Housemates (COMPLETE)

Nothing

Ruth

I left the front gate wondering how I was supposed to get home until I heard a car honk at me.

Chance.

He motioned for me to get in and trust me, I didn't hesitate.

"How was school?" He glanced at me out of the corner of his eye then suddenly threw his head back laughing "You know, Max's right. I am starting to act like a dad." still laughing as he drove away from the college. Boys are idiots.

I thought about what happened today. I mean, I think I may have made a friend today. My first ever friend. And I didn't even have to do anything. I just listened, my specialty.

We pulled into the car park and Chance smiled at me before getting out.

"Had a good day, did we?" He starts to walk towards the building with me.

?

I didn't even do anything...

"Your eyes... they're almost shining with happiness." He explained as if he detected confusion

It's like... Chance can translate every little thing I do... and... and..

Tell what I'm feeling?

No way...

Could it be...

That Chance Parker is the first person to understand Ruth Jemison?

Chance

I unlock the front door of the apartment and throw my bag on the floor. Ruth, coming behind me, instantly picks it up and throws it into my bedroom.

That girl.

She cracks me up.

I watch her wander into her bedroom then I get myself some water.

Ruth

I doubt that Chance actually can understand me.

I mean, maybe he's just a really good guesser?

I decide to test his limits.

So he can see my emotions?

We'll see about that.

I lay on my bed and try to think of the saddest thing that's ever happened to me...

(13 years ago)

Five-year-old late speaker Ruth sits on her front porch waiting for her father to come home from work at a construction site.

"Ruth! C'mon, it's getting cold out." Her eighteen year old sister, Sienna tells her.

Ruth rapidly shakes her head as she has not learnt to speak yet.

"Fine, but sometimes dad gets home late. I'll stay until he does."

Ruth smiles at her and waits for him while Sienna braids her hair.

After a while, Ruth sees a car pulling up into the driveway.

She excitedly gets up to go and hug him but Sienna pulls her back.

"Ruth, that's not dad. MOM!" Sienna calls out

Then Ruth notices the red and blue flashing lights on top of the car. And the 'PSD' sign written on the side.