How I Survived
In English class, we are focusing on creative writing and this is my finished copy. Instead of writing a short story I chose to write, chapter one of a novel.
It’s the next day. I stand in line next to Anna waiting for the ticket stall to open. Anna looks back and nudges me too as well. I look back and see a long line stretching until I don’t know where. I turn around and peek over the stall to see the ship we will be travelling on. I notice the workers loading on livestock, they don't seem to be enough for 4 months I question in my head. My mind shifts back to the people in line. Only ten people away from a new start I say in my head. “ Tickets, tickets, we are now open, come get your tickets, bound for New Zealand” shouts a bald-headed man while opening the wooden window. The voice travels far, and the line grows as time goes on. My time comes. “ How many people, what’s your name, age, steerage or cabin,” repeats the bald-headed man with a deep voice. “ Ummm, 3 people, Thomas Jones, Anna Mabel Jones and George Henry Jones,” I say, as he notes the names down on the ticket. “ I am 25, Anna is 23 and my son is 9 months old” I add. " So what are you going to be travelling in steerage or cabin?" the bald men questions. I look down at my money and see that I only have enough money for steerage. I answer in disappointment " Steerage ". “ So that is £15, each” responds the bald man while he opens the dark blue money box. I open my wallet and hand him the money, my savings all used on tickets I state in my head. New Zealand better be worth it. The man hands me the tickets and points me to the dock.
I'm finally here after 120 days, I'm finally here. As I reflect back on my journey, many things I have forgotten. But we made it. I pack my clothes in excitement, ready to leave this god damn ship. The bells ring as everyone lines up to depart the ship, my heart beating quicker and quicker as I step up the stairs. I reach the end of the stairs and see huge green tree's and bushes spread all over the land. They spread until I don't know where. I hear the excitement and disbelief of the passengers, as they wait in line." This is nothing like London," I say in awe to Anna. She gives me a nod. The crew drops the anchor and opens the bridge, everyone rushing out. I too rush out and start to touch the grass. Like I've never seen grass before. Walking in amazement, the cold wind kicks my face. I turn around and see Joseph, lying on the ground he looks unconscious I state in my head. I drop my suitcase and run to him. I approach him," Look after my children, you'll have to raise them now," Joseph says in a weak way. " Okay," I reply in grief. I pick him up and lower him into the cold water, his children crying, as he floats away. I hug the children and walk them over to the crowd of people. I stand in line when a Maori comes up to me. He's wearing a skirt, it looks like it's made out of leaves and he's carrying a spear. It appears like he's going to attack me. I try not to show that I am afraid, I slowly push the children behind me. " Do you need a place to stay?" says the Maori Man in a deep voice. " Umm, sure, okay " I respond in confusion. He escorts me over to a tent made with long light brown leaves. I check the surrounding to make sure it's all clear." Thank you," I say. We sit down on the ground and try to communicate with them. I realise he and his family can speak English.