Waiting For The Writing

• Crystal Russom
• Short Story
• 2009

“This is it. This is everything I’ve worked for.” My best friend Kate and I are walking home from school. “My mum and dad sent me a text massage,” I explain to her. “And it said they got the letter in the mail.”
My name is Mandy, and I am an eager, 16 year old creative writer. A few weeks ago, I sent a copy of one of my best stories off to a publisher. The letter that I’m waiting to open tells me whether or not they have accepted this once in a lifetime opportunity.
“That’s good.” says Kate. “I’m going to come and watch you open the letter. It would be so cool if your book could be selling in shops!” I shrug. “Don’t get your hopes up.” I say. “We just have to take everything one step at a time.” But really inside I can already picture myself strolling into a popular book store and seeing my book at the ‘bestsellers’ section.
We arrive at my front gate and nervously walk up the steps and through our squeaky front door. Mum and dad stroll down the hall with the letter in their hands. “Here you go honey.” says dad as he gives me the snow white envelope. “Let’s come into the kitchen and have a look.” Mum, dad and Kate have all been so supportive. It’s nice to know that your closest family and friends are by you, especially at a big moment like this one.
I slide onto one of our yellow bar stools, with Lulu, my dachshund, at my feet. I slowly peel the back flap off with cold fingers, and then lift an A4 piece of paper, and another smaller piece out. My hand unfolds the smooth piece of A4 paper. The first thing I see is ‘Congratulations!’ in capital letters at the top of the page. A happy smile spreads across my face as I scan the smaller writing.
Suddenly, springs set off in my feet. “I did it! I did it!” I prance around the room shouting. I am so excited. My best writing is going to be published! All my hard work has finally paid off. I guess dreams can come true if you work really hard and let nothing get in your way.