To Your Majesty,
Thank you for giving me the honourable mention and MBE at your Platinum Jubilee. I keep it in a jar so that my big sister Sarah can’t see it or tear it to pieces. Now that you’ve passed away, I couldn’t forget the day I met you when I went to London with my mum and sister a few months ago. I remember it like it was yesterday…
Mum, Sarah and I were out walking in London. We’ve just had fish and chips at the local cafe, and scoured through endless markets and gift shops. When we passed your home, Buckingham Palace, I thought we’d stop and look at it for a while. “It’s so beautiful!” I said as I gazed at this great, magnificent building. “Isn’t it,” said my mum, “It's the home of a very special person indeed - the Queen.” “The Queen?” My eyes lit up. “How long has she been ruler of England for?” “Years, maybe weeks, maybe centuries, I presume,” said Mum. “I don’t get it,” said Sarah, who was only 15 wheras I was six. It’ll be my seventh birthday soon, so don’t get me wrong if I don’t celebrate without you. Hiring you to a birthday party would be too expensive.
“Sarah, show some respect. This is a British empire, and you are to be on your best behaviour when meeting the Queen,” said Mum. I was holding Teddy in my hand this entire time. I had taken him to London on the train, so it would be a first for him. I’ve had him since I was a baby, and he proved to be my favourite toy of all time. I reached through the big black gates, and as if I didn’t know it, I accidentally dropped Teddy through them. “Teddy!” I cried. “Told ya,” said Sarah. “Sarah!” said Mum as I began crying. “Don’t be so disrespectful to your sister. By the way, look at the time! We have to go home now.” “But what about Teddy?!” I wailed. “Don’t worry, Sam, I’m sure the Queen will give the bear to her children to play with.”
I was crying all the way home, and my eyes were still red when it’s time for dinner. In fact, I refused to eat because of Teddy’s absence, and Sarah teased me for being a baby all the way until bedtime. I sat on my bed and sulked. I had never felt so lonely in my entire life. Teddy had been there for me since I was born, but now it feels like we’re miles apart. I’m not talking about me and you, your majesty, I’m talking about me and Teddy. At bedtime, Mum offered me a pink toy rabbit, but I screamed and threw it against the wall. “No! I don’t want Pink Rabbit! I want Teddy!” “There’s nothing we can do,” said Mum, “He’s in his new home now.” I cried again, this time I cried myself to sleep as Mum switched the lights off. There was a huge hole in my heart where Teddy once was. I cried until I could squeeze no more tears, then finally, I went to sleep.
The next day, we were having breakfast, but I was too sad to eat my cornflakes. Suddenly, a trumpet fanfare blasted the air, and Sarah shrieked and fell off her seat. I ran to see where the noise had come from and looked out the window. To my surprise, a golden carriage pulled by two majestic white horses wheeled its way down the road and into the parking area near my house. The door swung open, and out walked you. Your majesty. Seeing you in person made me a little nervous, but I was so glad to finally meet you. You were dressed in your best clothes and your finest hat, and you had a pearl necklace around your neck. Two guards followed you to the front door.
I raced to the front door, and there you were, carrying something in your hand. That something was something I might’ve forgotten forever - Teddy! “Teddy!” I cried, and you gave it to me, resulting in me giving it a literal bear hug. “I’m glad you’re reunited with your bear at last.” you said proudly, “In fact, while I was out playing fetch with one of my corgis he found your bear outside Buckingham Palace and brought it to me. The label had scribbly writing which said ‘Samantha’ and had your address on the other side, and I knew exactly who it belonged to, so I thought I’d just drop by and give you your bear back.” “Nice to meet you, your majesty,” said my mum, “Thank you for bringing Sam’s bear back, she was so worried.” “A pleasure,” you said. “And, as you had made your bear officially British, I’m making you a guest of honour at my Platinum Jubilee!” I squealed and jumped up and down. It was an opportunity I wasn’t going to miss.
When the time came, all of London was in full swing. I was dressed in regal clothing with a tiara upon my head. Not a plastic one, a real, actual tiara. My float was coloured orange and pink - my favourite colours - and people dressed as princes and princesses marched alongside me while tumbling acrobats twisted and jumped and did leaps around me. Mum and Sarah were watching from the sidelines, cheering along with the crowd. I held my bear tight, so I won’t lose it again. Loud, graceful music and trumpet fanfares came blasting out from both directions, and behind me trailed the little Corgi puppets, all gracefully alike with fake fur and little plastic tongues. People were waving Union Jacks proudly, and I waved politely to the crowd-goers.
Later, as the crowd quietened down, I approached you before the hushed crowd and bowed low. Mum and Sarah watched on, tears streaming from Mum’s face. “By the honourable privilege of the British empire, I’d like to award young Samantha Johnson an MBE for making her beloved teddy bear truly British.” you announced. The crowd cheered and waved their Union Jacks as the MBE was handed to me. I felt so proud, and even Sarah cheered and whistled for me. “Now, Samantha, what is it you’d like to say to the crowd before you go?” you asked. I cleared my throat and looked at the crowd. I was a little nervous. I never talked in front of a crowd before. I knew I had to do what’s best for my family, so I cleared my throat and began to speak:
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for making my bear an official British symbol. I haven’t had to meet the Queen without your love and support, and you are all great people to me inside and out. I hope the Queen leaves a lasting legacy on you all as it has on me.”
The crowd’s cheers started up again, and even you were so moved you took out a hankie from your precious bag and dabbed at your streaming eyes. The cheers still fill my head this time as I write. I keep my MBE safe in a jar, and just so you know, I feel so proud I had this massive achievement meeting you and becoming a guest of honour at your Platinum Jubilee celebrations. I even had your picture taken with you after the celebrations were over.
Oh, that’s my mum calling that it’s time for school. I can’t wait to tell all my friends about meeting you in person, and I hope to write to you again soon. Thanks again and enjoy your new castle in the clouds.
Love,
Samantha.
No comments:
Post a Comment