A story written in English by the 5th Grade students of our school

Classes: E1, E2 Teachers: Kretsi Georgia - Faki Kleanthi

Tony is an eleven year old boy who lives in Athens with his parents and his younger sister. Every morning he goes to school in his fathers car. He is a quite good student and he really loves P.E.

When he plays football with his classmates he gives instructions to his team all the time because he hates being a loser, as he says. Thats exactly what he did the other day when his class played against 6th Grade. He shouted again and again but Andrew ignored him and soon after the opponents scored a goal. So when the match finished he felt furious.

Whats the matter with you? Why didnt you do as I told you? he shouted at Andrew. Because I didnt want to. I dont take orders from you his classmate replied. Well, you should because you are an idiot! Tony answered and kicked him as hard as he could. Then he turned around and left Andrew crying. Of course his teacher scolded him but he didnt really care. Neither did he care when he pushed Helen as he was trying to get out of the classroom first when the bell rang. She fell down and hit her arm but he said it was her fault as she was standing in his way. Once again his teacher tried to make him understand that he should respect his classmates but he still believed he was right.

As for Peter, his thin, short classmate, he should blame himself for what happened during the break. Tony was hungry because he had left his sandwich at home. Then he saw Peter holding that delicious piece of cheese pie so he asked him or rather ordered him to give it to him. Peter refused so he decided to teach him a lesson. He took the cheese pie and threw it on the floor. This time he ended up in the headmasters office where he spent the rest of the break, even though he couldnt understand the reason why. He just wanted to eat something and Peter didnt want to share his food, so it wasnt his fault!

Anyway, this Monday morning Tony is very excited. He cant wait to go to school and tell everybody about his fantastic trip at the zoo. He feels so proud and brave! He touched a really big snake and he fed a monkey! As soon as he gets to school, he looks for John and Paul. When he sees them, he calls them. They dont seem to hear him so he gets closer. You wont believe what Ill tell you he starts but they dont even look at him. Instead, they talk to each other. He feels surprised and he turns to Helen and Irene. The girls give him an unfriendly look and go away. Tony is really confused now. Later, when they go into the classroom, he discovers he hasnt got a pencil, so he asks George if he can lend him one. No I cant! In fact, I dont want you to talk to me at all. Why not? Because of the way you treat us answers Kate who sits next to George. What are you talking about? Tony raises his voice. None of us will talk to you again if you dont stop behaving like that! they reply. Fine! I dont need any of you! Tony cries out and remains silent for the rest of the lesson. At break time, he watches his classmates play and have fun. He feels so angry! He cant understand them. He is not the one to blame, or is he? He feels jealous as he sees them having fun. Ok, maybe he was a bit responsible but he will never apologize to them. Hell just stay there on his own. He is still alone when they have their last break, but now he feels sorry. He has hurt a lot of children and they are right to hate him, but what can he do now? How can he make things right? He is too scared to make the first move but he knows no one can spend his whole life without friends. It is awful and he wants to cry. He hides his face because he doesnt want anyone to see his tears.

Then he hears a familiar voice saying to him: Come on, dont be sad, play with us! As he wipes his tears he sees all his classmates around him. You mean you want me to be your friend again? Arent you still mad with me? No we arent. We just wanted you to understand that what you did was wrong, and we think you know now Peter said. Yes, I know I was wrong and I promise not to do anything to hurt you again. Andrew interrupts him and pulls him by his arm. Come on, lets play football. We dont have much time left! As the children run, Tony feels free and happy. Having friends is the most precious thing in the world and he is determined to be the best friend ever!