Silent

03| When She Had To

I did not want to get up the next day, but then I never did. However, I knew that if I stopped, then I would stop doing everything. School was an anchor for me. It was a place that I could worry about, so that I did not let my mind wander to other subjects that much. It ensured that I would pass another year successfully- that is, without giving up. On my own.

With help from David, of course.

"One more year," I whispered encouragingly to myself, and then warily looked around my bedroom, hoping no shadows had heard me. I shivered. Speaking was like a sin for me. I couldn't do it in front of anyone. I just couldn't. I didn't want to.

I had to get up from my bed. Today was Tuesday. I couldn't give up at the start of the week, could I? That would be giving up to early. I had to get up. I could do it. I could.

"Honey, you up?" David's voice called down the hall. I closed my eyes imagining the scene outside. David would be making pancakes- his favourite- while his phone would be stuck to his ear. He'd taken an off yesterday, but he couldn't do it anymore. Our parent's company would already be in deep trouble without him.

We were well-off. Our parents had been owners of a bio-organic company, and had left it to us in their wills. David had always known that he would take over it one day, and that day had come pretty soon in our lives. In a sense, it was one reason why David had grown up so fast at such a young age.

"Little sister, are you going today?" David asked me from outside, patiently waiting for my answer. He wouldn't mind if I left school. He had told me to do whatever I wanted, as I wanted. He'd promised me that he'd take care of me forever if I wanted him to.

I hoped not.

With a sigh, I got out of bed. Today couldn't be the day I gave up. Just one more day.

It was too early in the week.

I quickly got ready for school. I headed out from my room, plastering a smile onto my face.
"Hey sweetheart, ready for school?" David asked me in a concerned voice as he put a pancake on my empty plate. I nodded firmly.

"Can I drop you?"

I shook my head. I wasn't a pity case, but sometimes my brother sure acted like it.
"Alright then. I'll see you later, Darlene. Call me if anything happens," David sighed, kissing the top of my head as he headed out. I smiled. I loved my brother no matter what. He cared so much for me.

I quickly ate my pancake. After making sure that the whole house was locked, I went out. It was a nice sunny day. The air smelled fresh. Some cars kept on going up and down the street, making a ruckus, but that could hardly spoil the day. I just hoped that it would stay the same.

I took the school bus and reached school without an incident. Maybe today would be different. I quickly went inside.

"Hello Darlene," Cameron smiled at me as he passed me by. I blushed, and waved quickly back.
"Freak," another person whispered as they walked by me. My heart felt like it broke a bit, but it did that a lot.

I'm not a freak.

"Freaky bitch," another person said, pushing me as they walked by.

This day didn't seem that good anymore.

Especially to my aching heart.

Well, the first class could be better. In fact, I knew it would be better. I knew it in my heart. I went on to my class, and smiled at the girl who opened the door for me courteously. See? Not everyone was horrible.

I sat down at my seat. English. I usually liked English.

"Hello class," Ms. Clara said as she entered.
"Today we shall be doing a quiz," she told us with a smile. A lot of children groaned.