In The Rain

Chapter 20

Jesy had her hand to the side of her head and her elbow perched up on the desk where the laptop was resting. Leigh-Anne was next to her, saying some things. Jesy herself could hardly hear her because she could not believe what the screen read.

Leigh could see the hidden distress on Jesy's face. It was hard to see her this way. Jesy was usually so confident. "I mean, they were all online tests but they all say the same thing Jes. That means that it's likely to be true." She was rubbing Jesy's back, the girl's body was leaning forward.

Jesy shook her head. "This can't be." She mumbled. Her back finally straightened and she sat up. "Does this mean that I need medicine? I-I really don't know how this works Leigh. The only sick I've really experienced is the flu and a few infections." She was facing the girl whose eyes held sorrow for her. "Is this going to cost my Mum? Am I gonna need surgery I . . ."

Leigh-Anne shushed her calmly. "It's not an illness like cancer Jesy. I'd like to think that your school would have a free program to help Dyslexic students. I don't think it'll be much expense for your mum." She was saying all of this but she honestly did not know.

Jesy rubbed the sides of her head. "This is stressful."

"Come on now. Don't be stressed. It won't be so bad. There are probably lots of children with Dyslexia at your school. They probably all follow a program that you didn't know about." Leigh-Anne was not sure what to say to comfort her. "Tell your mum to check it out okay? A teacher might be able to help you Jesy."

Jesy took in a deep breath then exhaled. "Yeah I'm not gonna do that." She got to her feet. She did not seem frantic anymore but rather calm. She started walking away. "You coming?"

Leigh-Anne was not sure of what was happening. She got up and limped while trying to gain her balance.

Jesy went to her and got her her crutch. After that they both walked to Leigh's room in silence. Jesy helped the girl to sit on her bed with her legs hanging then stood in front of her.

Leigh-Anne was frowning. "Why won't you tell your mum Jesy?"

Jesy put her hands in the pockets of her blazer. "It's not a big deal. I'll be alright."

Leigh-Anne blinked at her. "Don't you want your reading to improve? You need it if you're going to be an actress Jes."

Jesy sighed. "I'll think about it alright? I need time to understand what the hell this thing is and how I never noticed I had it."

Leigh pouted. "How didn't your teachers notice?"

Jesy shrugged. "Well the kids in my class don't exactly care much for school so when we read it usually comes out crappy anyway. They probably thought that I was one of those who didn't give a shit so read like crap because I . . . didn't give a shit. It's true. I don't care for school one bit. Waste o' time I say." She touched Leigh's head girl badge.

Leigh-Anne looked at it then adjusted her blazer. "You should try to get help."

"Uh no. That sounds like more work." Jesy smiled at her. "Don't worry about it alright? I'll uh . . . get one of my smart friends to read this for me so I'll have a better idea."

"Why does it sound like you're leaving?" Leigh-Anne asked fearfully.

Jesy laughed at her then pinched her cheek. "Poor baby. It sounds that way because I am. I've really got to practice this thing." She took up the script from the bed.

"But you can practice here, with me. Jesy come on."

Jesy patted her chin. "I dunno. I think I need a walk . . ." She sighed.