The Pretend Mute

III

Mrs. Adams looked up ten minutes later. "Was anyone late?" 

About twelve people automatically said that Alex was late, but no one mentioned me. I guess they don't know my name then. I meekly raised my hand, and Mrs. Adams looked shocked. "Yes Kira?" Everyone looked at me, shocked. 

Alex quickly explained for me, "Mrs. Adams, Kira was late, we walked to class together; that's why she raised her hand." Why does this guy have to be so nice; it's only making me more creeped out. I bet that someone dared him to talk to me!

I pull out my notebook and take the last page out, the page that had my name on it from earlier. Alex? 

I hand him the paper. He reads it, looking confused. He looks at me, handing me the paper. He mouths, "is everything alright?" Yes I'm fine, I was just wondering why you're so interested in talking to me? He read it quickly and pulled out a pen.

I'm talking to you because I think you're beautiful.

What the heck? My entire face is screwed up!! Can you not lie? I know my face is deformed.

That doesn't make you ugly. You are beautiful, and that is what I truly believe.

I don't need to be a charity case, Alex.

You are anything BUT a charity case.

Really? If I'm so "beautiful" then why are you just now talking to me? 

I don't know Kira, maybe because I had to build up the courage!

Don't paper shout at me. I'm already really confused. What, have you been stalking me?

No, but we do have fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh periods together, and I've never heard you speak, and I THINK YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.

You're a moron.

You don't even fucking know me!

I winced at the f-word. I balled up the paper and put it in my bag, trying to signal the end of our conversation. It apparently didn't signal to him because he pulled out a new piece of paper and began writing.

I'm sorry Kira.

Whatever Alex.

Kira. I'm sorry. I didn't know you had a problem with cussing. I'm really sorry.

So? I don't care. Alex, you cussed at me. That was rude and inappropriate.

And calling me a moron wasn't?

Okay yeah, that was uncalled for, but still. I have my life going the way I don't particularly want it to, but it's better without anyone than with anyone.

What's your story? Why don't you talk, what happened to you?

I shrugged. I pulled my out my notebook and handed it to him.

Read it.