I couldn't take it anymore, I could see it myself every time I looked in the mirror, and I didn't need others telling me too. Sometimes I just tried to forget, but it's no use. I got constant reminders at school about my birthmark. Everyone has one, why did I have to be laughed at? It's on my face, but it doesn't make me a freak or any different than anyone else. I'm just normal. Just Emma.

I trudged into school, well aware of what I was going to face today. I tried to push it to the back of my mind, but it was hopeless! I knew it was there. I knew what was about to happen. I kept my head down and concentrated on where I was standing. I created scenarios in my mind that if I didn’t stand on a crack until I got to the front door I would be ignored for the day.
“Coffee stain! Did mummy not wipe your face this morning?” I kept my head down.
“Coffee Stain! I’m talking to you, don’t ignore me!” I walked on, quickening my pace.
“Running away, are you, scared?” I heard the familiar voice sneer. I kept my focus on the bright blue double doors ahead of me, pretending I couldn’t hear her calling after me. I heard the sniggers from her friends. I could hear their voices behind me. They seemed to be getting closer to me as I could hear their voices getting louder.
“Listen to me Coffee! Are you not going to let us wash your face this morning?” I knew what they were going to do now. It was beginning to become a routine. I didn’t want to take it anymore. I had tried hiding, running away and ignoring them- Maybe it was time to stand up to them.

 I stopped in my tracks and quickly turned round. “I---“  I had opened my mouth to speak but the words had got caught up in my throat. I angered myself. What was wrong with me? I couldn’t stand up for myself. They just laughed. I was pathetic. She walked forward and grinning and grabbed me by the hair. I didn’t retaliate. I had tried that many times before, there was no escape. I was dragged towards the back toilets. The familiar pungent smells filled my nostrils as a bad reminder of what was ahead. I was shoved into the first cubicle and my head was lowered into the bowl. The smell was putrid. Then the icy cold water hit my face. I kept my mouth and eyes shut. I ran out of breathe. I struggled for something to grab but I couldn’t find anything. For a second my head was brought up, too quick for air and then it plummeted downwards again. They let go and I heard them laugh as they had left. By the sound of things they had been recording it. All I could do was break down and cry.