I look out the window in my room at all the family's happy laughter and joyful singing.
Why can't I be down there with a mommy and daddy, maybe a big brother? I spread my wings out to dry from the shower.
"Mariangela!" I hear someone calling. I hear footsteps stop outside my door. "Do you want some cookies and milk?" The oldest boy at the orphanage says through the door. Jake had always had a soft spot for me, the little girl that never smiled or laughed like all the other little girls.
"No thank you I'm fine." I say. Jake would say that I have a sweet little voice. Jake sighs and leaves to go pack to go to his new family.
Then I started to cry, then proceeded to curse myself. I will not cry just because I don't have an stupid family to spend Christmas with. I think.
I don't need all those beautiful toys. All I need is myself.
(Christmas day)
I wake up excited. Maybe, just maybe they will pick me.
I have an interview to day. I quickly dress in my favorite black sweater, with dark jeans, and my black All Stars.
When I get to the interview room I instantly know they won't pick me.
The couple had on bright matching red sweaters. The women had bows, bows, in her hair.
The man looks around, then at me with sparkling eyes. The sparkle instantly went away.
"Um... dear?" He says to his wife.
She looks around at me and frowns. "Can we please speak to you privately Miss Martlee?"
I step out of the room. Before the door closes fully, I hear them say, "No, we want someone more cheerful."
I run to my room and slam the door. I curl myself in my wings on my bed and cry for the rest of the night, until sleep finally takes me in it's loving grasp.
No family, toys, or a big brother for me this year.