Notes About Animals
Youre late again, Olivia Mrs. Thompson gave the girl at the doorway a stern look. Olivia stared at her shoes, guilt written all over her face. What is it this time? Youve already helped your gran cross the road, carried a neighbours heavy bag up the stairs, and even joined the search party for a missing toddler Do you have an equally respectable reason today?
Maybe she was busy helping the police catch a dangerous criminal, laughed Victoria Brown from the front row.
Or she was putting out a fire with the fire brigade! piped up Sam Slack from the back.
Or perhaps
Thats enough, everyone! Mrs. Thompson raised her voice. Now, lets hear from Olivia. Well, Olivia, what happened this morning?
Olivia lifted her head, met her teachers gaze, glanced around at her classmates, and sighed heavily.
I was helping a dog
A dog? Mrs. Thompsons eyes widened in disbelief. You were helping a dog? I cant even imagine what that entailed You werent acting as a midwife, were you?
No, Mrs. Thompson.
Olivia, growing tired of holding her backpack, set it down carefully.
You see, on my way to school, I saw this dog. She looked so hungry, going up to everyone, so I I wanted to give her my sandwiches.
Feeding a dog takes two minutes, cut in Victoria.
I know, but the groundskeeper chased me and the dog out of the park when he saw what I was doing. So, I had to go back towards home
How very kind of you! Mrs. Thompson gave a sarcastic smile. So thoughtfulsaving a stray dog.
She stood and walked over to Olivia.
And you forgot my request to stop being late, didnt you? Well, fine. Give me your planner. Youll be getting a mark for poor behaviour, and Ill be writing to your parents, tooinforming them of what a good daughter they havefeeding stray dogs instead of coming to lessons like everyone else.
Silently, Olivia handed over her planner before making her way to her desk.
As Olivia passed Victoria Brown, Victoria stuck out her foot. Olivia tripped and hit the floor, erupting laughter all around the classroom.
Mrs. Thompson looked up, shook her head in disapproval, but said nothing. She simply continued with the planner, carefully writing every word.
As Olivia picked herself up, she shot a look of confusion at Victoria, the culprit of her fall.
Approaching Victoria, she whispered, Why did you do that?
What are you on about? I didnt touch you! Perhaps you hit your head and now youre seeing things, Victoria replied loudly enough for everyone to hear.
She then turned to Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Thompson, Olivia is distracting me!
Thats enough, Oliviaback to your seat at once! As if it isnt bad enough youre late, now you want to disturb the lesson?
Olivia had no choice but to comply. Her relationships with Mrs. Thompson were always strained, and shed never once been friends with Victoria Brown.
She genuinely struggled to understand why Victoria singled her out all the time. Tripping her was minoronce, Victoria had thrown Olivias bag out the window, where it got stuck in a tree.
During break, Olivia had to climb up to get it, as others filmed her on their phones. She was then called to see the headmistress, who, unsurprisingly, told her off.
Olivia, dont you know how dangerous it is to climb trees? What if youd fallen and broken your neck? Who would be responsible? Me, of course! Have your parents come to see me tomorrowI have a serious matter to discuss.
Her parents came, but not to be embarrassed. Instead, they argued on Olivias behalf after listening to the headmistress, explaining shed been forced to climb after her bag was thrown.
But the headmistress remained unconvinced.
I asked Victoria Brown if shed thrown the bag, and she denied it. I have no reason not to trust her.
And what reason do you have not to trust our daughter? Olivias parents replied.
Besides, Victoria has complained more than once about Olivia always bothering her. Perhaps you should talk to your daughter about her behaviour.
In the end, Olivia took the blame once again. Shed grown used to it, though sometimes it hurt. For some reason, Victoria was never caught, whether she talked in class or threw peoples bags out the window, but Olivia Olivia was always the scapegoat.
Wheres the justice in that?
Fate, though, would soon give Olivia the chance to even the score. Olivia never wanted revenge, but she did, for once, want to prove herself.
A month from now, the city will be hosting a sports day, and schools were invited to take part, the PE teacher, Mr. Whitfield, announced excitedly. So, whos up for a run?
A run? the pupils echoed, surprised.
Yes! For the childrens 1.5km race, we need two participants. The winner gets a medal and certificate and, naturally, top marks in PE. Victoria, youll be joining us, yes? He shot a glance at Victoria Brown, his favourite, who nodded confidently. Great! We need one more. Sam, fancy improving your marks?
Me? No thanks, Mr. Whitfield. Im not keen on running But if there was a computer game tournament, Id be there!
May I enter? asked Olivia.
Olivia? Mr. Whitfield eyed her. Do you even like running? If I remember, youre alright, but we need the bestlike Victoria.
Shes always late to school, let alone running races! Victoria giggled.
Well, nobody else is volunteering, Olivia pointed out reasonably, and Id love to try.
Nobody else wanted to run a mile in front of the entire town, so Mr. Whitfield had no choice but to put Olivias name down.
Youll regret this, Victoria hissed as they left the classroom. Youre going to make a fool of yourself.
Well see! Olivia responded.
She wasnt an amazing runner, but she was determined to do her best and maybe, finally, show Victoria up. And she had a whole month to train.
Leaving school that day, Olivia was surprised to see the same stray dog waiting outside the gates. How had she found her way there, Olivia wondered, before remembering how well animals can track scents.
With the dog trotting by her side, Olivia walked home, thanking her for the company.
She badly wished to take the dog in, but who would agree to it?
Mum, Dad Olivia spoke after dinner. Im going to compete in the 1.5km runtheres a big sports event in the city next month. Ill be representing the school with Victoria Brown. Isnt that great?
