She smiled widely, and waved. It looked so adorable! I grinned, and gave a small wave in response.

This caught Candice's attention. She sniggered at me. I looked away, ashamed and embarrassed. Hold on!! Why was I ashamed?! I didn't do anything wrong. Why was I embarrassed?! No one knows....! I sighed angrily. It was all Candice's fault for this. Actually, no! It was my fault. I shouldn't let her meaningless thoughts, actions and words effect me!

I tried to forget about all that and concentrate on the performance in front of me. That, I did, but only partially, as the thought remained in the back of my mind.

When Hanson finished performing MMMBop, the crowd went wild and cheered for more. Unfortunately Hanson couldn't fulfill their plea, as the Tulsa Mayfest was experiencing a tight schedule.

Hanson walked out of the crowds sight, towards the right side of the stage (opposite side to me). I turned around, ready to retreat back to the lonesome, cold bench....well it was my true intention. That was until I heard my name being yelled, over the noise from the crowd. I wasn't sure if it was just my imagination, but I pivoted anyway, in response.

To my surprise, I saw Avery running across the front side of the stage, to greet me. I was shocked happily. While Avie, the little bundle of joy ran to me, the crowd went absolutely wild. They must have thought that Hanson had come back, to perform another song, or something similar to that. I laughed inside at how carefree and unpredictable Avery could be.

As she reached me, she asked, "Where were you going?"

I lied in response, "Oh............. nowhere in particular." Out of the corner of my eye, I realised the Hansons, Beth and Candice were no where to be seen.

Avery said, "Good, now you can come with us. First let's find Mummy."

That was our first intention but we really didn't have to move since 'everyone' was in front of us in seconds. It seemed they had taken the 'corridor route - behind the stage area - ' to get to us. They must have ran because they looked a bit puffed, especially Diana, who was carrying Zoe.

Diana asked, " Avie, darling, what did you do that for?"

Avery shrugged, looked down and said, "I won't do that again Mummy." She looked so innocent and honest. Diana bent down to give her a hug. Zoe started whimpering, because she was getting squashed in the process.

Everyone else was watching with curiosity, until Mr Hanson spoke up. He approached me and shook my hand. " I don't believe we've met. I'm Walker, " he exclaimed proudly.

I replied, " I'm Gabbi, nice to meet you."

Avery pointed as she told me, " This is Jessie, Mackie and Zoe."

I smiled a closed smile - not showing my teeth - at them. Jessie waved shyly the turned her attention back to her cyber-pet tamagochi. Zoe kept whimpering and fiddled with her mother's silver neck piece. Mackie ran up to me and shook my hand like a hypo maniac. We all laughed at him.

At that moment, another performer, not nearly as popular as Hanson 'claimed' the stage. The crowd died down. Mackie exclaimed, "Gee Avie, you can stir up the crowd better than them." With that, he gestured towards Ike, Tay and Zac. Avie stood up straight and looked proud. Then, Mackie started running in circles around Jessie.

After Zac announced that he was hungry, Mr Hanson...oops, sorry I meant Walker, suggested, " How 'bout we all go to a restaurant to eat a decent meal...or we could drop into MacDonalds...?"

The Hanson 'clan' chorused, " MacDonalds." Walker continued, " Ok, do you girls want to come? It'll be on us."

Candice said, " Of course."

Beth replied, "Sure."

I couldn't go. I didn't want them to pay for me and I didn't have any money so I couldn't offer to pay for myself. "Thanks for the offer, but I have really got to get home," I lied.

Everyone looked a bit down, except for Candice.

Diana spoke up, " If you have too...I guess we'll see you later."

I said, " Well, I'll see you guys soon."

After everyone chorused their goodbyes, they left the 'carnival' area.

As I walked the opposite direction, to make my way home, I got a sinking feeling in my stomach. I tried to focus on the good, from my decision. I assured myself that I made the right decision, which was partly just to make me feel better. I knew that Walker offered to pay for me and it was out of friendliness. Even so, ever since I became an orphan, when people do favours for me, I am always thinking that it is out of pity. I hate that thought, and I hate thinking like that, because I know that it is wrong and I shouldn't, but I can't help it.

I was now out of the Mayfest grounds and walking down a rocky road (*A.N. .....in candy land. Mmm, yummy! j/k*), kicking pebbles as I went. There was quite a distance from the carnival to the children's home....well, my home. Even so, unfortunately, I had to walk because there was no other option of transport available to me. Just then, I wished I could fly. I laughed out loud, which would have seemed pretty abnormal to the passer-byers (*A.N. is that a word?*). I could be so childish sometimes.

Softly, I started humming and mentally singing 'Cry' by Mavis's, but I replaced the word cry, with fly. The song stayed in my head for the rest of the journey home.

When I arrived home, I trudged into my dormitory. I didn't need to share it with anyone since there were an odd number of people in the children's home. Everyone else was already paired up so I 'claimed' the last room to myself. I didn't mind being on my own. In fact I rather enjoyed it. It was better than sharing dormitories with a toe-nail-biting - ok so maybe I exaggerated a little - roomie.

My room was on the top floor. It was the most isolated out off all of them. I liked it the most because it was closest to the sky. For hours I would stare out of my opened window, watching the sun sets, then star gazing. I don't usually watch the sun rise. I have always slept in. Only once have I seen it, when I stayed up all night.

Before I climbed up the stairs to my room, I paid a visit to the fridge. Grabbing some leftovers, I made my way to my room. After devouring the cold chicken, I fell asleep, exhausted from the long walk. (*A.N. Finally!! That day seemed to drag on and on! Sorry about that.*)