Scarlett and the twin sister problem.

“No way! Are you wearing that to the ultimate surfing competition?” asked Avery, my twin sister, glaring at the ‘Cooking Club Shirt’.

“Yeah, what’s the big problem?” I asked, raising my eyebrows. I looked down.

“You know this is the nationals and I don’t want my family to be lame supporters,” said Avery, her arms folded.

“Here comes another tantrum,” I mumbled.

“You seriously need to get a grip, Scarlett or you will be totally out of hand when you’re a teenager,” said Avery. “Anyway, I’m off, Kiera’s waiting for me.” As soon as Avery left, I slumped down on my bed…

Ever since I quit surfing, me and Avery have drifted apart. We used to hang out together, have the same interests, and laugh at the popular kids. We used to be Twin Sisters. After I started doing different things, Avery acted snobby. She acted as the popular kids were royalty. We didn’t have the same interests. We hardly even talked to each other at school, let alone play together. I wish we could be the twin sisters we used to be. I shook away my thoughts and stood up. I had to figure out a solution, it needed to be stopped…

I trundled downstairs, to find a solution but to find Mum yelling on the phone.

All I could hear was ‘Ave, no surfing, get a grip,'

Ave was what my Mum called Avery. She calls me Carly.

“We’ll work something out,” yelled Mum, before slamming her phone on the table. She turned around.

“Hey Carly, didn’t see you there, Avery’s surfing comp got put on hold because the lifeguards had an accident and we need to help raise money,” said Mum.

‘Oh great, another problem’ I thought.

“And…” hesitated Mum. “I thought it will be a lovely opportunity for you and Avery to make a bond,” she said.

“But that won’t work,” I practically scream in my head.

"But it won't work," I say calmly, but on the inside I was fuming. 

"Remember Sisters are sisters through thick and thin, remember, you might have lost each other once, but you're still twin sisters,"Mum reminds me. It was what Mum used to tell me and Avery when we had mini-fights like who got the last chocolate bar.

But the idea of my Mum’s ‘fundraising’ idea was worse than I thought.…

“Why are you getting your hands dirty?” asked Avery, wrinkling her nose.

“That’s what you’re supposed to do,” I said, mixing the dough. I couldn’t believe Mum said I had to cook with Avery.

“Why are you so mean,?” said Avery, sticking out her tongue.  

“Sorry, but I’m not a mature buffoon like you.” I replied, putting the dough in the oven.

“Look, I’m sorry about how I acted since high school, I was just stupid,” said Avery, staring out to the distance.

“What, like always?” I say but I stop when I see Avery, arms folded, “Sorry, it’s been a long time since you didn’t be mean.” I said.

“I’d thought you’d never forgive me,” said Avery hugging me. “Ewwww, dough alert,” said Avery stepping back and laughing. 
“Sisters are sisters through thick and thin, remember, we might have lost each other once, but we’re still twin sisters,” I said, smiling at the joke Mum told me.

“Gee, I wonder where you heard that,” teased Avery.

Then we laughed, we were back to normal.

Review- Kensy and Max: Disappearing Act

The second book of Kensy and Max, written by Jacqueline Harvey, was exciting because they got to go on their very first mission with Autumn and Carlos. I wish I had a watch like them. Every time they decode a new message, I'm always so excited about what it's going to say! I think Max's is right about Uncle Rupert. He's uncanny. At the start of the book when they did that maze competition, I would not want to get hit by those bullets. I love all the gadgets that they use. The most useful one for me would probably be the hairclip that Kensy wears. Useful for picking locks. The most exciting moment would be the chasing and running away from the people in the orphanage. I still can't believe that they met their mum and dad again even if it was for a few minutes. I still don't understand how Lola's mother doesn't know that Lola's father is a... Diavolo. Wait, does she know? Out of Kensy and Max's gifts, I like Max's better. I love code-cracking. I don't have a photographic memory for anything, but I have an uncanny thing where I can remember book conversations. Like out of nowhere, I can remember things from other books that I've read like 2 months ago.

A thing I didn't like was on Chapter 2 when they were split in 2's and had to find their own way to Dame Spencer's country estate in North Yorkshire, it didn't say anything about how they managed to get there.

When Mr Nutting said 'Your lucky I'm not in the mood for blood tonight, girls,' did he actually mean blood? When Misha left Lola, it said Lola attached herself to Hattie. Is Hattie, Harriet? Are all the next books going to have that case note that Fitz wrote? In the case note it said Kensy and Max were admitted Agents-In-Training at eleven years and one month. Does that mean they had their birthday one month ago? Did their parents disappear in that one month? It said they they were entered in formal training on 17 November, how long was that before they were admitted agents in training?

Overall, I think this book is Awesome and a great book for kids to read. I think it would be suitable for kids age 9+. I love this book so much, I give it ⭐⭐⭐🌟/ 5 stars.

Everything is possible and that matters

Everything is possible. I know that's true. A girl once said... If I can’t dream something and make it work, what’s the point in even having a dream? We spend 47% of our lives daydreaming. Unbelievable! We spend that much time thinking and we don’t even know it. People say that dreams are way too hard to accomplish, so why don’t we try to achieve it by working harder? If your friends are telling you, you won’t accomplish that dream, then don’t listen to them. We need to follow what we want to do and not what they want us to do... We should all know there’s a solution to everything, we just have to make it possible.

