Mutism [hood]

Bailey

In my room, I sit here alone, reading a book I've read so many times I could practically write it all down.

My mother slowly opens my once closed door. "Hey," She smiles.

I don't answer, but normally that wouldn't happen anyways.

"What are you doing?" She asks.

I shrug.

"Dinner's ready. But I wanted to see if you were okay." Mother smiles before leaving the room, closing the door like I like it.

Dark and Alone.

I pull my lip ring between my teeth. The one my mother let me get last year.

Ever since I stopped talking, I have been really mysterious to others.

People avoid me at school. My Dad stopped all contact with me. After the divorce, we still talked. But not anymore. I don't even think he talks to Drew.

I stand up and walk over to my window, sitting down in the built in seat.

Kids across the street are playing basket ball. A child shoots and misses, but another player pats his back and lets him try again.

One of the other players notices me though and shows his friends. Instead of walking away like I usually would, I just pull down my crimson beanie over my head, covering my fringe and part of my eyes.

Those kids don't matter to me. What they think is shit anyway.

I flick them off and they look away, going back to their game.

The front door beside their court swings open and a boy walks out. He looks about my age. He wears a tank top and gym shorts. The boy joins the game with them.

I know him. Calum Hood. He's lived next to my house for years. And the best part is, he doesn't know me.

Game on.