Aphonic

Chapter 1

Toni Braxton, the street-smart nerd of Oak Bridge High, walked with her hands stuffed in her pockets, taking long, confident strides as her tall frame navigated through the hallway. The Baltimore native had Her earbuds turned up to the max, blasting 'The Girl is Mine'. Her handy messenger bag, adorned with many pins and chains, worn and rugged, hung casually across her body, carrying all her essentials—textbooks, laptop, and everything she might need to power through the school day. The clinking sound of her wallet chain attached to her baggy jeans echoed with every step, adding a rhythmic beat to her walk as she made her way to class.

Entering her AP Statistics class, she sat all the way in the back, due to all the front seats being occupied. Pulling out her supplies, she started to twirl her pencil in between her fingers until the bell rings for the start of class. The teacher walked in a few seconds later, a student trailing behind her. She whispered into her ear, pointing at the empty seat next to Toni. Nodding curtly, she walked to the back, her eyes glued to the floor. Sliding into the desk chair, she looked up, and made quick eye contact with Toni, before adverting her gaze back to the desk.

Toni looked over at her from time to time, contemplating if she should say hi or mind her business. Her thoughts were interrupted by the clearing of the teacher's throat.

"Good morning, everyone. I'm Ms. Dumars, and I will be your AP stats teacher."

Ms. Dumars quickly went over the syllabus, and started to teach the first lesson. Everyone began to take notes, because there was a quiz next Friday. Toni observed the shy girl, she was quiet, but she payed attention and took the notes. The bell rang , and everyone packed up their things, the shy girl slipped away quickly, but Toni caught her at the door. "Hey," Toni called out, "do you need help with anything?" The girl looked surprised but nodded shyly. "I'm Toni."

"Janet," her voice was very small, but Toni was still able to make out her name. Toni shook her hand with a small smile.

"Nice to meet you, Janet. Do you know what class you're going to next?" Janet shook her head, no pulling out her schedule showing it to Toni. She took a quick a quick glance before nodding. "Turns out we have the same schedule."

Janet was relieved, because for some reason she felt protected being with Toni. They walked side by side in a comfortable silence. Arriving to their next class, AP Literature and Composition, Toni opened the door, allowing Janet to enter first before following behind. They were the first few students to arrive, so they were able to grab a seat at the front. Toni introduced the teacher, Mr. Cooper, to Janet, whose eyes were glued to his funky patterned tie.

"Nice to meet you Janet. I see you like the tie," he quipped, holding out his hand. Janet laughed quietly before giving him a firm handshake. "Welcome to Oak Bridge High. You'll be alright with T here. She's one of the good ones," he said, giving Toni and assuring pat on the shoulder.

As the bell rang, the classroom began to fill up with more students.

"Alright, alright. Good morning, class. I'm Mr. Cooper, your AP Lit teacher. Y'all can call me Coop for short if you'd like."

***
Lunchtime finally arrived, and Janet was starving. Her stomach growled, and Toni couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. "Hungry?" Toni teased.

Janet's cheeks flushed as she nodded shyly. Walking to the student parking lot, Toni unlocked her car doors, opening the passenger side for Janet. Letting out a small thanks, Toni jogged over to the drivers side, and cranked up the engine.

"Do you mind if I play any music?" Toni asked, with her hand over the dial. Janet shook her head, looking at the window. "Cool, I hope you like Michael Jackson."