Judged by a Spelling Test

It was Monday. A gloomy, rainy Monday. The posters on Kate's walls seemed duller than ever. Her eyes rested on one. SPELLING TEST DAY was written across it in bold letters. She winced as she thought of that day. It had been her first day at school and instead of a free, easy going day to start the term with, (as they do in most schools) they had a spelling test. First thing in the morning. Just like that. No warning, no preparation, and definitely no studying. She was totally unprepared. But she had to do it. She entered the room with the other kids and sat down. The teacher, Mrs. Thompson, gave them each a blank sheet and told them to write our names, the date and "Spelling Test" at the top of the paper. Kate was frozen with fright. She picked up her pencil and tried to write her name but she was so nervous that it came out all wrong. Mrs. Thompson walked to the front of the classroom. “Immediately”, came the first word. Kate spelt it “i-m-e-d-i-a-t-e-l-i-e”. Wrong. Next word. “Compatible”. Mrs. Thompson’s voice echoed round the room like thunder. Kate nearly broke her fingers trying to write. Again she wrote and failed to gain a correct answer. This is how she spelt it: “c-o-m-p-u-t-a-b-l-e”. Wrong again. This went on for about half an hour until finally; Mrs. Thompson said they could stop. Kate went out feeling very tired. She walked around trying to find someone to play with but everyone was huddled together in groups. All of a sudden, she realized they were talking about her! Her spelling test score had been discovered! And as if that was not enough they gave her a nick name; Spelling Beeing. That was it: the reason Kate didn’t want to go to school that Monday. She sighed and got out of bed. The day had begun. When she got to school, they had another spelling test (as usual) and she got every word wrong (just like every other time). But when she went to give Mrs. Thompson her paper, something happened that she never forgot. She saw a bunch of kids outside picking on another kid and they were calling her (Kate could not believe it) Spelling Beeing. Kate ran over to them and said in the loudest voice she could manage; “Leave her alone you bullies!” They all turned to look at her. Then one by one they turned away and walked off, their faces wearing looks of scorn, and defeat. Kate ran over to the kid and said with a smile, “Hi! My name is Kate. What’s yours?” She looked at her then responded, “My name’s Hannah. Nice to meet you”. Since that day Hannah and Kate were best friends. The other kids never did stop teasing them, but they survived. The world would be a better place if we could just accept others for who they are. And anyway, Hannah and Kate's spelling got much, much better.

By Elsie Manuel