Big Girls Don't Cry

Prologue Pt. 1

August 2006

"Kayla, come here baby," Mommy yells from downstairs.

Figuring it was time to leave, I put my shoes on and grab my jacket and Sophie, my Cabbage Patch doll.

Today's Saturday which means my birthday is tomorrow. I've been counting down to this weekend since Monday because Mommy promised to take me to McDonald's and Build-a-Bear Workshop.

"Are you ready to go?" she asked when I came downstairs. I nod so she grabs her purse and keys and we're out the door to start our day.

'Do It To It' by Cherish comes on and in the middle of my jam session, I notice my mom take a wrong turn.

"Where are we going?"

"We have to make a pit stop. Is that okay with you?" I just continue with my dance party.

As long as I get my Happy Meal and bear I'm good. We pull up to a very ugly house that looks like it should be torn down.

But I know to be nice if I want to go anywhere so I keep my mouth shut.

A fat man with a big chain comes outside and Mommy smiles real big.

"I'm going to go talk to my friend. Can you sit here and be a big girl for me?" I

roll my eyes and remind her that I AM a big girl. She just laughs and hands me my tablet before getting out the car.

I watched her go into the house with the man behind her, but not before I notice him staring at me.

At that moment, I decide that I don't like him.

He's too weird for me, but I know I have to play nice so I just shrug it off and play my games.

I felt like I was playing games forever before my mom came back out with a funny look on her face.

I knew something was off when she got me out the car telling me her friends wanted to meet me and tell me Happy Birthday, even though it isn't until tomorrow.

When we get inside, I instantly cover my nose from the strong smell.

My mom just gives me the face, and I know to put my hand down if I know what's good for me, even though it almost feels like I can't breathe.

We go upstairs into a room with girls that look like they're straight out of a music video, and guys that look really mean.

I hide behind my mother when the fat man with the chain enters the room.

He kneels down in front of me and smiles showing off his gold teeth.

"So I hear you're the birthday girl." I nod. "How old are you?"

Looking up at my mom for confirmation, I hold out my hands to show seven fingers after she tells me to tell him my age.

"What's your name, Pretty girl?" I just look at the floor.

Why does he need to know my name?

"You hear an adult talking to you, Kayla." He smirks,

"Kayla, huh? Pretty name for a pretty girl. I have a gift for you. Follow me." He gets up and straightens his clothes then goes to whisper something in his friend's ear.

Right before the man, who I heard his friend call "Bear" grabs my hand, I notice his friend hand my mom a small bag.

She took it and went into the bathroom that was in the room smiling from ear to ear.