The Redemption of my mates.

Ariana Pov. *beep beep beep* I woke up to the familiar sound of my alarm, groggily stretching and letting out a yawn. I sat up and wept my face with my palm. I looked at the digital watch. It's six in the morning, and today is the day. Today is my first day at a new school. Great! I guess it's going to be as enjoyable as any other day. I shoved the blanket to the side and got up from the bed. I walked to the wardrobe and pulled out a pair of jeans and a simple black hooded sweatshirt. I went to the bathroom, brushed my teeth, and then took a quick shower. Step out and put on my outfit for the day. I combed through my hair and then let my brown hair rest on my shoulders. I don't have the energy to make fancy hairstyles. Besides, who am I trying to impress anyway? I made up my bed and cleaned up some mess in my room. After sighing I sat on the bed and reality hit me. I am actually, going to a new school and meeting new people. I don't think I am ready for that. I am not ready to meet new people at all. I only want to stay here, in this dull, boring room of mine. At least this room won't judge me for being mute, or ask silly questions like `Why you dressed like that? Or why are you not eating? I want to live all by myself. But who cares about Aria's wishes? Dear Aria has to listen to her dad and live by his rules. I hate my dad. No, I hate life itself. Life gives me nothing other than heartache after heartache. Gosh! I wish I was six feet under. "Young lady! Get your ass down here! Don't make me drag you out of your room!" Shouted Dad from the hallway. This man can't even let me be sad in peace. I wonder, does he even know my name? He has been calling me 'Young lady' since his wife ran away. His daughter, Ariana got a new name. Young lady, cute right? Why am I still sitting? Wait, am I waiting to get pulled by the hair straight to hell? No right? I shook my head a few times to shut the voice in my head and then stood up from the bed. I picked my backpack up and threw whatever stationary there was on the study desk into it and then ran out of the room. Before even taking the fifth step to the kitchen, I bumped into Dad. I nervously looked at Dad's hand and my hands started doing their thing. He moved his hand, and I flinched back out of habit. "Calm down, I am in no mood to waste my energy on you." Dad spat and walked away. I followed him while fidgeting with my hands. My hands shiver whenever Dad appears in front of me out of nowhere. He gripped his car keys from the key hook and walked out of the house. Wait! Are we not having breakfast? He took his car out of the garage and stopped it in front of me. When did he go to the garage? I opened the door and sat in the car. Before I even blinked, Dad aggressively put my seatbelt on. He seems strangely angry today. "Next time you in my car! Make sure to put your seatbelt on. I don't want to get a ticket from the traffic because of you!" He spoke and began driving. I still want to know whether we are eating or not. At this point, I don't we are. He is driving me to hell, so when will we get time to eat? The engine stopped and I noticed we were outside school. That ride was fast. I unplucked the belt and stepped out of the car. I threw my backpack around my shoulder while looking at the building in front of me. Wow! This hell looks fancier than the previous hell. It might even have fancier devils, than the previous school. I closed the car door and started getting vivid visuals of what was going to take place inside that building in a few days. This isn't my first time changing schools. I changed schools more than twenty times in the last ten years of my life. Dad cannot stay in one place for long. He has this habit of moving from place to place causing me to go from school to school. And weirdly, every new school has a new bully or bullies. And I just end up being that bully's new object to throw around. Ugh! I hate life! I have no choice but to burn in hell. This drunkard Dad would rather sell me over to them than help me. I mustered up some courage and began taking steps to school. "Young lady! Wait here after school! I'll come fetch you!" Yelled the monster from his car. I turned to him and nodded with the biggest smile I could offer. "And yes! Don't make friends." He added and drove away. If only He knew that, instead of friends, I attract enemies. In every new school, on the first day, He says the same thing. 'Don't make friends!' like I can make one. Who on this earth will befriend a mute, skinny weird-looking aunty like me? No one! I looked back at the building, smiled, and joined the bunch of people walking in. The moment I set foot in the building; a strong wind hit my face causing me to close my eyes. I laughed as God smacked me to make me, take a U-turn. I knew this was going to be hell, and now God confirmed it. I opened my eyes and noticed a lot of eyes on me. I hate it when people stare at me. I shook off the thoughts that were occupying my head and kept walking and went straight to the administrator's office. I opened the door to the office and the lady behind the desk gave me a warm smile and then asked, "Are you Ariana Carter?" I nodded and she indicated I walked in. "Well, here is your schedule, don't stress, just be yourself and I'm sure you will fit in perfectly, Dear." She spoke as she handed me a booklet. "And yes. If someone troubles you in any way. Feel free to contact us." She added. I looked at her and nodded with a smile. I walked out of the office and another hint was thrown at me from God. This school will trouble me. In every new school, there is one warm lady who says I must contact them if I am faced with problems. But guess what? They are liars. As long as you have money, no one will take action against you. I looked around and with great difficulty, I found my locker. After I placed the loads from my backpack into the locker, I marched to my class ignoring people's gaze. The hallway to class