Sparkle

The Smiths had gone on a family holiday, which their mum had found through a friend.

It was an old working farmhouse with a courtyard and barns. Chloe loved it! She had her face pressed to the window as they came down the long road towards it.

Rabbits hopped about in fields and a couple ran down the grass that went alongside the road. Her dad drove slowly and carefully so as to not hurt them.

There were sheep grazing in fields on the opposite side and she could see cows further down.

Somewhere she thought she had seen a collie running in a field but it was probably her imagination.

Zak was bouncing about in his seat trying to contain his excitement.

“I can’t wait to get out and run around!” he exclaimed.

“No Zak. The nice couple are letting us stay on their farm. We won’t be letting you run amok, especially with their animals roaming around.” his dad said firmly.

“I wasn’t going to go to them. I saw a small stream and wanted to follow it. Plus there's hay bales and logs, all sorts of things I could have great adventures with!”

Our parents just smiled and stayed quiet.

Zak was her younger brother. He was adventurous where Chloe preferred to sit and observe. She loved to draw and read. She was often found with her sketchbook drawing away with her feet tucked to one side of her, whilst her brother was running around somewhere.

He wasn’t naughty but just had a wild imagination and couldn’t sit still.

As they pulled up a large busted lady, maybe in her early 50s stood wearing an apron came forwards to greet them.

“You must be the Smiths. Welcome to Dapplewood Farm” she smiled warmly.

“My husband would have come over to greet you but he’s around the farm somewhere sorting out some technical difficulties.

Anyway, you will see him later on at supper.

I’ll show you to your accommodation, then leave you to settle. Breakfast and tea times, important information and various attraction leaflets have been left out in your room for you.

Please read through the document and ask if there’s anything you’re unsure of. Remember this is a working farm so bear that in mind when roaming around. Shut all gates, be careful around the animals and don’t go round the machinery at any point.”

With that she turned and walked ahead of them chatting away and asking about their plans for their time with them.

Chloe and Zak liked her straight away.

They couldn’t believe they were staying in a guest house. They just thought it was a b&b room. How lovely!!

All that’s missing now is a Border Collie laying by the Arga Chloe thought.

After a long journey and unpacking their things they were all hungry!

“I can’t believe we have our own rooms! This is awesome!!!!” beamed Zak.

“No offense sis, but I really didn’t want to spend all holiday sharing a room with you”

She laughed

“None taken. I didn’t want to share with you either.”

They both poked their tongues out at each other then burst out laughing.

They went down for tea which tasted so good. They ate until they felt like they would burst.

Mike had come in and introduced himself whilst telling them what was being cooked the next day.

Obviously he had asked about anything they didn’t like and allergies just to make sure they had got all the information that their parents had already given them was still correct.

They even got to choose what they would like the next evening!!

The couple were lovely and welcoming.

That night sleep came easily and before she knew it, it was morning.