Listen Carefully [UNDER REVISION]

CHAPTER I: RENEWAL, DUTY, AND FLASHBACKS

During this day, I used to spend most of the time taking courses related to my PsyD program. Things got out of hand after realizing my professional license as Psychologist is up for renewal, looks like I had to endure the long set line in the registration office. Natalie and Roseline will accompany me for a while, it is too early for them to go to the school, and the Registration office is only a mile away from the university we are attending. While doing my dissertation, I still needed to participate in some classes. I only had one year left before I obtained my doctorate. I hope everything will go according to my plan; I am currently listening to some podcasts which help to calm my anxiety no matter how severe it is, there is nothing to worry about in my papers, the only thing that keeps bugging me is dealing with an a**h*l*. A tap on my shoulder jolted me out of my imagination. I looked beside me only to see Natalie giggling and sharing a knowing smirk with our other friend.

"Is there something you want to tell me?" I signed to her.

"Remember the time we hang out in my place? Last Wednesday night?" she signed back, making me tilt my head thinking of why she would open that topic in the first place.

Out of curiosity, I nodded my head, which made her giggle more, only to receive a nudge from Roseline's side, making me smirk and shake my head. This kind of situation only meant two things, some diabolical plan came out in her mind and Roseline was calling her out, or Natalie will brag about her undeniable beauty. This time I remove my headphones to listen to her whining. Hanging out with them is not bad, considering I can observe them without making them freak out. Natalie ran to my right side and took my arms instead, I do not enjoy someone invading my space, but I will let it slide this time, considering she made my day quite enjoyable.

"Sophia, don't talk with her; she will only corrupt your pure soul" Like as if I can do that, I cannot even utter a word. I am only relying on sign language to communicate with them. I am way too lucky to have friends like them who will do anything to make me feel like I am not an outcast.

"Lol, are you trying to describe yourself?" Roseline uttered with a smirk on her lips.

Natalie only rolled her eyes which made me snort only to draw their attention, which made them burst out in a pit of laughter after realizing they were acting too childish earlier. A billboard draws my attention and makes me stopped from walking. An idiotic smile shows up on my lips. Natalie taps my shoulder again to get my attention. She shakes her head after realizing what I am looking at. No other than William, my favourite voice actor, I will not say that in front of my brother, or else he will complain about it until I crack.

"Are you looking at the new ambassador of Sauvage? Well, he is cute, not going to complain, but he is too old for you, no offence, of course," Natalie received another nudge on her side, making her wince and glare at me.

"You know what, I'm not going to say anything towards that guy, whoever he is. And I am also taking back my insults earlier," she said while raising her hands.

"Ah! Natalie is not that great after all. A nudge of Sophia is the only thing that can make your so-called greatness gone in a blink of an eye," Roseline teased her while looking at the billboard. A proud smirk is visible on her lips.

"Oh! Shut up!" Natalie hissed under her breath.

We begin to walk towards the subway station. On the way there, they throw insults at each other, making it interesting. When we arrived at the station, I patiently waited on the platform while both talked about the homecoming of Roseline's big brother here. I thought she was an only child. Throughout our friendship, she never mentioned her having an older brother. A giggle drew my attention. I looked to my side only to see a child hugging me on the side, his mother trying to break his grip on my side. I smiled and patted his head, and that is it; he let go and waved his hand at me as a sign of farewell.