Festival Frenzy
Page 12
‘So cool!’ agreed Sassy.
‘Soz, Lucy,’ said Abby, giving her a hug. ‘I wasn’t criticizing you.’
Suddenly Dakota came into view, vlogging herself as she walked.
‘I’m so lucky to be a Diamond VIP here at Chesterbury.’ She flashed her diamante wristband. ‘I’m staying in this fabulous yurt, which has a hot tub and sauna. I have free use of all the beauty treatments and the blow bar, as you can see . . .’ Dakota flicked her long hair. ‘But best of all is having access to the backstage area. It means you get to meet all the bands and mingle with the stars.’
‘Ugh!’ Jessie burst out in disgust. ‘She’s at it again. How can one person be so infuriating? Just cos Daddy can buy her whatever she wants.’
‘What’s infuriating is that all that luxury is wasted on her!’ said Abby angrily.
‘Guys, l-let’s just go l-listen to some music,’ said Lucy, who was feeling too worn out to deal with Dakota again.
They joined Josh and Charlie and headed off to the western stage.
The next couple of hours were blissful. The Daisy Deadheads were awesome and Lucy enjoyed sitting on the grass in the warm sunshine listening to the band. She wished Sam were there, but apart from that, it was a pretty idyllic afternoon.
‘It’s a good thing I warned you all to bring sunscreen and sunglasses,’ said Abby as the day hotted up.
‘Abby’s festival tips come good!’ Sassy laughed.
They stretched out, talking lazily in between songs.
‘Just going to f-fill up my water bottle,’ said Lucy, when she had summoned up the energy to move.
She walked off to find the refilling station, humming to herself as she went. She was beginning to feel better about the whole Ollie incident. Until, just out of the corner of her eye, she could see a vision of a green spangled mermaid – unmistakably Dakota – coming out of a Portaloo. Lucy was about to turn and hide, but then she heard Dakota scream.
‘Help!’ Dakota shrieked. ‘I just dropped my phone down the loo into all the muck. What do I do?’
The people standing around her sniggered and stood staring. No one made a move.
This cannot be happening, thought Lucy in amazement, wondering if she should get the others.
‘It’s a brand-new iPhone – the latest model – with a Swarovski case!’ Dakota whined. ‘I can’t afford to lose it! There’s a selfie with Ollie Storm on there! Arghh! These loos are SO badly designed; I’m going to get Daddy to sue the company that makes them!’
People started laughing. ‘You’d better just dive in, love!’ shouted a man.
‘Eeew! It’s so disgusting,’ cried Dakota. ‘Can’t someone grab it for me?’ She turned round and suddenly spied Lucy standing on the path nearby.
‘Lucy! Lucy! Thank God. Come and help me!’
Lucy stood there, hysterical laughter bubbling up inside her. ‘And why should I help you?’ she asked. ‘You’re always absolutely foul to me. You treat me and my friends like dirt, and now you want favours! And you don’t even say please!’
‘Please,’ pleaded Dakota feebly.
‘I don’t think so,’ said Lucy firmly. She noticed with satisfaction that she wasn’t stammering at all.
‘Here’s a coat hanger to help you fish it out,’ said someone from the crowd.
Lucy watched as Dakota went back into the cubicle and leaned down over the toilet bowl.
‘Yuck, this is making me sick,’ she whimpered, retching. The heat was making the bad smell stronger than ever. Dakota leaned over even more and suddenly lost her balance. She slipped into the opening, leaving both her legs kicking in the air.
Lucy gasped.
‘Help! Help!’ Dakota cried. ‘I’m going to fall in!’
She sounded so pathetic that a couple of girls standing nearby grabbed her legs and tried to tug her out.
‘Ow!’ Dakota yelped, but she remained head down in the toilet.
The girls tugged her again, but she didn’t move.
‘I think you’re stuck,’ one of them pronounced as the crowd gasped and giggled in astonishment. Dakota’s spangled right shoulder was firmly wedged in the toilet bowl.
‘STUCK?’ Dakota howled. ‘I can’t be!’