People give up on their dreams… they give up on things like university because they don’t want to practise much and end up slacking off. People need to build up, get stronger and accomplish whatever they do, don’t just stand there and watch. ‘Birds don’t just fly, they fall down and get up’ - Shakira. You don’t just give up, keep on going and you’ll reach the top. Kids need to stop giving up and need to start trying again. If everyone gave up, then we wouldn’t have anything! We wouldn’t have doctors, nurses, dentists, authors or pretty much anything. A journey of a thousand miles starts with one single step. All those careers start with you as kids, it starts with us being kids, the journey begins with that step… Kids. We want the world to know your there, to show them your talent and it all starts with a kids dream...

We daydream (or mind wander) on 2 levels: 1. When we realize we’re of task or 2. When we don’t realize we’re drifting off. Grown ups often say daydreaming is bad, as it takes you from your learning but it actually helps you learn better. Imagine if we couldn’t daydream, have an imagination… How would you feel? You couldn’t dream about a new Ipad or a new television to replace your old, broken one. You don’t have an imagination. Everyone should have one, even you. So get out of a screen and reach out for your dreams. I know who’s hiding from the real world… Just to play some boring, old video games. ;-)

If you're too scared to do your dream because of some of your friends saying ‘no’ and ‘don’t do it’. Then what’s the point of even being friends with them if you can’t even follow what you want. ‘It's hard to stand up to your enemies but it's even harder to stand up to your friends’ - Harry Potter. I know saying no is hard to say to your friends but is it really worth it to not be friends with that person or not having a job or money and any where to live. See the difference?   

So, just remember no matter how big or small your dream is, you can always make it and it's always possible... You can dream a story, a new life, it's up to you to dream your dream. What are you dreaming now? 👍

The writing above that I wrote, has been enter in the "What Matters Competition"

The Spider Prank

Quincy Quack tripped over her schoolbag. Her feathers were a mess and she didn’t have any breakfast. She slammed the door of her bedroom and waddled downstairs. She squawked ‘hello’ to her parents before flying out the door. After a few minutes, Quincy opened the door again looking sheepish. She forgot her schoolbag! After a few minutes searching the kitchen, she found some money for lunch as well. Then she flew out the door again, well not before checking she had everything. 

As Quincy reached the bus stop just in time, she spotted her best friend, Sally Squawk and flew over. They squawked the greetings and talked about their epic weekends. Sally had been river-rafting, while Quincy had got some Roller-skates and Roller-skating lessons. Sally laughed when Quincy told her that she fell over so many times that she got a bruise shaped like a roller-skate! 

As the Quack-bus drove towards them. Quincy noticed a cool-looking group of ducklings at the far side of the bus stop. Selina Squabble was among the group. Selina didn’t just get her last name for no reason. She squabbled A LOT! She was the most popular Duckling in Duck-School. Quincy and Sally glared at her. Selina had a reputation for being a bad-tempered duckling. Quincy entered the Quack-bus with Sally on her tail. They got the seats at the front. Soon, a dark shadow covered them…

“Hey! You guys look who it is, Scaredy Sally and Baby Quincy,” laughed Selina, brushing her feathers. Then she and her two minions, Violet and Sky flew out to get some seats at the back.

“Argh! I hate it when they do that!” groaned Sally.

Suddenly, Quincy had an idea. “I’ve got an idea, a really funny one,” she grinned. Quincy whispered it to her.

Sally nodded. “Now that’s funny payback,”

As the bus pulled over. Quincy waddled out. Selina, Sky and Violet flew out and almost crashed her. “Hey!” Quincy squawked.

“Sorry, it’s not my fault you chose to waddle out of the bus,” replied Selina, not sounding sorry at all.

As Selina flew to class, Sally and Quincy grinned. Maybe, just maybe, this funny plan would work. In class, Quincy's teacher, Mrs. Waddle smiled and told us we were gonna do Quack-math. The class groaned. Quincy smiled, this was easy. She was one of the smartest ducklings.

At Recess, Quincy pulled out a toy spider from her lunch box and slipped it into her pocket. Sally grabbed some string, sticky tape and scissors. They had everything we needed...

Back in class, Selina screamed. In front of her was a big, black spider. “THERE’S A SPIDER ON MY DESK! THERE’S A BIG, HUMONGOUS SPIDER! EEK! AAH! GET ME OUT OF HERE!” screamed Selina. She made so much commotion that the two classes next door and the Quack-school principal, Mr. Duck peeked inside to see what the screaming was all about. Sally and Quincy stifled a giggle. Mrs. Flap, a class teacher from next door examined the spider.

“It seems it isn’t real,” explained Mrs. Flap.

Selina’s face turned a dark shade of angry red. “WHO DID THIS!” shrieked Selina.

