Page 60 of The New Girl

Ruby looked out at the school. Everyone was clapping and cheering; Safa, Clara and Denise were whooping. Safa must have told Orla about the award because she had come over from the senior school and was standing at the back of the hall, doing her loud wolf whistle.

Amber and Chrissie were the only ones not cheering, but Ruby didn’t care.

She whispered in Mrs Roberts’ ear.

Mrs Roberts held up her hands. ‘Girls, before you go, Ruby would like to say a few words.’

Ruby stepped forward. She wasn’t sure what she was going to say, but then she looked at Safa and she knew.

‘This isn’t really my award. This should have been given to my best friend, Safa. She’s the brave one. She had to run away from her country because of the big war and planes dropping bombs. Her cat died and her school was bombed and she had to travel in a dark truck and go across the sea in a little boat full of people who hadn’t a clue where they were going. She got stuck in Greece in a camp – not like a cool campsite – a horrible one where you have to queue for, like, ages to get food and the food you get is horrible.

‘When Miss Ingle told me I had to look after her on her first day, four months ago, I was really cross. I didn’t want to have to look after anyone. I was so selfish. I feel bad about that. I didn’t know then that Safa would become my absolute best friend. I didn’t know then that she would come into my family and make everything better. I felt sorry for myself because I have a brother with disabilities, but when I heard all the bad things that had happened to Safa I knew that my problems weren’t all that big.

‘But even though she had all those problems and her dad was missing and they couldn’t find him, she still thought about me and my family and she is the reason Robbie is going to a really good school and everything is going to be good again. Safa is the bravest person I know. She’s also the kindest and most generous person. She has so little, but she gives so much.

‘I know we’re really different and all, but actually in a way we’re not. We were both sad about stuff when we met and then we both helped each other to fix our problems. I am so glad I was able to help find her dad, but Clara and Denise were brilliant too.’

‘Yes we were!’ Clara shouted.

‘I agree!’ Denise laughed.

Ruby smiled at them. ‘Safa has shown me that even though things might seem really bad, you have to look at the good side of life. You have to look at what you do have and be thankful. She’s also shown me that you can help people, even if you’re only a kid. If you’re determined and brave, you can do anything.

‘So I’m sharing this award with my best friend, Safa.’

Everyone cheered loudly and clapped. Ruby ran down from the stage and hugged Safa. Best friends, who had helped make each other’s lives better by being brave and kind-hearted.

‘Thanks for finding my dad.’

‘Thanks for getting Robbie into school.’

‘I’m so glad you were asked to look after me on that first day.’ Safa wiped away a tear.

‘Me too.’ Ruby sniffed.

They beamed at each other. Two girls who were lost in their own way, suffering in silence, who came together and helped each other heal.

Two girls from opposite ends of the world, who decided to help each other, and changed their lives for ever.