seems to be packed with devils. But I don't get this, why is the senior section loaded with students? Senior students usually don't care about their studies. I guess studying here is fun, and this school might be worth staying long. The second I stepped into the class; everyone went silent. Did they see a ghost? Oh! I forgot, I'm the ghost. I wish I could rip those eyes off their face. "Oh My God! Girly, don't you eat?" A girl at the back spoke causing everyone to laugh. My hands are doing their thing again. Ugh! Why did she speak? She made it hard for me to walk now. Must I go back or walk in? I looked at every corner of the class to find a perfect corner to hide, but it was all packed with students. There was an empty desk in the front row, that too next to the window. I guess that is my new seat. I hurried there and sat down. After taking out a notebook and pencil from my bag, the class resumed what they were doing. I opened the notebook to sketch, but my hands were shaking. I inhaled, then exhaled and closed the book. I hate this! Their laughter irritates me. My heart is beating too fast. I don't like what I'm feeling right now. I feel like crying, shouting, and dying. I wonder why I feel this burden every first day of a new school. Can't people give me a warm welcome like any other kid here? Why must they comment on my appearance like it doesn't hurt? "Hi! I am Lalisa, but you can call me Lisa." Someone spoke bringing me back to reality. I looked up and guess who it was. The same girl who commented on my appearance. She extended her hand and said, "Can we become friends?" I scoffed at that. Who is trying to fool? She will never take me as a friend. I rolled my eyes and opened the book to sketch. She took her hand back and said, "Yuck! This girl has some ugly smell coming from her! I think she has a disease." Oh well, she showed her true color, way too early. "I think it's contagious. Don't sit close to her if you guys even have a little respect for yourself." She addressed the class and went back. I guess I should thank her. I don't like sharing a desk with anyone. I closed the book and began fidgeting with the pencil to divert my mind from what just happened. I hope I don't get into trouble till I graduate. God! Please, please. pleeease! Let me enjoy at least this year. God! Please don't overlook I'm just a 17-year-old. I will be 18 at the end of the semester. I was the youngest in the previous class which made it easy for bullies to bully me. I hope this class will be different. I put my head on the desk and placed my hand on my stomach. I am hungry. Dad didn't make breakfast for us. Maybe he did... He made it for himself. Why must He care about a waste like me? I'm the cause his beloved wife ran away from the house. He believes the day I was born; everything went downhill for him. I'm such a black stone in his life. I hate life. The pencil falls to the ground. I bent down to pick it up and then sensed someone sitting on the empty chair next to me. "You are sitting at my seat." Spoke the unfamiliar voice on my right. I quickly sat up and looked at him. Wow! He is one handsome hunk. I gulped down something and began looking around for a safe place to move. "Hi." He called out. I looked at his face. He widely smiled and said, "But don't worry. I'll sit here. Alex isn't here anyways." That means for now. This place belongs to someone else. I need to find another seat before the actual owner comes. I looked away and scanned the class to find a seat. He snapped his fingers at me and said, "Madam, we can share. There is enough space for two." With every glance, he is getting more handsome. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, and delicately laid his head in the cradle of his hands. The subtle shift allowed the soft lighting to play across his face, casting gentle shadows that highlighted the contours of his features. As he sought support in this contemplative pose, his expression became more pronounced, revealing a nuanced blend of determination and vulnerability. The room seemed to fade away, leaving only the profound gaze and intricate details etched on his countenance. He is very fair. His unfathomable, golden-brown eyes contrasted exceptionally with his light-toned face. This guy is every girl's dream. He cleared his throat and spoke. "Hey mate, I'm Elijah. You can call me Eli though." His voice was so deep that I had to swallow my spit. Is he, my prince? Wait! Is he talking to me? I looked behind me and no one was there. He is talking to me! This was unexpected. An Angel never spoke to me. "What is your name?" He asked. I raised my eyebrows out of shock. I looked behind me again. There is no way he's talking to me, but again they are no one here. Who is he? Maybe he is a bully. Bullies are usually good-looking. He giggled then said, " Silly, I'm talking to you." What the hell! Why me? Didn't he hear what the previous girl said? I glance at the class, and they are as shocked and lost as me. Maybe he came late. The girls are giving the ugliest of looks. I think he is everyone's crush. If looks could kill, I would have been dead by now. I quickly faced the front to ignore him. I don't want to get involved with him or anyone. "Excuse me. Are you deaf?" He asked. I continued fidgeting with my pencil. He is rude. I don't have time for him. "No, you can't be. Because you almost turned to look at me when I spoke. So, you have no voice. Like you cannot speak. Right? You are mute?" He is already irritating me. How will I survive next to him? He can assume whatever he wants. I don't care. He giggled and said, “Okay tigress. I'll take your silence as that. You can't speak. But don't you worry? As long as you can hear is okay. I'll do the speaking and you can do the listening. Okay?" Oh God! Please send him. I don't want him next to me at all. I have no choice but to look for another seat. I stood up but he grabbed my hand and pulled me back to the chair. He pointed his finger at me and