Lucy thought she heard a sob, and started to feel uncomfortable. It was a terrible predicament for anyone, even Dakota. She began to feel the weensiest bit sorry for her.
‘Dakota, don’t p-panic. I’ll get help,’ she said, WhatsApping the others.
In a few minutes the rest of the squad was on the scene.
‘OMG!’ exclaimed Abby. ‘Here’s a sight for sore eyes! There IS justice in this world.’
‘Maybe we should film it?’ suggested Jessie mischievously, but Hermione shook her head, and Lucy smiled in agreement.
‘This is enough k-karma for one person, even Dakota!’ Lucy said softly.
They all tried pulling out Dakota, but with no result. She was well and truly stuck, and Lucy could see she was getting increasingly distressed.
‘I think we’ll have to get h-help,’ said Lucy. ‘They might have to d-dismantle the loo . . .’
Sassy went off to find a festival official and soon returned saying, ‘They’ve called the fire brigade to rescue her!’
‘Too bad Dakota doesn’t have her vanilla spray to hand – it might help cover the stink!’ commented Abby.
‘Oh my God, guys, I’ve got a new name for her!’ Jessie burst out. ‘Poo-kota!’
It took a while for the fire brigade to come and a good half an hour for them to dismantle the loo and rescue Dakota. She looked and smelt terrible, and went back to her yurt to take a much-needed luxury shower. The phone was not retrieved.
After all the excitement, they got some more drinks and went over to the centre stage where the big acts were performing. You had to get there early to stake out a good position for later, and there were four acts lined up before Ollie Storm.
‘Lucy, maybe you can walk around the stage and film a bit of the scene to put in our vlog. You know, different angles and stuff, maybe a bit of backstage too, if you can sneak in. You’re obviously a celeb magnet – you might meet someone else!’ Abby said.
Lucy knew that Abby was trying to give her a chance to contribute to the vlog after the missed opportunity with Ollie earlier. And why not? She fancied a stroll. She filmed the crowds and then wandered back behind the stage where there were a lot of vans with technical equipment parked. There were also a couple of Airstream trailers, which were probably used as changing rooms for the artists.
Suddenly she heard a weak moan coming from one of them. It didn’t sound human, more like an animal in distress. She peered through the tiny window of the trailer and could see a shape splayed on the floor. It was pale with some dark patches, and she could definitely see ears and a tail. Then she heard the faint whimper again. It had to be a sick dog.
She looked around for someone to help, but there was no one to ask. Now what? She knew what she had to do. She opened the door of the trailer. It was like an oven inside – much hotter than out in the open. She rushed over to the dog and saw that it was Gigi. She was panting weakly and clearly having difficulty breathing. Saliva dripped out of her mouth.
‘Oh, you p-poor girl,’ exclaimed Lucy, her mind racing as she checked the dog over. ‘You’re overheating, but I’m h-here to help.’
Lucy picked up the almost lifeless body and carried Gigi outside. It wasn’t easy, as she was heavy, but Lucy managed to lay her on the ground in the shade of the trailer.
‘That’s already a b-bit cooler,’ said Lucy soothingly. Trying to think what her mother would do, she took the water from her water bottle and wet Gigi’s tongue, paws and ears. The little water that was left, she poured gently on the back of the dog’s neck. ‘I’ll just see if there’s some more w-water inside the trailer,’ she said, and soon emerged with a wet towel and a bowl of water.
She wiped Gigi down with the towel and gently coaxed her to drink. ‘Come on, be a g-good g
irl and drink this up for me.’
Gigi’s breathing sounded a bit more steady, but Lucy was still extremely worried – she knew that dogs could die of overheating. It happened when people left them in cars, and the trailer had been just as bad. Really what Gigi needed was a vet.
Lucy was on the phone to her mother when suddenly Ollie Storm appeared. He looked shocked and rushed over to Gigi.
‘What happened?’ he asked, his voice breaking.
‘She overheated,’ replied Lucy. ‘It was like a f-furnace inside the trailer. I’ve just been t-trying to cool her down and get her to d-drink a bit.’