Quincy and Sally still tried to remain stony and calm but, on the inside, they were laughing so hard. Quincy tried to sit still, while Sally had to stuff her feathers into her beak. They had abolished Selina! Sky and Violet, Selina’s minions and practically everyone in the classroom were laughing. Quincy and Sally gave in and joined laughing with everyone. “Looks like you have a huge Quack-up to fix!” giggled Sky. Violet turned to Sally and Quincy who were behind her.

“I’m sorry for all those mean things Selina has said to you guys,” apologized Violet. Then she lowered her voice. “It was you right?”

Quincy and Sally stared at each other. Should they tell? “Yes!” said Sally and Quincy at the same time. Then they burst out laughing. Quincy and Sally didn’t realize they were gonna make up their minds at the exact same time or say it at the exact same time. 

Sky turned around.

“From now on, I think me and Violet will hang out with you guys instead of Selina,” Sky said.

Violet, Sally and Quincy nodded.

Selina rushed out of the room, demanding to be expelled. Mrs. Flap and Mrs. Waddle rushed out to comfort her.

“No way is she gonna be comfortable at a time like this,” said Sally, shaking her head.

Sky, Quincy, Violet and Sally laughed. From now on they were gonna be friends. Selina, the most popular duckling, was demanding to be expelled, now everyone had seen her other side and Sally and Quincy had done their payback. The day couldn’t have gotten any better.

Review: The 104-Storey Treehouse

The 104-Storey Treehouse was really funny. I loved reading the jokes at the bottom. My favourite joke is that there is a one-Storey house where everything is red. I was so caught up reading that joke that I didn't even read that part of the story, where they climb the never-ending staircase! It was sort of annoying and funny when they climb it because it takes up 27 pages! That part is just a chapter. I also can't believe that the fairies didn't realize Terry was in Fairyland. He's so big compared to them. If I lived in that Treehouse I would go to the money making machine, get like a billion two-dollar coins and then go to the two-dollar shop, then I could buy everything I want! Then I'd just go back to the money making machine get two-million-dollars and buy something from the two-million-dollar shop. Easy Peasy. Well, unless I'm like Terry and I bump into the machine and switch it to honey. That thing should have like, flashing lights to warn the person that they switched it. I would NEVER climb the never-ending staircase because I can't even climb a thousand stairs let alone a never-ending one. I think that relaxing field of Buttercups, Butterflies and Bluebirds would be a perfect place for Jill. The burp bank sounds disgusting though. What if you don't have any burps? The tangled up level sounds cool and scary. What if you never get un-tangled? I'd give this book ⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 5 stars. I've read lots of your Treehouse Books since the first one, The 13-Storey Treehouse. Keep on writing those Treehouse books Andy and Terry!

Review: Alice-Miranda in Scotland

I love the Alice-Miranda series, especially this book! This was the one I only needed to read to finish off my collection. I have a lot of favourite parts. One of them was when they were kidnapped. It was mysterious in a way and kind of fun reading. Judging how the bunker was described, if they wouldn't be kidnapped, I would've stayed there. It sounded nice ( Well maybe I would buy more sensible food, just to be on the safe side 😄)  I also liked the creational Scottish group names, especially Clan Mac. My favourite funny part was when that old man/ pensioner sneaked into the back row and demanded the volume to be turned up. That was hilarious, and when Maddie ( Madagascar) was wedged into that suit, serves her right for being a brat and a bully. Too bad she got out of the suit. Anyway, why did Davina Stuart want to make Barclay Ferguson sick? I mean she wanted to make Nessie's monster group parents, suffer and she said at the end she wouldn't care if the children die down there but not Mr Ferguson. He's her boss! My favourite character is Alethea because she's much nicer in this book then her previous appearances and she is a good friend. Anyway, I'll give this book ⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 5 stars. I hope Jacqueline Harvey keeps on writing more Alice-Miranda books and good luck with her other series. 👍

Colours

Colours

So bold and bright

Colours

Pink, purple, black and white

Colours

Full of mystery

Colours

Full of history

Colours

Swirls and spots

Colours

Cold and hot

Colours

You are fun

Colours

Mixing done

Light Lamp Town

Today was a okay day. NO! I take that back, today is a strange day. I was on my normal walk ( run ) past the famous bridge. I live in New York and that bridge was just past Central Park. I looked below to see if there were any tropical fish in the river. Bang! I bumped my head on the rails and I plunged into the water. 

Where was I, I thought. 

I didn't seem to be getting wet. I looked around and realized I was upside down. I was floating. The buildings were plain brown all around me. The air smells like oil so I could hardly breathe. The sky is pink with purple dots. The people are half animal - half people. A sign says 'Light Lamp Town'

What was this strange 'Light Lamp Town' place?

"Who are you?" growled a man - animal thingy in the upside down, floating street. He seemed to appear out of nowhere. 

"I'm... Actually I have no idea," I confessed.

That was a huge mistake. The man - animal thingy took me to the worst thing that could happen. I had to meet the Queen. The Queen had ginormous ears, bigger than my feet! She also had a grumpy look on her face. I was scared. The man - animal thingy kneeled on one knee.

"Your majesty, we have ( glancing at me ) someone who doesn't know what is she," said the man - animal thingy to the Queen.

The Queen glared at him. "And, Patter, who is this she," Her voice was growly, like a dog. 

