Signing.

Chapter 1 - Delia's POV

Steve grabbed my arm before I could enter the kitchen.

"What's with you and that boy hanging around so much?" He said it loudly.

"That's none of your buisness." I pushed past him.

"Get back here." He grabbed my arm again.

"I need money for lunch." I got out of his grip, avoiding eye contact.

"You answer my question!" He grabbed me again, pushing me to the ground.

It wasn't the first time

I looked over at my mom, she looked away almost immediately, she went back to fluffing the couch pillows.

I got up, and grabbed my bag. I was out the door so quickly.

They've been married since June, and she's pregnant.

Steve started pushing my mom and me around when they started dating in May.

He has only hit me once, I don't know how many times he's hit my mom, but I know he has. She constantly has bruises on her arms. I'm barely home anymore.

On my way to math class, I held my books tightly against my chest. My head was down, I was breathing slowly. Just trying to get myself together.

Eli approached me at the water fountains.

"Hey." He signed.

I gave him a small anxious smile, since I couldn't sign at the moment.

Eli and I met in 6th grade. He was getting picked on for being deaf. I had walked over and said a few words an eleven year old shouldn't be saying. Ever since then Eli and I have been best friends. We learned to sign together.

When we got to my locker I put my books down.

"What's up?" I sign.

"Well," he signed, "there's this new coffee shop on Main Street, wanna go check it out?"

"Yeah. That sounds like fun." I smiled.

We go to a hearing school in New Jersey, so Eli needs an interpreter to translate what the teachers are saying.

When the final bell rang we got into Eli's old grey car. We never talk in the car, it pretty dangerous to sign and drive. Trust me, I've tried.

When we arrive at the coffee shop it's packed with people.

I turn to Eli and sign,

"What do you want to do?"

"Let's get coffee and walk around town."

"Ok, sounds good."

When we get in line Eli accidentally bumps into this really big guy.

"Hey!" The guy said loudly pushing Eli.

Eli put his finger to his ear to identify that he was deaf.

The guy pushed Eli again, however this time I got involved.

"Dude he's deaf!" I said loudly.

"Oh, sorry." The guy back away.

"What did you say to him?" Eli signed.

"Nothing."

"No. You said something. Tell me what you said." He was getting upset.

"Fine. I told him you were deaf." I signed.

"Delia, I can fight my own battles! I told you that last time!" He was angry now.

"Listen, he was a big guy! I didn't want you to get hurt!"

"Keep your excuses. I'm going home."

He left.

I got out my phone and texted him.

"Hey, I'm sorry, I promise I won't ever do it again."

Send.

I ordered two coffees and left.

When I got outside I realize Eli had been my ride.

So I start walking.

Fifteen minutes later I arrive at his house. I ring the door bell. I ring it again. I see the lights flash. I decided to open the door myself. I went upstairs and opened the door to his room, he was sitting on his bed.

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to say I'm sorry. I mean it Eli." I sat down next to him, he put his arm around me.

"Fine." He signed.

I handed him his coffee.

"You left so fast, I thought you'd be tired."

Eli smiled.

"Thank you."

We both smiled and sip our coffee.