Lina at the Games by Sally Rippin Read Free Book Online Page A

huh?’
    Lina’s shoulders slumped as she thought about Sarah interviewing Dawn Fraser even though she knew how long Lina had been working on her article. ‘No,’ she sighed. ‘I don’t know. Sometimes I think she’s my friend, and then other times . . . We work on the school magazine together. It was my idea, but sometimes I feel like she wants to take it over.
    â€˜Can’t you get another friend to do it with you?’ John said.
    Lina had to clamp her lips together to stop herself from bursting into tears. ‘I don’t have any other friends,’ she said in a squeaky voice. ‘Well, I did have another friend, a best friend even, but we’re not talking anymore.’
    â€˜You’re obviously just choosing the wrong people, then,’ John said gently. ‘There are plenty of people in the world to be friends with. And, besides, it’s not true that you don’t have any other friends. I’m your friend, aren’t I?’
    Lina looked up into John’s face. ‘Thanks,’ she said shyly, then quickly changed the subject. ‘So, what were you concentrating on so much that you didn’t even see me get on the bus?’
    â€˜You remember how I told you you I was thinking of writing a letter to the Olympic Committee?’ John said, excitedly. ‘About the closing ceremony?’
    â€˜You didn’t write it, did you?’ she said, half disbelievingly, half impressed.
    John nodded. ‘I just felt like I had to. Maybe they won’t take any notice but I’m so sick of reading about all this fighting in the papers all the time, aren’t you?’
    â€˜Definitely!’ said Lina. ‘That stuff between Hungary and Russia sounds awful.’
    â€˜The Olympics is supposed to be a peaceful time!’ John continued. ‘Don’t you ever feel like you have to do something? You know, people just read about all these bad things in the world and nobody ever seems to care! Anyway.’ He shrugged and looked away, blushing. ‘I thought I’d give it a go.  You know, the pen is mightier than the sword and all that. I’m on my way to drop it in right now and I was just reading over it again.’ He looked up at Lina. ‘Would you read it for me? And tell me what you think?’
    â€˜Of course! I’d love to.’ Lina took the pages John handed her. She peered down at John’s scribbly handwriting, feeling very honoured.
    Dear Friend,
    I am a Chinese boy and have just turned 17 years of age . . . it began.
    Lina smiled as she continued reading. The letter explained how John thought the Closing Ceremony should take place:
    The march I have in mind is different than the one during the Opening Ceremony . . . there will be only 1 NATION. War, politics and nationality will all be forgotten . . . THEY MUST NOT MARCH but walk freely and wave to the public . . . it will show the whole world how friendly Australia is. THE IMPORTANT THING IN THE OLYMPIC GAMES IS NOT TO WIN, BUT TO TAKE PART.
    John Ian.
    â€˜This last page is a diagram of how I think the athletes should come out onto the grounds,’ John explained, pointing to a scrappy piece of paper covered in arrows and dots. ‘See? All of them mingling, not in straight rows.’
    Lina nodded approvingly then glanced up at the window. ‘Oh, it’s nearly my stop!’ she said, jumping up and handing John his letter.
    â€˜So?’ John asked expectantly. ‘What do you think?’
    â€˜No spelling mistakes,’ Lina said swinging her satchel onto her back and pulling the cord.
    â€˜No, I mean, what do you think of my idea ?’
    Lina smiled. At that moment, looking up at her hopefully, he looked like a little boy. ‘It’s great, John,’ she said. ‘It really is. You should definitely send it in.’
    â€˜Thanks!’ said John, a grin splitting his