"Um... Here is she," Patter said nervously, stepping aside to make room for me. 

I felt my cheeks get hot as I bowed.

"Oh my, who are you?" squeaked the Queen.

"I'm Caitlin and I'm a human," I squeaked back.

"We have never had a real human come in a long, long, long time," growled the Queen, then she shook her head and shaked her fist at me, "Humans are and also mean a lot of trouble,"

The way she said 'trouble' was sickening. Patter widened his eyes. I could hear him whisper 'not the guards' under his breath. The Queen rang a bell and 10 man - animal thingy's came immediately to her. I glance at Patter. He gulped. They had to be guards. 

"Guards ( I was right ), attack that girl and throw her in prison!" ordered the Queen. "Patter, you are going to be my witness, so stay here," said the Queen in a nasty tone. The guards marched towards me. I had to do something. And I did. I ran.

I ran out of the palace and into the palace gardens. I knew that from my project on space, that if you kick your legs than you can move faster. I kicked my legs and also flapped my arms to make me go faster. I turned to see the guards following me. I kicked harder and I almost performed a perfect back flip. It was lucky I had leggings and not a skirt. Actually, I did have a mini-dress on so that counts. I turned for a split second and realized the guards were on my tail. I spotted an upside down tree and hid in it ( which was hard when you're floating ). The guards slipped past me. Without them on my trail, I had no idea what to do. Well first on my list, Was a portal to home of course. I was so caught up in my thoughts that I didn't notice the guards coming back. They were muttering among themselves. 

"What are we going to say to The Queen!?!"  

"Nothing,"

"Guys..."

"How about we forget about this stupid thing???"

"I know! We could run away!" 

"GUYS! Look," shouts one, with glasses and a humongous beard. 

All the guards turn to see me while I was deep in thought. I heard a noise but I thought it was nothing. Soon a tough one stepped out and grabbed me, then he stomped the ground and a hole formed. He threw me in and stomped the ground. Then all the man - animal thingy's crackled. They had closed the hole. And I was falling inside.

"Help! Someone!" I shrieked. 

I fell on some hard ground. I stood up and dusted myself. 

This had to be the prison, I thought. 

I looked around and realized there were tunnels leading everywhere. I took a tunnel to my right and I looked around. This was the same. Only it had a small window. I could hear voices up above. I knew up above that this was the Queen's palace. I realized that maybe the Queen had some priceless information. I pressed my ear on the wooden ceiling. I could only just reach it. 

"Yes, Yes, Yes, Thank god we don't have that horrid human in the castle but in the prison," the Queen was saying ( My ears practically had steam come out of them on the last part ). 

I spotted a rat and toppled over. I plunged into the floor. I jumped into the ground and popped back out. Back into home. New York.

What was that? I thought. But then I realized there had been a tiny fairy painting on the floor.

Everything was normal. In one way, I missed the Light Lamp Town place but then again I missed home. I was standing on the bridge. But next time, maybe I'd take a different route on my walk or not fall into the water again. Well not for a long time. 

The End  

Review- KENSY and MAX, Book 1: Breaking News

I really loved Kensy and Max because it was so exciting with the kidnapping and the missing parents. My 3 favourite characters are Autumn, Harper and Kensy. Autumn because she's always there for Kensy and she's very brave. Harper because I love how she's always saying 'school is never dull', she also has lovely blonde hair and pale blue eyes. Kensy because she's 1 out of the 2 main characters and she's an awesome bossy leader ( mainly to Max ). Another thing I liked about it was how in every corner there was a new adventure, a new excitement for Kensy and Max. I mean cracking that Britain Diamond Theft was an amazing accomplishment. I also liked how on every chapter heading, there was a set of jumbled letters and then at the back there was the Caesar Cipher to crack them, it was like we were now going to crack the codes instead of Kensy and Max! My favourite bit ( Okay I have a lot of favourite bits ) is when they get a message on Max's watch from there parents. Unreal! Kensy and Max are very quick to see through things and crack the case. So I guess that was why Max decoded the Morse code so fast ( Or maybe it was because his sister was being so impatient ). This book is the best book ever! I give it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 5 stars. I hope everyone enjoys this book. 👍    

The New York Surprise

Hi, I'm Keisha Carlton but everyone calls me Keira Carlton. I live in Queensland and I'm an Australian girl. I was born in Sydney though, before my Grandma Claire died and my dad decided to move to Queensland. At first I was shocked, hurt and upset as well at my dad. After all, how was I going to make some friends? Well, I'm over that now. I've got 3 great friends, Caitlin, Katie and Summer. We're all surf-mad. Caitlin has won the junior girls championship surfer-star trophy. I've come runner-up in nearly every single surfer race (and I've only entered 4 races). Summer had been 3rd place once but Katie has never won anything in her surfer race. I'm also book-mad and if I don't get to be a famous surfer when I'm older, I'll take an author as my second choice. Me and Caitlin are also in a group at school called travel guiders. It means that we basically know everything about one country. I'm researching New York. Caitlin is researching London. We're partners and our backup plan is Paris.

Right now since it was the holiday break, Jessica and Ella (my friends from Sydney) were both not coming to my house because they both were on holidays, so I hanged out with my surf-mad friends at Caitlin's house.

