Read the story on p. 90 and answer the questions.
1 Where did the story take place?
2 Who were the main characters?
3 What was the weather like?
4 What happened in the end?
Rachel and I looked out of the window as the train started moving slowly away from the platform. It was a cloudless summer day, not what you would expect after last night's storm. "I don't think you'll be needing that!" I told Rachel, looking at her huge green and pink spotted umbrella. "It's a beautiful day - perfect for the Notting Hill Carnival."
It was still early when we reached Notting Hill. We wandered happily around the stalls and admired the beautifully decorated floats. By the time the parade began, thousands of people had lined the streets to watch it. People in multi-coloured costumes were dancing to the rhythm of funky Caribbean music while others were taking photographs. "Look at that costume," I shouted to Rachel, but there was no answer. I looked around but she was nowhere in sight. I had no idea what to do!
Just as I was beginning to panic, there was a huge clap of thunder. Minutes later, it started to pour with rain. "Oh no, that's all I need," I thought anxiously, trying to find a place to take cover from the rain. It was just then that a familiar green and pink plastic object caught my eye. It was Rachel's umbrella! Quickly, I moved towards it.
Dripping wet but relieved, we entered the first cafe we found. "Who would have thought," I said to Rachel as I took a sip of hot coffee, "that a sudden downpour would be good luck!" "Yes," Rachel replied, smiling, "... without it you wouldn't have spotted my special umbrella, Sarah!"