The Silent Teen

September. The worst time of the year. Yet another year of school. Another year of being silent. That's all this is. My life I mean. I'm only silent because I must. To protect everyone else.

"Elisa? Are you okay?" I opened my door. "I'm fine," I signed. "Are you sure? You never take this long to get ready..." His voice trails off. I look down. I'm still in my pajamas, and it's already six o' clock. We start school in forty-five minutes.

Even though I can sense his worry, I tell him I'm fine, and close the door.

I finish getting ready, and then walk to the front room. "Ready?" Noah asks. "As ready as I'll ever be." I tell him.

We make our way to school, conversing as well as possible. However, he gives up, keeping his eyes in front of him. As we aproach the school, Noah turns to me. "Elisa, listen. This year is going to be different. Okay? But only if you let it be. Understand?" I nod.

"Good. I'll see you after first, okay? Bye!" Noah turns on his heel, and walks into the building, leaving me standing just before the front doors of the huge school.

As I walked in, I was immediately lost. I knew I couldn't ask anyone for help, thanks to the fact that I can't speak.

I eventually found my first period, and when the period started, the teacher was already in front of the classroom. "As you are aware, there are some new faces in the classroom this year." He said, surveying the room. "Let's go around the room and introduce ourselves."

As the students introduced themselves, my thoughts wandered to how I was going to make it through the day. I didn't notice when the teacher came up to me. "Miss? It's your turn to introduce yourself." I nodded, and stood, facing the class. "My name is Elisa, and I'm fourteen. My birthday is March 22nd. My brother, Noah is the only person I talk to, and I have no interest in meeting or knowing any one of you in this school." I signed.

Everyone just started at me. "Miss?" I turned to face the teacher. "What is your name?" I grabbed the first pen I could find, and write my name on my hand. "Elisa?" I nodded. "You may have a seat." His shock was evident.