Not the first, and not the last.

Susan rushed home, showered, and changed out of her school uniform. She carefully took out the birthday present she had bought and wrapped. What’s a little pocket money for a friend, right? She gently placed it into her bike’s basket.

 

She hopped onto her bike, cycled away in the dead heat of the afternoon thinking of the snacks and yummies at the party later. Mother was glad. She had a hard time fitting in the new neighborhood, and perhaps this party would change things. Also, it meant that Mother wouldn’t have to prepare lunch for her before she went to work.

 

10 minutes later, she arrived. There were a few others already inside. The whole class was invited. Laughter could be heard. She parked her bike carefully by the curb and went in. She knocked on the door. Her classmate opened it.

 

“What are you doing here?” the girl who opened the door said.

“I…I came for the party” Susan was suddenly aware that she wasn’t welcome there.

“Who asked you to come?” another cold pair of eyes appeared and spoke.

“…..when you said it in class, you said everybody was invited..” she stammered.

 

“Well, not you.” The girl who opened the door retorted. She turned, and to the rest of the people in the back said “hey look, The Grub thought we meant she was invited too” Laughter shot out from within.

 

Susan felt tears well up in her eyes. She turned to go. The wrapping paper made a rustling sound against her frock.

 

“Well, leave that here then.” The girl indicated to the gift.

 

Susan knew she should have said something, or at least refuse to hand over the gift. But she would have to face these people again tomorrow at school; and God knows what they’ll say about her if she refused. She handed it over. The girl clawed at it, then turned to Susan “Now what are you waiting for, do you expect to set your clammy feet in my house?”

 

Susan turned and left. Her stomach was rumbling, and hot tears threatened to burst out at any moment. Her hands were shaking. She thought fourth grade was terrible. Turns out fifth grade is no better.

She had no money with her, and there was nothing at home to eat. Not that she knew where she could buy herself lunch. She made her way home, and tucked herself into bed. She slept away her sadness and hunger. Not the first time.

 

 

Later in the evening, Mother woke her to bathe and get ready for dinner.

 

“So how was the party?” Mother asked.

 

 

 

 

 

Susan kept quiet.