MARK

2.0

The bus finally arrives and I close my retractable umbrella. The rain hasn't subsided and I don't expect it to any time soon. My arm itches. I ignore it. The bus pulls up to the school lot. Stepping off, I wander to the school, bumping into someone in my thoughtful daze about my itchy shoulder. "Oh. Sorry." It was him. Of course it was him. "Are... You okay?" I realize too late that I visibly cringe. I try to speak. No sound comes out. Remembering that I am unable to speak at all causes me to blush. I nod instead. "You know, you've never said a word to me. Or anyone, apparently. I can't say for your classes, however." We don't have any together, I realize. I shrug. "Do you just not like talking?" I shake my head. "Sometimes I wonder if you can." This catches me off guard. I stare down, blinking back tears and hoping my hair covers my face enough to hide my expression. He looks confused, or he did at the last glance I saw of him. I raise a hand in a shaky fist and, slowly, I sign "I can't." I don't expect him to be able to understand the language but maybe the usage of it will be hint enough. I chuckle lightly under my breath. I don't look up to check.
"Oh." I hear him say. "I see." I let my hand fall to my side. Adjusting my bag on my shoulder, I walk past him. I don't get far before he speaks again. "You know, I took a class once that taught me sign language." I stop dead, turning around just enough so that I can see him. I lift my hand again. "If you can really understand me, repeat the next sentence I say." He nods. I sigh, feeling bold and petrified all at once, riding on my doubt. It's about time I tell him. Maybe then the itching will go away. I turn away, signing over my shoulder. "Your mark appeared on my shoulder last month." After a moment of silence, I glance at him. His face is pure shock. "Wait... Really...?" I nod once, slightly. He pauses. "Show me."