6.1.1967

Dear Diary,

You'll never believe what just happened!!!! I should explain what and how, so I'll start right from the beginning.

Mum asked me to go cycle to the shop to get some groceries for her. It was a rainy day and I was busy in the living room, watching The Monkees with Sam. I didn't particularly want to go but Mum really needed the food before the shops shut and it was a good opportunity to take Sam for a walk. Grudgingly I got up, turned off my favourite TV show and told mum I'd go. I was annoyed I was missing The Monkees because it was my favourite show and I wouldn't be able to see it again. I was very lucky to have a TV though, because quite a few people at school didn't have one at all. Sam and I went outside and I got on my Raleigh bike.

As it was pouring with rain, the puddles down the street were really deep and I had to avoid them so I didn't soak myself. Sam didn't bother, his small,black body half swam/half ran through the puddles. After 15 minuets or so of going through the streets of Manchester, I reached the shops.

Dogs were stupidly not allowed in the shops, so I had to leave poor Sam outside the bakers, guarding my bike, though I doubted anyone would try to steal it. My whole life I left things 'dangerously' in the street, yet no one came and took them. It just isn't like that. We can leave our doors unlocked and not feel the slightest bit worried.

Anyway, I rushed into the shops and quickly bought everything. When I got outside, I ran to Sam, put the shopping in my basket attached to the front, and rushed back home.

Except I went too fast. When I got to Hill Street [clue's in the name; it was really steep and like a hill], I started to go really fast, Sam panting along me, feeling a sense of freedom and happiness. I didn't see the man walking onto the street. By the time I did, it was too late. I tried to skid to a stop, but I crashed straight into the man, and we fell onto the pavement, a tangle of bike and people. The only one alright was Sam, who was crawling across us, trying to lick me.

I slowly got up and pulled my bike off the man. Nothing felt broken but I had cut my shirt and arm, and was bleeding a bit. Apart from that and a few other bruises, I was fine.

"I'm so sorry, I honestly didn't mean to. It was just really fun going down the hill and I wasn't thinking properly." I held out my hand and helped the man up.

"Thanks," He stood up, and brushed his legs "You didn't mean to. When I was a kid, I used to love to ride down that hill. Luckily, I didn't crash into anyone, even though I must have flown down that hill a million times."

He looked up at me and beamed brightly, his white teeth flashing against his tanned skin. It was then the man struck me as very familiar. He had a cute baby face and long, thick, glossy, dark brown hair and eyebrows. He had a muscular, strong build with broad shoulders but was short, about 5 foot 3, smaller than me. Then I noticed the twinkle in his eyes, and instantly knew who he was.

"Are you...Davy Jones?" I stammered, barely able to talk, for the first time in my life. It was strange, one moment he was on the telly, just an image on a screen, the next he was right in front of me, alive and breathing.

"Yes, it's me, David Thomas Jones." He replied calmly, taking everything in as if a joke.

"Wow, sorry, but it's just, I really love you. I watch your show all the time and listen to your music and, well...I love The Monkees. I wish I could jump into the screen and join you all on your funny adventures. You seem to be really strong friends and have such a brilliant friendship. I just love you guys." I blurted out.

Davy grinned, then hugged me. I was swept away for a moment, into a land of The Monkees and me, having fun and 'romping' around. Then Sam barked and brought me back to miserable, grey Manchester.

"Alright Sam, calm down, you silly boy!"I stopped hugging and fondled with Sam's ears, just where he liked it.

"Is this your dog then?" Davy asked politely.

"Yep, he's my best friend and I love him to bits."

"He's gorgeous.Can I stroke him?"

"Of course! He loves people."

Davy bent down and let Sam sniff him, holding out his fist so [if] Sam bite him, he couldn't get his fingers.

"You've had dogs before?" I asked, though I could tell he had.

"Yeah, I love dogs. I've had them before and Micky brings his dog on the set all the time, literally. He can't bear to leave him alone. What breed is your dog?"

"Sam's a cross between a Patterdale Terrier and a Jack Russel."

"He's lovely, just like his owner." We locked eyes and it was like when Davy fell in love with girls on TV. There were stars in our eyes, birds singing, and [I'm not joking] but it stopped raining and the sun came out. It was magical.

"What are you doing back in England then?" I asked casually, looking back at Sam.

"It's my sister's wedding. I'm actually missing the filming of the next Monkees episode, Alias Micky Dolenz."

"What's the episode about?" I asked cheekily.

"You'll have to tune in and find out!" We laughed.

"Sorry to cut this time short, but I really must go now." He looked at his watch. "It was great meeting you. I hope I see you again one day. What's your name?"

"Grace Brook."

"Beautiful name for a beautiful young girl." He murmured as got out a pen and notepad from his trouser pocket. He wrote something down, tore the paper, and slipped it in my hand. Then he walked past me, up the hill, and waved. I stayed until I couldn't see him anymore.

The rest of the ride home with Sam was like a dream. I could hardly believe what happened as I replayed meeting Davy in my head. When I finally got back in my house, my Mum wasn't very happy with me;I was over an hour late.

I stopped her midway and explained everything all in a rush, grinning from ear to ear, failing to hide the excitement in my voice.When I had finished, my mother sighed and spoke.

"I'm really pleased for you," she hugged me quickly. "I've got to get dinner ready now." With that note she left. She obviously didn't understand how important it was to me, but I was too ecstatic to care.

I went upstairs and lay om my bed, Sam resting on my feet. I opened the note, still clutched in my hand. It read:

To Grace Brook and Sam,

I'm so pleased you 'bumped' into me. It was a meeting I'll never forget!! Thanks for our conversation. Hope to meet you again.

Davy Jones

***