One day, while at the playground with Carol, Michelle heard singing coming from the gymnasium of the school. Forgetting her mother's rule of never leaving her, she crept out of the sleeping Carol's sight and scurried over to the gym. She slipped through the open doors and stood there in the back of the room, watching. Up front was a stage, and on the stage was a boy of maybe 15, singing a song. Michelle watched in awe. She stayed for the rest of the competition and saw the 15 year old boy win first place. Second place went to a younger boy, who was about 11. She saw the two boys give each other high fives and sighed, because she had never have had a friend. The older boy caught her looking at them and, after nudging her friend, started to walk toward her w/his friend in tow.
"Hi," the boy said friendly. Michelle looked down and dug the floor w/her foot. "Hi," she whispered, and dared to look up. The boys were smiling at her. She smiled back shyly. "What's your name?" said the younger one. Michelle hesitated, because she guiltily remembered another of her mother's rules: Never give your name out. She ignored the thought. "Michelle." "That's a pretty name," said the older one. "My name's Howie." He nudged his friend. "My name's Alex," the younger one blurted out. "Alexander James McLean." Howie rolled his eyes and poked him playfully. "Like she'll remember all that," he said pointedly. Michelle's eyes flared. "I'm not dumb!" she loudly protested. The boys' eyebrows flew up. "I never said you were!" Howie defended himself, surprised. Before Michelle could say a word, Carol ran up to her and grabbed her arm.
"Michelle Cane!" she hissed. "You are to never leave Mommy alone; you know that!" She gripped her daughter's arm tighter and dragged her away. "And don't talk to strangers!" she added. Michelle looked over her shoulder at the two boys. Both of their jaws were dropped. She choked back tears and waved. They waved back. "Michelle Cane!" Carol hissed again, and yanked her arm down. Michelle looked at them again before they passed through the door and saw Howie winking at her. "I guess they're angels, too," Michelle said to herself. She smiled bravely and followed her mom, waiting for the inevitable beating.