Hushed

Chapter Twelve

Step step step step step. I run towards my classroom. I need. NEED. To get back to my class.

I need to get away from him.

He knows too much. He signed at me. He knows way too much. He SIGNED at me. He knows so much that she'll kill me. But... He... He signed at me...

My language. In my language. My broken language. My useless language. My stupid, unnecessary language.

But he's a hearing person. How could he know any of my language? Does he care about my language? How much does he know?

Kaylei, stop. You can't talk to him again. You can't let anyone else know. He shouldn't even know. She will hurt you. She will harm you.

But he sig-- I KNOW!!!!!

................ Oh dandelions, do I know. My eyes close, but instead of the usual darkness that lies behind them, he's there. Speaking my language.

Hello. I'm Jace, and I want to be your friend.

Hello I'm Jace, and I want to be your friend.

Your friend.

I'm Jace.

Jace.

Each of his contemplated movements so calculated. The concentration evident in his finger spelling. The slight shake in his hands from the excitement of trying this thing. This language. This unneeded, selfish language.

Exhale. She can't know. She can't. Just me. And him. We'll know.

I let the rough finger spelling of "Jace" wrap my mind again. My smile is over taking my face. It's just unbelievable. It's--- ah.

Turn. Oh... He's there. He caught up to me. He's holding onto my wrist. Jace.

I realize now that he probably pities me. I don't want that. Nnng. He won't let go of my hand.

I flinch as he taps my wrist twice with his other hand to get my attention.

What do you mean "nobody"?

Shrug.

What about your friends?

I take the paper and pencil. They don't know.

The teachers? Shake of my head. I hold up the paper again. Same thing. They don't know. No one knows. Two people in the whole world know-- no. Three. A jittery warmth hits me at the same time as the realization does. Three. Me. Mum. .... And Jace.... Jace is three. Three...

He snaps his fingers in my face. Oh oops. He was talking. I question him with my face. He rolls his eyes, but they're full of concern.

I said, "Your family?" No. No no no no no no no. I find myself backing up. No that's too much. Ugh I'm shaking my head too much. It's too obvious. He's stepping towards me. No stop. She'll kill me. You can't ask me that. You can't. Can't. Ahhh

I find myself falling, landing on my bum on the floor. No. I have to get away. I pull myself along with my hands. Leave me alone.

He doesn't. Instead, he's kneeling down beside me. No stay away. In my panic, I watch his lips.

Hey. I'm sorry! Calm down! Hey hey hey. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked.

Oh.

He's holding my hand. He tells me to calm down. I stare at our hands. He's holding my hand. Oh, dandelions.

I realize he's helping me up.

Are you okay? I'm sorry for asking. I shouldn't have asked so many personal questions.

I nod. Then shake my head. It's okay. You're holding my hand. You signed at me. You're Jace and you're one of three.

I shake my head to clear it and smile. It's okay.

He smiles. He runs his hand through his hair. We should get back to class. See you later. Maybe you won't spaz out because of me next time?

I feel my blush. Mum's going to murder me. I'm smiling and nodding. Turn the knob and walk through the door.

My silent world is seemingly unchanged as I discreetly hand my teacher the nurse's note and sit in my seat at the back of the class.