Chapter nine
1085 Words
I notice a piece of clothing on the floor when I step out of my room. I move closer and identify it as a bra. I did hear footsteps at around 5:30 in the morning, meaning the women left. Must have forgotten to take it back. Trying not to cringe, I pick the white bra with two of my fingers and move downstairs. I go to the kitchen and dump it in the trash can.
With a grimace, I wash my hands and start making breakfast. I don't let my mood get sour because of a person I'm never going to see again in my life. I skim my hands down over my blue fitted dress and smile to myself. My first day of work. Finally. I have dreamed of this day since I started college. I would rather say, since I've recovered from my downfall.
I make breakfast in a daze. Matthew soon comes down and haves his food. He doesn't act anything different. As if yesterday night was just a dream. After a quick kiss, he leaves for work. Just like that, like nothing happened. He always does. So, I suck it up like I always do. It is supposed to be normal but it does hurts me and my dignity. After cleaning up and finishing the rest of the chores I go and get ready for work. I go downstairs and look at the time.
It's still 10:30 but I decide to take off. It wouldn't hurt to be 10 minutes early. I park my car in one of the empty spots and take a deep breath. I'm nervous, like a lot. I'm scared that I'll mess up, that I'll make a fool out of myself. I've never taught before, but I'm sure I can. I just need the confidence. Nodding, I reassure myself that everything is going to be fine.
I get out of the car and walk inside the building. I move directly to the school and look around. I decide to go talk to receptionist rather than trying to find my way myself. I walk towards her and notice her typing furiously on the keyboard while talking on the phone.
I tap twice on the desk trying to gain her attention. When she doesn't budge, I try a little louder this time. She just lifts her eyes and looks at me.
"Yeah?" she asks, not sure if it was meant for me, “No, not you," she frowns and looks at me again, “Ma’am please talk."
I fetch out a pen from my purse and search for a paper. I notice one beside her and tap again to make her look at me. She giggles at something the person on the other side says to her and ignores me. I decide not to embarrass myself anymore and wait for her to finish.
She laughs again and then says, “Give me a minute." She gives me her full attention, “Ma’am can you talk? I'm really busy here!"
I flinch at her words, wasn't I being polite by waiting for her to finish?
"Amelia! Why are you being this rude?" It's her who flinches this time. I look behind me and notice the guy from yesterday. Kai, if I'm not wrong.
"Mr. Adams, I was just really busy." She looks at me and smiles, “I’m sorry ma'am, how can I help you?"
"You don't have to. I'll take it from here. And be careful from next time. I don't want you treating anybody like that." He looks at me and gestures for me to follow him, “Come on Celia."
I follow him and look at the back of his head. I don't mean to but a small smile graces my face. I always believe in standing up for ourselves but it also feels nice when others do it for you. It makes us realise that there are people who believe in standing up for the right.
He leads me to the second classroom and looks at me. "You can start from here. If you need anything just go to that girl." He points at a curly, black haired teenager in the classroom. "Good luck."
I smile and sign, “Thank you. Also, thank you for earlier."
He shrugs, “She is the most disliked person here, just know it for the future. I mean, even I can't keep up with her rudeness. I'm not that rude, right?"
I chuckle and shake my head, “I don't think you are rude at all."
His lips quirk up in a smile, "Yeah. Stop being generous. I prefer honesty. Just for future reference. See you."
He turns around and walks down the hall. I step inside the classroom with the smile intact. Curious little eyes follow me as I walk further inside. The black hair girl turns around at the sudden silence of the clattering of desks.
She notices me and smiles widely. "Hey, are you the new teacher?"
I nod as she makes her way to me. "I'm Annalise. I'm a volunteer here, I'll be helping you. There are a few more. There's Kai-"
"Yeah, I met him." I sign with a smile.
She bites her lip and smiles awkwardly. “Can you sign a little slower? I'm actually still learning so I can't catch up that quick."
I frown and curse myself, why didn't I think before I signed. I tell her again, this time slower.
"You met him?" I nod at her question.
"He is the one who lead me to the class." I state slowly.
She looks keenly at my hands. She huffs and crosses her arms, “And he didn't bother to introduce us. That rude motherfu-" she stops herself looking at the kids. "Typical Kai. He always acts like we are strangers. He is the most annoying person here. Anyway, I won't bother you much, you can start your day. All of these kids are mute. Almost all of them are fluent in sign language. If you go slow I'm pretty sure they will understand you."
I give her a nod and walk towards the teacher's desk. She walks to the end of the class and sits on one of the chairs. I take deep breaths to shake away the nervousness. I have always looked forward to this day and I'm so ready for this. I am not letting any fear, any restrain stop me from enjoying this experience.
Well, here it goes.
- Writer
