Chapter 12 Part 1 How scary can a few numbers be? -12

National Lottery Maybe 44, 1, 23, 6, 9, 16 teams, maybe 23, 6, 1... Suddenly, a burst of applause remembered that Martini McCartson had finished singing her song.Oh my God! It's about to begin, the turning point of my life is approaching! "The lottery has become seriously commercialized, hasn't it?" said Mom, as Dale Winton directed Martini to press the red button. "What a disgrace!" "What do you mean, it becomes commercialized?" Dad asked rhetorically. "In the past people bought lottery tickets because they wanted to support a charity."

"No, they're not! Don't be kidding! Nobody cares about charity, they care about themselves, themselves, themselves!" Dad pointed the remote at Dale Winton, and the TV screen went black. "Dad!" I wailed. "So you think nobody cares about charity?" Mom broke the silence. "That's not what I said." "Dad! Turn on the TV!" I screamed, "Turn--it--on!" I almost rushed to grab the remote control in his hand, and at this moment, Dad turned on the TV . I stared at the TV screen in disbelief.The first ball has fallen, its number is 44, I chose 44!

"... 44 had come up three weeks ago. Now the second ball has dropped...it's number 1." I can't move anymore.It's happening right in front of my eyes.I will win the jackpot.I'm about to win that prize! Now, now that it's happened, I'm surprisingly calm.Like I knew, I always knew this was going to happen.I sat on the couch without saying a word, feeling like a self-disclosing document being read by Joanna Lumley or someone. "Rebecca Bloomwood always knew in her heart that she would win the jackpot one day. But on the day she won the lottery, she didn't expect..."

"Another single digit, the number is 3." What? My heart stopped and I stared at the screen in bewilderment.That's not right, they should say 23. "And the number 2, one of last week's lucky numbers." I feel cold all over.What the hell is going on? How are these numbers? "Another singles digit, the number 4. A number that comes up a lot -- it's been 12 times this year so far. And finally... the last number is 5! I've never seen it before! It's First time! Now, connect them in order..." No, that can't be true.Something must have gone wrong.How could the jackpot numbers be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 44? It doesn't look like a lottery number at all.This... this is a disgusting joke!

Moreover, it is obvious that I should win the lottery, I should... "Look!" Mom said, "I can't believe it! 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 44." "Why not believe it?" Dad replied, "It's as possible as any other combination." "impossible!" "Jane, what do you know about the laws of possibility?" When the "National Lottery" program ended in a burst of music, I stood up quietly and left the door.I went into the kitchen, sat down at the table, and buried my head in my hands.To be honest, I was trembling slightly all over.I was so sure I would win the lottery.I was supposed to live in a mansion and go on vacation to Barbados with all my friends and go shopping at Agnes B.That feeling is so real.

Now, instead, I'm sitting in my parents' kitchen with no money for a holiday and just spent £80 on a wooden bowl that I don't even like. Feeling so miserable, I boiled water, picked up the book on the table, and flipped through it—but even that didn't cheer me up.Everything seemed to remind me of money.Maybe Dad is right, I found myself thinking sadly.Maybe spending cuts are the answer.Let's say... let's say I can save £60 a week; after 100 weeks, I'll have £6,000. My brain suddenly became excited. Not bad for £6,000! And if you think about it, saving £60 a week isn't too difficult.Just skip going out for a few meals.I mean, you barely notice the difference.

God, yes.Just do it! Save £60 a week, every week.Maybe I can also put the money into a special account.This is awesome! My financial situation will be completely improved- when I pay off all my debts, I will continue to save money and get into the habit of thrift.And then at the end of each year, I'll go for a dash and buy a top-notch Armani suit, or maybe a Christian Dior one.In short, it must be a very tasteful thing. I thought excitedly, since Monday.I put a spoonful of Ovaltine chocolate into a teacup.All I have to do is not waste a penny.Save all the money I have left, and I'll be rich.This is simply fantastic!

Brompton department store Customer Finance Department 1 Brompton Street, London SW4 7TH To: Ms. Rebecca Bloomwood Unit 2, 4 Burnie Road, London SW6 8FD Dear Ms. Bloomwood: Thank you very much for receiving a check for £43 today. Unfortunately, you did not sign the check.There is no doubt that this was due to your negligence.Therefore, the check is returned to you, and I hope you will sign it before returning it to us. Also, as you know for sure, your payment is 8 days behind schedule. Hope to receive your signed check soon. sincerely yours john hunter Customer Finance Manager March 6, 2000