Stowaway Luca

"Wake up Diana, rise and shine! Today is the day we go on our big holiday!" as mum opened the bedroom blinds. Gleaming with excitement.

"OH MUMMY, I can't leave Luca behind, he will be so lonely without me!" I said in a broken voice.

Although I know my neighbour will take good care of Luca while we are away. I will miss him so.

"We are only away for a week. So hurry along, we can't be late. The big ship sails soon" Mum anxiously said.

As I bent down to kiss my fluffy Luca goodbye, I had a fabulous idea rush to me!!
I whispered in his ear..." Luca I have a plan!"

As my mum got into the taxi I swapped over bags without her noticing. I got a larger bag and Luca jumped in. I decided he would come with us on our holiday!

I had to act quick!

"Now Luca don't make a sound, mummy doesn't know I'm bringing you" as I muffled in his ear.
He was so excited, his wagging tail kept popping out of the bag.

As we boarded the ship, we were taken to our cabin. Mummy was so eager to settle in as she wanted to take a stroll around the ship.

"Don't forget to wear your hat, it's sunny on deck" advised mum.
"I'll be out in a flash" I replied .

I needed to make sure Luca was in a safe hiding spot.

Strolling on deck mummy was happily taking photos and sipping on her fruit cocktails.

"Isn't this lovely darling? The sun is so warm, it's making me sleepy. I'm going to have a nap on the deck chair" said mum, as she was yawning and rubbing her tried eyes.

"Ok mum" I thought this would be a good opportunity to go back to the cabin and check up on Luca.

"LUCA, LUCA! You can come out!" I yelled.
That was strange, there was no sign of him, he was gone!
"Oh no, what could have happened?" I said in a panic.

As I ran out of the cabin to try and find Luca, I notice the steward had just been in our room. Her back was turned to me so I quickly looked through her trolley for any signs of Luca.

"He has to be here somewhere, I'm going to have to tell my mum what I've done!" I uttered nervously.

THERE HE WAS... I could see his big brown eyes sharing at me and his white fluffy body was wrapped amongst the white towels, no wonder I couldn't see him.
"Luca you had me so worried, what happened?" I said franticly.

"Hello there, my name is Lilly I'm your room steward. Looking for something?...
No dogs are allowed on the ship! He was wrapped up in the towels from your room, hiding." She snapped.

I closed my eyes and thought its time I tell everyone the truth. As I stood there for a few minutes I opened my eyes and standing there in front of me was my mum and the Captin.

"You have some explaining to do missy, said mum".
She was standing there shaking her head I knew she was angry with me. The Captain was scratching his head looking confused.

As I began to tell my story, they both listened. They walked away and had a quick discussion. Finally they decided that Luca could stay on the ship until we sailed home, as long as he slept below deck.

Mum reassured the captain I will be dealt with a suitable punishment once we arrived home.

Luckily for me I was still allowed to see Luca everyday and and he wasn't on his own.

THE END

~In loving memory of my beautiful friend Georgina.