Welcome to the beginning of my latest story, which is still in progress. Au warnings apply.
What if the heavy metal rumored to be in Highland's water had more effect on the local population than the resident town idiots? What if it effected the Morgendorffer sister too, in ways that are both visible and not?
Let's find out shall we?
Jodie Landon privately admitted to herself that she was only a decent observer of people. So it came of no surprise that her that she couldn't get a read on the new student. The new girl certainly didn't make it easy. Jodie was quite certain she had not heard her say a single word so far.
Daria, Jodie thought she heard the new student's name was, wasn't going to have a choice in a second though. Kevin Thompson and a few of the . . . cruder members of the football team were leaning against a batch of lockers Daria was obviously trying to get access to.
Jodie felt her eyebrows rise, however, when instead of speaking to the football players Daria tapped Kevin on the shoulder and gestured for him to move. When the clueless jock just stared at her, Daria held out a couple of small white business cards, which Kevin completely ignored.
Jodie was watching Daria's face for any traces of emotion when one of the other football jocks said something that prompted a crude laugh for his companion. In an instant the new girl's face went from bland to infuriated and her arm jerked back as if she was going to punch the jock.
Thankfully, Jodie's best-male-friend, Michael 'Mack' Mackenzie, also noticed Daria's reaction and quickly stepped in to hold the furious, and still strangely silent, girl back. The other team members beat a hasty retreat while Michael held the infuriated girl. As soon as the last jock disappeared around the corner Daria's fury collapsed into frustration, anger and something else Jodie could not quite identify.
Realizing that Mack was now a little over his head, Jodie took possession of Daria and guided her into the nearest girls' restroom.
Daria quickly made her way to a toilet. Jodie held the girl's hair out of the way as she loudly retched into the bowl. Afterward, Jodie put a comforting hand on Daria's back and found herself in a crushing bear hug. Shortly thereafter Jodie felt wetness on her neck and realized Daria was crying.
After crying silently for several minutes, Daria pulled away from Jodie. From a pouch attached to her skirt Daria handed Jodie two white cards.
The first said, in plain type-written text, "Thank you."
Jodie had to read the second card several times before realizing that she had read it correctly the first time.
The second card said; "Hello. My name is Daria Morgendorffer and I am mute."