warned, "Don't move. You belong here." Is he mad? He doesn't even know me. The teacher walked in. We all stood up and greeted. The teacher looked at me and said, "Oh! We have a new student again. Dear, will you come here and introduce yourself to the class?" Ma'am, please don't do this to me. I don't want them to know my name or anything about me. She gestured for me to get up. I stood up and stood next to her facing the class. My heart was beating fast. I don't know what to do. I have this problem. I cannot speak. I am not mute, but somehow, I turned mute four years ago. I can try speaking, but my heart tightens every time a word comes out of my mouth. "Dear, tell us who you are?" She said very lovingly. How can I ma'am? I am getting scared. I stared at her. She looks lovely, but I don't want to speak. Please send me back to my seat. I want to say something, but I don't know what to say. If I open my mouth, I will speak rubbish and they will laugh at me again. I began biting my lips and drawing circles on my shirt. I looked at her face and tears started lining up in my eyes. Please send me back. “Ma'am! She is mute!" Lisa yelled from the back. If being mute is going to save, so be it. The teacher looked at me and it seemed as though she didn't buy that. She came closer, placed her hand on my shoulder, and said, “No, I'm sure she can speak. Dear say something and prove her wrong." She is so encouraging and loving as well. But I still don't want to speak. When was the last time I spoke? Years ago. God, help me out! The tears started flowing. She wiped them off and said, "Don't worry, no one will hurt you." She is right. I finally got some courage and said, " Mmm my, my nnn naaaa name. My name is Aaaaa Ari Ariana." That was more stuttering than speaking. She hugged and consoled me, thereafter, I went back to my place and Elijah said, "You can speak. You have a beautiful voice. So, let's switch. You do the speaking and I'll do the listening." Is he for real? Go to hell! Why doesn't he get it? I don't want to speak to him! If my father finds out that somebody is sitting next to me. He will send me to the next world without thinking twice. After all the newcomers introduced themselves. The bell rang, and Mrs. Angela said. "This is the bell for break. You guys can go out." The break is one thing I hate. Because I don't know what to do, and everyone will eat in front of me, adding to my hunger. I don't have lunch money. I went out and everyone went in groups. I walked past them and saw a tree. So, I sat under the tree. I opened my notebook and started sketching something. Sketching is one of my hobbies. It gives me a peace of mind. I heard a giggling sound in front which caused me to look up. It was a group of girls with Lisa. She looked at me and then said, "Hi Ariana. Will you hang out with us?" That sounded more like sarcasm than an offer. I nodded negatively and went back to my sketching. A few minutes ago, she warned everyone to stay away from me. And now she wants to befriend me. Wow! She is really, annoying. She said, “Oops, sorry. I'm sure you don't have money for that. But here you can have this.” She threw a half banana at me, and her friends started laughing, and they left. I began staring at them till they disappeared. I looked at the banana they threw, they were so ungrateful. They are wasting food while me and other people have nothing to eat. I can get something to eat, but Dad said he is saving for the school fees so no lunch for me. I was about to pick the banana to eat, But! Someone had to appear from nowhere and stamp on my last hope of getting something. I looked up and saw that annoying Elijah. "Oops! Why did you throw the food Aria? Look now, my shoe got dirty." He said while cleaning his shoe. The best answer for him is silence. I looked at my crushed banana and felt like crying. I stared right into his eyes and began cursing him. I wish God crush all your dreams like you crushed my banana ELIJAH! I feel like killing you right now! Why are you following ME? Go die! He blinked a few times and said, “Chill girl! That is enough." He came forward and sat next to me. Two guys also appeared. He said." Let me introduce you guys. Max, Zack this is my classmate, Ariana. And Aria, these are my best men Zack and Max." Zack and Max extend their hand. I guess to shake it, but I ignored them as well. They eventually took it back and went away. Elijah said, “Aria. You should have at least shaken hands with them. That was rude of you." Am I supposed to answer that? No right. I rolled my eyes and went back to my book. He began speaking about his life like I'm interested in. He took out a sandwich and started eating. Not only that, but he offered me a slice saying, "I bought beyond what's necessary. Do you mind eating this for me?" I would love to, but NO! I will not take it. I ignored him and continued with my sketching. He said, “You love this ignoring game, don't you?" I doubt that needs an answer. "Okay then. I'll take your silence as Yes.” He then pulled me closer with his freed hand and shoved the sandwich in my mouth. After putting the sandwich in my mouth, he said. "DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT IT. Eat it like a good girl. Consider it as a gift from the Almighty." Did this i***t think I would spit it out? I nodded my head in disbelief and began chewing. Wow, it was delicious. I want the whole sandwich. Thank you, Eli. This is the first meal of my day. He offered me another one. I refused, and he said, “I'm not asking.” Then he put it in my mouth. Well…. I was swallowing it rather than spitting it out. After a few minutes, the bell rang, and we got up. I stopped in front of him, and unknowingly said, “Thank you.” He grinned and replied, "The pleasure is all mine." What the hell! He made me speak. That too on the first day. He is the kind of guy my dad instructed me to stay away from. I need to stay the hell away from him, or we'll both die. I hurried back to class.