Aim for the Top by Aleesah Darlison

Author:Aleesah Darlison
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia
Published: 2016-11-08T05:00:00+00:00

‘In what way?’ Isabella asked.

‘Everyone else gets on so well. You’re always laughing and having a good time. Prani and Sienna are so funny and popular. And Maia, even though she’s new, fits right in. I’ve found it hard making friends all year.’

Isabella seemed shocked. ‘I can’t believe you’ve waited all season to tell me! I never knew you felt that way. All the Gems think you’re a great player. We love having you on the team.’

Isabella’s kind words made Jade feel better. ‘Thanks, Isabella.’

‘Call me Izzy. All my friends do.’

A warm feeling spread through Jade, even though she was cold from the water. ‘I also lied when I said I was good at surfing,’ she confessed. ‘I’m actually terrible at it.’

Isabella nodded. ‘I know.’

‘Why didn’t you say anything?’

‘I didn’t want to make a big deal of it.’

‘That was nice of you.’ Jade took a deep breath. ‘Are we really friends? Like you told the instructor?’

‘Of course! Why wouldn’t we be?’

‘Well, you have Maia as a friend. And the other Gems. Plus you have plenty of friends at school. Why do you need me for a friend?’

Isabella blinked. ‘Sometimes you say the weirdest things, Jade! I can be friends with lots of people. So can you.’

‘And Maia won’t mind if we hang out together?’

‘No way! Maia’s not like that at all. She’s only been here for a little while, so she remembers how it feels not knowing anyone. I bet she’d hang out with both of us if she had the chance.’

‘I hope so,’ Jade said. ‘The problem is, I haven’t always been nice. I’m not good at making friends. I guess I’m just –’

‘Competitive?’ Isabella interrupted her. ‘Focused? Determined?’

‘All those things.’ Jade sighed. ‘I try too hard and I never admit when I make a mistake. And I often say the wrong thing, even though I don’t mean to. Nobody likes me.’

‘That’s not true. They just need a chance to get to know you.’

‘I wish I could get to know Phoebe better. I think it would make a big difference in how we work together in the goal circle.’

‘Phoebe can be very shy,’ Isabella admitted.

‘Well … I had an idea. I want to invite the Gems for a sleepover on Saturday so I can get to know them properly. I want to try to be a better teammate. What do you think?’

‘That’s a fantastic idea!’ Isabella said. ‘Count me in.’

Relief flooded through Jade. She was glad Isabella thought she was doing the right thing. ‘Great!’ Jade said. ‘I’ll ask Mum to send the invites when I get home.’

Isabella nodded towards the waves. ‘Why don’t we give surfing another try?’

Jade wanted to be brave but the thought of going back into the water terrified her. ‘I’m not sure I can.’

‘Don’t worry,’ Isabella said. ‘I’ve got your back, buddy.’

Jade stood up. ‘Okay. I trust you.’

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