Dedicated to MishaMFB for helping me write a better blurb. Thanks a bundle!
Anja stretched as she waited in front of the school, twisting around to loosen her back. Michelle was walking closer but that didn't make her feel any more relaxed. It was something in the way her interpreter walked, her normal springy footsteps had been replaced with a slouched shoulder. When she arrived, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
Hello, Anja said.
I was talking to the principal on Friday, Michelle said in place of a greeting. I told him I can't interpret for your math class or physics. He's going to hire another interpreter for those classes. I still be there until he finds one but then I'm out.
Why? Anja asked. She knew she probably shouldn't but that didn't stop her.
I can't interpret correctly if I don't understand what the teacher says. Michelle answered, attempting to push her hair back again. Anja's eyes flickered to the girl's exposed ear. Suddenly, the namesign seemed to fit better than it had a week ago.
The other classes?
I'll stay at those.
Anja nodded. Michelle was watching her for a response but Anja had nothing to say. Alright.
They stood there, awkwardly, for a moment until the bell rang.
Bye, Kristin said, tapping her sister on the shoulder before waving and leaving.
Michelle accompanied her to the physics classroom. Now that she was looking, Anja could see uncertainty in the signs. Even still, she had no problem understanding what was being taught. The teacher handed out homework and the bell rang, dismissing the students.
Physics was nothing compared to English. Every time the class finished Anja was caught between rage and embarrassment. Luckily, this time Ms. Halley put them in groups to work on their project. Oliver's bright hair made him easy to find.
When class is over, I have something to tell you, Oliver promised. Did you pick some books?
Yes, she passed over a list of books with the reasons she had chose them. He looked over the list blandly. Curiosity got the better of her. She reached over and tapped his hand. What did you want to say.
"Later"
Why?
"Fine," he conceded. He was just as anxious to tell and she was to know. "I was searching on the internet for you--not for you specifically. I mean for deaf stuff. Anyway, I was on the internet and I saw these special hearing aids called cochlear implants."
I know about those, Anja replied, crinkling her nose.
Oliver looked surprised. "Really? Why don't you have them?" Anja could tell he was trying to speak quietly by the way he hunched his shoulders over and leaned closer to her.
I don't want them and they're expensive, she explained. Besides, I don't want something in my head. I don't like the idea. I don't want to wear them then people think I'm hearing. It's not easy. I'd also need a lot of speech therapy. I never did it when I was supposed to, like as a four-year-old, so I'd have a lot of catch-up, She stuck out her tongue in disgust.
"But wouldn't it be easier?" Oliver asked, he was still baffled.
Anja had to pause to find a suitable answer. You should cut all your hair off and wear a wig.
YOU ARE READING
More Than Ears
Teen FictionIt's easy to have Deaf pride when you live in a town where most people sign. Once out, it's a lot harder. Anja has never had trouble voicing her options without learning spoken English even though it's landed her in hot water more than once. In a...