The girl who spoke with her notes

Chapter 4

Liliana walked home after missing the bus, feeling like her day had been truly

strange, she entered her house, a sweet smell drifted out the kitchen, accompanied by her mother's gentle voice.

"Liliana, is that you?" Marie called out walking into the kitchen, Liliana saw her mother stirring a pot, while wearing a pink apron.

Marie, a plump woman in her forties, had small streaks of gray hair showing at the roots.

"How was school?" her mother asked, turning to face her.

"It was...Okay" She signed out, taking a seat at the kitchen island. Her mother quickly stirred the pot again before covering it and washing her hands to join her.

"When am I going to meet your friends? You've been going to this school for five years, and I have yet to see you bring someone home," Marie inquired.

Liliana sighed, knowing her mother's questioning was a daily occurrence. She loved her mother's concern but didn't have the heart to tell her about her school life. So, her mother always assumed she had friends of her own.

"Maybe one day I'll bring them over" Liliana replied, continuing to lie.

"I know you're getting annoyed by me and the badgering, but I just want to know that you're not alone" her mother spoke softly.

"I know, don't worry about me. Love you" Liliana replied before going to her room,

"Love you too" Marie whispered.

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Liliana flopped face-first onto her bed burying her head in her pillows. She hated lying to her mom but she felt she had no choice as her mother had enough on her plate for now.

Reflecting on her day, Liliana couldn't believe she had a civil conversation with Nathan.

It was unusual, as he'd typically made snarky remarks with his so-called friends, who likely used him. She couldn't help but be concerned for him, maybe all he needed was a wake-up call.

Before Liliana could dwell, her mom called for her to set the table. Just then her father, Grayson arrived home looking exhausted but still managing a small smile, as he greeted his family.

"How was work?" Marie asked.

"It was...Okay," Grayson signed while speaking, It was a habit he developed in childhood, having been diagnosed with speech apraxia.After years of speech therapy, he could now formulate his sentences, though the condition had been passed down to Liliana. Marie sighed noticing the similarities between her daughter and husband in mannerisms and appearance.

"Just okay. I swear you're just like your daughter," Grayson chuckled before dinner was served, the night passed quickly and Liliana felt at peace. As long as her parents were there she didn't have to worry about anything.