Go, Go, Guinea Pig!

CHAPTER 1

What's up, Harry Stevenson?

Harry Stevenson was normally the happiest of guinea pigs. He had everything he could possibly want: a cosy cage full of hay and a food bowl that never seemed to empty. Even better, Harry lived with his favourite person in the world: eight-year-old Billy Smith. Billy was the best owner and friend a guinea pig could ask for. Today, though, Harry was feeling worried. That was because Billy was in a bad mood, and when Billy was unhappy, Harry was too.

The problem was Billy’s cousin – Alfie. Harry had heard a lot about Alfie lately because he and his parents were coming to visit. According to Billy, his cousin was perfect in every way. He had all the latest toys, was brilliant at football and was always top of the class at school. Alfie sounds great, thought Harry, but it seemed he was wrong. For some reason, Billy didn’t like Alfie very much. Harry couldn’t work out why. Alfie sounded clever, sporty and fun – so why did Billy sigh when his parents talked about him? It was a big puzzle for a small guinea pig.

Harry Stevenson was a good friend, though, so while he couldn’t understand Billy’s bad mood, he was doing his best to improve it. The pair were curled up on the sofa in the front room. Their favourite football show was on TV but Harry could tell that Billy wasn’t really watching. He peered up at his friend – oh dear, there was that grumpy frown again. Harry nuzzled Billy’s hand with his furry nose, then tried a cheery squeak. He was pleased to see a smile in response.

‘Hey, Harry,’ said Billy. ‘At least Alfie hasn’t got you. He’s got everything else, it seems.’ Billy was about to say more when Mrs Smith came into the room and spotted his glum face.

‘Oh, Billy!’ she said. ‘Cheer up! I don’t know what’s got into you. Come on, love. Auntie Jen and Uncle Kevin will be here soon.’

Harry Stevenson chirped happily. He loved Auntie Jen because she was just like her sister, Mrs Smith! Auntie Jen didn’t visit very often as she lived in another city, but she always made a fuss of Harry when she came. Uncle Kevin was sort of fun too – although he kept pretending to think Harry was a ‘ginger rat’. Harry got a bit tired of that joke sometimes. But Alfie? Harry had never met him. That was because Alfie had been playing in a football tournament when Auntie Jen visited, or performing in a dance show, or acting in a school play. It sounded like Alfie was good at everything, thought Harry, and he wondered again why Billy wouldn’t admire such a clever cousin.

Harry looked at the door, hoping that Alfie, Auntie Jen and Uncle Kevin would walk through it soon. They were just popping in before going to some sort of show, Mrs Smith had said. She didn’t know any more than that – Auntie Jen had promised a surprise! Harry wasn’t keen on surprises. He’d had a few lately and they hadn’t been fun. Still, he always hoped for the best. Auntie Jen’s surprise might involve nuggets, or, even better, carrots.

‘They’re here!’ called Mrs Smith, looking out of the window excitedly. ‘Ooh, that’s the new car. Have a look, Billy!’

Billy shrugged, and carried Harry over to the window. Harry peered outside to see a big shiny car parking next to Mr Smith’s scruffy van. I’d better smarten up, thought Harry. So he gave himself a quick brush with his paws and prepared to meet the arrivals.

CHAPTER 2

Look at that, Harry Stevenson!

Well, this IS a surprise, thought Harry Stevenson, blinking in wonder. For standing next to Auntie Jen and Uncle Kevin was a boy who looked just like Billy! Harry knew that Billy and Alfie were the same age but he’d no idea they looked so similar. Alfie was like a mirror of Billy. He even walked the same way. Harry could spot one difference, though. Alfie seemed sort of… shinier. His shoes weren’t scuffed like Billy’s, and everything he wore looked neat. Harry sniffed the air. Mmm. Alfie’s clothes had a fresh, zingy smell. Billy’s things only smelled like that when they’d first been washed.

‘Hey, Alfie!’ cried Mrs Smith, giving her nephew a hug. ‘How’s the football going? We