(THE ALPHABET SERIES) FRANCINE GOES TO FRANCE

My story begins when I went to stay in Disneyland with my family.
My family consists of my mum, my dad, my sister, Frances, and my brother, Fred. They are the worst family in the world. Seriously. By worst I mean they are embarrassing. One time, I was in town with my mates and we visited a clothes shop. Mum and Dad were in there, fooling about with hats. I pretended I didn't know them, and tried to walk on by, but they shouted my name out and ran over to my mates and I. I was so mortified!
But if I tell you all the embarrassing things my family do to me, I'll never get on with the story.
Earlier this summer, my mum and dad announced to my siblings and I that we were going on a week-long holiday to Paris. Disneyland to be exact. Of course, I was very excited because I've always wanted to go to Disneyland, ever since I went to see "The Little Mermaid" at the cinemas when I was young. But I was also very wary, because I knew, somehow, my family would embarrass me.
When we got to Disneyland, we were all very surprised at how large it was. We later found out it was a good job we were staying for a week, because you needed four whole days to explore the place properly. We went to the hotel where we were staying, and found we were sharing one room. We all claimed which bed was ours and then promptly set off to look around. There was a Pirates Of The Caribbean boat ride that I so wanted to go on. I was just about to step inside the large, dark cave when I heard my name being called out.
I turned, my parents were running towards me, Frances tagging behind. 'Oh no,' I thought to myself. 'Not now.'
"Francine, don't you think that you're too young for that ride," my mum said, as she caught up with me.
"Oh, please," I answered. "I am eleven. This ride isn't that scary."
"No, but it may be for your sister," my dad replied.
"Huh?"
"You heard me. It might be scary for Frances."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, your mum and I want to stay back in our room. Your sister's too young to go off by herself, and we have no idea where Fred is. So we're entrusting responsibility of care to you."
Mum and Dad grabbed each other arms, and ran off before I could argue that I didn't want to be stuck with Frances.
"Listen, Frances," I said to my little sister. "You wait outside while I go on this ride. I'll only be ten minutes."
"No," replied Frances. "Mum and Dad said I had to stay with you at all times. And I can't go on that scary looking ride. So you can't either."
I kicked a stone in anger. This was so unfair. Once again, my family had ruined what should be a perfectly good holiday for me.
"Ok, Frances," I sighed. "What do you want to go on?"
"I want to go on the teacups ride."
I groaned. Loudly. "Don't be silly, Frances. That ride's for three year olds. You're six."
"I am three! I am three! Come on, Francine, Mum and Dad said you had to do what I say. If you don't I shall tell them."
I groaned again. I knew they hadn't really said that but I knew I would have to take Frances to the teacups ride. Otherwise she might start bawling like a baby and embarrass me further.
"Come on, Frances," I said sourly. "Let's go find the teacups."

Look out for the "G" story, "Gina Gets A Ginormous Giraffe" in the next issue...