Not Just Tone Deaf

Chapter One

Author's Note: Italics represents communication in sign language (:

Mikey was yelling down the phone, his hand tangled in his hair. I kept making coffee quietly, glancing over at him occasionally. I could see some of what he was saying, but I tried not to watch too closely. Mikey looked over at me and sighed, waving a hand reassuringly. I shrugged in answer and turned away, fiddling with something. He touched my back and I jumped, looking up at him.
They've gotten you the wrong school assistant, he signed quickly, pulling a face as he listened to whatever the man on the phone was saying.
I frowned. So what does that mean?
Mikey shrugged and said something before hanging up the phone. "It means they've gotten you someone trained to help blind kids, not deaf kids."
He looked at my face and sighed. Sorry.
I shifted and leaned against the counter, folding my arms over my chest. Mikey stared at me, deep in thought.
They can't get you anyone else.
I nodded and moved off, opening the fridge door. Mikey stayed where he was, his hands in his pockets. I looked up at him briefly.
I'll manage.
He sighed and waited until I'd poured the milk into his coffee. I know you've managed without one before, but this is your senior year. It's a bit different.
I rolled my eyes and put the milk away, kicking the fridge closed. I'm fine. Go home.
Mikey gave me an agonised look and I smiled, hugging him quickly before moving back to grab my own mug. You've done everything you can, at least I'll have someone. Go be with Pete, he's leaving again soon.
He sighed and kissed my forehead before I waved him out of the door.
Well, fuck. The first day of school was going to be fun.

I left the apartment at 7:15 for an 8:00 start, walking down the street with my backpack weighing me down. I had my schedule and my disability paperwork in the outermost pocket, ready to be pulled out just in case. I went to the office straightaway and slapped my paperwork on the counter, pushing it towards the receptionist. She read it and got up, walking off down the hall. I tucked it away again and picked at a hangnail on one of my fingers while I waited. It was 7:59 by the time she came back, a short man with messy black hair tailing her. He grinned at me, waving nervously. He looked uncomfortable in ugly his button up and cardigan outfit, and I didn't blame him. It didn't look quite right.
"You can read lips, right?" he asked, shaking my hand. I could feel his fingers trembling. I nodded and smiled uncertainly. "Cool. I'm Frank, I'm gonna be your tutor. I'll be taking notes for you in class so you can pay attention to the teacher and what's going on around you. If you need anything after class, or help with your homework, I'll be there. Sound good?"
I shrugged and nodded, pointing to the clock. His eyes widened.
"Crap."

I slid into my seat at 8:12, more than slightly embarrassed. Frank slumped next to me, pulling a face as he rushed to get paper and a pen out of his bag. I folded my hands in my lap, looking around nervously. Despite having just moved to a brand-new high school, I knew I would be greeted by one familiar face. My best friend Ray, who I'd known since I was about two, went to this school. It would be the first time in 15 years we'd be at the same school, and I was fairly excited. Frank suddenly tapped my shoulder and I looked up at the teacher, forcing myself to pay attention.

I sat down next to Ray at lunch, watching Frank walk off. Ray punched my shoulder, grinning at me. "Ummm, hot?"
I blinked and giggled, shaking my head. He's my tutor, he writes my notes.
Ray's eyes widened. "Even better."
I smacked his cheek lightly, shaking my head. Off limits, you idiot. He's not even that cute.
He rolled his eyes and put his hand on my thigh. "I'm sorry, Gee, but you need to get laid. Like soon. For your own good."
Laid again, I corrected smugly. Ray chuckled.
"That's the spirit. There are some really cute guys at this school."
I grinned, tugging out my lunch. I thought you were straight.
"Doesn't mean I can't check out what's around. For you. Like bros do."
I giggled and shook my head slowly, taking a bite of my sandwich. Ray winked at me and I nearly choked.
"So uh, when are you gonna photocopy those notes and send them to me?"
I dropped my sandwich back onto the bag, throwing my hands up. We don't even have the same classes, idiot!
Ray grinned.

Frank sent me a message after school. He wasn't properly employed by the school board or whatever, so he was actually allowed to text me. It made sense to me, being able to communicate outside of school and set things up more quickly than we could by email.
'Hey, G. You doing ok with the HW?'
I sighed and looked down at my paper. 'Yep. First couple weeks are always easy.'
I ran a fingertip down the page, watching the ink smudge. I liked the effect of it, it made me think of how large groups of people affected me.
My phone pinged and I looked over at it.
'Yep.'
That was exciting. I put my phone away and got on with the rest of my work, humming to myself softly.