Chapter 2

Jane wakes up at 7:30, her body already used to waking up that early. She saw a purple dress, laced with a lavender color. Blue gloves that reach up to the elbows are laid beside it along with grey tights, black socks and brown boots on the floor. Her mother had left her outfit there before leaving to work.

The young girl gets out of bed to check on her small friend. It was asleep, the bread half eaten. She smiles before petting it and putting on her clothes. She starts with the socks, to the grey tights, and puts on a black tank top on before putting on the purple dress. It reached up to her knees. She slipped her feet into the boots, making sure to tie the laces slowly and precisely. She puts on the gloves last, they were fingerless gloves which was her favorite part about them. Although they were a light blue, it was a very dull shade. Her tights can easily be seen as overcast and her boots were a bit tattered but still looked new. Her dress was also a dull shade of lavender and was plain, no design whatsoever on it.

She quietly left the room and made breakfast, an egg with bread and a cup of milk. She had only taken about 20 minutes getting ready and eating breakfast so she had enough time to walk there and be on time. She went into the room and packed her bag. She left and walked to the school.

This was one of the only times she felt proud to go to school, hoping to show everyone how talented her mother was. It took her 5 minutes so she was on time, arriving at 7:55. The doors would open at 8:00. She sat on the side, watching the leaves blow in the wind. The church bell rang and the school doors opened. More kids had already arrived so it was a bit crowded coming in. Jane stayed closer to the walls of the hallways, only trying to get to the homeroom.

She finally got there. Ms Jessie was sitting at her desk. She looked up at Jane and smiled, standing up. She had on reading glasses, holding a book with her finger marking what page she was on.

"Hello Jane. You look beautiful this morning." Her rosy cheeks went up as her gentle smile filled her face. Her green eyes went well with the sunlight. Jane walked up to her and smiled back. She had always admired her teacher's gorgeous, emerald green eyes. There was a birthmark right in her pupil and it makes it look like the ruined yolk of a fried egg. Jane liked it. She always noticed the one flaw everyone had as well as everything that made them beautiful. But she thought the birthmark was the perfect finishing touch.

Jane hugs the teacher. "I practiced sign language last night." She demonstrates as she says 'You look very nice.' The small girl's face lights up and she signs back. 'Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!' The teacher smiles, understanding. "You are very welcome." More students come into the room. She looks down at Jane. "I guess we will continue this conversation again after school." Jane takes a chalkboard from her bag and writes 'As per usual, if you don't mind.' Ms Jessie shakes her head. "Not at all. Now go take your seat." She pats Jane's head as the little girl walks to her desk in the back.

Finally, all the students are in. Ms Jessie erases the chalkboard in the front of the room. "Class, I have a little surprise for you. We have no work today!" The class starts clamoring with excitement. "Yes, we will all be able to do fun activities, socialize and even get ready for our school dance!" The class cheers. "Alright so, we have paper so you can do arts and crafts or talk or read or anything. A few rules though, no fighting, no running and be kind. I don't want anyone being upset on their day off from work."

A boy with blonde hair raises his hand. "Yes?" "Are we still going to lunch and recess?" The class breaks out in little groups of giggles. "Yes Alexander, you will. Now we can start! I'll be at my desk if you need anything." Ms Jessie walks back to her desk, putting her glasses back on and continuing her book. The class gets out to separate themselves from each other, one side for boys near the window and the other for the girls near the wall.

Poor Jane was in the center of both sides. She stood up and shyly walked near the boy's side. They were talking about playing football during recess. "Can I pick teams this time?" a boy with curly brown hair asks. Alexander was the loudest out of all of them. "Yeah, let's let Oliver pick this time." They all nod agreement. Jane smiles and goes in her bag. She pulls out her chalkboard and chalk. She goes back to them and writes 'Can I play too?' Alexander looks at her. "You know how to play football???" She nods happily. All the boys go quiet and look at each other. They all burst into laughter at the same time. "You're lying!" She shakes her head and writes 'I can show you at recess!' A boy with black hair pushes her away.

"Shut up, no you can't. Oh wait, you've already been shut up!" They all laugh louder. She walks away from them, trying not to cry. She swallows the lump in her throat. She decided to go to the girl's side. They were talking about their clothes, the dance and who they hoped would ask them to go. Veronica was sitting on a desk, wearing a skirt with nice flower patterns. Her clothes were very expensive.

"I hope Alexander asks me to the dance. We would make the cutest couple there!" Some girls nod while others look away. She then goes on to brag about her clothes. Jane sees this as the perfect opportunity to show her dress to them. She does like Veronica's clothes but her mother's dress is very dear to her. She erases her board and writes something. She then taps Veronica, who turns to her in disgust. "Ew, what do you want???" Jane shows her the board. 'Your clothes look very nice. Do you like my dress? My mother made it for me.' She scoffs. "Of course you like my clothes. I would cry if I had to wear those things!" They all laugh. Jane looks at her with teary eyes. 'Please don't say that! My mom spent hours making this dress!'

Veronica laughs more. "You're pathetic. No wonder you have no friends!" Tears stream down Jane's cheeks. She writes even though her hands are shaking. 'Why are you so mean? What did I do?' "You want to know what you did?! You were born!" She smacks the chalkboard out of her hands. It lands on the floor with a loud thud.

Ms Jessie was already out of her seat. "Is everything alright over there girls?" Everyone is silent as Jane turns to her slowly, sobbing. She runs out of the room to the bathroom. Ms Jessie looks at the class before rushing out after her. "Jane! Jane, come back!" The girl was under a water fountain, crying. Her long hair covered her whole face.

Ms Jessie slowly walks to her and sits next to her. "They were mean to you, weren't they?" Jane only nods. The woman is quiet. She holds Jane's hand. "I'm sorry...I should have stopped it before they..." Her voice trails off. "What did they say?" Jane points to her dress. "They...they were talking about your dress?" She nods. "I'm sorry. I think it's lovely. You don't need expensive clothing...you wear what you want. It's beautiful." She wipes Jane's tears away, being careful. To her, Jane was fragile.

Somehow though...Jane was always able to pick herself up again. It was almost as if she had forgotten how mean Veronica was to her the next day she saw her at school and still showed her kindness. And every time she was broken down again. Ms Jessie didn't think today would be any different but was hoping Jane would stand up for herself, to make sure she didn't break completely.