Opal's Story

Does it get much better than this?

I wake up as I can feel a presence with me

I turn to see Tracy who gives me a smile

'Evening sleepyhead' She says

'Evening?' I say

I check the clock to see it's 4:30

I must've slept in

'Oops' I say

'Oops indeed' she says laughing

'Don't worry, you looked so peaceful I didn't want to wake you, just wanted to let you know we're all going bowling tonight, I've made you something to eat and you've got a spot by me on the minibus' she says smiling

'Thanks Tracy, you're too kind' I say

'I try' she says, before going downstairs

I get changed into my dungarees and my favourite stripy top, I wear this outfit every time I go bowling, I run a brush through my hair and place my lucky necklace around my neck, my dad had got it me when I was little, said it would always bring me good luck

And it always has...

I head downstairs and everyone gives me a smile

'You look nice, Opal' they all say

'Thanks' I say, feeling myself blushing

'You really do' Tracy says which makes me smile as she hands me a silver dish

'Don't want you fainting at the alley now do we' She says

We clamber onto the coach and I sit with Tracy who gives me a smile

'Hi ho and away we go!' Mike shouts making us all excited

A long journey later, we arrive at the alley and we get split into teams of two I was on Tracys team which made me happy

AN HOUR LATER

'Come on Opal!!' My team shout

I take the ball and look up at the score chart I was ten points away from winning the game!

I look at Tracy who gives me a smile, then a challenging look towards Mike who laughs

I roll the ball and it hits the alley hard. Before picking up speed and crashing into all ten pins and to my surprise they all fall down!!!

The whole team start chanting my name, Tracy louder than any of them

I clutch my necklace, knowing my dad would be proud of me

I miss him so much...but I have to be strong

'Come on then everyone!' Mike says as we head to the cafe, as everyone was still hungry after tea

But I don't

I walk down to the crane machines, they give me this happy feeling I can't control, taking me back to some happier memories

I check my pockets to find 50p and decide to give it a go, I didn't care what I won, it would be a memory of today

I scan the prizes until I land on a really cute puppy reminding me of my own puppy

She was beautiful and I loved her so much

'I can do this, for you Luna' I say smiling

The jaws clamp onto her leg and carry her up but drop her at the last moment

I have one go left

I try again but the same happens and it makes me upset. As Tracy walks over with a takeaway box for me she notices I'm upset and asks what's wrong

'I'll sound stupid if I tell you' I say

'Try me' She says

'My dog, Luna. I loved her so much, and this one looks exactly like her, so I wanted to win it so I'd have her with me again' I say

'Oh Opal come here' she says giving me a hug before pulling away and inserting two quid in

'Ten goes! Really Tracy you didn't have too' she says

She doesn't respond, just keeps her eyes on the machine, pressing the button it clamps her leg again and pulls her up before dropping her into the prize chute

I can't believe it!!

'There we are, one Luna' she says smiling

'Thank you!' I say excitedly giving her a hug

'My pleasure, come on then let's go eat this' She says smiling

'You've still got 9 goes' I say

'Oh well let's let someone else have them' she says

I go back over to the machine and see something that would be perfect for Tracy

'Yeah you're right you head back and I won't be a sec' I say smiling

She looks at me before walking off

I focus and capture the prize but it lets go

Again...no luck

Again! Still no luck!

I try again and again until I'm on my final go

'Come on, for Tracy' I whisper

I hover over the prize before capturing it, it carries over to the price chute and I scream silently with joy before heading back to the others

'Saved anything for me?' I say smiling

Liam hands me the rest of his slush puppie

'Thanks' I say

Tracy hands me the meal and I tuck in it's so so good! Bowling food always is!

We head out to the minibus as we've finished our games when Mike pulls out his camera

'Everyone smile!' He shouts

I smile. But not because he told me too, I haven't been able to wipe this smile off my face all day

'Okay now a funny one!' He says

I stick my tongue out despite wanting to go all out crazy!

As everyone's getting on the minibus after the pictures have been taken Tracy whispers in Mikes ear and he smiles

'Of course' he says

I go to get in aswell but Tracy stops me by gently touching my arm

'You and me?' I say smiling

I hop back out and she takes me in her arms resting her head on mine, I smile like my life depends on it 

Mike puts his thumb up

'Perfect' he says smiling

I snap one of Mike and Tracy, it's adorable, and we get in the minibus

'It's been a fantastic night and I won't ever forget it, thanks everyone' I say

'Welcome to the family' Mike says giving me a smile from the mirror as we drive away everyone in high spirits, I ask myself

Does it get much better than this?