Deafening

Hello there! You see right there, where I'm pointing? Obviously you can't see but that's me! The little baby being cradled in my mother's warm, sweet arms. With gentle swings and a little bop on the nose, the baby giggles.

Of course I have no recollection of this so don't judge my actions!

As the mini me giggles a little laugh, my mother smiles in delight. The slight wrinkle on her forehead, the soft black hair. The approaching floor and the limp of mother's arms. The empty hazel eyes and an annoying deafening noise.

I watch white gloves take me while I cry. Then it's went pitch black.

Where was I, you may ask? Well like usual, the birth of a child happens at a hospital. But what is that deafening noise?

Well...it's is nothing.

That's right nothing. Absolutely nothing. The sound of absolute silence.

It's deafening.

...

(6 Years Later)

A white gloved hand gestured towards a group of people, a tall woman and taller man, both casually fitted. Accompanying them was a girl my height wearing worn out sneakers and ripped jeans.

The grip of my hand tighten around the other white gloved hand. Looking up at the caretaker with blurred vision, I signed with my hands a broken sign language practically meaning 'Do I?' The caretaker only smiled and nodded slowly. Crouching onto my level, he hugged me in his arms whilst I hugged and rubbing my snotty nose all over his shirt.

Only after I blew into in did he start to chuckle. Why? How could you smile and laugh while I'm leaving?

A glove approached my face, wiping the tears on my face. In the other was a tissue going to my nose while the caretaker suggested I blow. I blew into it and the caretaker stood up once more signing to me, 'It's time'.

My chin wobbled and my legs unwillingly walked. The closer I came, the more I started to change my mind. Is it okay to leave 'home'? Do I have to leave the other kids?

But I want to play with Riku and Akira! Why!?

...

(2 Years Later)

I held Aoi close to my chest. Being the big brother I am, I'm supposed to be the foundation! Or that's what mummy said.

My chest felt heavy, not because I couldn't fully carry Aoi, but because I don't like the shouting. Even though I can't hear it, doesn't make it any better. I would say it makes it worse instead, not knowing what they say and how the conversation goes.

Aoi shivered on my chest like it was cold, except it was the opposite as mummy and daddy were having a 'heated' conversation. Did I use that correctly? Kagura says that a lot and everybody in the neighbourhood looks up to him. Maybe when I use it more, I might have friends.

I sigh and look at my little sister in my arms in the corner of our room.

...

(3 Years Later)

'Another one?' Aoi nods her head from the couch and I sigh. It's the 3rd one this month! Mum should stop going on 'dates' or whatever so I can stop doing the chores! I hate doing them! I rather spend my time playing with Aoi or playing video games. Not doing the Landry or doing dishes, ugh!

I lay down exhausted on the couch next to Aoi watching T.V. it was the news and some train crashed into another causing some incident and a few people died.

I sighed, why is the news so boring?

As I set myself upright to lean against the couch, a little black haired head lays down on my chest rubbing against it to have some more warmth and comfort.

I stretch my arms out, bringing one around Aoi and one towards some chips. This is the life!

As me and Aoi chilled and watched the news, a different headline popped up.

I instantly jumped up looking at the words on the screen. Since I couldn't hear, my sight was much better to use than lip reading. And if this was correct...

I spun around shocking the already disoriented Aoi and covers her ears. Pulling her face towards my chest, I made sure I would never let her know about this. Not after he just left.

...

(4 Years and ?Days Later)

Since I turned 15 pretty early this year, I was able to take a small job at a local convenience store before high school. It's not that good of a pay, but hey! It's money, and that all I care about right now.

I tidied up the store once more before I startled turning off the lights. A few more weeks left and off to a boring containment centre called high school.

I sighed and closed up the store. I turned the sigh over and it read 'closed'.

I grabbed my backpack and headed back home whilst texting the store manager I closed up. As I continued walking through the street I felt a slight vibration. A call? I only know one guy who would do that to me.

I hung up and texted Riku.

'What's up?'

'Dude, you ready for high school?'

'You sound exited for school? When did you become a mega nerd?'

As I wait for a response I pressed the button to cross the road. I wait along with some other bystanders and people. It's was a pretty busy highway for a normal night.

'Not school, the babes! The chicks! The skirts and boobs! How could you not be excited?'

I scoffed as I walked passed the heavily trafficked road.

'You know I have no chance, so what's the point? You too, we have no charm whatsoever. Who would date mr deaf guy and mr otaku?'

'What are you talking about? The girls love these guns!'

I as walked along a park I received a photo showing Riku's abs and muscles.

'How can you be ripped and yet be an otaku? The world is unfair!'

'What are you talking about? You have charm too'

I rolled my eyes. Lies and deceit. But he is my best friend, so I gotta give it to him.

'So what is my charm?'

I walked through an empty street and spot a local fast food place and thought of Aoi. I guess we're eating junk food tonight! I walk into the store and spot a pretty lady at the counter arguing with a young man, about a few years older than me. But to be honest I look nothing my age, I'm pretty tall and look mature. Well that's what Aoi said.

I continue to the counter and line up behind the arguing man. I pull up social media and scrolled through some pictures. People are weird. Posting food as if to flex they're getting fat. And some post selfies like we haven't seen your face a million times before.

I continue for a few second before looking up at the argument and still see them going at it. I sigh and tap the man on the shoulder. He turns around and looks at me aggressively.

"Your here for the food, right?" Though I can't even hear myself, I can still form words after lots of practice with Aoi. Though complex words are too much for me.

From his lips I could form out 'Yeah, what are you gonna do about that?'

"Wait for you. But your taking too long so, you better hurry up. I wanna sleep early tonight" The man grumbled and left the store. Now at the cashier, I order some fired chicken and chips. But the lady doesn't move a muscle to take my order, clearly mad that I couldn't help her earlier.

'Are you deaf or what? Couldn't you help me earlier!?' I held my breath for a few seconds then release. "I'm sorry ma'am. I should've helped you earlier" She finally puts in my order but I could still see she was angry at me. I sigh, I just don't want people to know I'm deaf.

"I'm really sorry ma'am, is there anything I can do to help?" She looks at me for a second before lowering her shoulders and easing her face. 'It's fine, no problem. Here is your order' I grab my order hesitantly but eventually leave.

I still didn't get that message.