"Hey, have any of you won the traveling to New York competition?" asked Caitlin to us, looking directly at me.

I shrugged.

Katie stared at the ground.

Summer shook her head.

"But... I do have some news." I said, turning to face my friends.

"What?" asked Caitlin.

I smiled at her. Caitlin was my best friend and we were like two peas in a pod.

"I'm going to New York soon for my birthday present," I said. I waited to see their reactions.

Summer clapped her hands.

Caitlin looked around.

Katie gave me a fake smile.

"Guys... Why are we looking so dazed?" I asked them.

"I don't know?" They all replied in unison, though to me, it sounded like a question.

I twisted my bottom lip in thought "Um, so..."

There was an awkward silence.

"iiiI have to go," Katie said stammering.

"Ah, same," Summer said, a little guiltily in my opinion.

"I have to go as well," I said giving Katie a look.

We all trampled out.

"Later," Caitlin said giving us a half-smile half-frown.

Then we went our separate ways.

Ring! Ring! Ring! Ring! Poof! I fell of the bed. Again. That was the second time I fell off. The last time was when my annoying brother, Christe 'accidentally' put the bed ON my head (about 2 years ago). Like seriously, who would do that? Only Christe would. Anyway, I looked at the caller and it was Caitlin.

I hit the green button.

"Come quick! Emergency at Summer's place, NOW!!!" Caitlin's panicked voice said in the phone.

"Okay, bu-" I said but Caitlin didn't wait to hear the rest, she just cut me off. I felt curious at what was going on, so I picked up my mobile phone and stuffed it into my sling bag.

I dashed to Summer's place, which was only a 3-minute walk from my place. I hurriedly opened the door and tumble in. "I'm here! What's wrong?" I asked. Then I looked around.

Summer's eyes were all red, like she had been crying.

Katie's hair stood on all end, like she was frightened.

Caitlin's jaw had dropped.

I stared, taking it all in.

"What's wrong?" I asked, again, softly.

"My cat just died," Summer said quietly.

I put my hand to my mouth and my eyes got as wide as an owls. "Oh no, Marie?" I exclaimed.

Caitlin nodded.

Ding! Ding! It was 12'o'clock on Summer's grandfather clock.

"I really have to go," Caitlin said, standing up.

Katie nodded and stood up as well.

Everyone looked up at me. After all, I only just arrived.

Summer nodded.

I sighed. "I have to go as well,"

We all walked to the door while Summer waved us off, still brimming with tears.

"Keir," said my mum, Nora all excitingly.

"What," I said grumpily, I was not in the mood, ever since I left Summer's place. The only thing that could cheer me up was a trip to New York now or a surf out on the beach. But both those options were probably not available. It was too cold for the beach and I would've known if we were going to New York early.

"We're going to NYC earlier, it's going to be an early birthday present, SURPRISE!!!" my mum shouted.

"What?!?" I exclaimed. That was Awesome and Fabulous. New York City, here I come.

"I know, darling! Amazing, I won a trip through the New York City live and dream comp, where Grandma Claire worked before and I won but when I checked the date it was this week!!!" my mum said.

"Does Christe know?" I asked.

My mum nodded.

I happily trampled to my bedroom.

It's been 2 days and I've packed everything, but here's a mystery. When we moved to Queensland, my grandma/my mother's mum gave us her house in her will. She used to live in Queensland you know. So we repainted the house and upgraded the bathrooms and kitchen. The only thing that hasn't been upgraded is the attic. It has all of my grandma's letters, treasures and other things. I poked in them today, while my parents and Christe were busy (they don't let me up there and why would I let Christe up there with me?). I found an old box and some letters in a bundle in the trunk. I turned the box around and inscribed on it was: Keisha/Keira. I nearly tripped because how shocked, and amazed, I was with that box. I tried to open it but it was locked. I looked at the bundle of letters. It said: To: Keira, ONLY OPEN IN NEW YORK! There were only 4 letters. As I flipped through, I realized 2 notes fell out. 1. was a map of NYC with 3 large pink dots and 2. a short letter. The letter said:

To: Keira,

I hope you enjoy this treasure hunt. I may not be able to join you because I'm starting to get old but I hope you can. There are lots of fun places in New York for you try, so you will have plenty of time to enjoy them as well as the treasure hunt.

Grandma Claire😘

P.S You will meet some of my friends at the places. Good luck! Au revoir.

I felt silent tears dropping. I miss Grandma Claire, she was the best joker and storyteller. In other ways I felt curious. I quickly closed the trunk and quietly sneaked downstairs. With the letters in one hand and the box in the other I raced upstairs to my bedroom. I opened my top drawer and felt for a button. I pressed it and a hidden compartment popped out of my side desk. I put the box in there and stuffed my letters in my suitcase, then I close the compartment. At night, I gave my suitcase to my dad and he tossed it in the car, then we headed to the airport.

It was pretty busy there. People were milling around either to get to there plane or saying goodbye to friends or family. We had already gave our luggage so we boarded on to the plane. Me and my mum were on one side, while my dad and Christe were on the other. Soon I snoozed off.

