The New Kid in Class

“Have fun at school, kids!”

My dad yells before driving off to work. Okay, I need to look after Stella. Let’s think. Right, the school would have told her or given her some paper to explain who she is with.

“Stella, did you get anything from the school when you went with Mom and Dad?”

She shakes her head. Okay, not a problem. We’ll just stop by the school office and ask there. We head inside the school and to the school office. The employee was at the front desk.

“Excuse me, can I ask a question?”

The employee stops typing on the computer and looks at the two of us.

“Good morning, what can I help you with?”

“My friend is a new student, but she doesn’t know what class she is supposed to be in. Can you help us?”

“Of course. What’s your friend’s name?”

“Stella.”

“And what’s her last name?”

Oh. I don’t know her last name. I look over to Stella, hoping she can answer that question.

“Paine, Stella Paine.”

Wait, that’s my last name! Surely that can’t be right? How do we have the same last name?

“Stella Paine…ah, she will be with Mr. Rutherfoledr.”

“Huh?”

“You may know him as Mr. Bob.”

“Oh, okay, thank you.”

Stella and I walk out of the office. Wow, what a coincidence. I never thought that she would end up in my class. I mean, there are only three 5th grade classes, so it was possible.

“So are we in the same class, Arthur?”

Stella looks at me with a little unease. I guess she was worried that we would be separated.

“No, we will be in the same class! Isn’t that great!”

I give Stella my usual hug. Not for too long; we need to get to class.

I show the way to Stella and my classroom, where I see all my classmates, including Gavin and Chelsea.

When we entered the room, a few classmates noticed her; when one stopped talking, others would face where the others were looking and do the same. It was like this till the entire classroom was quiet.

Stella stood there. Very quiet, looking around the entire class. I better do something before something bad happens.

“Good morning, everyone! This is Stella! She’s a new student! She’s a little shy, so please be nice to her!”

I say this as loud as I can without screaming. I was hoping I could grab all the attention.

One of my classmates, I think Terry, walks up to her.

“My name is Terrance; what’s your name?”

Stella just stares at him. This is where I need to remind her. I whisper into her ear.

“This is where you need to say hello and your name.”

Stella nods slightly.

“Hello, my name is Stella.”

Very flat in tone. But maybe my friends can understand that she is shy?

The other classmates also start to come up, wanting to introduce themselves. This is good news! I hope she can get along with everyone.

I slip away from the crowd, where I see Gavin and Chelsea together.

“Is this the girl that you mentioned yesterday?”

Chelsea asks first.

“Yup, her name is Stella. And she is super smart! She may be smarter than you, Chelsea.”

Chelsea gives a surprised look, then tries to act like it doesn’t bother her. I mean, after being perfect, who wouldn’t be shocked when you find out there is someone even more perfect?

“But how did she get here so fast, Arthur? Doesn’t the school have paperwork and steps to do before she is allowed in?”

Gavin brings out the same question I had. But I think I have the answer.

“Maybe since the school only has 5 months left, they decided to just let her in.”

“That does not make sense, Arthur.”

I give a little shrug and look back at Stella. Looks like she is still introducing herself to everyone. There are not many left, so I walk back to her.

As I approach, Stella looks at my eyes and starts to hug me.

“Oooooooo, I think Stella and Arthur are in looooooovvvveeee!”

One classmate shout out.

“We’re not in love!”

I yell out, and I try to push Stella so she’ll stop hugging me, not realizing she is way too strong. How in

the world!?

“Alright children, let’s get back to your seats.”

Mr. Bob walks in at the perfect time. Mr. Bob looks at us, with Stella still hugging me.

“You must be the new student. Stella Paine, are you guys brothers and sisters?

Oh no, what do I say? I mean, we’re not even related. I didn’t even know her until recently! Oh, what did my parents say to the principal?

“We’re brother and sister, Mr. Bob.”

“Nice to meet you, Stella. Why don’t you and Arthur sit next to each other?”

Mr. Bob points his finger to an open table with chairs that we can sit in.

“Alright, Mr. Bob.”

I grab Stella’s hand, now that she let go of me after Mr. Bob started to talk with us, to the seats that Mr. Bob showed.

“Okay class, let’s start with the word of the day, ‘naive.’ Does anyone know what this means?”

“It means ‘marked by innocence or simplicity’ or ‘having or showing lack of experience or knowledge.’”

The entire classroom was shocked, even the teacher. I quickly get close to Stella’s ear.

“You need to raise your hand before you answer a question.”

“But you always ask me questions, and I didn’t need to raise my hand.”

“But when the teacher asks a question, you need to raise your hand. And only if the teacher calls your name can you answer the question.”

“I’m sorry, Arthur.”

Stella looks sad again; I don’t want to see her cry, so I hug her to make her feel better. Forgetting that we are in front of all my class.

“Arthur, it is nice that you are friendly with your sister; however, you could do that after school.”

I feel my cheeks get really hot and let go. Stella goes to stare at the teacher.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Bob.” I say quickly.

Mr. Bob turns around and faces the whiteboard, where he continues his lesson.

The other kids start to snicker at the little moment. I try to keep my head down while keeping an eye on Stella. She seems to be paying attention to class well.

***********************

“It’s lunchtime. Alright everyone, let’s head to the cafeteria.”

Mr. Bob leads us to the cafeteria. I drag Stella a little so she knows to follow him. Chelsea and Gavin approach us as we follow Mr. Bob.

“So you guys are sisters, huh? A sister that you met in the woods like a plant.”

“Shut it, Gavin.”

I elbowed his side, and boy did he feel that.

“So Stella, where did you come from?”

I hear Chelsea trying to make small talk with Stella. Stella ignores her and continues to stare ahead.

I look back at Stella.

“It is rude to not respond back when someone is talking to you, Stella.”

Stella nods and looks at Chelsea.

“I came from the mountains near here. I’ve lived there for my whole life.”