Ana's Story page 122-140

Ana is still living at the reform center and is about to turn 15. In the hispanic culture, at age 15, girls have a celebration called a quinceanera to recognize them as becoming a women in the society. The day is supposed to be filled with family and traditions. Women from the church arranged parties for the girls at the center who turned 15. On her birthday, they took Ana to get her hair and makeup done. Shen then came back, put on a fancy white dress, and had a celebration with all the other kids. For once, she thought of herself as beautiful.

A few weeks later, while outside playing volleyball with all the kids Ana noticed a new boy sitting by himself. She went over and sat next to him and asked him his name. His name was Berto. He was very shy and quiet but Ana felt a connection to him. She felt safe and comfortable around him. Over the next few weeks they started writing each other notes at meals and started opening up more. One night Ana unexpectedly told him about her disease. She was very scared to see his reaction. The next morning at breakfast, frightened she walked in and dreaded seeing the look on his face. Surprisingly he smiled at her and passed her a note that said "I have it too." Ana felt all the tension go away and finally felt accepted by somebody. She was so excited to finally have a friend who shared one of her secrets with her and who she could talk to about anything.