Animal Notes
Youre late again Mrs Thompson gave the girl standing in the doorway a stern look. Her eyes dropped, guilt written on her face. What is it this time? Did you help your grandma cross the street again, or perhaps carry Mrs Jenkinss shopping for her? Last time you were helping the police find a lost toddler… I hope you can come up with another good reason today?
She was probably helping the police catch a dangerous criminal, Sally Green sniggered.
Or putting out a fire with the firemen! called out Jack Underwood from the back row.
Or maybe she
Thats enough chatter! Mrs Thompson raised her voice. Now, everyone, lets listen to Turner. Well then, Olivia, why are you late this time?
Olivia lifted her eyes to the teacher, glanced across the class, and sighed heavily.
A dog needed my help
What? Did I hear that right? You helped a dog? I dread to imagine what that could have entailedwere you delivering her puppies or something?
No, Mrs Thompson.
Olivia, tired of clutching her schoolbag, placed it carefully on the floor.
Its just, on my way to school, I met a dog. She was going up to people, clearly starving, and so I wanted to give her some of my sandwiches.
Handing a dog a sandwich takes only a minute! interrupted Sally Green.
I know. But the park keeper spotted me feeding her and kicked us out when he realised what I was up to, so I had to walk all the way back home
Youre a real hero! Mrs Thompson said sarcastically, smirking. She got up from her large teachers desk and approached Olivia. But I suppose you forgot I asked you not to be late to lessons anymore? Right. Hand me your planner. Ill have to give you a low mark for your behaviour. And Ill write a little note to your parents about how their ‘good’ daughter feeds stray dogs on the street instead of attending lessons.
Olivia silently pulled her planner from her bag and handed it to her maths teacher before heading to her seat.
As she walked past Sally Green, Sally slyly stuck out her foot, tripping Olivia, who fell hard onto the floor. Laughter erupted all around the classroom.
Mrs Thompson glanced up but said nothing, only shook her head and continued writing in the planner, biting her lip in concentration.
Olivia picked herself up, baffled, staring briefly at the classmate whod caused her fall. She walked right up to Sally and whispered: Why did you do that?
What? What are you on about? I didnt do a thing! Maybe you hit your head and imagined it. Sally made sure to say it loudly enough for everyone to hear.
Then she shouted towards the teacher: Mrs Thompson, Olivias distracting me with her talking!
Turner, take your seat immediately! Its bad enough youre late, but now you want to disrupt the lesson too?
Olivia had no choice but to comply. Shed always had a rocky relationship with Mrs Thompson. And with Sally Green, too. To make matters worse, she couldnt understand why Sally was always picking on her.
A trip was nothing compared to the time Sally threw Olivias schoolbag out the window, and it got stuck in a tree. Olivia had to climb up after it at break, while a bunch of kids filmed her on their phones.
Of course, she was then immediately summoned to the Headmistress, who lectured her sharply.
Turner, dont you realise clambering on trees is dangerous? What if youd fallen and broken something? Your neck, for instance! Who would be accountable for that? Me, of course! So, I want your parents in my office tomorrow. Ill need a serious word with them.
Her parents came, but not to apologise for their daughterrather, to challenge what had happened. They listened quietly, then explained Olivia had only climbed the tree because shed been forced to, not of her own will. But the Headmistress wasnt persuaded.
I asked Sally Green if she threw your daughters bag out, she denied it, and I see no reason not to believe her.
And you have a reason not to believe our daughter?
Besides, the Headmistress continued, ignoring their question, Sally has complained more than once that your daughter is constantly bothering her. Perhaps you could talk some sense into her?
Once more, Olivia was blamed unfairly. Shed grown used to it, but it still stung. Somehow, Sally always got away with everythingtalking in class, throwing things out windowswhile Olivia was always to blame.
Wheres the justice?
Yet, as fate would have it, shed soon get a chance to respond. Olivia had never considered getting revenge, but the chance to stand up for herself
One month from now, the city will be holding sporting events for National Sports Day, and our schools been asked to take part! announced Mr Jenkins, the PE teacher, his voice full of excitement. Anyone fancy running?
Running? the pupils echoed incredulously.
Yes! For the 1.5km juniors race, we need two volunteers. The winner gets a medal, a certificate, and a top mark in PE. I assume Sally Green will want to represent the school? He looked at his favourite from Year 7B, who nodded confidently. Great. I need one more runner. Jackfancy raising that PE grade of yours?
Me? No, thanks, sir. Runnings not really my thing If it were a computer games tournament, Id be all over it.
Could I have a go? Olivia asked.
Turner? Do you even like running? If Im not mistaken, you only got a B for running, and we need the bestlike Sally.
Oh, let her run! Sally snorted. Shes always late for school anyway.
Well, no-one else has volunteered, Olivia pointed out. And Id love to.
Indeed, no one else in class wished to run a mile and a half in front of an audience, so Mr Jenkins reluctantly added Olivia Turner to the schools roster.
Youll regret this, Sally muttered after the lesson. Youre going to make a fool of yourself.
Well just see about that! Olivia replied.
She wasnt a gifted runner, but her desire to finally prove herself gave her new confidence. Now, she had a whole month ahead.
As she left school, Olivia was surprised to spot the same dog shed fed that morning waiting by the gate. How did you know which school I attend? she mused, before recalling that animals have strong senses of smell.
She walked home with the dog, grateful for the company. Of course, she wanted to keep the dog, but who would let her?
Mum, Dad Olivia said after dinner. Im going to run in the junior race1.5km, for National Sports Day. Sally Green and I are representing our school. Brilliant, isnt it?
