looking at the stars from underneath the tree ...

when polly thought about it later, there was really no question they wouldn't win the talent show. but it sure was scary at the time! they went on last, which was a relief because they got to check out the competition, not that there was any, not really.

some boys rode their bmx & did tricks & there was a breakdancer & a magician & a boy on a unicycle & some girls lips synched to harajuku girls & danced around. the only other musical act was a string quartet. the applause was mild & polite until polly & her friends came onstage & showed their school how to rock.

polly had a great time singing blitzkrieg bop & then after they announced the polycarbons as the winners they had to play another song, just like papa said they would & they played krafty by new order. all the kids rushed to the front of the gym & danced & polly could see everybody looking at her like they'd never really seen her before. they won a hundred dollar gift certificate to a pizza place & a trophy.

daljit said we should keep the trophy at polly's house because that's where they practice. but polly said daljit should keep the trophy because there wouldn't even be a band without her, this whole adventure being her idea & all.