Valentine O'Byrne

Valentine O'Byrne

by Courtney P.4

Valentine had a dream. She wanted to be a dancer. But not just any kind of dancer. Valentine wanted to be an Irish dancer. She practised all the time. Everywhere. In the kitchen. In her bedroom. In the bathroom. In the supermarket. Even at the bus stop. She was especially proud of her dancing outfit. She kept it for special occasions. So when the lady came to school to pick dancers Valentine was really excited. She kicked her legs as high as she could. She just kept dancing and dancing and dancing! She thought she was floating on air! But the lady didn't pick Valentine. In fact she hardly even noticed her. Valentine was very disappointed. That day she walked home from school. No twirls or spins. She was very sad. Mum told her not to be too unhappy and made her a sandwich. Go in and sit down Love she said.
Your legs must be tired. I'll put on your video. Valentine sank into the chair. She didn't feel hungry. All she wanted to do was dance. Why couldn't I have been picked she said to herself. Then suddenly she caught sight of the dancers on the TV and she had an idea. She sat up so quickly her drink nearly went over the floor. Where are you going. Valentine her mum shouted as she ran out of the door. Valentine ran into the house next door.

Is Conor here she asked Mrs Walsh. I need to see him. That night Valentine and several of her friends stayed in her garage for hours until it was time to come in for bed. We must meet again tomorrow Valentine said to her friends. We have a lot more to do. Nobody knew what they were up to. Not until Friday when Conor Walsh put a big poster outside Valentines garden wall. Valentine could see from her bedroom window that lots of people were stopping and staring. She started to get very excited. In fact the night before she could hardly sleep. The next day everybody had a job to do. Mary handed a ticket to everybody coming in so as they could get into the back garden. Sean Hughes was practising his magic tricks and the twins Angela and Claire sang some lovely songs. Valentine came on at the end. But she didn't just walk on - she ran on legs flying through the air! Everybody screamed and clapped. Some people even stood up! Valentine danced until she could no longer feel her feet. She wanted to go on forever. She took many bows in front of the audience. People were shouting for her more. But Valentine just smiled and waved and said she would see them all again soon. Next time.