I was in NYC! There was a lot of bustle but it was nice. My family grabbed our suitcases and raced to our apartment. We got our keys and then we settled in. I had a nice, cozy room. Mum and Dad's room was on my right, while Christe's room was on my left. Then we were grabbed our guidebooks and cameras and raced off for some sightseeing. I had my letters in my bag and I was dying to know what was in them. Finally, after an hour me and Christe got to go on our own.

"Be careful," mum said after the hundredth time.

"Yes mum," I murmured.

Then I set off to a cafe shop while Christe went to the Louvre.

I sat down and ordered a chocolate milkshake. Then I read the 1st note, including some American money:

New York, 1st note

I hope you're excited, I am. You're off to a fabulous fashion shop near an island called Manhattan. If you have time enjoy a ferry ride to Staten island as well. You'll meet my friend, Layla and she'll give you your... Something. The treasure hunt is short but why will be revealed soon. Enjoy!

Grandma Claire

I knew Staten Island was where the Statue of Liberty stood. I checked my watch, glad that I bought it and realized that I only had an hour and a half to do the treasure hunt so that was bit easy. I looked at my page of directions and it was only 15mins from where I was.

As I put my chocolate milkshake in the bin, I bumped into a girl. She had lovely blonde hair like me and a big smile.

"Sorry," said the girl. "I'm Riley Smith."

"I'm Keira Carlton, I'm from Australia," I said.

Riley's eyes lit up. "I'm from London and I love, love, love Australia, it has the best beaches," she said.

"Do you like to surf? Because I love to surf," I asked.

"It's awesome, I love surfing, and what have you got there?" Riley replied.

"My Grandma Claire, made up this treasure hunt and I do need some help along the way... If you're willing???"I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Definitely," Riley nodded.

"Well, first is going to be the chocolate shop near Manhattan, where you get ferry rides to Staten Island. I think it's the chocolate shop 'Love Chocolate' because it's near all that, right? And we're going to meet my Grandma's friend, Layla as well," I said.

"Hmm, yep but I have to be home in an hour and a half," Riley said checking her watch, a little bit anxious.

I laughed.

Riley looked confused. "What," she asked, her face twisted.

"I have to go home in an hour and a half, and I have the same watch brand as you," I giggled.

"Well, we better get started," smiled Riley.

After 1 hour, visiting all the places (The 'Love Chocolate' shop,  The statue of Liberty and The Louvre) we got my gifts, my favourite book, a bracelet that said 'Grandma Claire 💗's You' and a key.

"What's the key for?" asked Riley.

"Probably for a locked box back at home," I said.

Bring! Bring! "I've got to go home," said Riley sadly.

I found a piece of paper and said that she had to write her phone number, email address and home address. After that, I wrote down mine and ripped it in half. Then I gave her my side and she gave me mine. After that we hugged each other, promised to stay in touch and waved each other goodbye.

As I headed down Lane street, with Riley heading in the opposite direction, towards Central park. I kept thinking, why did Grandma Claire do that Treasure hunt, you see, She and I aren't that close. I loved here and missed her but I wasn't about to cry about her. I always felt my Grandma loved Christe more. I didn't know why but I just felt it. I checked my watch and decided to run.

I dashed to the hotel and I just made it. We ate dinner as a family and then we went to sleep. Turns out, mum had to go home early for something so we had to go home the next day. So the next day we bought souvenirs for our friends back home and for us. I got a bracelet saying NYC Lover and a tiny little bear. For my friends, I got Caitlin a Best friend Bracelet saying best friends forever in New York! For Summer a cute key ring of the statue of liberty and for Katie a NYC surfer key ring. I also got Jessica a bundle of paints, since she loved to paint and Ella a painting of New York. Christe got a boring shirt with the Empire State Building on it. Mum and Dad were on fire, getting over 20 presents for them and their friends. Soon we boarded our plane and headed home. I realized I hadn't opened my fourth note so I did on the plane, pretending to read a book. The note said:

Dear Keira

Enjoyed the treasure hunt? Well you might be wondering why I did it and why it was so short, so I'll tell you why. I love you too the moon and stars and back. But whenever you come I notice you're always hiding in your room. I've heard you say why and I just want to say that I love you as much as Christe, no more so please forgive me if you think so. It's short because I want you to enjoy NYC as well as the treasure hunt.

Grandma Claire

P.S I love you

I smiled at the note and in my head I said 'I love you too Grandma Claire'

After that I fell asleep and when I woke up we we're back in Queensland! Caitlin, Katie and Summer were there to greet me. Caitlin's mum had volunteered to drive us home. Caitlin was having a sleepover with Summer and Katie so she practically begged to come with her mum and greet us. I gave them their presents (they all squealed with delight when they realized I had bought them gifts) then we toppled into Caitlin's car and headed home.

At home, Jessica and Ella face-timed me and I said I'll either mail them their gifts or wait for them to visit Queensland or we visit Sydney. Then I got a text from Riley saying 'she misses me' and I gave a 👍=🤣 back. Then I  opened the box it was just some photos of me and Grandma Claire. They weren't much but they would treasure me forever. Then I went to sleep. It had been a exciting, exotic and tiring journey. I had fun of course. And fun was what I wanted. And New York.