Wow! her mother smiled. Did you volunteer, or did your teacher pick you?
I put my hand up! Remember you told me about Grandma winning a marathon once? I want to win too.
Youve got the right spirit. Thats my girl. Hold on, is Sally Green the same girl whos always bothering you? Youll be running against her?
Dont worry, Mum. She wont get the better of me this time. Ill prove I can do better!
I always knew our Olivia would show them all one day! chimed in her father.
And Mum, Dad I wanted to ask. This morning I met a dog on my way to school
No! her parents replied in unison. No dogs in the flat. Weve talked about this before. Theres nothing more to add.
Thats pretty much what I expected, Olivia thought sadly and went to her room.
*****
Every day after school and at weekends, Olivia trained for the race. Her mum showed her the right way to warm up, her dad explained how to breathe to last the distance.
And the dogwho waited patiently outside her house each daywould run beside her, keeping her company. Or perhaps even more.
Sometimes, the dog would up the pace, forcing Olivia to run faster to stay ahead. One day, after Olivia shared this with her parents, they exchanged meaningful glances.
Seems shes coaching you, her dad said with a smile.
The next day, her dad bought the dog a collar to stop anyone from taking her, and her mum sent food for hersausages or leftover burgers.
Olivia was hopeful this meant her parents were softening, but she was mistakenthey were still adamant: no dogs allowed upstairs. Even so, she was grateful for their small acts of kindness.
Sally kept up with her taunting:
Looking forward to embarrassing yourself in front of the whole town, Turner? Best back out now while you still can
Im not giving up. And I will finish first.
Ha! Sally laughed, suddenly nervous. First? Dont kid yourself. You wont even make it halfway! Youre such a loser!
Finally, the big day arrived. The stadium was burstingnot just with parents, but with a crowd of locals. Olivia did her warm-up, nerves growing.
Dont worry, love, her mum encouraged. If you dont win, it doesnt matter.
I will win, Mum! Im focused.
Thats what I want to hear. Her dad beamed. I believe in you.
I just wish I could have brought Daisy with me, Olivia thought, missing her four-legged friend (shed secretly named the dog Daisy). Shed tried to persuade her parents to let Daisy come, but her dad had grumbled it would take days to clean the car afterwards.
She looked around just in case, but Daisy was nowhere in sight.
On your marks, called the starter, glancing at the children. Set go!
And they were off, tearing down the track. Sally zoomed to the front. Olivia had hesitated and was stuck in fifth place.
She could almost hear Sallys mocking smile. Never mind, she told herself. He who laughs last laughs best.
Before long, Olivia overtook two girls and one boy, and soon she was running second, slowly gaining on Sally.
Sally kept glancing back, desperately trying to pull away. But Olivia knew from chasing Daisy round her blockdont try too hard too early, conserve your strength for the final push.
Nearing the finish, Olivia picked up the pace and drew level with Sally, catching her look of disbelief, then began overtaking her.
She started imagining the organisers handing her a medal and a certificate, her classmates looking on in awe, her parents bursting with pridebut
Suddenly, something slammed into her side. Before she knew it, the ground was moving, and she landed hard on her knee.
Struggling to hold back tears, Olivia stared at her grazed knee, at Sally pulling away ahead, at her fathers worried glance. She understood: she had lost.
Her dream of proving herself, of crossing the finish line ahead of Sally, had ended. She might not even come second now her leg hurt far too much.
Come on, get up! Dont give up! her mum shouted.
Olivia tried to gesture that she couldnt, but she made herself stand, only to sag at the pain in her leg. She couldnt even walk, let alone run.
The last thing she expected was the feeling of a soft, wet nose nestling into her palm. She looked down, and there was Daisy.
You? But how
It didnt matter how Daisy had found her way to the stadium. What mattered was that she was here.
Thank you for coming. But its no use. Ive lost
Daisy barked a few times as if she disagreed, then pressed herself beside Olivia and took a step forward. Olivia leaned on Daisys back and moved forward, step by painful step, towards the finish line.
And you know what?
Something magical happened. While Sally Green bounced in triumph on the line with her medal, no one was paying her the slightest attention.
The entire crowd was fixed on Olivia and Daisy, making their slow but determined journey to the finish.
They might not be first, but after all that hard work and preparation, they deserved to finish.
The other children trailing behind Olivia didnt pass her, despite being able to. Instead, they slowed to a walk and followed at a respectful distance, inspired by the sight of a girl who refused to quit no matter what, and a loyal dog who wouldnt leave her side.
Youre my dearest friend, Olivia whispered to Daisy as she kept moving forward, thank you for everything.
And when, at last, they crossed the finish line together, the crowd eruptedpeople clapped and cheered Well done! Well done!
Her parents ran to her, wrapping her in a tight embrace. Her dad even shook Daisys paw and patted her head.
You did brilliantly, Olivia, said her mum. Were so proud.
I reckon you were the true winner today. Her father glanced at Sally, who stood alone with her medal and certificate. I saw what happenedshe pushed you. Want me to have a word?
No need, Dad. Olivia smiled. She got what she wanted. Im just happy to have Daisy.
Olivia crouched to kiss her dogs head.
Lets get home, love, said her dad. Well buy a cake to celebrate!
Just a minute, let me say bye to Daisy, Olivia replied.
Theres no need to say goodbye, her parents smiled. Daisys coming with us.
With us? Olivia cried.
Yes. Shes living with us now! You dont find friends like her every day.
At that moment, Olivia realised shed won the best prize of allnot a medal or certificate, but a loyal friend and a loving family to share her victories and defeats.
True friendship, kindness, and determination are worth far more than any trophy.
