Mary Ellen

I was going through the lunch line and reached for a cup of whatever desert concoction the lunch ladies decided to serve, when a hand covered mine.

"I heard they had their strange deserts tested and found human DNA." I jerked my hand back quickly.

"You made the right choice." I heard, and turned my head. Grayson Edwards the school quarterback and the biggest prick in school stood behind me.

"Please, not today." I begged, and I can already feel the emotions. I tried to ignore him and moved on, I don't even want this food now.

"I am being sincere, Mary."

I gave the cashier my free and reduced lunch card, but he caught up. "Let me get you something better than that mess in there. Get ice cream with me today after school." Yeah, I'll believe that one.

I just ignored him and found an empty spot to sit and eat, he put his tray down across from me and sat.

"I'm presuming this seat isn't taken?" He asked.

"It's a free world." I picked up my fork and just played with my food.

"I heard you sing the other day, and I was mezmerized by your voice. I had no clue you had a hidden talent." I just kept my head hung low and played with my food.

"Mary, I'm really sorry for the way we all treated you. It must have been really hard going all through school with assholes like us."

A tear trailed down my cheek and I wiped it off.

He reached across the table and lifted my chin to look at him. He held my gaze for a moment and gave me a small smile. "How was I so blind?" He whispered.

I pulled away and stood up. "I don't have time for any of your sick jokes, just leave me alone."

I left my tray of food which, unfortunately, may be my only warm meal of the day, and ran into the bathroom. There was a stall door open, and I went in and locked it so I can cry in peace without letting them all know they've won.

I've been so sensitive since I found out Mom is moving on without Dad. She's sending him to a home. He was my best and only friend until the car accident, and now I have nobody.

Mom is never home, she's either working or drinking. Who knows anymore, since I had to pay the electric and rent from my savings.

I don't have a fight left in me, and I really just need them to leave me alone. Tonight I have dance, and I have to tell my instructor that I can't afford her lessons anymore.

Tonight she is recording me for my Juliard application, so it's important I do my best. I don't need Grayson and his crew clouding my mind.

I washed off my face and went straight to class like I always do, and at the end of the day I had to run in order to make it to the studio.

My instructor did my hair and makeup, then lended me the proper attire. Her name is Val, and she has a friend who is a videographer, who took one take after another take, and my nerves are just haywire.

"Talk to me, Mary Ellen. What's going on?" She sat me down and held my hand.

"I can't afford your classes anymore. Mom's not paying the bills, and she's putting dad into a home." I started to cry.

"Hey, don't mess up that beautiful face. I've got something for you, wait right here." She walked away.

I tried to dab my tears, and she returned with an envelope. "I've saved everything you've ever paid me for your lessons. I was going to wait until just before you left for college, but it sounds like you can use it now. Mary Ellen, you are, by far, my greatest success. Please take it, but remember me when you're famous. Oh, and I'll see you next week. You didn't think I'd give up on you just because of money, I hope?"

"I can't believe you did this, Val. You've poured so much time into me."

"You're worth it, kid."