She stands in a corner, alone.

Though the room is stuffy, she keeps her sweater on. The long sleeves hide her scars; the ones she will never forget about.

She looks around the room. People are laughing and talking, but no one seems to notice her. She pushes back her bleached bangs as a group walks past. 

She smiles faintly, but they keep going. her small hands turn white as she clenches her fists. She smooths the front of her plaid dress.

Am I dressed wrong? Do they know about my scars? Should I leave?

The questions flash through her mind. A single tear runs down her cheek.  

But where can I go?

She takes a deep breath and starts to walk toward the chapel doors. Behind her, someone starts singing a hymn. She hesitates for a moment, then keeps walking. 

It's not like anyone will miss me.

She holds back the tears, but only until the doors close behind her. Then they come, freely. 

If no one wants me at a church, where can I go?

She sinks into the grass, her back against the church building. 

I can't go home, school isn't open.....where?

Her tears continue to fall. Suddenly, she hears footsteps on the sidewalk. Lifting her head, she sees a boy coming towards her. 

Seeing her face, the boy stops and kneels down. She furiously brushes away her tears, but he's already noticed.

"Why are you out here?" he asks in a quiet voice. He takes her hand and helps her to her feet. 

Studying her face, he adds, "I don't believe I've seen you around here. Did you come for the party?"

She sniffles and nods. The boy frowns. "Parties shouldn't make a girl cry. Didn't anyone talk to you?"

Another tear falls as she shakes her head. She whispers, "I, uh, didn't really get a chance to meet anyone. I ho have to go, though."

She tries to leave, but he still holds her hand. "Well, you've met me. Trenton Brown's my name." He smiles at her. "What's yours?"

Her eyes stare right into his. For a moment her guard comes back up. 

"Sophie," she finally answers. Her voice is stronger this time, with a new found confidence.

 Taking her other hand, Trenton guides her back to the church door. "You just stick with me, okay? I'll make sure everyone meets you, Sophie."

She doesn't respond, for more thoughts are running through her mind.

He is really cute. Trenton is such a nice name. Perhaps I'll make a few friends. Will I ever work up the nerve to tell Trenton about my scars?  

Her last thought as they enter the church are:

I guess God finally heard my prayers.......and maybe I finally belong somewhere.