Jackie and I became friends about three years ago, in the middle of the 7th grade. Having just moved to Houston from Oklahoma Ci
ty, she was introduced to our class that morning.
At lunch, I was sitting with the rest of the drama club when I noticed her standing awkwardly with her tray. I could see she was debating on where she should sit. Having just moved to the area a couple of years ago, I knew exactly how she felt.
Feeling kind, I called out, "Hey! Wanna sit with us?"
With a hopeful smile, Jackie looked toward the table where Mindy, the "coolest" girl in school, and her followers sat, but seeing no one looking at her, she turned, puzzled, and saw me waving at her. What happened next surprised me. She gave me a haughty look and turned back around.
"A 'no, thank you' would have been a bit kinder," I muttered.
My friend Lindsey patted me on the back. "Look at how she's dressed—designer jeans and a trendy top. You can tell she's one of those." With a shrug, she said, "Some girls just care about being 'popular.' "
The new girl straightened her shoulders. She approached Mindy, and although I couldn't hear what was being said, I did see Mindy laugh and give her the wave to go away. The poor girl got rejected. Mindy must have made a cruel comment at Jackie's expense because eruptive laughs and spiteful looks were aimed her way. I watched as Jackie walked to an empty table across the room. She looked like she was about to cry.
I shook my head at the irony. What goes around comes around fast, I thought to myself.
After lunch, I stopped by the bathroom. As I washed my hands, I heard sniffling coming from one of the stalls. "Are you okay?" I called out. No answer came. Not knowing what else to do, I just said, "The bell's going to ring soon."
With that, I heard the click of the lock, and out stepped the new girl.
"Hi," I said, startled. I stuck out my hand. "I'm Steph."
"I'm Jackie," she said, shaking my hand. Her damp eyes and pink nose proved that she had been crying. "Sorry about earlier. I was pretty rude."
"Not as rude as Mindy was," I answered with a sympathetic smile. "Come on. We better get to class."
Which statement best describes the theme of the passage?
A.
Every new idea appears crazy to people at first.
B.
If you work hard in life, good things will happen.
C.
Only tell your friend what you would tell your enemy.
D.
Don't wait for people to be friendly, show them how.
