Mute

The rain poured outside. It hit the concrete and simply vanished, forming a puddle beneath. The few plots of dirty that had trees were moist. If you were to step on it you would likely sink an inch. The trees themselves provided a shelter as always. Though you couldn't see it countless birds had found refuge, as did several squirrels. Though not all in the same tree. That would make for a bit of a mess.

Looking around I saw the same old classroom. Twenty other kids, or so, cramped into a small room. All of them talking much too loudly. None of them stood out to me. They never did. I knew all of them by name, but never had I spoken to any. Some attempted to make conversation but soon realized it was a hopeless effort. Only one person spoke to me. She was the bane of my existence. Though nary did I say a word, she found plenty to say to me. I didn't mind listening, she just wouldn't leave me alone. Her words would cut through me like daggers. Every syllable would make me want to break the silence, but only for her. Never had I done it. I was prone to make grunts, but that was about it.

It appeared that she wasn't coming until she dramatically burst through the front door of our classroom.

"Here I am botchs!" Her hands were out to make a big show of her entrance.

"Language." The teacher gave her a sideways glance as he sat back in his chair. She just stared back... After much deliberation he said, "Sit down before I mark you tardy."

On the way to sit down she did a victory dance. The teacher just rolled his eyes. He was used to her antics, but it didn't mean he approved of them.

She came to sit down next to me, but there were no spaces.

"Mooove!" She yelled at the person who sat besides me. They rolled their eyes and quickly got up. Though people thought she was crazy, she certainly garnered some respect. Probably because she was the only person with enough perserverance to be my friend. "Hey Lenny, how you doing?" I just shrugged. She took a long moment to stare into my eyes. It made me feel uncomfortable. Her green eyes pierced me. Much like her words. "I like your black hoodie. It makes you look all mysterious and shit."

"Language!"

"Calm down Hig." He rolled his eyes at her. Then went about looking at his computer.

"So..." She started. "It's my birthday this Saturday... You want to come?" I smiled slightly. Nodding. I felt happy. She was inviting me to celebrate with her. How odd it was. I had known her for four years, yet she had never invited me. I felt a pang of anger. Knowing that she could have, but didn't. "It's the first time I felt like celebrating it..." Now I felt like the one at fault. "I'm not inviting too many people, just a few. Few guys, some girls. I'll introduce you to my friend Anabelle. You'll like her." She smiled encouragingly, but I knew it was a waste of time. Anabelle would get tired of me like the rest of them. Only she had truly stuck around for me.

We stared at each other for a good two minutes. I was lost in her eyes, not intentionally, it just happened. Then the bell rang. I shook my head and stared back down at my table. Hig still sitting at his computer didn't move. I looked over to my right and she was still looking at me. A deep concern in her eyes. I looked back down and bit my lip. I dragged my fingers along the wood of my table. Moving with the pattern. Occasionally doing a barrel roll with my fingers. The table was smooth, but I felt small grooves in it. They had been beaten and forced into the table over time. They were scars that would not heal.

"Okay, I'm going to take roll. You know the drill, shut up, especially you, genius corner."

He went through the names of everybody in the class. When he got to me he just looked over at me. Waited a second, and realizing I wouldn't speak continued saying names. When he got to her name she stood up as if someone were looking for her. She played the same charade every time her name was called. She promptly sat down, smiling at me. I felt a chill crawl down my spine.

The rest of the class was a dumb blur. We worked on projects for history class. It was irrelevant really. When the bell rang I found myself holding her hand. I blinked several times. Then pulled away.

"You okay?" She sounded concerned. I stood up and picked up my backpack, and starting walking to the door. She followed quickly behind. "You going to class?" I nodded. Trying to get away from her. She grabbed my hoodies sleeve. "Why are you going so fast? Just talk to me! Speak, say something! Stop being this quiet close minded person. It won't help you with anything! You're alone. Don't you realize that? You don't have anybody but me. I want the best for you, but I need you to talk to me." Tears began to form around her eyes. I looked at them. I got close to her and wiped the tear away. Then turned and walked to class. I looked back one last time. Seeing her in the middle of many students, crying.

A dark foreboding came over me. This could spell the end to the only friendship I had.