We’ll Do This Together

By Jane McBride

(Based on a true story)

Annie was scared to start Young Women.

This story took place in the USA.

Annie rubbed the fabric of her dress. She tried to listen to the speakers. But she had a nervous, fluttery feeling in her stomach.

Today was the day Annie would start going to Young Women. She’d go to class right after sacrament meeting was over. Everyone told Annie she should be excited, but instead, she was scared.

She looked over at Tami, her older sister. Tami had been in Young Women for three years, and she loved it. She always told Annie how great it was. “You’ll make so many friends,” Tami said. “It’s different from Primary. It’s almost like you’re a grown-up.”

But Annie wasn’t like her sister. Tami liked to meet new people, and it was easy for her to make friends. Annie was quiet and would rather read or draw than talk to others.

Annie also had acne, and she felt shy about how she looked. She used special cream, which helped. But the red bumps on her skin just wouldn’t go away.

After sacrament meeting, Annie dragged her feet in the hallway. “I can’t go to Young Women today,” she told Mom and Tami.

Mom looked worried. “I thought you were excited about going to Young Women. What happened?”

“I don’t know any of the older girls.” Annie touched her face. “And they’ll probably laugh when they see me.”

Mom gave Annie a hug. “Remember that Tami will be there too.”

“I’m not like Tami,” Annie said. She looked at her sister. “You’re good at talking to people.”

“I know it’s hard to go to a new class,” Tami said. “But we’ll do this together. I felt scared when I started Young Women too.”

Annie stared at Tami with wide eyes. Tami always seemed so brave! She’d even tried out for her school musical and gotten the lead part. Annie didn’t do things like that. She just tried not to be noticed.

“But you’re never scared,” Annie said.

Tami smiled. “Of course I get scared! I was scared when I tried out for the musical. You know what I did?”

Annie shook her head.

“I prayed and did my best. And I helped other kids too. It seemed that a lot of them were scared just like me. Helping others be brave helped me be brave.”

Annie thought about that. Could she do what Tami did and help other girls in her class not be scared?

“Do you think you can go to Young Women today?” Mom asked.

Annie breathed deeply. Then she nodded. She could do it.

Annie and Tami walked to the Young Women classroom. Annie looked at the other girls. Some of them looked nervous like she was. Julie twisted a strand of hair around her finger while Erica chewed on her fingernails.

Annie thought about how she could help them. She went over to sit by Julie. “Are you nervous too?” Annie whispered. “It’ll be OK.”

Julie smiled, and Annie smiled back. Annie felt less scared now. Maybe Young Women really could be great.

Illustrations by Toby Newsome