Mute

20 | Freak

I played with my pencil, wondering if my friends were having fun in class back home. I wasn't. I'd always hated math, and it was my class right now.

"Emiko, do you have the answer?"

I jumped as the class snickered, walking to the front of the classroom and obediently writing down the answer.

"Very good, I'm glad you're paying attention for once."

I slipped back to my seat, letting my hair cover my face. Once people had found out I was mute they'd avoided me like the plague. I didn't mind, it was lonely every so often, but I knew once I got home it wouldn't matter.

A long time later the bell rang and the class dispersed for lunch. I was in the middle of a drawing when something smashed into me from behind. After steadying myself I found my brother grinning at me. I smiled slightly.

"Emiko! My friend is having a birthday party next week after school! Can I go? Pretty please?"

I raised an eyebrow and he added the details.

"Its Sakura's, after school on friday. Her mom is picking us all up and we're gonna stay until 7! Her mom said she can drive everyone home if our families couldn't!"

I made a square with my fingers and he nodded. "Yeah, I have some money saved up though! I can buy her a present all on my own!"

I smiled and ruffled his hair. I was the older sister, I didn't mind paying. I made the box again and made a question mark in the air.

"Oh! I'm not sure yet, but she really likes horses so I was thinking maybe some sort of figurine?"

I nodded, pulling out a piece of paper and writing down our address and phone number, handing him it. His eyes lit up. This usually meant he could go as long as he always kept that piece of paper on him at the party.

"Yay! I love you Emiko! Imma go tell Sakura and the others!" He took off running and I smiled after him, tucking my hair behind my ear and returning to my work as a group of girls and boys walked closer.

"So, you've got a little brother Emiko? Must be hard on him, having a sister who doesn't speak."

I blinked up at the group, ignoring their words and glancing back at my drawing. This group, the popular group, didn't like me much. I didn't care that they picked on me, they never actually hurt me or anything so I just pretended it never happened. Afterall, in the real world, they were the ones who'd be hit the hardest.

"If I had a sister who couldn't speak I'd kill myself out of embarrasment." One of the guys laughed. I flashed a glare at him. If he really felt that way then I pitied his family.

"Of course, he probably pretends not to care so he won't be seen as a freak!" Another girl laughed.

I stood abruptly. I didn't care when they picked on me, but touching my brother was a no go.

"Aww! The little mouse found a voice! Come on dumpling, show us!" The lead girl teased, everyone laughed.

I opened my mouth but quickly stopped when I felt a small hand in my own. "Emiko! I wanna introduce you to Sakura!" Akito beamed at me, flashing a glare at the group. "She's much nicer than the jerks in your class."

The group looked surprised, especially when rain clouds started forming directly above them.

"Come on!" He eagerly dragged me away, ignoring the surprised shrieks of the group behind us as it started pouring. I began laughing. This was hilarious, Akito was always hateful towards people he didn't like, but it was really hard for him not to like you.

"Sakura! This is my sister Emiko! Emiko, this is Sakura!"

Sakura bowed. "It's great to meet you!"

I smiled in return. She was really pretty. We chatted until the bell rang, and we all returned to our classes.