Soundless

Soundless (pt. 2)

(Brenna's pov)

I tightly clutched my notepad as I made my way through the cramped hallway, brushing shoulders with random strangers. I was lost; very lost, but I couldn't ask for directions.

I thumped my hand on the side of my head, wracking my brain for the way to science class. I had just come from home room, so that meant I had to go....up? No, down. No wait; up! Exasperated, I scrawled out a plea for directions on my notepad, went up to a boy facing his locker, and tapped him on the shoulder.

When he turned around, I was not prepared for what I was about to lay eyes on. He was tall, had hair much darker than mine quiffed at the front, and piercing blue eyes that widened when he saw me. We stared at each other for what seemed like ages before I remembered why I tapped him on the first place. Slightly embarrassed, I thrust the notepad at him. He raised an eyebrow quizzically at me before scanning what I had written.

"I'm actually headed there myself," he spoke, his voice welcoming, "we can go together."

Nodding my head, we started down the hall together.

"So what's your name anyways? I don't think I've ever seen you around here." he swiveled his head to look at me.

"I'm Brenna, I just moved here from Boston. What's your name?" I wrote, before holding the paper for him to see.

"I'm Jake... Can I ask you something, Brenna?" He asked sounding a tad troubled. I nodded.

"Why do you do that?" he gestured to my notepad that I held to my chest.

"Because I can't speak. I've never been able to; and most people don't understand sign language, so I just write what I need to say." I held the paper up to him once more.

"Oh, I'm so sorry! That must suck." He apologetically spoke, looking back at the ground.

I shrugged. There wasn't really much I could do about it; my mother had tried everything to get me talking. But after so many years of no results, she gave up. So I was taught sign language and given a notepad to communicate.

When we reached the science room, Jake took a seat next to me. We didn't really do much science; Ms. Willis just explained what we would be covering this year.

Soon class was over and Jake said goodbye. I made my way down the hall and stopped in my tracks. Yet again, I realized, I was lost. Not wanting to ask for directions, I shoved my notepad into my backpack. I slowly made my way down the hall, trying to remember. About twenty minutes later, i was late for class and just trying to find the office. I came upon a door and pressed my ear to it. Someone on the other side was playing the piano quite beautifully. I slowly pushed open the door, slipped inside, and Set my bag down next to it. I looked around, silently creeping around the room, trying to find the piano.

This looked to be the drama/music room, with curtains draping from the ceiling, creating a maze around the large room. I nearly tripped over several instruments and costumes. I poked my head around one final curtain to reveal the piano and....Jake? I didn't know he played piano; well, I didn't know anything about him at all. His back was to me, his hands flying across the keyboard. I crept up behind him, careful not to make noise as I watched him in awe. When the song was over, he placed his hands on his lap and leaned back. Without thinking, I started to clap. His head spun around. When he saw me, he laughed.

"How long have you been there?" he smiled.

I didn't have my notepad, so I timidly smiled and shrugged. He beckoned my over to him and I took a seat on the piano bench.

"How was I?" he asked, grinning like the Cheshire Cat.

I held up two thumbs to indicate what I thought. I wish I could have told him. He seemed content with my gesture, though.

"Do you play? Piano, I mean." He asked. I nodded.

"Will you play something?"

I chewed my lip and nodded. I placed my hands on the keys and closed my eyes. Deciding to play "If I Die Young," I let the music take control. My hands flew across the keys and I smiled, enjoying the sound.

"If I die young, bury me in satin and lay me down on a, bed of roses. Sink me in the river, at dawn. And send me away with the words of a love song."

My eyes snapped open and I looked at Jake. He was singing along. I watched him sing as my fingers continued to hit the keys effortlessly. He was amazing. Never had I heard a voice quite like his.

When the song had ended, I looked at him, my heart thundering in my chest. I hadn't realized how close we were seated. My breath caught in my throat when he looked directly into my eyes and grabbed my hand, running his thumb over my knuckles.

"You have really pretty eyes." He whispered. I felt my cheeks heat up as soon as the words left his perfect mouth. The moment was rudely interrupted by the sound of the school bell loudly stabbing at my eardrums.

My displeasure was obviously etched onto my face, because Jake let out a small laugh, dropping my hand. He leaned in so close that I could feel his hot breath on my neck.

"See you soon." he whispered into my ear, sending shivers up my spine. and with that, he left, leaving me seated at the piano in shock.