Stranger Things One-shots (Requests Closed)

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_carm_official_

When Dustin Henderson was born, one of the first people he saw was his year-old sister, Carmen, or Carm, Henderson. She was also born with Cleidocranial Dysplasia, but her's was more severe, with no collarbone, and her teeth are expected to come in when she turns sixteen, which she views as a terrible problem. Her mother insisted surgery, but the doctors told her that, based on the severity of her undeveloped bones, that surgery could fracture or even weaken her jaw. That could cause complications, so now... she has to suck it up and go on with life. But, having little to no capability to properly speak caused her to go selectively mute, and to be mega shy. She's hidden in the shadows, in the halls of Hawkins Middle school. No one tries to change that... not yet.
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Carmen

How is it so hard for me to just cope with myself and be as outgoing as my little brother? How is it so hard to just use my voice, a voice that hasn't been heard in years? Why can't I just talk to people, and not have them stare at me, my teeth, and cringe when they hear the lisp? It's not my fault! Dustin has it easier, he can speak and people actually understand him. But when I try to speak, it's a jumble of sounds, no real words are formed. This is why I have a notepad; so others can talk to me, while I'll write down what I'm planning to say. No one tries, though. I don't mind, I really don't like people. But, it would be nice to have friends. Good friends, who would appreciate me. What's to appreciate, though? Dustin says I'm special, he called me "cool," a couple of times. Recently, of course. But what does he know? He was almost killed by this... thing. Dustin promised me not to tell anyone, so I respected that. It seems unreal, though. I believe him, though. Along with Mike, Will, and Lucas. It's funny how I can ramble in my own head, no one can hear my thoughts.

"Hey, sis!" I turn my head to see Dustin running towards me, with Mike, Lucas, and Will. I tilt my head. "Caramel, would you like to join our gaming group? It could help you with your... socialization." I roll my eyes. I hate the nickname "caramel," and they've asked me before. I've said no each time. I told them that I don't want to play, I don't want to speak!

I shake my head, and Dustin pulls my arm. "Come on, we need another player! We're getting deeper into this campaign, and it's getting harder! We need another Tank, could you play a Barbarian, or another fighter? Maybe even a Paladin, those can heal minor wounds and can kick ass!" Dustin exclaims. "And having a girl will help with charisma rolls, especially if we are dealing with Nobles and\or knights." I stare at him, having no clue what that means. I shake my head vigorously, wanting to scream in their faces. I don't like that stuff, and I don't want to play some paladin, or whatever it's called.

Lucas bends down. "I know you don't want to speak, but you have to at some point. You've been like this for years, now! Say something."

I leer at him. I shake my head once more. I don't understand, I don't want to use my mouth! It won't work, anyway. It'll work poorly, and I'll say something screwed up. I'm not going to.

"Take a leap of faith." Lucas says kindly. I don't have faith, until my teeth grow in. I take my stuff and walk away, from them, from other people. It sucks, but I don't want to speak. I will never speak. Not in front of anyone else, at least.

It's around midnight when you step outside, the cold wind billowing effortlessly. I envy the wind. It's free, it can do what it wants, it doesn't have any worry in the entire world. I do. I don't speak, I can't speak. I already get judged enough by some of the sluts- I mean, girls of my grade, and the boys who will deliberately ruin my school career, destroying my homework, making me late... it just hurts me. I'm glad that I'm out here. The grass is cold and wet, glimmering from the almost-full moon. The stars twinkle brightly in the inky black sky, and it is so quiet. There is a light sound of crickets and owls, very faint and in the distance. I'm alone, It's quiet.