Jane E.M. Atkinson - Anna & Bellas Late Night

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, Poppy and Iris 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 our mom might know something about Flower. 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 story!

4:30 p.m. The List

This year were going to make it to midnight for sure! my sister, Bella, exclaims.

Definitely, I agree excitedly. But lets go over our list one more time, just to make sure we havent forgotten anything.

Bella opens her notebook and reads, Crazy 8s and Go Fish.

I hold up two packs of cards.

Board games, she lists off next.

I point to Kingdomino, Ticket to Ride, and Dragon Wood.

The last thing we need to do is pick a movie, Bella informs me.

I spread our DVDs out on the table. After a few minutes, Bella selects a fairy movie. Theres no way Ill fall asleep during this movie, she says, because it reminds me of Flower.

We may not fall asleep during this movie, I say, but Mom and Dad might.

Thats true, Bella agrees. We better choose a different one.

Today is a very special day. Its December 31st, New Years Eve. My family and I are determined to stay awake until midnight. Bella and I figure that as long as we stay busy, we wont fall asleep. The only risky part of the evening is the movie, because Mom always falls asleep during movies.

Which one will keep her awake? Bella asks, sorting through the movies.

From the kitchen, Mom calls out, Are you two talking about me?

Yup, I laugh. Can you please come here for a minute? We need your help.

Mom pokes her head into the dining room, and I point to the movies. Which one will keep you awake? I ask her.

Mom immediately points to Mary Poppins. Ive always loved that movie, she says. Its so magical!

Bella writes Mary Poppins on her list, then declares, Everything is all planned out. Theres no way well fall asleep before midnight!

6:00 p.m. - Supper

This is the best pizza ever! Bella declares as she takes another slice from the tray.

Bellas right. It does taste extra yummy today, Dad remarks, looking curiously at Mom. Did you add a secret ingredient?

Mom smiles mysteriously. I did, and its one of Bellas favourite foods.

I inspect my pizza slice. Theres chicken, spinach, and lots of mozzarella cheese, but I dont notice anything else.

Ive got it! Bella announces. Theres goat cheese on the pizza.

Correct! Mom says. Since Bella likes goat cheese on almost everything else, I thought shed like it on pizza, too.

I definitely do, Bella says approvingly.

After making ice cream sundaes for dessert, Bella and I clear the table while Mom and Dad wash the dishes.

Hanging in the middle of our playroom are a pair of curtains. Bella and I are on one side, and our parents are on the other side.

I slip through the opening in the curtains and announce, Welcome to Anna and Bellas fabulous New Years Eve show.

Bella steps out to join me, while Mom and Dad clap enthusiastically.

The two of us take turns playing the piano, singing, and dancing. When the show is over, we bow and head backstagewhich is just the other side of the curtains.

Mom and Dad continue to clap and cheer. Then they begin to chant, Encore. Encore. Encore!

Bella and I glance at each other and grin. It sounds like Mom and Dad want us to sing an extra song.

We step back through the curtains and perform one more song. Mom and Dad give us a standing ovation. When they finally stop clapping, I ask, What do you want to do next?

Mom and Dad wink at each other. They both have goofy grins on their faces. Were going to put on a show for you two, Dad tells us.

Yay! Bella and I say in unison.

Dad picks up a bag and follows Mom behind the curtains. Bella and I grab a bunch of pillows and get comfortable on the couch.

When the music starts, Mom jumps out from behind the curtains. Shes wearing a sparkly blue leotard and fairy wings. Dad is right behind her, wearing a sparkly pink tutu and fairy wings.

Bella and I burst out laughing. You guys are the best, I say between giggles.

Our parents sing and dance to two of our favourite songs. When they finish, Bella and I give them a standing ovation.

8:30 p.m. Games

Its time for games. We play Crazy 8s, Go Fish, Dragon Wood, and Kingdomino. After a quick snack, we finish with an exciting game of Ticket to Ride.

10:00 p.m. Movie Time

The four of us pile onto the couch to watch Mary Poppins. I snuggle close to Mom, and she wraps her arms around me. Bella cuddles close to Dad.

Just before the movie begins, Bella reminds us, No falling asleep!

Dont worry, I wont, I tell her. Then I yawn.

Mom and Dad nod their heads in agreement, but they look really sleepy.

Twenty minutes later, Mom nudges me and points beside us. Both Dad and Bella are fast asleep.

Mom and I grin at each other, and then snuggle closer. Well just wake them up when the movie is over.