Running late

                                     By whole class

I rushed along in panic. I was late again, and today was the one day I really couldn't be late. I had an important interview for my first real job as a reporter for a local newspaper. I'd not long finished my studies in journalism and I was so excited. I love writing about people and events and here was my opportunity to do it for a living. It was a cold winter's day and it had been snowing the night before. This made the buses late so I was running through the town to get to my interview at 9 o'clock. 

I decided to take a short cut and go through the park. While I was rushing along, something caught my eye. There was a boy, about 9 or 10 years-old, chasing a dog. At first, I didn't think much of it but then then I realised the boy seemed distressed. He saw me and called over.

"Help, I need some help please, please could you help me "

I didn't know how to respond. My first thought was to ignore the boy and walk away. However, I couldn't do that so I went to see what the problem was. 

"Hello there. What's the problem?"

"It's my dog! He was chasing a cat around the park and now he's stuck in a bush. Please help me."  

No way. This was not happening. Not today! I asked the boy for his mother or father's phone number so I could ring for help and still make my interview. But then I heard the dog crying and looked at the boy's big sad green eyes.

"Ok," I said. "Let's go and help your dog."

The dog's name was Charlie. The poor thing really was in trouble. He'd got caught up in a rose bush and the thorns had cut his legs. It took some effort but we managed to free him.

I hurried off hoping to make my interview. As I was running towards the newspaper's office, I glanced at my watch and saw that it was quarter past 9. Too late. My opportunity to do something really special was gone. I almost decided to just go home but I know that wouldn't have been very professional. At least I should go and apologise, I thought. As I was walking into the office, the editor was walking out. My interview was with him so I thought I'd say sorry to his face. I took a deep breath, 

"Excuse me Mr Walker, I had an interview at 9 o'clock but something stopped me getting here on time. I had to help a boy in the park..."

He looked at me and laughed.

"What? You're kidding, right? I'm sorry but I don't have time for poor excuses" 

"But..."

There was no point, he was already walking away. I was just about to walk away too but then I spotted the boy, and Charlie. He was walking towards Mr Walker.

"Dad! Dad! Charlie had a an accident in the park and this really kind girl saved him. There she is!" 

Mr Walker turned around and started walking towards me. 

"Excuse me, Miss. How about we go into my office and have the interview after all?"

I felt a big smile coming on. I couldn't believe how lucky I was...