The End👋   

Walk Life On

Kick, kick, always steady

Through mud, water and snow

Jump, jump, always sturdy

That's my heart I show

Soar through the sky

And be in the air

Jump and fly

Go without care

Walk, walk, every evening

Just open your eyes

Streets, corners, lawns and gardens

It doesn't tell lies

Head, heart, always moving

Never ever sigh

The path you take is yours to make

So don't let life pass you by

Diary adventures - Casey and the strange woman

Starting school

Dear diary,

"Hey, Ashley." I waved.

Ashley barged through the crowd to get to me. "How was New York?" she asked cheerfully.

"Exhausting," I smiled. "But I had some fun as well"

Ashley looked surprised in a fake way. Then she laughed. "How can you have fun without me, after all, I am your best friend." she giggled.

"Yeah, it was tough, but I got through," I giggled back.

It had just been the holidays and everyone had a 3 - week holiday. Everyone was standing at the front of the school, chatting with their friends and catching up with everyone else's holidays. Well almost everyone. Mean girl Mackenzie was laughing and pointing at someone everyone once in a while to make fun of them with her best friends, Mary Anne and Tiana. Mackenzie is by far The Meanest Girl (TMG) that I've ever meant and that's the understandment of the year, she's so... I can't even put the right words for her. But everyone just ignored her and kept on chatting.

Suddenly everyone started to get louder and louder. Nobody noticed the principal standing there, setting up the podium.

"This is crazy, I mean we're all talking and the principal is setting up the podium and where are all the teachers, and where's that crazy grade teacher, Miss Belly or something," yelled Ashley to me.

Some kids behind us heard us and started to hoot with laughter, one even said "Miss Belly! Its Miss Bell."

Ashley's face was all red since she was blushing, so she turned away. But I heard her mutter "Stupid kids," when she was out of hearing distance with the kids. She turned to me with an angry expression.

I knew she was going to give them a piece of her mind so I grabbed her arm, shook my head and gave her a a sympathetic smile.

She had a straight face when she pulled away from them but I knew Ashley didn’t mean any harm as I picked up but unfortunately Mackenzie had come up near us and heard every word.

"Oh Ashley, Don't be such a baby, cause right now your acting like it," smirked Mackenzie.

Ashley glared at her.

Suddenly the podium screeched.

"Ow! That's loud and I’m starving! Hurry up with this boring assembly,’ groaned Mackenzie in a nasty tone, putting her hands to her ears and pulling her attention away from Ashley.

I rolled my eyes at Ashley indicating that I was annoyed with Mackenzie.

She pulled at a face at me.

We both grinned at each other.

"Children, please go to your dorm rooms," announced principal Jay as he got the speaker under control.

Oops, I forgot to unpack my other suitcase.

More later today, Casey

 After unpacking

Dear diary,

Everyone headed to the dorm room door. There were lots of 'aahs' and 'oohs' and 'That hurts' but everyone made through. Me and Ashley headed to room 13 and their was a key in the lock. We turned it and it opened the door.

I grinned "Second home is totally..."

"Smelly," said Ashley her nose wrinkling with the smell.

I laughed "If you say so,"

We both chucked our bags on one of the beds and stretched. Then we started to unpack.

After we unpacked, we both wandered of to the cafeteria.

More after lunch, Casey

After lunch

Dear diary

At the cafeteria, we spotted our friends Willow and Sally drinking the new smoothies, rainbow magic. We raced over to them.

"How are they, nice smoothies or bad smoothies," asked Ashley, 100 miles an hour.

"Pretty nice," shrugged Sally.

"Awesome, anymore news," I said holding out my hand, pretending it was a microphone.

"Yeah," jumped up Willow. "Nothing, Oh and Ashley please stop speaking a hundred miles an hour " she said in the (pretend) microphone.

We all burst out giggling. I shoved Ashley.

"Sorry," she protested.

"Well, that's all the time we have," I smiled. "Bye," I wave.

"Ha! I think we have to go," said Sally glancing at the clock.

"Yep," nodded Ashley.

More tomorrow, Casey

2 weeks after that

Dear diary, A short break

I've made 2 weeks at school! That's great and I only have 3 terms and 8 weeks to go, which is not great. I haven't be writing a lot because

The past events that happened were a little... strange.

 Read on...

This 2 weeks in the past, the morning had been really strange after lunch, guess why? We had to go home. Yes, go home!!! Me, Ashley and our other close friends, Tiffany and Miranda were all planning on having a slumber party with our friends, Willow, Sally,  Scarlet and Olivia. Lets just say that me and Olivia aren't really keen on each other. Actually for the truth, we hate each other. And we're completely opposite, she's a dancer, I'm a singer, She likes cooking, I like writing, She's loud and mean (in my opinion) when I'm loud and nice. I have a dozen non - school friends when she has Gabby (Gabriella) , her only non - school friend from dance. Anyway, I'm getting off topic so where was I? Oh yeah, we were all planning a slumber party but then the penny dropped. We were all going home. We had no idea why though. So everyone headed out sighing with disappointment when suddenly it hit me! We had nobody to take us home!

