I smiled and kissed her. “I love you, Mom.” Then I ran out of my room to find my friend.
I went up to Billy’s apartment and knocked on the door. When he opened it, I hugged him.
“Do you have the wrong address?” Billy asked.
“You’re still my best friend,” I said.
“Phew!” said Billy, wiping his brow. “What a relief! I’m sorry too.” He invited me in. “You want something to eat? My mom made dinner.” Then in a whisper, “It tastes better if you hold your nose.”
I laughed. “No, thank you. I have to go home and help my parents clean.”
“Yeah, me too,” Billy said. “Hey, why don’t I tell everyone tomorrow that I got you a new sunroof for your birthday? That way, they’ll get jealous and have to bring you something much cooler.”
My stomach did a flip when the truth hit me again. I said, “That’s sweet, Billy, but there isn’t going to be a party anymore.”
Chapter 10
Crystal Clear
The rest of the week went by in a blur. I was so bummed. I went to school and did my homework. The landlord and his construction crew started repairing the hole in the ceiling. They had blocked off the living room and worked around the clock. In three days, they’d be finished.
On Friday, the night before my birthday, I was in bed tossing and turning. When I did fall asleep, I had another frightening dream.
I found myself in an empty and dark amusement park. The merry-go-round and the Ferris wheel stood silently like unmoving guards.
I walked past the different game booths. All of them were closed down and boarded up. Suddenly, I smelled smoke. I kept walking and saw a soft orange glow.
Soon, the glow grew brighter. Five figures came out of the darkness carrying lanterns on long metal staffs. I squinted to look at their faces.
They were clowns. Creepy-looking clowns with white faces, red noses, and colorful clothes. They were headed right for me.
I turned and ran as fast as I could. I needed to get out of there. As I sprinted toward the exit, one by one the rides magically turned on. They had a life of their own. Bright lights blinked on and off in time to carnival music.
I was a few feet from freedom when my way was blocked. Five more clowns appeared, also holding lanterns.
I turned to run the way I came, but the first clowns caught up to me. All ten stood in a circle and raised their lanterns high. Then, without warning, they smashed them on the ground.
Flames burst up, creating a circle of fire around me. I was trapped inside it! The clowns started laughing and clapping. Then their legs started to stretch. They became taller and taller just as the flames burned brighter and hotter. They towered over me like giants, laughing and clapping and singing along to the carnival music.
I didn’t know which way to go. With my arms outstretched, I started spinning and spinning, looking for a way out. I spun so fast that I lifted off the ground. I kept spinning.
The wind swirled around me faster and faster until I became a tornado. Then all of a sudden…
Shoom!
The flames disappeared and the clowns blew far away. The music stopped and the lights went out. Darkness returned and I landed with a thud on the ground. Oof!
***
At nearly eleven o’clock, I awoke and found myself tangled in my sheets. I was groggy and dizzy. I had overslept, and the images from my dream were still fresh in my mind. It was finally my birthday, and yet I was less than thrilled.
As I got out of bed I heard my mother yell, “Krystal, honey, we’re leaving in a few minutes.”
Then Dad said, “We’re all going to Cozy Bozo’s, your favorite restaurant.”
Cozy Bozo’s was my favorite restaurant because it had a large play area with amusement park type rides, activities, video games and prizes. But then I remembered my dream and shivered. What if it was a sign that something worse was going to happen? The coincidence was too eerie to ignore.
“It was only a dream, Krystal,” I told myself. “You’re ten now. You’re a big girl. A grown-up.”
I put on the skirt and shirt I had picked out the night before. Once the finishing touches were in place, I made my grand entrance.
“Ta-da!” I announced, showing off. A red and white striped scarf covered my hair, and a string of blue pearls hung from my neck.
“What a beautiful birthday girl,” said Dad.
“Happy Birthday, Krystal!” Mom said.
I thanked them as we left the apartment and headed for the restaurant.
At Cozy Bozo’s, my parents and I were greeted by a hostess wearing a ringmaster’s costume. She escorted us to a private party room in the back. Dad opened the door and ushered us in.
