But Annabelle was paying attention.
"Want to come play football?" she called over to him, keeping her voice light and friendly.
Jamie looked up, startled, then shook his head and went back to staring at his shoes.
"That's alright," Annabelle said warmly. "Maybe tomorrow."
She didn't push it. Maybe he needed a bit of time. Jamie would come out of his shell eventually. She was sure of it. Sometimes it was just a matter of finding the right thing to spark a child's interest.
Nina appeared at her elbow, slightly out of breath. "Miss Swift? Gemma's saying that Oliver pushed her, but Oliver says he didn't, and now they're both crying."
Annabelle sighed and headed over to mediate. Just another Monday morning.
BY LUNCHTIME, ANNABELLE was more than ready for a cup of tea. She headed to the staffroom, where Lily was already sitting at the small table, peering at paperwork through a pair of glasses that the headmistress was generally too vain to wear in public.
"Afternoon," Lily said without looking up. "How's Year Three?"
"Delightful as always." Annabelle flicked on the kettle and leaned against the counter. "Though I'm a bit worried about Jamie Long. He's still not socializing at break time."
"Mmm. Might have a word with his mum about that, Kayley, her name is."
"On my list of things to do," Annabelle beamed.
"Keep an eye on him, but don't push too hard," Lily advised, finally glancing up. "Some kids need space to process things."
"I know, I know." Annabelle poured hot water into her mug, watching the tea bag bob to the surface. "I just want to help."
"You always do." Lily's voice was fond, but there was a hint of something else in it. Concern, maybe. "Speaking of which, when Daisy delivered the post this morning she was all agog with the news of our new resident."
"Oh, I’d almost forgotten." Annabelle spun around, nearly sloshing tea everywhere. "Yes! Right next door to me! I haven't met them yet, but I made a welcome basket. I'm going to take it round this evening."
Lily raised an eyebrow. "A welcome basket."
"Lemon biscuits, jam, honey, flowers. It's friendly."
"It's very you." Lily set down her red pen and leaned back in her chair. "Just promise me you won't overwhelm the poor… whoever it is. Not everyone wants to be immediately adopted into Bankton life."
"I'm not overwhelming," Annabelle protested. "I'm welcoming!"
"You once threw a surprise party for the dustman because you found out it was his birthday."
"Daisy told me he loved cake!"
"He was terrified."
"He enjoyed it once he calmed down," Annabelle said firmly. "Everyone loves a warm welcome, Lily. It makes people feel valued. Wanted. Like they belong."
Lily's expression softened. "I know. And that's one of the things I love about you. Just maybe start with the basket and see how it goes before you sign whoever it is up for the village fête committee, alright?"
"I would never…" Annabelle started, then caught Lily's look. "Alright, fine. Baby steps."
"Baby steps," Lily agreed, picking up her red pen again.
But Annabelle was already thinking about what else she could do to make her new neighbor feel welcome.
"I can see you plotting," Lily said dryly, not looking up from her marking.
"I'm not plotting. I'm planning. There's a difference."
