The Ones Who Didn't Tell

Chapter 1

AN: Whilst in Florida, the text language will be in English and once the setting changes to the Philippines, TagLish will be applied. 

Cess' POV

"You're very welcome, Emilia.", I smiled at the wonderful old lady in front of me. She just finished writing 'Thank You, Dear.' on her notebook. She loves that notebook. It's where she writes all the things she couldn't say. 

"Shall I come back again tomorrow to help you?", her smile bright and lovely. She reminds of me of my own grandmother sometimes. 

Her hands slid through the paper as she wrote the last letter of the word "Please." 

I nodded to reassure her of my certain presents tomorrow. 

The elder home is peaceful and old. All the elders are in the visiting room where they meet with their families and other relatives. I for one, come here for Emilia. She's 89 years old and loves knitting. She is just an angel. 

The first time I ever came to the elder home was last year with my teachers. I was chosen as Florida High's school representative and my job was to observe and interact with the elderly. I was never really fond of old people but Emilia was different. She has a young soul that loves to play trapped inside an 88 year old body. I was drawn to her from the very first time she showed me her notebook.

It was the first time I've met a mute person. Since then, I'd go to the home everyday after school. I make sure to play with her and assist her and talk to her. Our talks would fill about 10 pages of the notebook so I help her knit new pages every time it ran out of pages. It kind of became a habit of ours and it was fun and warm.

"Cess, visiting time's over. Emilia has to rest now, sweetie.", a gentle voice said. The voice belongs to Reesa Alberto, the homes caretaker. She's in her mid 30's and has a beautiful dark complexion. She's really nice but can be very strict. She's very fond of me and I, of her. 

"Already? Dang. Well, I guess I gotta go now Em. I'll see you tomorrow, hmkay?", I pressed on her shoulder reassuringly and she replied with a nod. I bid my goodbyes to the others and to Reesa.

"You be careful now, sweetie."

"Of course I will. Bye Reesa.", I waved her goodbye and out the shelter I go. 

The walk home isn't so bad. The shelter is about 20 minutes from home so it's fine to walk. Provides me a little exercise and time to think. 

Next week I'm going to be sent off by the school to the Philippines for the student exchange program. I'm excited of course because I'll finally be able to visit my homeland but I don't know about Emilia. I fear that she might be lonely when I'm gone.  I'm the only one who visits her anyway. Who will she play with? who'll talk to her? who'll knit her notebook? I guess I could ask Reesa a favor but she's got to keep an eye out on all the elders. She has too much work already. 

"Maybe I could ask Ethan?"

"Ask me what?", my eyes widened in shock from hearing that voice and I almost screamed.

"Heck! Ethan! You scared the life out of me!", I placed my hand over my chest in attempt to calm my breathing. Ethan helped me out by rubbing my back but my breathing kept getting tighter.

"Shit! Cess, are you okay? Breathe carefully baby. Breathe.", he kept rubbing my back and breathed at a calm pace which I imitated.

"There. Okay now?", he looked at me with worried eyes.

I took a deep breath before answering him.

"Yes. Thank yo- wait I shouldn't be thanking you this is your fault.", I glared at him and the boy just laughed.