Page - 9 - in Tina and Amir & Ella - English

5 10 15 20 25 30 9 “Why?” – I really wondered. Manar whispered sadly: “Please, don’t tell anyone. My par- ents didn’t have enough money. And they don’t want anybody to know - It is like a secret and until now I haven’t talked to any- one about it. – I can understand why you are so sad.” I don’t know why, but Manar made me feel better. We didn’t talk anymore. We just sat on the bench quietly. When the bus arrived the driver had to press the horn twice before I got onto the bus. I thought about school, the girls gig- gling, and about my new friend Manar. Then suddenly I saw Amir, he got out at the next bus stop, the same as I did. Episode 3: Tina and Amir (told by Amir) Tina and I walked along the road – I looked around very anxious- ly, but I did not want to tell her what had happened. I’ve been bullied since I came to this school because of my language, my ap- pearance… Relentless teasing, pushing, punching… I was afraid to tell anyone, afraid that it would get worse. I knew adults saw some of what was happening, but they refused to acknowledge that the kids were doing what they were to me. I was terrified to go to school, terrified of walking home…it was awful. Although Tina is one of my best friends, I do not tell her everything. “You don’t look very happy.” Tina said. I did not want to talk to Tina about it, but then I said: “I’m alright. But maybe I can borrow 10 € from you?” “What for? You can tell me what it’s for, and then I’ll give it to you, but first I need to know.” she said thoughtfully.