Thats wonderful! Mum beamed. Did you choose to enter, or were you picked?
I wanted to! Remember when you told me how Gran once won a marathon? I want to win too!
I approve, said Mum. But Victoria Brownisnt she the girl who always gives you trouble? Youll be running with her?
Dont worry, Mum. This time she wont humiliate me. Im going to show Im better!
Ive always said itour Olivia will show them all! Dad joined in.
And, well, I wanted to ask you This morning, I helped a dog
No! her parents said in unison. No dogs in the flat, weve already discussed this.
Thats about what I expected, Olivia thought sadly, heading off to her room.
*****
For a month, every afternoon and weekend, Olivia trained for the race. Mum showed her proper warm-ups, Dad gave tips on breathing and pacing.
And the dog, waiting outside every day, would trot alongside her as she ran. It almost felt as though the dog was helping her.
At times, the dog would dart ahead, forcing Olivia to push herself to keep up. Sharing the story with her parents, Olivia was surprised to see them exchange glances.
Seems shes coaching you, said Dad.
The next day, her dad bought the dog a collar, and her mum began sending food out through Oliviasausages or little treats. Olivia hoped this meant her parents might change their minds and let the dog, whom she had started calling Daisy, stay. But she was disappointedher parents wouldnt budge.
Still, she was grateful for what they did.
Victoria continued to taunt her, sneering in the corridors.
So, Olivia, ready to make a fool of yourself in front of the whole city? Youd better quit before its too late.
Im not quitting. And I will finish first.
What? Victoria laughed. First? Dont kid yourself You wont even get halfway! You CANT do it! Youre a total failure!
At last, the big day arrived. The stands at the stadium were packednot just with parents but with all kinds of spectators. With fifteen minutes to go, Olivia stretched anxiously.
Just remember, its okay if you dont win, her mum said softly. You gave it your best.
I will win, Mum. I believe it.
Now thats the attitude! grinned Dad. I know youll do great.
Olivia glanced around, missing Daisy already. Shed hoped to bring her, but her parents insisted the dog stay homeThe car would need cleaning for a week! Dad joked. But I really need her support today, Olivia thought.
Olivia looked around hopefully, but didnt spot Daisy anywhere.
On your marks, the starter called out, surveying the runners. Get set GO! He waved the flag.
Everyone surged forward, chasing the finish line.
Victoria sprinted ahead. Olivia faltered, falling back to fifth place. Though she couldnt see Victorias face, she imagined that smirk. Never mind! Olivia told herself. He who laughs last, laughs longest.
Gradually, Olivia powered past two girls and a boy, soon running second, inching ever closer to Victoria. Victoria glanced back, only to speed up, but this was nothing new to Olivia, whod learnt with Daisy never to use up her energy chasing madly. Better to save her strength, wait for the right moment.
Near the finish, Olivia gathered herself, matched strides with Victoria, caught her astonished lookand pulled ahead.
She could already picture the organisers bestowing a medal and certificate, classmates in awe, parents cheeringwhen suddenly
Pain shot through her side as someone shoved her. The world spun; Olivia struggled not to cry as she landed hard, glanced at her grazed knee, saw Victoria pulling away, and everything became painfully clear.
Shed lost.
Her dreamthe first to finish, to finally outdo her nemesiswas shattered. Now shed be lucky to hobble in anywhere but last.
Up you get! Mum called. Dont quit! Keep going!
Olivia tried to explain she couldnt, but, biting her lip, got to her feet and limped forward. How was she meant to run when every step hurt?
She wasnt expecting what happened nexta warm, wet nose nudged her hand.
Looking down, Olivia saw Daisy beside her.
You? But how?
It didnt matter. Daisy had found her and was right there.
Thank you for coming Olivia whispered, But its over. Ive lost.
Daisy barked, as if to argue otherwise, and pressed close. Taking the hint, Olivia leaned on her, taking a step. Then another.
Step by step, together, they made their way to the finish.
Something remarkable happened. When Victoria Brown bounced across the line, waving her medal to the crowd, nobody was watching.
All eyes were on Olivia and Daisymoving slowly, steadily, with all the dignity in the world.
Other runners who could easily have overtaken Olivia slowed down, too, falling in behind, unwilling to steal away her moment. Theyd never have pushed on through such pain, never have such a friend.
You truly are my best friend! Olivia smiled through tears, leaning on Daisy. Thank you for everything.
As they finally, triumphantly, crossed the finish line, the stadium erupted in applause and shouts: Well done! Well done!
Her parents ran up, hugging her tight. Dad even stooped to shake Daisys paw.
You did brilliantly, Olivia, Mum beamed. Were so proud of you.
I think youre the true winner today, Dad announced, shooting a glance at Victoria standing alone, medal and certificate in hand. I saw what she did, pushing you. Want me to give her a piece of my mind?
No need, Dad. Olivia smiled. She won what she wanted. I I just feel lucky to have Daisy.
Olivia bent to kiss her loyal friend.
Lets go home, love. Well get a cake to celebrate! Mum suggested.
One minutelet me say goodbye to Daisy, Olivia asked.
No need for goodbye. Her parents grinned. Daisys coming with us.
With us? Olivia cried in disbelief.
Yes, and shell live with us, too! Friends as true as that are worth their weight in gold.
In that moment, Olivia realised shed just achieved her greatest victorynot a medal, not a certificate, but the love of true friends and family. Sometimes, the most important wins in life have nothing to do with coming first, but everything to do with loyalty, kindness, and never giving up.
