I reached for the can, but it was too heavy for me to lift. I looked at it, disappointed and upset. A hand came from behind me and lifted the soda. I heard a laugh and looked down at the floor, already knowing who it was.

“Hey, Scissors...” he would always tease me. I felt alone and unwanted. Why couldn’t I just die right then? He sat in the chair next to me and bumped my shoulder roughly.

“You gonna answer me, freak?!” He didn’t yell but he spoke louder than needed, making the whole cafeteria go silent.

“S-sorry… I was just…” I mumbled and stuttered, not being the bravest guy around. No one would stand up to him.

I heard another voice behind me, a female’s: “Leave him alone Emmett… just let him eat his lunch…” She had sounded nice, and I didn’t think I had ever heard her voice around here before. She must not have seen my hands. I’m a freak, I mean, four fingers?! Life sucks being me.

“What makes you think I’m gonna listen to you?” Emmett seemed to get even angrier. The drink slammed onto the table; which made me jump. Emmett stood and walked off, pushing people out of the way as he went.

She picked up the drink and sat next to me. The smile on her face was real and genuine. “Need help?” She lifted the soda to my mouth and I took a sip. I smiled after she put the can down.

“I’m Maylee… Nice to meet you,” she held out a hand and I lifted mine to shake. She didn’t stop smiling when she saw two fingers on each of hands. I felt relieved at the thought that she didn’t care whether I had two fingers or all my fingers; I was grateful for it. The bell rang and we went our separate ways down the hall. Every day, at lunch, she would sit with me and help me eat. I felt happy, and wanted again.