3

Nadima

‘Good morning, 7R,’ said Mrs C . ‘This is Nadima. She hasn’t been in the UK very long, and she doesn’t speak much English. But I know I can trust you all to look after her and make her feel welcome.’

She nodded at Mr Y, and left, shutting the door behind her firmly, as if she was anxious the girl might want to run away. I wouldn’t have blamed her if she did because absolutely everyone in 7R was staring at her. Scary or what? Honestly, it was like she was from outer space or something. It was only because she was new. But she stood in the doorway and stared back boldly – bravely even. So when I managed to catch her eye I gave her a big fat welcoming grin. And it was amazing. Her whole face lit up as she grinned back. Then, since the seat next to me was empty, I patted it and gestured to her. She came over and slid into the chair, still giving me that huge grin.

‘Hi, I’m Jaz,’ I said.

Then she said, ‘I am Nadima. Hello.’ But she spoke in a really strong accent, sort of like this: ‘I-yam Nadeema. Hhhell-o.’

And here’s the weird thing. Even though I didn’t know anything about her, or what she was like, there was something about her that made me instantly like her. I think it was her guts. You could just tell she was someone who could stick up for herself.

It was great to have someone to sit next to – for a change. The seat next to mine had been empty all term in almost every single class. Lily was my best mate in primary school and she used to sit next to me. But last term she started sitting next to Kara. Don’t get me wrong, Lily and I are still mates, and I’ve lots of other friends, like Chloe and Elly. We’re all just one big gang really. So it should all be fine. And it would be – except Kara and I literally hated each other at first sight. You have no idea how hard it is being friends with someone who is friends with someone who can’t stand you.

Anyhow, Mr Y drifted over and handed Nadima the worksheet about picking our own bedtimes. And then he told me to help her.

Me?!??*!*!

Seriously?!

LOL.

I’m probably the last person on Planet Earth to be able to help anyone in English!

I did my best and tried to explain, slowly and clearly, what we were meant to be doing. Nadima nodded politely. But I don’t think she understood a single word. Funnily enough, she didn’t seem too bothered. Perhaps she was used to it. When the bell rang for break she just gave me a light shrug (and a big grin) and we gathered up our things.

‘You can finish off your Persuasive Writing for homework,’ Mr Y bellowed as everyone trooped out.

Cue massive groan from everyone (except Nadima of course).