I stopped, frozen in place. The big room was dark. My body tingled and felt the same feeling from my dream. There was a smell of smoke and a yellow-orange glow coming my way.
“Mom, Dad,” I pleaded, “something bad is going to happen. I just know it.”
I turned to run out the door when suddenly—
“Surprise!”
The lights turned on. I whirled around to find an unbelievable sight: Grandma was standing in the center of the room holding a birthday cake.
Ten striped candles burned brightly on top. All around her were my friends from school, including Claire and Billy!
I was shocked. It was a surprise birthday party just for me. I looked at my parents and shouted, “Thank you!”
The crowd started singing “Happy Birthday”.
“Oh, my stars!” I exclaimed, hopping up and down. “Thank you so much. I can’t believe it. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better birthday party.”
“See,” Grandma said, “everything turned out all right. Now close your eyes and make a wish.”
I did just that and blew out the candles. And no, I won’t tell you what it was, because then it won’t come true.
“Okay, listen up,” Mom said. “There’s pizza and punch for everybody on the table. Dig in and go have fun.”
Dad added, “We’ll call you back when it’s time for cake and presents.”
My friends ran cheering to the food and games.
“Mmm...pizza,” Billy yelled.
Claire and I watched him inhale his first slice as if the world was going to stop making pizza.
“Hi, Claire,” he said between mouthfuls. “You better eat some before it’s all gone.”
Billy shoved the crust into his mouth. His cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk’s.
“Want to get some punch?” he asked Claire.
She blushed and stammered, “S-s-sure.”
Walking with Billy to the drinks, Claire looked over her shoulder at me. I gave her a thumbs-up.
After we tired ourselves out with the food and games, I sat in the center of the room and opened all my presents.
Claire gave me a glow-in-the-dark wall poster of all eighty-eight constellations. Billy gave me a bright pink rain jacket, which he thought was rather funny. I did too, I guess.
Finally, my dad handed me a small, square box. “Let’s not forget my gift,” he said.
I opened it and gasped. “Oh my gosh, is this what I think it is?”
“Of course, sweetheart,” he replied. “Your very own crystal ball.”
“It’s perfect!” I exclaimed.
“I figured you needed a place to keep all those powers,” Dad added. “You know, those moonbeams of yours.” He winked.
“Thanks, Dad,” I said, “although I don’t need a crystal ball to finally see that I have great friends and family. I love you all so much.”
Everyone cheered. Dad gave me a hug. I was the happiest girl in the world.
Then I put the crystal ball down on the table. I placed my hands on the smooth, cool orb and closed my eyes. My ears perked up, and I tilted my head
to the side.
The room grew silent. The guests crowded a little closer.
“I’m having a vision,” I said.
“Is it good?” Claire asked.
“Is it bad?” asked Billy.
“Better not tell you now,” I replied. “It’ll spoil the fun.”
“Aw, come on!” Billy begged.
In a loud clear voice, I gave my final prediction:
“It is certain. With all of you at my side, a great adventure is always guaranteed.”
Ruby Ann Phillips
Ruby Ann Phillips is the pseudonym of a New York Times bestselling author who lives in the Big Apple, in a neighborhood much like Krystal Ball’s.
Sernur Isik
Sernur Isik lives in magical Istanbul, Turkey. As a child, she loved drawing fairies and unicorns, as well as wonderful, imaginative scenes of her home country. Since graduating from the Fine Arts Faculty-Graphic Design of Ataturk University, Sernur has worked as a professional illustrator and artist for children’s books, mascot designs, and textile brands. She likes collecting designer toys, reading books, and traveling the world.
Horoscopes by Krystal Ball!
Astrologists believe a diagram of the position of stars and planets on a person’s birthday fortells the future. This diagram is divided into twelve groups called signs. Find your sign and Krystal’s prediction for your future!
ARIES (Mar 21–Apr 19)
Krystal says: “You’re fun, creative, and a natural born leader. With a little focus, you’ll find yourself at the head of the class!”
