Finally, Elaine got the attention of most of the guests.
"Thank you." She said, "My name is Elaine Boyak from Pottiswood Social Services. Welcome to the Elm Tree House Reunion. Some of you may still remember me from when they used to live here, some of you may not. I see many old faces, I mean… Not old, but… Familiar faces. And some new faces. This care home has had many different names over the past few years. Stowey House, Cliffside, Elm Tree House… It was amazing seeing you grow up into the men and women you are today. For example, I would have never guessed Tracy Beaker would become a writer, and…"
Tracy interrupted Elaine: "Didn't I tell you I wanted to become a writer ever since I was ten years old?"
"Yes, yes, Tracy, yes, you did!" Elaine said, nervously, "But I mean… Who would have thought that…"
"Who would have thought that problem child Tracy Beaker would even get a job?" Justine Littlewood whispered, loud enough for most of the guests to hear it.
"Justine Littlewood!" Tracy shouted. "YOU FILTHY…"
"Tracy!" Elaine said, in a very familiar social workery voice, "Tracy, please. Let my continue my speech."
Elaine looked a little confused for a second or two and continued: "So Tracy Beaker became a writer and… Who would have thought Roxy Wellard would become a fashion designer? You guys have really shown me that care kids are capable of anything. I love how you have set an example for other care kids all across the country. Leyla… Or should I say, Her Royal Highness Princess Leyla, who unfortunately couldn't be here today, that little girl. Even though she was a care kid, she found true love. And her true love was Prince Harry!"
A few people started whispering. Louise, who didn't even live at The Dumping Ground when Leyla lived there, seemed to know.
"Why weren't we invited to their wedding then?" Crash asked.
"She did invite me!" said Hailey, a tiny Asian looking lady, who used to be Leyla's best friend before she got fostered.
"Umm… Guys… Quiet." Elaine tried.
Tracy felt a little bad for Elaine, who lost everyone's attention again, but then she realised it was Elaine.
"Hello? I wasn't finished yet. Please, listen. LISTEEEEN!"
Some people laughed at Elaine's desperate shout, but after that, they were quiet again.
"Thank you," Elaine said, "So Princess Leyla, unfortunately, couldn't be here today. And we raised another celebrity. Lawrence, or Lol, Plakova, has become a famous footballer, for some club in Spain, where he lives, so he too couldn't be here. And… Oh, you're all stars to me. Some of you have gotten married, some of you have children or are expecting one, congratulations Chantal, some of you are still in school or university, and some of you are still living here, aren't you Jody? But to me you're all doing amazing. And of course, I can't go without mentioning two of the great kids who used to live here, Michael and Rebecca, who, unfortunately, aren't with us anymore. Michael Grys, who lived with us in Stowey House, died three days ago. I'm devastated about his death. Michael was such a happy…"
Justine Littlewood interrupted Elaine: "Elaine, he killed himself. He OBVIOUSLY wasn't happy."
"Yes, um… No Justine, you are right. But he was… Oh well… Um, and Rebecca. Who lost her life in a terrible car crash. May they both rest in peace. And before I…"
Elaine got interruped again, this time by a tall woman Tracy did not recognise.
"I'm sorry I'm late." She said.
"Oh no problem, Marceline, please sit down. Or just… Never mind, welcome." Elaine said, "So, what I wanted to say. Before we start this fun day I would like to thank all of the staff members we've had and still have. We couldn't have done this without you, Jenny, Mike, Duke, who has been so kind to provide us with delicious snacks today, Nathan, Shelley, Sid, Gina, Melanie and Tracy. Thank you."
When she said Tracy everyone looked at Tracy Beaker for a second, who pretended she didn't notice.
"Well," Elaine said, before people started chatting again. "Like I said, you're all stars to me. And I'm glad you could all make it. I hope you will enjoy yourselves today. Thank you."
