Mute girl

Chapter 1

I sighed as I was on my lunch break. I had had a row with my boss at the supermarket I worked in about getting a girlfriend. So unprofessional.

I decided to get a coffee, to destress, but saw a queue at the bookshop. Part of me thought well I need a new book. Part of me thought no.

However I saw a lady at the front. She had long black hair, which was tied in pigtails, was wearing all black and she tilted her head to the side.

I was intrigued so after buying my hazelnut latte, I looked at the notice outside the bookshop.

Kylie, Valentine, huh. Children's author. I used to have a friend called Kylie, who was mute. She moved schools away but, surely not.

I walked into the shop, looked at the table and saw the girl sat there. Someone was talking to her, but she smiled and signed the book. Her head turned to me.

I looked at her, and waved. Then I went back to the book I had picked up.

Soon the queue had ended and I thought I'd better pay for this book. As I did Someone tapped me on the shoulder.

I whirled around and saw Kylie standing there.

"Hey, listen so um you're an author..." She put her hands to my mouth.

She handed me a copy of her book, opened the back page and there was a page about the author.

"Kylie Valentine born Kylie Wilkins was born in 1989," I read the whole page.

She stood there looking pleased.

"How did you know it was me, Kylie. We haven't spoken in 20 years," I said.

She pointed to my name badge and tilted her head to the side.

"Wait, do you have a phone?" I asked.

She nodded.

"Here's my number, call me. I need to get back to work now. It was nice seeing you again," I said.

I paid for the book and went back to the supermarket. I kept telling myself that didn't happen.

I pinched myself to check bit when it hurt, I realised I wasn't dreaming.

I got through the day and saw I had a text message.

"Hi Adam, I never forgot you. You were the only kid who was nice to me at school. Anyway its Kylie in case you weren't sure," the message said.

I saved the contact then messaged her.

"To be honest Kylie, I've never forgotten you. I mean you and I were friends for seven years until we went to different secondary schools," I texted back.

I left the shop and suddenly I had an incoming video call. I answered it.

It was Kylie.

"So how have you been?" She'd written on a piece of paper.

"Well my job sucks, but can't complain. Why'd you change your name?" I asked starting the walk home.

"Parents disowned me when I was 18, because they couldn't communicate with me. Kylie that's terrible," I read what she wrote.

She sighed.

You still live with your parents?" She wrote.

"Um no, I live in a one bedroom flat. My parents are dead," I said.

Sorry, she wrote.

"Don't be, it's not your fault. So I'm off work tomorrow. Would you like to meet for a coffee?" I asked.

Kylie nodded.

Do you like hugs? She'd written.

"Yeah I guess, why?" I asked.

I'm a hugger, she wrote.

Can I come to yours? Shed written.

"Now?" I asked.

Tomorrow, just text me address I'll meet you there.

Kylie seemed happy. To be honest she was always happy, and we both struggled to make friends.

"See you tomorrow, Kylie. What time?" I asked.

11am. Send me address and writing that she hung up.

I was really happy now. Let's see what happens tomorrow.