Muted Sociality (Reboot) (Open)

(Okay!)

Meghan began to walk in the direction of her Algebra class and heard a muted noise. She stopped in her tracks to listen. Miss Tammy almost ran into her – "What are you doing, Miss Meghan?!" – but she hardly moved. That was the sound of crying. Meghan found the source and knocked gently on the door. Miss Tammy watched silently.

"Ugh, Algebra. I'm wishing you luck with that." Melody shook her head, pointing to the door. "You're gonna take a right, and head straight down the hall until you pass the art room. There'll be another hallway, she's on the left side, a few doors down. Here-" She pulled out a pen and a receipt from her pocket, scribbling down her phone number. "If you get hopelessly lost, or just want someone to chat with, text me."

Graye heard a knock and immediately clamped her hand around her mouth, trying to be silent but failing. SHe shivered in fear, not wanting anyone to see her like this.

(Let Robin come!!)

Meghan took it and signed Thank you with a smile.
Miss Tammy translated it.

The sound in the door went quiet. Meghan turned back to it and slowly knocked again.

Graye curled up tightly, covering her head with her arms as she cried, trying to be quiet. 'Don't come in. Don't come in. Don't come in…'

Meghan took out a mini notebook and wrote something on it before sliding it under the door.

The note read: It's Meghan.

Graye read it and grabbed a pen, writing "Please leave." And sliding it back before crawling into the corner, curling up in a ball of depression again.

Meghan frowned. Why? She slid it back under.

Graye took a deep breath before writing back, "I don't want anyone to see me…". She accidentally got a few tears on it as she slid it back.

Meghan got a new paper, gently tucking the tearstained one in her pocket. I promise it'll just be me.

Graye hesitated but unlocked the door slowly before scootching back into her corner, curling up again.

Meghan opened the door and slipped in. She signed briefly to Miss Tammy and shut the door again. She walked over to Graye and sat down beside her.

Graye sniffled softly to herself as she shook, trying to keep air in her lungs as the world spun.

Meghan gently put a hand on Graye's shoulder and smile reassuringly.

Graye flinched at Meghan's hand but quickly relaxed. She was now just just hiccuping with the remnants of her cryng

She gently rubbed Graye's back, offering silent encouragement.

Graye wiped her eyes and mumbled, "Sorry…"

Meghan shook her head and pulled out a small notebook. Why?

Graye mumbled while looking away, "'Cause you had to see me like this. When I'm weak." She practically spat the last word.

Meghan's eyes narrowed slightly. Why do you think this is weakness?

Graye closed her eyes as if in pain, trying to shove surfacing memories away. "It doesn't matter…" she choked out.

Meghan frowned. 'Yes it does,' she thought. Instead of writing it, she just wrapped her arms around Graye and squeezed her in a tight hug.

Graye sniffled then began to sob into Meghan's shoulder. She squeezed the other girl tightly.

Meghan rubbed Graye's back in a soothing motion. If she had the words to say, they would be spilling out of her lips to comfort her new friend.

Graye stayed there for a while before calming down. Finally, she pulled back, wiping her eyes. "Thanks."

You're welcome, Meghan signed slowly so that Graye could understand it easier.

Graye smiled and took a deep breath. "Maybe we should get to class now."

Yes. Meghan stood up and offered her hand down to Graye with a smile.

Graye took it and stood up, wiping the last of her tears away as they walked out of the closet.