‘Everyone, we have a new student. Dear, can you introduce yourself?’ Ms Chan asked. ‘Yes, of course. Hello everyone. My name is Emi. Nice to meet you. I’m currently 12 years old and I’m from Hong Kong.’ Emi said.

She was a young girl with dark brown eyes and shoulder-length hair. She was wearing a baby pink shirt and a short plaid skirt.

‘Welcome to Brooklyn Avenue Middle School, Emi. Now, I want you all to be nice to Emi and welcome her to our class. Emi, please go sit next to Eleanor. Eleanor, she might struggle to understand in class so please teach her when she is confused.’ Ms Chan mentioned.

Eleanor had long hair that was neatly tied into a ponytail and was wearing a pair of glasses. Eleanor wore some jeans and wore a sky blue T-shirt. She looked at Emi and gave her a welcoming smile.

‘Huh. Emi looks pretty and she is so polite! I could make a friend! If only she didn’t sit next to Eleanor. She’s my best friend. If she replaces me, I won’t allow it.’ Katy thought to herself.

Katy wore a dark green shirt with some white stripes and wore some light blue shorts.

RING RING! The school bell rang. It was finally recess time. Everyone huddled around Katy and chatted away.

‘Katy, have you done the homework?’

‘Katy, are you free this weekend?’

‘Katy, can you go to my party?’

‘I’m sorry, guys. Ms Chan told me to go to the teacher’s office to go get the booklets. I’ll talk to you guys later.’ Katy lied so as to go to talk to Eleanor.

However, Eleanor was still sitting there talking to Emi.

‘Eleanor, Eleanor!’ Katy chanted.

‘What?’ Eleanor replied.

‘Do you want to go down to the basketball court and play a match? I’m going to make you beg for mercy!’ Katy suggested.

‘Nah. No thanks. I’d rather stay here and chat with Emi. She’s lots of fun! Do you wanna join?’ Eleanor asked.

‘Hmph, fine. If you really want to just chat here with Emi, I’ll go play on my own!’ Katy snapped.

‘Katy, I’m sorry. Eleanor, why don’t you go play with Katy instead. I need to finish my English homework anyways. I don’t want to bother you guys.’ Emi proposed.

‘But- I wanted to get to know you better! I wanna chat with you more.’ Eleanor said.

‘You know what? It’s fine. I need to go get some booklets from the teachers’ office anyway.’ Katy mumbled.

After a while, maths class began again. Emi and Eleanor were chatting the entire time and she felt as if she had been stabbed in the back, she had never felt so betrayed in her whole life. ‘Eleanor is my best friend. There is no way I’m letting her replace me with Emi! I’m definitely going to confront her after class.’ Katy thought.

After an hour, it was recess time. Katy walked over to Eleanor and Emi and said ‘ Eleanor, can we talk?’

Eleanor nodded her head.

‘Well, I-’ Katy started but was interrupted by Emi…

‘ I’m sorry Katy. I don’t mean to be rude, but I felt that you were feeling kind of left out right?’ Emi asked. Katy nodded and tears started rolling down her face. Eleanor handed Katy a handkerchief and she used it to dab her tears.

‘I’m really sorry, Katy. I wasn’t trying to exclude you from us. I was just trying to get to know her better. Ms Chan asked us to welcome her. Emi is such a nice person. Don’t worry.We’re still best friends. If you want, you’re welcome to join us.’ Eleanor said. Katy was glad she hadn’t ruined their friendship.

Eleanor and Katy made up and hugged each other. Emi smiled at them warmly, knowing she helped her friends.

The New Classmate