Chapter 5. Awkward

I thought that when students arrived at school, they were all wearing serious expressions. Many kids were gathered in the yard, smiling and joking cheerfully. I felt a little envious of them since I saw myself one day being surrounded by friends with whom to joke around and discuss various topics. 

In any case, that is not the current issue. My hand begins to feel pressure, and when I look up, I see my big sister pressing her hand firmly against her chest. She simply offered me reassurance the entire time, but based on the expression on her face, I believe she is the one who is most concerned out of the two of us. 

Mom must be thinking that I wouldn't feel out of place in this bourgeois setting because all of the students at this institution appear to be so affluent and prominent. Nevertheless, even though I was in my former high school with my buddies, I never felt like I belonged there. Because of this, I much prefer being here, at least for the time being, especially because I have a positive impression of high school. 

Next to me, my sister lets out a big sigh and then starts to advance. 

"Should we go?" 

I nod as she gives me a gentle gaze. The best course of action is to take the turn without hesitation; turning slowly won't change anything. 

We enter the school's spacious courtyard, where I can see a sizable garden with grass and blooming plants in the center that has tables and seats for outdoor breaks and even a fountain. I get the impression that the area is larger, therefore I anticipate finding more stuff by going exploring later. 

Another thing I like about this new high school is that, for the first time since I started attending classes, I can stroll throughout the building without getting mocking or demeaning looks. I don't know if it will be like this all year, but for the time being, I can wander around without worrying about insults or objects being thrown at my head. This gives me a nice sense of freedom and wholeness. 

I'm hoping it will continue for the remainder of the academic year and, why not, throughout the remainder of my high school career. 

As we go to the administration building, my sister, who has already had to go back and forth, expertly directs me until we get to an office with the word principle inscribed on the door. 

After Jeanne knocks, we hear a voice within inviting us in. 

Jeanne gives me a reassuring look as she continues to smile before nodding and requesting me to accompany her inside, which I do silently. 

We find a kind-faced man inside who immediately puts me at ease. He grins at me warmly. 

As we go to the administration building, my sister, who has already had to go back and forth, expertly directs me until we get to an office with the word principle inscribed on the door. 

After Jeanne knocks, we hear a voice within inviting us in. 

Jeanne gives me a reassuring look as she continues to smile before nodding and requesting me to accompany her inside, which I do silently. 

We find a kind-faced man inside who immediately puts me at ease. He grins at me warmly. 

Although it is somewhat accurate, I still feel like I am not a member of the group and require special attention, and this annoys me so much. if I were just average. 

In the meantime, Jeanne, who is now clearly concerned, hugs me as the principal calls a supervisor to escort me to my room. 

"Calm down, everything will be well, right? " 

She needs to calm down or she might give us a nervous breakdown, I almost chuckle. 

I'll handle it just well; I'm a big girl now. 

" Yes " 

The supervisor shows up; he appears to be a charming young man at first and approaches me with a beaming smile. 

"The renowned Emma I assume you're happy to know my name is Théo Fran, and I'll drive you to class. 

The renowned Emma? I feel awkward using this phrase. The idea that a conference has been planned to discuss the mute students who will attend Central High School bothers me since I wanted to blend in a little bit. 

I feel my heart pounding so loudly in my chest that it twists my ears as I move from being peaceful just moments earlier to becoming anxious. There is no doubt in my mind that I am afraid since my body begins to feel cold and goosebumps start to appear on my skin. What will happen? Shall I once more endure the unpleasant looks? Would I hear jeers? How will I be treated by my future classmates? My breathing becomes shallow and nearly jerky as a result of all these questions racing through my mind. 

If this keeps on, I'm going to hyperventilate, I think. 

The moment Théo Fran places me in front of a room where I can read the second A1 and is about to knock—a siren is audible on the opposite side of the corridor—he grumbles and turns to run, leaving me standing in the hallway confused. 

He had time to lightly knock before leaving, and a teacher-looking middle-aged man walks in behind him when the door to the classroom opens. 

After appearing to scrutinize me for a time, the man smiles at me and extends his hand after recognizing my badge. 

"Well, I see a yellow A1 badge. You must be a new girl between." 

Theo Fran drives me right up to a room where I can read the second A1 page. I sigh deeply to slow my heartbeat before following the professor inside. 

"Hello kids, please keep your composure. I am going to introduce you to your new classmate here so that she can introduce herself... Miss, please take the floor. 

Panic!! I mistakenly believed the principal had addressed the faculty. All those eyes are on me as I turn to face the class. 

What will I do next?