My name is Allison Emma Grice. Everyone calls me Al. I was told that when I was seven my dad abandoned me. I don't have any memory of what my life was before. It was washed away. I have been in the orphanage for six months. I was on the streets alone for one and a half years until I was found. I am in fourth grade. Nine years old. I am turning ten in November.
"Al it's time for dinner." Nancy says coming in.
"Just give me like five minutes." I say continuing with my drawing.
"You say that every night and you always end up missing it." Nancy says walking over to me.
"So what?" I ask.
"So, you aren't eating enough. You are going to starve yourself." Nancy answers sitting by my feet.
"No I'm not. You are just paranoid." I say.
"When was the last time you ate dinner?" Nancy asks.
"Not sure."
"It was a month ago. You have to be at least the slightest bit hungry."
"I'm not."
"I'm done arguing with you. Come down in five minutes or I come up here and carry you down in front of everyone." I groan as she walks out of the room. I sit there still drawing. After five minutes pass there is a knock on the door. I run over. I lock it then flop back onto my bed. I draw all night ignoring my growling stomach, stinging eyes, and homework.
THE NEXT DAY
My alarm blasts on. Ugh. I slept for ten minutes I want to keep sleeping. I sit up slamming my fist on the large button. I grab my glasses off my desk and slide on a white t-shirt, blue cardigan, skinny jeans, and black flats. I throw my hair into a bun. I pull my backpack on while running downstairs. Nancy puts together a lunch as I eat half of a strawberry poptart. Then the bus honks, signaling me to go. I race out at the last second. I plop down into my seat. It drives off.