Melina jogged down the chilly streets of Los Angeles. It was only this cold for a short time every year, and Jana was very thankful for this time. She liked to get out and just run as far away as possible from her crowded, chaotic, tiny home. She didn't know that she was actually running away from herself. Her life. She planned to move out as soon as possible and get a fresh start- no teasing, no tiny house, nothing. That's what she thought about every time she ran.
Melina walked pushed open the heavy door to her school building. It felt more like it was slamming into her face when she noticed the 3 popular girls, Jana, Rose, and Evelyn, glaring at her. "Ach.. It's that stupid Gabacha!" Jana spit, pushing Melina. Melina quickly walked away, staring at her feet. "Come back here." Rose said, grabbing Melina's arm. "But I'll be late… for class." Melina said, biting her lip. "Pobrecito mijo." Rose said in a mocking tone, pushing Melina to the ground, her books scattering. She heard a voice above her, opening her eyes. "It's okay Melina… it's just me." Natalie, Melina's best friend said. Natalie gathered Melina's books. Melina stood up, glancing at a throbbing bruise Rose had left on her shoulder. "We should go to the principal." Natalie suggested. "No, no I'm too embarrassed." Melina said, cupping her hands to her face. She couldn't take it a anymore. She needed to get away from this, she wanted to run away. tears dripped down from her eyes. Natalie guided her best friend to the principal's office. They told the principal what happened, giving Rose a week of detention. But Melina knew that that would not help her at all.
That night, Melina dreamed that she was older, much older, and she was with the man of her dreams. In the dream, he saved her from monsters. He helped her up when she fell. He even laughed at her lame jokes.
Melina woke up crying. She knew that would never happen, no one would ever love her. Yet, she still wanted it so badly. 'Maybe in high school, maybe the boy's won't hate me' she thought, 'maybe in college… If my parents can even afford college…' she started to cry again, no one was there to comfort her, she was alone and very helpless.