"Guys, Who's taking us?" I whispered to my friends as we were walking.

Everyone stopped and looked at me confused.

Then I realized. "I mean who's taking us home?" I asked more clearly.

"Oh, I dunno," shrugged Scarlet, starting to walk again.

Olivia just smirked at me. Olivia only plays with me and I play with her is because our friends play together and we have no choice.

I glared back.

As we headed to the front entrance it was over flowing with people all milling around, as I walked I almost bumped into Mackenzie.

"Hey! Watch it loser," Mackenzie laughed.

I rolled my eyes, Mackenzie was worse the Olivia by 100x and that was saying something.

The principal tried to quieten everyone down "Okay kids, you're taking the bus home, if you live in Baxter street, Meaner street or Kano Street, you need to go on bus 1997, If you go on..."

I ignored the rest and searched for my bus, bus 1997.

Ding! Suddenly I realized that it was right behind me. 

Me and Ashley climbed overboard.

As I hopped on my bus I could see Tiffany and Miranda waving at me.

I waved back. 

Ooh! I tripped over as the bus as it drives off. All the kids laugh at me. I blush fiercely.

Ashley helps me up and makes room on her seat for me.

"You 'kay," smiled Ashley.

"Yeah,"I mumbled.

I made my seat comfy and tried to hide myself while Ashley got some horse books out to read.

I stared out the window and slumped down really low. I knew that if Olivia or Mackenzie found out, I'll never hear the end of it. I kept on staring as the bus moved along. Suddenly, like a bolt of lightning I sat up. I let out a tiny gasp.

"What, What is it?" asked Ashley straight away.

"That woman, that woman," I said in a tiny voice.

A woman was hitting a horse really (like really) hard. 

Ashley gasped as well (but more louder and more upsetting) as soon as she saw it (she's horse-mad).

Ding!

"C'mon, stupid girls," muttered the bus driver.

Me and Ashley rolled our eyes at each other, even though we were the last ones out, that bus driver was rude. 

Suddenly as we were walking, I pulled at Ashley's sleeve. "That woman is right in front of our bus," I hissed at her, pulling her back.

"Well, what are we going to do, we can't keep that bus driver waiting, even if he is rude," said Ashley raising her eyebrows.

"Hmm, Good point... I have an idea," I grinned.

"What is it?" said Ashley nervously.

(News flash: I am NOT good at making safe plans)

"Just follow my lead," I smiled, spy-like.

I slowly jumped out of the bus door with the bus driver rolling his eyes and looking at his watch. I turned around to see Ashley just standing around. I motioned at her to come and follow me. She pulled a face but then she slowly followed me.

I stared at the woman.

Suddenly the woman yelled "Get away from me you little brats," she screeched.   

Ashley was just climbing out the door when I yelled " Run!" 

We dashed out the bus stop and into Kano street, where me and Ashley live.

We took a break and sat down to get a drink of water.

The woman barged through Kano street.

Ashley let out a tiny gasp and put her hands over her eyes.

I did the same.

Nothing happened.

I peeked through my hands and the woman was smiling and held out her hand. I noticed she only had one front tooth.

"Ah, um, hello?" I mumbled, still a little shocked and shaking her hand.

Ashley looked up too.

"Sorry, to scare you, I'm Veronica Wesley," the woman said.

"I'm Casey and this is my best friend Ashley," I said jumping up.

"Where do you live, darling?" Veronica asked. 

I looked surprised but I said "In this house," I pointed.

Veronica looked confused.

"But that's where I live," Veronica said looking extra confused.

I never realized this before but Veronica can get even more confused than 'extra confused'

"Let's go inside," I suggested.

"Good idea," mumbled Ashley, still scared.

I put my arm around her as we walked to my house.

"So why did you call us brats," I asked a little nervously.

"Oh, I wasn't talking to you, I was talking to some birds," Veronica assured me.

" And, why were you hitting that horse?" Ashley asked a little bravely.

 "Because I was sharpening a stick to throw at the birds," replied Veronica as we got to the door. That explained everything.

"Mum!" I yelled.

"Hello darling, I got a call from the school about some pipes bursting and they had to close down the school for 2 weeks, Oh hello Veronica I see you've met Casey and hello Ashley," said my mum at the door.

"Yes, is she your daughter?" asked Veronica.

"Yes, Case, meet your great-aunt." smiled my mum.

I exchanged glances with Ashley.

My great-aunt!!! So that explained half of why she had permission to live here but why did she need to?

"Her apartment in Brisbane raised the rent and she has to live somewhere else, is that okay? She's not sleeping in your bedroom," asked my mum apparently reading my mind.

"Mind-reader," I teased but then I thought over the question my mum had said.

I looked over at Veronica. She smiled at me. I grinned back.

"Perfect, I'll love it," I replied.

Ashley gave me a thumbs up as she walked up the hill to get to her house.

"Now, let's start unpacking," said Veronica grabbing my suitcase.

I laughed. "Yes captain," I giggled. 

We each grabbed hold of my suit case and toppled over. We burst out laughing.

My mum smiled at the two of us before going back to her dirty dishes.

Casey ❤️

The End