"It can be cured...but only if Aki wants it to".

Mr Nakamura's words replayed in my mind, as I got ready for school the next morning. I didn't understand what kind of situation Aki could be in, but if it was his choice to be mute, then I'd just have to convince him to talk. But...how?

These thoughts were paused, however, the moment I walked into the school building. I didn't want to be back here. But I had no choice.

As I walked through the hallway, full of bustling children, I couldn't help but feel eyes on my back. It felt like everyone was staring at me. It felt like everyone knew. I clutched my bag strap, trying not to die a little inside. I just wanted to go back to bed and hide under my blankets, away from the rest of the world.

"Jemimah". I stopped as I saw Alana walking towards me. A tall, broad boy was beside her as she approached. I looked at them. "I'm sorry about what happened".

I furrowed my eyebrows. "What"?

"Heard Amber talking to Scarlett in the girl's bathroom," Alana replied.

I bit my lip. "Why..."

"I don't know. But don't worry too much about it, it's not like it's abnormal," She gave me a brief smile, "I'll see you around". I watched as she walked away, still rooted to the spot, trying not to break down in tears.

"What happened to her"? I heard the boy ask as he followed her down the hall.

"None of your business".

"Was she really a friend that you made outside your friend group? She's kinda cute".

"Shut up, dimwit".

At that moment, the boy stole a glance at me, and we locked gazes, before he gave me a comforting grin, and then turned back and headed into one of the classrooms. I still stood there for a few more moments before heading to my own class.

 A small sense of relief washed over me when finally I reached my classroom, but anxiety kicked back in, the moment I walked in.

"Hey, Jemimah, where've you been all week"? Peter asked, as I gingerly sat beside him. I glanced over at Megan and Lucy, who were giving me awkward stares.

"I've just been...unwell".

Megan leaned over, and whispered. "Is it true what happened to you"? I felt a mix of anger and anxiety bubble up inside of me. Why did Amber go and have to tell people? "It's okay". Megan whispered, after I'd stayed silent. "I heard some girls talking about it in the bathroom. I'm sorry you had to go through that".

I nodded in acknowledgement, but stayed silent throughout the rest of form time, not paying attention to anything or anyone. I felt more humiliated than ever.

******************************

I saw Aki for the first time since I left his house the previous day. He was cornered just outside the boys' toilets, surrounded by three of the boys from the year above us.

One of them was holding him by the collar of his school shirt, but spoke quietly to him so I couldn't hear. He eventually let Aki go, and the group left the hallway, shouting and jogging out into the playground, noisily. I immediately ran over to him and asked if he was okay.

"What did they want"? I asked after he nodded. He sighed, and snapped his head up, as Amber walked with Katie and their group of friends across the hall. "I'll be right back". I mumbled to him, before striding over to the girls. They stopped walking when I stood right in front of their path, and gave me startled expressions. "Why did you do it"? I looked straight at Amber, my voice trembling.

Amber glanced at the others before looking back at me. "Do what"?

"Stop harassing her, Jemimah". Katie stepped forward.

"Shut the hell up, Katie," I looked back at Amber, who had a mocked-worried expression on her face, "Why did you tell the other girls about what happened to me"?

Amber sighed. "I didn't tell anyone but Katie what happened. Gossip goes round. People would've heard us".

"That's if you're not being discrete".

Amber rolled her eyes. "Look, I'm sorry". She stepped closer to me, and rested her hand on my shoulder. "What happened to you was terrible. Any girl would feel bad for you, including me. I don't want any bad blood between us".

I slowly brushed her hand off of my shoulder. "Don't tell other girls my business and there won't be". Amber looked at me, her face forming into a frown. Not wanting to hear anything else she had to say, I walked back over to Aki who was giving me a concerned look.

Girls are scary when they're at war.

I sighed. "Forget about that. What was up with those boys"?

When I told Amber I didn't want to do her banner, the boys came after me and threatened to beat me up. They said to do as she says but at the same time not to get near her, because I'm not on her level. So now I have to go to the party.

I groaned. "Seriously? They can't threaten you like that".

Apparently they can. And also my suspicions were confirmed- Amber apparently likes me

I buried my head in my hands. "That's impossible. You can't suddenly fall for someone you've despised for ages. She just wants to use you to experiment, Akito. You have to believe me".

I do believe you but it's not like I have a choice anyway.

I placed my hands on my hips. "Fine. In that case, me and Beatrice are coming along. We won't leave you on your own".

Aki nodded, a grateful look on his face.

By the way, when will you learn sign language? It's a pain having to write all the time

I looked at him. "Aki...I want to ask you something. How come you're mute"?

I'll tell you when you learn sign language.

"Ah ah. Why do you have to be difficult"? I whined.

It's complicated.

I nodded. "I understand. I'll try to learn it soon".

Aki cocked his head thoughtfully, before nodding. Then he pointed two fingers to the entrance of the school which led to the playground, the usual signal that meant, "Race you," and we sped down the corridor, before being stopped by one of the teachers, telling us not to run.

A treat for those Aki lovers in the next chapter!