Silent Runner

We crossed the finish line, a few minutes later. She had managed to remain side by side with me, and at times I thought she might even pull ahead. As I looked back I realized that, unsurprisingly, we had left nearly everyone in the dust.

“Wow, Ethan you might actually have some competition this year.” Coach said, nodding at the girl approvingly.

I looked up, hands on my knees breathing hard. She was breathing hard too but she was still standing, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Like she was nervous at being addressed.

“Good, run.” I said, my deep voice coming out in a gasp.

She nodded.

“What’s your name?” I asked, having almost caught my breath.

By now we were surrounded by people. Some bending over gasping, some laying down on the grass, and one girl checking her hair in a compact mirror.

Instead of replying she pulled out a small notebook and a pen from her shorts pocket. She started writing.

I sighed looking around. Clearly she didn’t want to talk to me. I was about to walk away when she ripped the paper out and handed it to me.

I looked down, confused to find her written response. Her cheeks turned redd and she was suddenly very fascinated with her shoes. I wished I could tell her not to be embarrassed, but instead I turned to the note.

My name is Riley, and you’re not so bad yourself. Though you would catch your breath faster if you breathe slowly and don’t stop so fast.

I smiled, “I’ll have to work on that.”

She blushed deeper, crimson flooding her cheeks, as she continued to frown at the ground wrapping her arms around herself again.

She seemed so strong and confident while she ran. Now though she was timid and shy, almost afraid. I understood how she felt. It wasn’t so long ago when I had felt the same way.

“So,” I thought out loud. “You don’t talk.”

She shook her head peering up at me as she took an unconscious step back. Her eyes drifted down to the ground as she dug at the grass with the toe of her shoes.

“You’re deaf?” I asked, before realizing that made no sense. She had been responding to me while mostly staring at her feet.

She shook her head again, still not looking up.

I nodded, deciding not to pry any more. In all honesty it wasn’t really any of my business anyway.

“I’m Ethan.” I introduced myself, offering my hand.

She eyed it warily before slowly taking it and shaking it. She let go quickly, dropping her hand awkwardly to her side.

“So you’re new here?” It wasn’t a question but she nodded anyway.

I turned and took two bottles of water from the cooler the coach had placed behind me. I offered her one, glad when she took it, signing thank you.

She took a tentative sip before eying me dubiously again. I couldn’t help but notice how awkward she seemed.

“I could show you around the school tomorrow if you would like.” I offered.

She shook her head, frowning. Then she pulled the notebook out again.

No, thank you. You don’t have to do that. I don’t need, or want your pity.

I raised my eyebrows slightly stunned. I wasn’t surprised that she was defensive. I was, however, surprised that she stood up to me as if she wasn’t afraid. When she clearly was.

“I know I don’t have to, and I don’t pity you. Trust me I know how much being pitied sucks.” I said confidently. “You are interesting, and I want to get to know you better.”

She rolled her dark brown eyes so exaggerated her entire head moved.

“Riley!” A woman called waving at us as she walked across the field.

She had bleach blonde hair and bright green eyes. She wore a silk button down T-shirt and brand name dark wash jean capris with wedge heel sandals. She looked nothing like Riley with her fake tan and her tall and robust frame. She reminded me more of my aunt.

When she got to us she started waving her hands in the air. It took me a minute to realize she was not insane, just signing to Riley. I was grateful when she started talking out loud as well.

“Are you ready to go?” She asked, still signing.

Riley signed back looking confused, and none to happy.

“I’m here because we are going shopping and out to dinner, Just us girls.” The lady smiled excitedly, hands still moving in strange patterns to speak Riley’s language.

As Riley replied though the woman’s face fell slightly.

“Jason and I want to do this for you. Since you didn’t get anything when you went Saturday, we decided it was best I go with you this time.” She smiled.

It was strange hearing this conversation again. It was almost exactly the same one I had had with my aunt for months. I still didn’t like her spending money on me, but she learned to take away any choice in the matter.

“Who is this?” The woman asked, turning towards me.

“Ethan.” I responded, offering my hand. “I’m a friend of Riley’s.”

I grinned as Riley frantically made one of the few signs I did know repeatedly, no. Then she was off signing so fast her hands seemed to blur.

I chuckled, “I’m not sure what you are saying, but I think I should probably be offended.”

Riley blushed a deep red. Looking suddenly nervous again, she pulled out her notebook.

“Oh, hunny. Just tell me what you want to say.” The lady offered.

Riley ignored this, as she chewed on her lip writing frantically. Finally she ripped out the paper and handed it to me.

I just said that we just met and are NOT friends. No offense but I don’t even know you.

“No offense taken.” I grinned down at her. “Don’t worry though, you’ll get to know me pretty quickly.”

I already loved watching the deep blush that spread across Riley’s face. I was proud to put it there.

“I’m Mrs. Meyers, you can call me Heather. I’m Riley’s new foster mother.” The woman said, drawing my attention back to her.

I peeked at Riley momentarily, long enough to see her looking annoyed and embarrassed. She didn’t want anyone to know she was a foster kid. Fair enough, I could keep a secret. I knew a little something about wanting to keep things secret.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you ma’am.” I nodded towards her.

I glanced once again at Riley. She didn’t think anyone noticed the fear and pain that flashed in her eyes. I saw it though. The very idea of me getting close to knowing her, terrified her. I wanted to fix that and take away the pain. However, experience told me only time and persistence could help with that.

“The pleasure is all mine.” Heather glanced down at her watch. “Riley, we really should get going. Do you need to get changed really quick?”

Riley blushed embarrassed as she responded.

“Oh, of course. Well that’s what this trip is for anyway. Getting you some nice new clothes.” Heather chirped, unbothered.

Riley nodded, looking suddenly defeated.

Strange, most girls would jump at the chance to go to the mall. Not to mention having someone, obviously well off, wanting to spend money on her.

Then again, I had known from that first sight, Riley wasn’t like most girls.