Words

Thirteen

I sat down in my seat with a sigh. It's great that they understand my situation now, but what about school? There's no way they'll let me type my tests.

Even if I do somehow persuade the teachers to let me type my homework while simultaneously hiding my 'powers' at the same time, how will I survive―

"Ziv?" A hand landed on my shoulder. I turned around to find Abigail watching me with furrowed eyebrows. "You okay?"

I looked deep into her peridot eyes and sighed with relief. A large burden was taken off of my shoulders now that my parents believed me. I felt like things would start to be a lot easier. However, I was still puzzled over what to do with school. I guess it's better to not worry about it too much. But how can I if school is what will take up a majority of my life?

I stretched my arms forward then turned to her. I don't need to worry, I guess. "I'm fine, thanks. I feel a lot better!"

"Really? Awesome! How were the treats we gave you yesterday?" She smiled, seeming eager to hear my reaction.

"They were delicious," I stated when my thoughts drifted to the crushed macarons and chocolate that rested on my bed. I can't even eat them.

I looked into her green eyes that sparked with confidence, past her fierce personality, past her stubbornness to gaze at the kindness that dwelled within her. That very kindness was how I was first graced with her prescence in kindergarten, when she snapped at the children who took advantage of the naivety that I still hold on to. If my parents could believe me, then so could she. Well, maybe.

She tilted her head at me in curiosity, but I didn't speak. I smiled and turned back to the front with my mind in deep thought. Friends are supposed to help each other when in need.

But what would telling her do? What if she doesn't believe me? I thought to the sweets that were on my bed. I wasted their efforts. I should've told them earlier. They don't need to waste money on what I can't eat.

"Abigail," I muttered as our advisor gave out the new calendars for the month, "I'll tell you... what's been bothering me recently."

She never responded, only giving a slight nod as she gulped. Her fists tightened when she let out a trembling sigh.

Without even realizing it, I allowed myself to open up to those around me. The words that Father croaked with a broken voice yesterday resonated within me.

'Don't you trust us?'

Just as I was about to shut my eyes to block out the words that surrounded me, the bell rang. I guess I'm not really good at showing affection.

When I stood up from my chair, Abigail patted my shoulder and said, "thanks."

My breath caught in my throat with sudden relief. I smiled at her with a final nod before gathering my things and heading to my first class.

Time went by too fast. There was nothing else I could think of but the sense of dread that made my throat clam up in guilt. My drawing's gone. I'm going to fail the one class that I can let my emotions out in, all because of my incompetence.

I halted in front of the inviting door that led to the vibrantly colored room as the surrounding students shuffled around me to get inside. My heart was ramming against my ribcage when I lowered my hand to the hem of my sweater, tugging on it briefly before walking through the crowd. The late bell's cries reverberated in my head when I settled into my regular seat.

I refused to speak, only listening to the chairs clawing the tile floor amongst the excited murmurs that filled the room when Mr. Abington closed the door.