Chapter 6

Students crowd the school hallway, waiting by the bulletin board. Salma stands in the back with Riya and Ayman, rubbing her palms together nervously. Today, Mr. Heatherington announces who has qualified to join all the different sports teams—including the swim team. Salma wants the chance to swim more races and be just like her hero. But now there’s another reason she wants to join the team: to prove those mean girls wrong. She will show them all.

“I am so nervous,” Salma tells Riya and Ayman.

“Well, I’m sure I’ll qualify.” Ayman puffs his chest out and stands taller. “I am, after all, the best swimmer this school has ever seen.”

“I don’t think Salma is in the mood for your jokes today, Ayman.” Riya elbows their friend. Ayman finally glances at Salma and his face drops. He huddles closer to his two best friends.

“I am sure you will make the team, too, Salma.” Ayman’s voice becomes serious. “I saw you train every day. You gave it everything you had!”

Salma nods. She is thankful for her best friends always being there for her. Even when Ayman is being a bit of a clown, she knows he respects her. He will make a great teammate . . . if Salma makes the team.

“It’s just so annoying,” Salma finally says. “When you work hard, Ayman, everyone celebrates you. When I work hard, it seems a lot of people have opinions on what I do, or what I wear, or how I look.”

Ayman is about to say something, but Mr. Heatherington appears out of the teachers’ lounge. He holds a stack of papers. The crowd parts as he walks calmly toward the board and pins the lists to it, taking his time.

“He is taking forever!” Salma says between her teeth.

Finally, Mr. H. walks back to the teachers’ lounge. The students rush to read the lists. Shouts of excitement and sighs of disappointment fill the hallway.

“I can’t look,” Salma says. “I’m too scared.”

“Don’t worry, Salma, I’ll look for us.” Ayman merges into the crowd, shouldering students out of his way. Salma feels Riya’s hand squeezing hers. After a moment, Ayman reaches the bulletin board. Salma’s heart beats so hard, she thinks the whole school must hear it. Finally, Ayman turns around and pushes his way back to Salma and Riya. His face is blank.

“Come on, what does it say?” Riya shouts. “The suspense is too much!”

“Well,” Ayman says slowly. “All I can say is that . . .”

Salma’s breathing is shallow. Her face feels so warm. If Ayman doesn’t share the results right this second, there is a strong possibility she will hit him over the head with her math book.

“. . . I qualified for the swim team,” Ayman announces. Both Salma and Riya jump in excitement for their friend.

“And what about Salma?” Riya asks.

Ayman holds his breath. He gets a sad look on his face and stares straight at Salma. “I am so sorry, Salma,” he whispers.

Salma’s heart falls to the ground. Her dream is about to be crushed. She needs Ayman to say the words.

“But,” Ayman finally says, “you also qualified for the team!”

“You little . . . !” Riya shouts, pushing him playfully. He laughs hysterically. “That’s not a good joke.”

“I think it was a great joke, actually.” Ayman is very proud of himself.

Salma takes a deep breath. Her dream is coming true. She made the swim team. This is the best news she’s ever heard. Her hard work was worth it. All the tired nights and the difficult techniques. All the challenging exercises and the painfully cold water. It was all worth it.

“Congrats, Salma!” Riya gives Salma a big hug.

“Thank you!” Salma says. “I can’t wait to tell Mama and Baba.”

“I know they will be very proud of you, Salma. Everyone we know is going to be so proud!” Ayman says.

Salma’s blood freezes. She suddenly feels heavy. Now more people will see her in her swimsuit. She’ll be on the team with those mean older girls, and they will find even worse things to say about her. And what if people keep spreading gossip about her mama in the mosque?

Riya gives Salma a huge hug, bringing Salma back to the joyful moment. These negative thoughts are all water off a duck’s back. Today she will celebrate. She is part of the swim team; and the first swim meet, where she will compete against teams from other schools, is only a couple of weeks away.