Happen Like: Two Stories for Young People

By Team Authorhouse, Brian Warburton and Dawn Lawrence

The text of this book has been written for children in the range nine to fourteen, maybe older. Possibly it is of interest for slow readers and boys at pre-teenage who need absorbing stories. The subject matter covers adult affairs for children, not excluding greed, jealousy and mention of crime and drugs. One story depicts girls and boys together. But no sexual content. On that, the book could be seen as rather subdued. there are some who might regard it as slightly old-fashioned.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Feb 4, 2014
• ISBN: 9781491892299

Book preview

Contents

About The Author

The London Sparklers

1. Breaking-Up

2. Discoveries

3. Wrong Doings

4. The Escape

5. The Dangers

6. An Unexpected Event

7. The Scrutiny

8. The Whereabouts

9. Crackdown

10. Joining-Up

Alice Tomorrow

1. The Winners

2. Early Shoot

3. Another Set

4. Preparing A Mystery

5. ‘Alice Tomorrow’

6. Ending A Good Day

About the Author

Brian is a Graduate of the University of Bristol, with military experience, having served in the (British) Royal Engineers. His main career as a Civil Engineer was varied and recognised by an academic award and a Fellowship. He’s completed assignments in Canada, Pakistan and the UK. Retired in Dorset, he has studied and developed the art of writing for children. He is interested in presenting the world of adults for kids of all ages. He has written and published two previous books which, at the date of this publication, may be found by normal searches.

THE LONDON

SPARKLERS

by Brian Warburton

Illustrations by Dawn Lawrence

1. Breaking-up

The end of Autumn Term happened on a Wednesday. Craig was pleased because he and his friends, all new in the Secondary School, had been finding the life tougher than they’d expected. Craig was tall for his age, with dark hair and a friendly manner.

Two days ago their class had been told they were to remove their belongings, so the lockers could be repaired during the holidays. They had to collect their gear, put it into satchels and bags and carry it home.

One among the group, Bridie, was having problems.

Don’t think I’ll be able to manage this baggage. she said.

No sweat. said Craig I brought my rucsac. This could hold your books as well as mine.

I’ve got my stuff collected and neatly packed. said Jamie, who was the third in the group. So I can help carry yours, Bridie.

Bridie and Craig knew each other well because they’d been to the same Junior School. They’d found each other sitting nearby, when they started in the Seniors. Jamie had arrived later, only a few days before half term, but it wasn’t long before the three of them had become firm friends. Now the Christmas holidays were upon them.

Thank goodness there’s no more French ’til next term. said Jamie. "With old Napoleon so determined to teach it like an exercise in grammar, it’s never going to be easy for me to speak the language.

At least Mister Naperton gives a few rules. said Bridie. They’re helpful to get it learnt and I’ve been able to remember parts of the grammar.

You’re a smart one, right enough. said Craig For myself, I made a terrible hash of the tests.

The three picked up their bags and left the building. They all had a feeling of relief that the School term had come to an end. Once they were clear of the gates, these feelings changed to a sense of real freedom. Bridie suddenly began to do a dance.

No more school for the next two weeks.

They humped their loads up the hill, towards the main road.

Come to my place before you go home. said Craig. Mrs. Evesham has some crumpets.

The three friends walked along the main road and turned down into Orchard Crescent. Craig’s home was an apartment on the first floor of a big old house. There were a few similar houses in the street, but high-rise flats were on the opposite side. Sure enough Jean Evesham was standing at the stairs, looking out.

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You’re rather late, Craig. Has there been something going on at School?

Yes, it was because we sang songs which all had to be gone through after a long speech by Radish.

Is that a teacher?

Mrs. Radcliffe. She’s the Deputy Head. Craig replied.

Lovely to see your friends, said Jean. She turned to Bridie. What’s your name?

"Bridie Sharples and this is Jamie Harper.

Bridie grabbed Jamie’s arm and pushed him in front of her. She smiled broadly as she usually did. She was dark skinned with black hair and a little shorter than the others. Jamie had fair hair, pink cheeks and always a grin. He was pretty sturdy.

Nice to meet you both. We’ll have some tea. But while I make it, Bridie and Jamie, you must let your parents know where you are. The telephone’s over there.

We’ve both got mobiles, so we can text them. said Jamie.

In Craig’s home there was a big kitchen table, where the children sat. Craig noticed that Bridie was looking at something on the sideboard. She asked.

Is that your Dad in the picture, Craig?

Craig got up and passed the photo for her to see. It showed a man in uniform.

He used to be a Police Officer but now he runs a business which sells security alarms and CCTV cameras. He works in the West End.

You never told us what happened to your Mum? said Jamie.

She died six years ago, he answered, my Dad looks after me. Also Mrs. Evesham comes in three days a week.

Oh I’m sorry you lost your Mum. Jamie said and looked embarrassed.

It’s alright, I’m used to it now. Craig replied.

The drinks arrived and Jean produced