Hetty Feather's Diary: Friends

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My name's Hetty Feather - and this is my diary.

If only Lizzie had told us sooner that Flo was being horrid to her – we could have helped. Lizzie said she was too scared to tell anyone that she was being bullied. She didn’t even tell Agnes – and she’s her sister! Poor Lizzie, she was worried that Agnes wouldn’t believe her because she’s Flo’s friend.

After supper this evening, as we went to our rooms, I told Lizzie that if she didn’t feel she could speak to Agnes, then she can always talk to me. Of course, at least now we have more clues to find the Dawn Star! I told Lizzie that even though she was scared down there, she was a hero! And we need to be one step ahead of Lady Grenford. She seems to be far too interested in Ashok and the Dawn Star.

But I wish Lizzie and the Dawn Star was all that I was worrying about. I’m worried about Jack too. Telling him that we weren’t going to New York together was one of the worst moments ever! Even thinking about it when I got back to my room this evening made me cry. I hope he’ll forgive me in time, but I feel so guilty.

It’s times like this I wish Sheila was still around. She might not have helped but she would have either made me laugh or made me angry – and they’re both better than feeling upset. What do you think is the best thing to do if someone is upset?

I've finished my duties at Calendar Hall for now, so I've written some responses to your messages. Thank you so much for writing to me!

Hetty Feather diary replies: U16986162: Try and make sure some's ALWAYS with Lizzie - you can't confront Flo otherwise you might lose your place as a maid. I would warn Agnes about it; tell her that Flo could use her for information. Hetty Feather: Dear U16986162, Thanks for your letter. The kitchen\u2019s often so busy it\u2019s difficult to be with Lizzie all the time! But it\u2019s important that Lizzie knows she can tell us. That way, I can make sure she\u2019s safe without getting into trouble or losing my job! Yours, Hetty Feather.
Hetty Feather diary replies: Princess Crystal: When someone is upset it is sometimes a good idea to look on the bright side of things. You could be optimistic and point out all the good things that happen. It could cheer them up a little and they may feel grateful to have what they have and could forget their sorrow. Hetty Feather: Dear Princess Crystal, Thanks for your letter. Looking on the bright side is always a nice thing to do! It\u2019s important to remember the positive things we all have. Friends, family, our home \u2013 remembering the simple things is what matters the most! Yours, Hetty Feather.
Hetty Feather diary replies: DolphinEmeraldKey: If someone is upset it might help to point out all the positive things going on in their life to distract them from being upset. The most important thing is to make them feel good about themselves and be a good friend! Hetty Feather: Dear DolphinEmeraldKey, Thanks for your letter. We have so much to be thankful for at Calendar Hall \u2013 but especially our friends! It\u2019s being there for each other that makes such a difference. That\u2019s the reason we should all feel good about ourselves! Yours, Hetty Feather.
Hetty Feather diary replies: StarstoneBaseballSinger: It isn't the nicest feeling knowing that someone is upset. When that happens, I usually give the person some space to get their thoughts together and then I would pull them aside to see if they wanted to talk. Hetty Feather: Dear StarstoneBaseballSinger, Thanks for your letter. Knowing what people want and need is always so hard! But giving them space is probably right. I would never want to force anyone who\u2019s upset into doing anything they didn\u2019t want to! Yours, Hetty Feather.
Hetty Feather diary replies: penguinlover1: You could try and tell Mrs Calendar that Lizzie is being bullied. She might even get rid of Ambrose! Maybe you should tell Jack that you're still friends because you like him. You could try and say why you won't take him. Hetty Feather: Dear penguinlover1, Thanks for your letter. Telling Mrs. Calendar is a really good idea \u2013 it\u2019s always best to speak to a grown-up! Though I suspect Lizzie wouldn\u2019t want me to tell her. She\u2019s scared of Flo - and I\u2019m scared of upsetting Jack even more! Yours, Hetty Feather.
Hetty Feather diary replies: Caitlin: If someone I know is upset, I ask them if they want to talk about it. Don't make them talk about something if they don't want to. I try to help them and cheer them up. You feel better and hopefully they will feel better. Hetty Feather: Dear Caitlin, Thanks for your letter. I think talking about problems is a really good thing too! But I\u2019m not sure Jack will want to talk to me about how he\u2019s feeling right now. I find it so difficult because I want to help him but I\u2019m the one who hurt him! Yours, Hetty Feather.
Hetty Feather diary replies: scarletconfetticake: If you know the reason, it's best to give them care and tell them why not to be upset. But some people like to be left alone, like me. Hetty Feather: Dear scarletconfetticake, Thanks for your letter. You\u2019re right \u2013 everyone deals with being upset in different ways \u2013 because we are all different! I know that Lizzie needs care and attention. As for Jack, maybe I just don\u2019t understand boys as much! Yours, Hetty Feather.
Hetty Feather diary replies: U17709060: My advice is to talk to someone who you trust the most about how you feel and all the stress and sadness fades away when you share it with someone. Also to take some time to yourself and also read an interesting book or do something that you love to get your mind off it. Hetty Feather: Dear U17709060, Thanks for your letter. I know that Lizzie trusts me, that\u2019s why she told me about being bullied! If she had no one to talk to it would be awful. I have friends of course \u2013 but it was Sheila who\u2019d always help take my mind off things! Yours, Hetty Feather.

Message from CBBC

If you need to talk to someone about bullying, you could speak to a family member, a friend, a guardian or teacher.

If there is no one you feel you can speak to then there are advice helplines here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/findoutmore/advice-helplines

There are more helplines against online bullying here: https://www.bbc.com/ownit/about-us/other-places-online-to-help-you

Try to talk to someone as soon as possible. It might surprise them how much better it feels when you share a problem.

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