For The Sake of Science

Chapter 6 - Like A Brother

Emily let out a shrill squeal as a decorative pillow landed squarely on her face.

It was 6:00 AM.

She groaned, turning to the old-school alarm clock beside her bed. The faint buzz barely registered in her ears—without her hearing aids, it had probably been going off for half an hour. She slammed the button to shut it off.

Her roommate, Lola, was already up and bustling around. Emily had only met her the night before during curfew checks, and they'd barely exchanged words before lights out. It was clear Lola wasn't thrilled about sharing a room again—especially not with a deaf girl whose alarm didn't wake her.

Emily didn't blame her.

Lola gestured sharply toward the bulletin board Emily had noticed yesterday, speaking quickly as she tucked her silky dark curls into a bun, then tiptoed to smooth the far side of her lofted bed. Her right arm stopped just above the elbow—Emily hadn't noticed the limb difference until now. She got the impression Lola was used to moving fast and doing everything herself.

Emily rolled out of bed and mirrored her, figuring it was some kind of room check requirement. She threw together her bed and looked back to Lola, trying to lip-read.

Lola nodded toward the hallway—something about brushing teeth. Breakfast, maybe.

They filed into the bathroom. Four girls, two sinks, and zero energy.

Lola pointed toward a cubby shelf. Each girl had a bin of toiletries. Emily's name was painted across hers in puffy purple letters, complete with a foam butterfly sticker. She pulled out her toothbrush and joined the lineup at the sink.

In the mirror, she spotted Piper stepping out of the shower.

"Morning," Piper signed one-handed, the other holding her towel.

Emily smiled and returned the sign awkwardly, her arm half-busy brushing her teeth.

By the time they returned to the quad, Mara was already in the kitchenette flipping pancakes and frying bacon. A girl with short natural hair poured herself a mug of coffee and plopped down at the table.

"Can you pour me some?" Piper signed, hurrying past in her uniform.

The girl turned to Emily. "Want any?"

"Oh—no thanks," Emily replied, sliding into a seat.

"What's your name?"

"Emily."

"Veronica. Nice to meet you."

"Vee, pour me some too," Lola called, stealing a pancake as Mara swatted at her hand.

"Momma Mara's gonna write you up," Veronica teased, dropping mugs in front of them.

"She stole bacon earlier," Lola added with a smirk.

"Traitor," Veronica said, faux offended.

"We don't usually get pancakes on weekdays," Lola told Emily. "Mar's trying to impress the newbie."

"I see how it is," Emily grinned, voicing and signing.

"Don't get used to it," Mara warned, waving her spatula.

"What's the plan today?" Emily asked.

"Math and science," Veronica replied.

"Oh, so you still do school?"

"What, you think we just do each other's nails and watch movies?" Lola sipped her coffee.

Emily hesitated.