‘But what happened to the aircon?’ asked Ollie. ‘I put her in there deliberately because it would keep her cool.’ He got up angrily. ‘Nothing works properly here. And the stagehand was meant to give her a bowl of water.’
Lucy stroked Gigi.
‘Is she going to be all right?’ Ollie asked anxiously, looking at Lucy.
‘I think so,’ replied Lucy. ‘But I’ve asked my mother to c-come and have a look – she’s a vet.’
‘It would be a good idea to get her to an animal hospital and put her on a drip, just to be safe,’ said Mrs Lockwood when she arrived a few minutes later. ‘But I think she’ll be OK. Lucy, you clearly acted quickly and did all the right things.’
‘You mean she saved Gigi’s life!’ said Ollie emotionally. ‘I can’t thank you enough, Lucy. You’re Gigi’s guardian angel.’
Lucy felt a little bit of shyness creeping back in, now that Gigi was out of danger and she could go back to focusing on the fact that Ollie Storm was talking to her and saying he was indebted to her. This was the weirdest – and best – day of her life.
Later that night, Lucy and the gang all sat together at the very front of the stage – which Ollie had arranged – and watched him do his set. The atmosphere was amazing: there were fireworks in the distance against the dark sky, and the audience all around them had sparklers or were using their phones to shine a light. It was magical.
And then, just as his set was drawing to a close, Lucy heard Ollie give her a shout-out from the stage and thank her for saving Gigi. The rest of the GCV crew couldn’t believe it, and bundled her into a hug. The perfect end to a perfect day.
VLOG 9
FADE IN: VIP YURT – CHESTERBURY MUSIC FESTIVAL.
LUCY and OLLIE STORM are sitting opposite each other at a small table in a yurt at Chesterbury. Coffee and croissants are on the table.
LUCY
H-hi guys! So today I am th-thrilled and r-really honoured to be interviewing Ollie Storm in one of the g-green rooms at Chesterbury Festival. I’ve popped back specially! Ollie, I am really g-grateful you’ve given up your p-precious time.
OLLIE
Well, I’m grateful to you, Lucy, for saving Gigi’s life yesterday, so I’m happy to help.
LUCY smiles nervously.
LUCY
OK, cool, let’s get started! So my first question is about the f-festival. Have you enjoyed it?
OLLIE
Absolutely! I get such a buzz performing for an enthusiastic crowd, and I especially love outdoor festivals because they’re more informal and friendly. It’s so cool to share the love of music with happy people in a natural setting. Did you like it too?
LUCY is slightly stunned.
LUCY
Me? Oh yes. I mean, I’ve never been to Ch-Chesterbury, before so for me it was awesome.
There is a nervous pause as LUCY looks at an index card on her lap.
LUCY (CONTINUED)
So, Ollie, can you t-tell me a b-bit about your childhood and growing up?
OLLIE
Sure! I grew up in the countryside. My mum’s a teacher and my dad’s an engineer and I have three older sisters. They used to tease me a lot, and I’d annoy them, but now we get along really well. I did the usual things a kid does: riding my bike, skateboarding, building huts in the woods – stuff like that.
LUCY
Did you have any p-pets?
OLLIE
Yeah, we always had cats and dogs, and for a while I had a pet fox cub that’d been injured and I looked after. I love animals – as you do, I know.
OLLIE smiles at LUCY.
LUCY
(blushing)
Guilty! And w-what about school? What’s your b-best memory?
OLLIE
Mostly I liked school – apart from school dinners and some of the sports. I’ve always loved performing and I was always in the school plays. I’d say playing the lead in Bugsy Malone when I was about twelve was a highlight! I sang in the choir too.
LUCY
Cute. And your worst m-memory from school?
OLLIE
Being bullied, I guess. I got some grief because I liked music and drama. I learned how to stand up for myself, and it probably made me a stronger person overall. Loads of kids go through this stuff at school, but that doesn’t make it any easier when it’s happening to you.
LUCY nods earnestly.
