The Sound of Love

Chapter Two

            'Are you sure you want to go?' My mother signed to me quickly, her face filled with concern. Tomorrow I would be going to my new high school, which had no Deaf people (that I knew of). I would be alone with no one to talk to. Well, unless I sat down and wrote out every single word I wanted to say. Needless to say, I knew that tomorrow was going to be a huge embarrassment but I would have to get over it. At least I wouldn't be able to hear them gossip about me.

            'Yes Mom, I'm positive. I need to be able to handle myself in the real world and I think this would be the best way to help me become adjusted to it.' I signed with an irritated expression on my face. I was already on the brink of jumping in a taxi and heading back to Derica at Miles Academy, I didn't her helping my decision.

            'Fine. Don't get angry, I just want you to make sure that you want this.' She signed while frowning down at the boiling tea pot.

            I sighed exasperatedly (sighing is the one sound that I'm comfortable with making) as I walked away and up to my room. I'm not sure if I'm ready for this... What if I fall and make an embarrassment of myself on the first day? Or I spill something on someone... Or I accidentally make a weird noise when I try to say something, or-

            Shut up Olivia! Everything will be fine; let the chips fall where they may. I sat down on my bed, thinking about the thoughts that had been tumbling through my mind. Had I actually just had an internal argument with myself? I felt my cheeks flush and I rolled my eyes at myself. I must have a fever or something. I need to just listen to my own advice; let the chips fall where they may.

            I laid back on my bed, staring at my ceiling which was covered in artwork from years ago. I hadn't slept in my own room in years because I preferred to stay at Miles Academy. Art was the one thing that I hadn't given up on over the years, it was actually the one thing that kept me inspired. It was one of the few things that hearing didn't affect. I absolutely loved it. I remembered that I always kept my sketch pad and charcoal pencils in my bed side table drawer and quickly pulled them out. I hadn't had time to draw in days because I had been busy packing and getting on and off of airplanes.

            I eagerly sharpened my pencils and set to work with my drawing. Within ten minutes I was able to create a beautiful sunflower, if I do say so myself. To be honest I am proud of everything I draw and paint. If it wasn't for art I would only be Olivia the Deaf girl that can't do anything... The day I lost my hearing I gave up music. I thank god everyday for blessing me with the gift of learning to draw. The light flickering above my bedroom door caught my attention and I quickly walked over to it and opened the door. My mom gave me a smile then signed that it was dinner. Instead of having to listen for a knock or doorbell, I have a doorbell-like button that whoever needs my attention pushes, but instead of a bell, it sets off a flickering light which catches my attention. I click the reset button on my light, then head down the stairs to the dining room.

            'Hey honey.' My dad signed as he set the table for dinner.

            'Hey Dad.' I signed in return as I walked over to help him. Neither of my parents are Deaf, but they both learned sign language for me. I honestly couldn't ask for better parents even if I tried to create the perfect parents in my mind, they would be exactly the same. Okay, except that the perfect dad wouldn't tease me so much for my red hair; I'm the only one in our family of blondes that has red hair. He swears I'm the milk man's child. Jokingly of course! I have two other siblings, Drina, my older sister and Alyx my younger brother.

            'Mom, where are Drina and Alyx?' I asked, my eyebrows furrowing as I searched for them. Dad and I had only set three spots at the table.

            'They're busy.' She signed then used the excuse of serving dinner as a way to keep her hands busy. They weren't telling me something... I sighed then sat down at dinner and began quietly eating. Some where in between when I was eating my potatoes and chewing on my chicken, I looked up and saw my dad's lips moving. I only caught a few words and I wished that he hadn't mastered the art of speaking without moving his lips much; I couldn't read them.

            'Stop lying. Where are they?' I signed to my parents after I looked up to see my parents concentrating intently on their conversation for the third time.

            'Well, they're staying with Aunt Cecil.' My Mom answered, looking uncomfortable.

            'Why? What's wrong with our home here?' I asked, confused as to where this was going and why my Mom looked uncomfortable.

            'They... Don't want to be associated with you. I'm sorry sweetie. They're being grounded for their selfishness, but there isn't much we can do. They threatened to fail their classes if they were associated with you, and you know how I want them to go to a great college...' She paused in her rapid signing as tears began to fill her eyes. 'I'm sorry. I didn't know what else to do... It's only until things get settled, then they'll come back.'

            'It's fine. I guess it's America after all. They can do as they wish. Am I really that embarrassing to be associated with? And how will people not know we are related if we have the same last name?' I signed to my Mom, trying to keep her calm. But in reality, it wasn't fine. It was devastating to think that your own flesh and blood didn't want to be associated with you. I mean, sure we didn't grow up around each other, but that shouldn't mean they don't love me... I thought the world of them both, but now... I'm not so sure I even want to be associated with them either, maybe it's for the better of things.

            'We enrolled you as Olivia Miles.' My father signed, then reached over to squeeze my shoulder.

            'May I be excused?' I signed as I pushed myself from the table without waiting for a reply, completely losing my appetite. I quickly walked up the stairs, to my room. I put my notebooks and pencils in my school bag, then laid on my bed staring at the ceiling. Maybe this is a bad idea... If my own siblings couldn't accept me, how could complete strangers? I had thought that I would start out knowing at least two people tomorrow, but according to my own siblings I've never even met them. I'll be alone on my first day at a new school. Joy.