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