LUCY
I’m sure loads of our viewers will r-relate. Now on to a l-lighter subject . . . What’s your favourite food?
OLLIE
(grinning)
I’m currently obsessed with bangers and mash with loads of onion gravy. And I wouldn’t ever turn down a cheesecake.
LUCY
Nice. Your f-favourite movie?
OLLIE
That’s tough. I’m a lifelong Star Wars fan, the original films especially. But I have a real soft spot for Finding Nemo too.
LUCY
Ha! My little sister w-will love that. Favourite holiday?
OLLIE
That’s easy. I went to Hawaii last year and learned to surf and scuba dive. It’s so beautiful there.
LUCY
Sounds amazing! W-what makes you happy?
OLLIE
Lots of things. A sunny day, hanging out with my close friends, a long walk with the dog, my family, a starry sky at night. A home-cooked meal.
LUCY
What is the closest to d-death you’ve ever been?
OLLIE
Yikes! Probably once when I was skiing. I stupidly went off-piste and ended up racing way too fast down a dangerous mountainside.
Luckily, I managed to stop myself, but it was a real wake-up call to be more careful.
LUCY
Oh, I think we’re g-going to have to wrap this up as I can see your manager is w-waving at me. Sorry to end on such a m-morbid question!
OLLIE takes a bite of croissant.
OLLIE
No problem, this has been really fun.
LUCY
One final question, then. What is your greatest w-weakness?
OLLIE
(laughing)
That’s easy. I’m a hopeless romantic – and loads of things make me cry!
LUCY
Seriously? Wow, wish I could interrogate you f-further on that! But it l-looks like you need to get to your n-next interview.
(to camera)
So a big thank you to Ollie Storm for allowing me to interview him here at Ch-Chesterbury for the GCV channel.
OLLIE
It’s been a pleasure, Lucy. Best of luck with your channel, which gets a big thumbs-up from me!
FADE OUT LUCY and OLLIE talking.
Views: 436,559
Subscribers: 55,731
Comments:
Mgirlscanvlogfan: No way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MagicMorgan: Dead. Dead dead dead. RIP me.
ollienumberonefan: I’ll dry your tears, Ollie
ShyGirl1: Lucy, you’re a natural!
MrsOllieStorm: he’s such a kewteeeeeeee marry me Ollie
StephSaysHi: Lucy I thought Sam was your bae
lucylocket [reply to StephSaysHi]: HE IS!!!! Ollie and I are just friends ;)
mia_vlogs: wow this is awesome xx
xxrainbowxx: Totes emosh!
girlscanvlogfan: 55K!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Knew you could do it!!!!
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12:02
Abby: OMG! Did you see Lucy is trending on Twitter?
12:02
Jessie: Whaaaa????
12:03
Sassy: It’s a piece on how she saved the life of Ollie Storm’s dog!
12:04
Hermione: Our very own celeb!!!
12:07
Jessie: Poo-kota must be sick with envy!
12:08
Abby: Go Lucy go Lucy go Lucy go
12:10
Lucy: Please guys you’re embarrassing me!!
12:10
Lucy: (I love it though)
A week later Sassy was running up the stairs from the train station, while checking her phone. She was almost twenty minutes late because of a train delay.
‘Sorry, sorry!’ she called as she almost crashed into a mum with a pushchair coming down the stairs while WhatsApping the rest of the girls.
13:19
Sassy: Soz! Trains were crap! I’ll be there in 5!
*
Ten minutes later she entered Pizza Planet, panting and a bit dishevelled. She spotted the others sitting at their favourite table in the corner.
‘Hey, Sass!’ Jessie called, and they all waved as she joined them. ‘Grab a seat and we’ll order some pizza. We’re hashtag starving.’
‘Sorry, everyone!’ Sassy apologized as she sat down. ‘It’s so annoying living so far away from you all.’ Hoping to speed things along, she beckoned the waitress over.
‘Don’t worry – we understand,’ said Abby. ‘We’ve just been gossiping and catching up. I can’t believe it’s been a week since we saw each other.’