Lucky numbers: 2, 17, 63
Taurus (Apr 20–May 20)
Krystal says: “As a thoughtful, patient friend, others often turn to you for advice. Don’t be afraid to listen to yourself, too!”
Lucky numbers: 5, 12, 42
Gemini (May 21–Jun 21)
Krystal says: “Although you’re SUPER smart, a big decision will be difficult to make. Follow your heart, and you’ll be fine!”
Lucky numbers: 6, 18, 75
Cancer (Jun 22–Jul 22)
Krystal says: “You know what you like, but don’t be afraid to try something new—like pineapple on pizza! It’s better than it sounds.”
Lucky numbers: 10, 22, 81
Leo (Jul 23–Aug 22)
Krystal says: “You’ve got a big heart! Make sure your smile matches it, even when times are tough.”
Lucky numbers: 4, 37, 56
Virgo (Aug 23–Sep 22)
Krystal says: “You like to plan things carefully. Don’t forget to relax once in a while—especially during your favorite TV show!”
Lucky numbers: 3, 13, 23
Libra (Sep 23–Oct 22)
Krystal says: “You’re polite and kind, but don’t let people walk all over you—they’ll ruin your outfit!”
Lucky numbers: 15, 88, 97
Scorpio (Oct 23–Nov 21)
Krystal says: “Friends trust you with their secrets. Open up and trust them with some of your own.”
Lucky numbers: 9, 29, 55
Sagittarius (Nov 22–Dec 21)
Krystal says: “You have a gazillion friends. Pick one to give a little extra attention!”
Lucky numbers: 16, 38, 54
Capricorn (Dec 22–Jan 19)
Krystal says: “You work hard, but don’t forget to PLAY. Or better yet, try out for a part in one instead!”
Lucky numbers: 7, 21, 77
Aquarius (Jan 20–Feb 18)
Krystal says: “You’re creative and unique. Don’t be afraid to show your style with fashion. I’m not!”
Lucky numbers: 19, 46, 92
Pisces (Feb 19–Mar 20)
Krystal says: “Sometimes following your dreams can seem like a nightmare. Don’t give up on them!”
Lucky numbers: 28, 81, 99
Krystal’s Fortune Game!
Krystal Ball’s favorite game predicts the future 100% of the time, although it’s not always 100% accurate!
What you'll need:
A pencil or pen
Plenty of paper
One or more friends!
1. Ask one of your friends for the following information:
• Name four places in the world you want to live.
• Name four jobs you would like to have.
• Name four random numbers.
2. Using your pencil or pen, write down their answers in three separate lists, like this:
3. Next, ask your friend to choose a number between 1 and 10.
4. Then, begin counting through the items in your friend’s lists. When you reach the number your friend chose, stop and cross out the item.
5. For example, if your friend chose the number 6, cross out the sixth item in the lists, like this:
6. Beginning where you left off, start counting again. When you reach the number your friend chose, cross out the item.
7. Continue this process, skipping the items you’ve already crossed out. When only one item remains in a list, circle it! You’re finished when your paper looks like this:
8. Finally, tell your friend their fortune: “You will live in Paris, working as a doctor, with 15 pets!”
9. Be creative! Make up new questions to ask. Then find another friend to play Krystal’s Fortune Game!
Discover more at
www.capstonekids.com
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Find cool websites and more books like this one at www.facthound.com. Just type in the Book ID: 9781479521784 and you are ready to go!
Krystal Ball is published by
Picture Window Books,
a Capstone imprint
1710 Roe Crest Drive
North Mankato, Minnesota 56003
www.capstoneyoungreaders.com
Copyright © 2014 by Picture Window Books
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission of the publisher.
Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available on the Library of Congress website.
ISBN: 978-1-4795-2178-4 (library hardcover)
ISBN: 978-1-4795-3152-3 (paperback)
ISBN: 978-1-4795-5975-6 (ebook)
Summary: Krystal Ball is hoping for a dream birthday, but her fortune-telling talents are giving her nightmares.
Designer: Kay Fraser
Dream Birthday Page 4