The first prizewinner is Margaret Miller, Birmingham who wins fifty pounds for this story.

 

                                    Going Backwards Going Forwards

 

  Alexandra was gorgeous.  Her face was flawless and her hair was kept in immaculate condition.  Her clothes were handmade and she had an extensive and expensive wardrobe.  She was a companion to Lucy and went everywhere with her.

  Lucy was the only daughter of Lord and Lady Greatrix.  There was nothing that they denied her and evrey time Lucy had new clothes then Alexandra had to have the same.

  The only time that they were parted was when Lucy had her riding lessons and then Alexandra would sit patiently waiting for her to finish.  Even so she had the same riding outfit as Lucy.

  They shared the beautiful canopied bed and Lucy would tell her of the things she had done and heard, knowing that they would go no further.

  Lucy had a tutor whilst she was young, She didn't have to go to school and Alexandra would sit quietly in the corner whilst the lessons were taking place.  Frau Gordon would look at her with distaste but it was what Lucy wanted and so it had to be.

  As the years went by, although Alexandra was still in the house, Lucy had other friends and she spent more time with them.  She would be invited to stay and Alexandra wasn't invited.

  The time came when Lucy was old enought to go to boarding school.

  Alexandra was perched precariously at the end of the bed amidst piles of new clothes for Lucy to take with her.

  "I'm sorry you can't come with me, Ali."  She glanced guiltily at her old friend and suddenly realised how shabby she looked.  The dress was dirty and torn.  "I'll come back from school in the holidays and I'll tell you all about my new friends."

  At this the door opened and her mother came sweeping in.  She looked around at the scene taking in the empty trunk and the piles of clothes.  "Oh, Lucy dear you haven't even started packing.  I'l  send nanny in to help you."

  She leaned over and planted a kiss on her dughter's head and as she stood up her skirt caught Alexandra and she fell to the floor with a loud bang.

  Oh, I'm so sorry, darling," she said as she picked up the broken porcelain of the doll's face.  "I know how you loved Alexandra."