Bella and I pack our lunches, then rush upstairs to brush our teeth. After flossing, Bella informs me, Im going to win for sure!

Now, Bella is a fast runner, but there are a lot of grade ones running in the race today. And I know for a fact that some of them are faster than Bella. However, I dont say any of that to her. All I say is, Just remember to have fun.

After taking attendance, my class heads outside to watch the race. I scan the rows of adults, and find my mom standing near the path. I run over to join her.

Im so excited to watch Bella run today, Mom says, and I cant wait to watch you run tomorrow. She squeezes my shoulder, and I smile up at her.

About ten metres away from us is my French teacher, Mlle. Bruzas. I walk over to say hello.

Bonjour, Mlle. Bruzas, I say.

Bonjour, Anna, Mlle. Bruzas replies. I bet Bella is excited about the race today, she adds, switching to English.

She sure is, I agree.

A loud voice booms through the speakers. Attention everyone. The girls race will start in one minute!

Ill see you this afternoon, I tell Mlle. Bruzas, then spin around to run back to Mom. But as I turn, my foot slips off the edge of the path and into a dirt hole. I feel myself falling, but luckily, Mlle. Bruzas grabs my arm and steadies me.

Are you okay? she asks in concern.

Yes, thanks for catching me, I reply gratefully. I point to the spot where the school path and city sidewalk meet. Instead of grass, its just a big, dirt hole. Thats really dangerous, I tell her.

Mlle. Bruzas nods. Thats why Im hereto block the hole. I dont want any of the racers to fall into it.

Thats a good idea, I say, then hurry back to join Mom.

The race is going to start any second, Mom says excitedly. She points to the start line. Can you see Bella? Shes on the left, almost at the edge.

I see Bella right away because of her pink hat. Bella grins and waves. Mom and I clap our hands together twice and give Bella a thumbs-up. Thats our secret way of telling Bella were proud of her.

On your mark, get set, go! the voice booms through the speaker. Bella takes off runningso does everyone else.

Mom and I cheer as Bella dashes past us. I cant believe how many girls are running. There must be at least fifty of them!

Bella is almost at the spot where Mlle. Bruzas is standing, when the girl beside her stumbles. Bella jumps off the path to avoid crashing into the girland lands right in the middle of the dirt hole!

Bellas foot bends in a very strange way, and she tumbles onto the field. Her pink hat goes flyingand then she