April 20th.

Jessica walked down to the kitchen for breakfast before school. Her foster parents, Suzanne and Billy weren't the most cheerful, but Jessica wanted to make a good impression. She wanted them to Want to keep her. So she smiled and started up a conversation.

"Good morning! How is everyone? Any plans for today?"

"I'm working. Are you going to school dressed like that?" Suzanne asked.

Jessica looked down to her clothes and asked, "Is this not okay? I don't have very many clothes." Jessica suddenly became very self conscious of the way she looked.

"It's fine."

"Oh.. okay. Um.. Do you.. do you know that today's my birthday?" Jessica smiled softly.

"Oh yes, it is, isn't it?"

"Yes! I'm twelve today."

"Well Happy Birthday, Jessica."

"Thank you! Do you think maybe I.. Maybe I could have a cake? I've never ever had a birthday cake before!" Jessica smiled big.

"Look Jessica, we're only doing this so we look better. We're not in it for the long haul."

"What?"

"You'll be here for a few months before we're forced to send you back."

"Why would you be forced?"

"Because maybe you attacked one of us or.. I don't know, Hell we'll think of something."

Jessica teared up. "Please don't do that."

"Shouldn't you be on your way to school?"

"Yes ma'am.." Jessica said in a whisper as she lowered her head.

"I'll see you later."

Jessica felt such a pain in her heart. The feeling of being unwanted is the most hurtful thing to her.

**

Being the new girl so late in the year isn't easy at all. Jessica has yet to meet any new friends. She knew it wasn't going to be easy. These kids were so mean to her already. They made fun of her hair, her clothes. They made of her slightly crooked teeth. These kids were cruel.

Jessica didn't even want to eat. She tried staying in the bathroom until lunch was over, but the group of girls that came in made fun of her as well.

"Ew look who's in here! It's the dirty girl!"

Jessica wanted to cry. She was so tired of being picked on.

The group of young girls laughed loudly.

"She looks like that puppy at the pound no one wants!"

Jessica ran off and started crying. She wanted to run away, but there was nowhere for her to go. If she went home she'd be in trouble. She didn't have any friends to sit with. She had no one.

Jessica opened door to the custodian closet and sat down on the ground, sobbing.

"Why does life have to be so hard? I just want to have a normal life. I want friends. I want to have a fun birthday. I want to be happy!"

Jessica's sobs became louder and louder. Suddenly the door opened.

"Hey kid. What are you doing in here?"

Jessica looked up to see Edwin. One of the school's custodians.

"I'm sorry."

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

"No. I'll leave. I'm sorry."

"Why are you crying?"

Jessica nods her head and slightly lifts her shoulders. "I'm tired."

"Oh. Well don't you have to be somewhere?"

"Lunch for another few minutes. Can I please stay here until my next class? I don't want to go back out there."

"Sure. Did you eat anything?"

"No.."

Edwin looks around and takes a bag of chips from his lunch.

"Here,. You need to eat something."

Jessica sniffled and took the bag of chips. "Thank you.."

"You're welcome. Hey um.. it's okay.. things will get better." Edwin said awkwardly.

Jessica scoffs. "You don't know my life, mister."

"I'm sorry."

Jessica looks down for a moment before lifting her face to Edwin. With tears slowly running down her cheeks she says, "Today's my birthday."

"Is it really?"

"Yes. I'm twelve today."

"Wow! A big day, huh?"

"Not really."

Edwin then reached into his bag again and handed her a ding dong. "I ate the other one, but this ones yours if you want it. Happy Birthday, Jessica!" He said with a warm smile.

Jessica chuckled through her tears. "Thank you."

Maybe this was pathetic, but it was the only form of celebration she's had. This kind gesture really meant a lot to Jessica.