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The Racket by Freda Grieve Jessica looked on sadly as Claire went out to band practice with her new clarinet. The problem with being part of a very musical family was the way that music made everything else come second. Mum and dad were so proud that Claire had won a place in the school band that her big sister hadn't even had to hint about a new clarinet. There it was at breakfast sitting on the table just waiting to be taken to school with her. "I almost got a place in the tennis team only my racket is so old and Kirsty, with her new one, hit a stronger back-hand" "You came second and she came first." Claire was trying out a note on her clarinet and thinking about belonging to the band. "There is a concert at the end of summer." "I've saved some money but a new racket costs a lot and it isn't near my birthday." Jessica was down as a possible to play in the team, if someone couldn't go at the last minute. Meanwhile she put up with Claire practising for the concert at every moment she got. The house revolved around her big sister. Thankfully, Jessica had arranged to play tennis on Saturday morning, as Kirsty wanted her to make up a foursome Early Saturday morning the phone rang. It was Aunt Mary wanting Claire to pop round and look after little Mike. "I'm having some friends round to sort out items for a stall at the Fete. Mike will have two more toddlers to play with him while we mums are busy. Claire is so good with children, I wondered if she could keep an eye on them while we work" "She would Mary, but Claire is in the school band and there is band practice for the concert this Saturday. Jessica can come instead." Jessica heard the phone go down and felt really cross. "I was going to play tennis with Kirsty and two others from the class team." "Phone and say you'll come another time. They'll find someone else." "Band practice is important, we need all the time we can get before the concert" Claire was impatient go. "I'll drop you round at Aunt Mary's on the way back from taking Claire to the school" Mum said Tennis would have to wait until next week. There was nothing else to do but phone Kirsty. Jessica cheered up as they reached Aunt Mary's there were several cars parked outside and a feeling of excitement as people rushed in and out with boxes to be sorted. Mike and his friends were pleased to see her and the morning went quickly. "You were a great help, Jessica" Aunt Mary was smiling as she waved from the doorstep when Claire and Mum came to collect Jessica in the car. "More fun than She would have had playing tennis with the class team. It's rained all morning" Mum smiled at her sister. "Luckily Band practise for Claire was indoors" "Band practise was hard work. Nothing went quite right" Claire looked gloomy However, Aunt Mary didn't hear her as she was looking intently at Jessica "Tennis team?" Then she turned to her sister. " You didn't tell me Jessica was in the class tennis team" "I'm not Aunt Mary, my back-hand is not as strong as Kirsty's. I'm only a possible right now" "The problem could be your racket. I have one almost new and I'm not playing tennis right now. You can use it Jessica. I always hoped one of the family would be interested in Sport. You have no idea what I had to put up with. Your mum talking music, music, music as if everything else took second place" "Oh Thank you Aunt Mary!" Jessica was grinning from ear to ear. Mum didn't look too pleased as the two sisters faced each other. Then Mum laughed. "Thank you Mary for reminding me that everyone is different and Jessica is like you with her tennis skill." The End |
