Golden Melody (Editing)

Chapter 3

Chapter 3 – Miexha's First Day

Miexha Verra's POV

Rule No. 1: Do not speak to strangers.

I suppose that rule does not apply at school.

I smoothed the pleats of my skirt and stepped into my classroom.

Section 8.

My homeroom.
My very first classroom.

The room... too ordinary. Rows of desks. Metal chairs. A large chalkboard at the front.

Real school felt very different from the one I imagined.

Shoes tapping against tile. Voices overlapping in hurried conversations. The soft mechanical buzz of wrist pads syncing. Lockers sliding open and shut at the back.

Everything sounded sharp and unfiltered.

At the mansion, sound traveled differently. The corridors echoed softly, and the only sounds I ever heard were from the grand piano or the soft rustling of the courtyard fountain. Even the household staff spoke in careful murmurs.

I remain by the doorway for several moments, clutching my bag against my chest. 

I'll wait.

For someone to greet me.
Perhaps even just a simple smile.

But no one did.

Actually, I had prepared for this day.

Last night, I practiced introductions in the mirror. I made flashcards. I reviewed facial expressions so I would know how to response to a conversation. I even memorized a few light remarks that might make me seem... normal.

I'm glad that It seems effective with Riel earlier.

But here, my so called classmates were cruel.

I could hear them clearly.

"She's got a hearing aid..."
"Is she okay?"
"Do we need to speak louder?"
"She's probably just here on a favor."

I lowered my gaze slightly.

My heart beat fast, and my hearing aid gave a faint buzz as it adjusted to the layered noise. I resisted the urge to speak. Mama always said stuttering made one appear uncertain.

I wonder... what do I look like to them right now?

I walked inside and chose the seat in the far corner, where sunlight spilled quietly across the floor.

It felt... safer here.

I offered a sweetest smile I could to the girl beside me.

"Hello. I'm Miexha—"

She turned away before I could finish, her fingers moving across her tablet screen as if I had never spoken.

My smile lingered a second too long before fading.

Oh.

I lowered my hands to my lap and I bit my lower lip.

Perhaps she simply didn't hear me.

Yes. That must be it. Maybe my voice too low.

I turned gently to the boy seated behind me.

"I've never attended a classroom before," I said softly. "Do we... wait for the teacher to begin?"

He didn't answer. He only slipped his earphones in and looked elsewhere.

sight.

It's alright, Miexha.