Teasing: English as a Second Language

Gladys grabbed Melissa's hand and pulled her away. She ushered her into the girl's bathroom and offered her a paper towel. Melissa blew her nose and started to calm down. "You shouldn't let her bother you," Gladys said. She spoke slowly and clearly, and Melissa, calming down, seemed better able to understand her. It was like she shut down when Yukio had approached her. "She is...bad person," Melissa said. "Maybe you could get your locker moved," Gladys said. "Why...do you help me?" "Because people like us...who get picked on, have to stick together," Gladys said, smiling in a friendly way.