Chloe and Me

Chapter 1

Lucy
It's the day of the public speaking competition and I'm freaking out. I can't find my school socks and my annoying brother Tyler has stolen my toothbrush. He's running up and down the stairs yelling " You can't catch me, I'm a chimpanzee!" I knew Mum shouldn't have let Tyler watch Curious George before breakfast. Curious George isn't even a chimpanzee, he's a monkey!
I find some navy blue socks and slip them on, now I just have to brush my teeth and do my hair and I'll be ready, well as ready as I'll ever be for this competition.
"Hop in the car Lucy, we' re going to be late!" Mum yells. I grab a hairbrush and spit the toothpaste out of my mouth. "Coming!" I run out to the car and jump in.

Chloe
" Ladies and gentleman, girls and boys, welcome to the very first public speaking competition at Jensen High." The principals voice booms out across the crowd, "Please all join in for the National Anthem." The band starts playing and I start singing "Australians all let us rejoice..." I secretly search the crowd for Lucy, she's speaking today and I know she's been nervous but she wouldn't miss this day for the world. She has been practising constantly for the past week. "Our land abounds in natures gifts..." I start singing again as Mr Johnson walks towards me, then Lucy comes and stands next to me, "Lucy!" I whisper, "you're here!" We sing the rest of the song in high spirits and smile at each other.
Lucy
I get to school just in time and find Chloe, everyone is singing the national anthem. When we've finished, our principal, Mr Zuceero calls all competitors on to the stage. I get the shakes and Chloe whispers in my ear " Good luck Luc, I know you can do it. "
I smile weakly and walk up to the stage with the other 19 students.
The first few speakers were really great, I'm up 7th so there's still a few to go. One boy in year 11 talks about music and a tiny girl in year 7 talks about being small, I feel so sorry for her. "Well done Jasmine, now we have Lucy Benton from year 9!" Mr Zuceero calls me to the speaker and I walk over, my knees shaking like mad. I take a deep breath...
" Hi, my name is Lucy and today I will be talking about World Peace. Why do we live so happily when others are at war? Why do we complain about what to eat for breakfast, when people are dying of starvation? I believe the world should be more peaceful and here's what I've got to say."
My speech goes for about 3 minutes and as I come to the end of my speech the hall erupts with applause. That's my favourite part of public speaking, knowing that others now understand my passions. I walk down the steps and join Chloe grinning. "How'd I go?" I whisper as the next speaker is introduced.
"You were awesome Lucy!"
Chloe
I couldn't believe it. Lucy Benton, my best friend, had come first in the public speaking contest and she had won a trip to Africa! I will miss her so much when she goes. Her speech was amazing and she spoke really well, so now I think about it, I'm not surprised she won. I get my phone and text her. Congratulations once again Lucy, amazing job. Xx Chloe. I get into bed and play the latest game- flappy golf. Then my phone beeps, Hi Chloe, thanks so much. My trip to Africa was for two and I'm taking you! I sit up in bed shocked and read over the message 5 times. I pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. Lucy chose me to go to Africa!! I'm going to Africa! I run out of the kitchen and brake the news to Mum. " Wow Chlo, that's amazing. I'm not sure about you going to Africa though, are adults allowed?" Mum worries while I start talking, " Mum, of course no adults are coming! It will be an adventure. I'm 15!"