Hi! I've had this idea zooming and buzzing in my head, and I just had to write it! I have great ideas for this story, and I hope you guys like it! This takes place in the new school year, and none of the events that has happened to Clare in the show has NOT occured here, but to the other character's storylines noot involving Clare did happen. Enjoy! (PS. The italic is Clare's thoughts and stuff in bold other than the POV is what Clare writes on her gadget.)
Clare's POV
16 years. For 16 years, words and movements around me, but never performed by me. Not one single word has come out of my mouth. They all stay in my mouth. I'm in the disabled program at Degrassi, and no one's ever looked at as if I were normal. Darcy, my older sister, is the closest person I 'talk to'.
"Clare, cerebral palsy isn't that bad." Darcy comforted, but I shook my head, ignoring her. Cerebral palsy. I've had it all my life. I can't feed myself, walk or even talk. I can barely use my fingers, and that's just as much as I can use. I have absolutely no balance, and I need pillows on the side of me while I'm in my wheelchair. Though, I can kick, scream, cry, shout and all that. If I could give anything to talk, I would.
My aide, Bobbi, who's a nice young lady, wheeled me into the disabled classroom. "Hi Clare!" Ms. Alexander cheered. For the past year, she's been my teacher. I nodded, and Bobbi wheeled me in. "Clare, honey, I talked to your parents, and they think it's time for you to leave this classroom." Ms. Alexander informed me. Leave? "I mean by, you're too smart to stay here with the others, so we're going to place you into regular junior classes. And, Honors 12th grade English!" Ms. Alexander cheered. Oh, that's a lot better than I thought!
"Hey baby, let's go to your homeroom." Bobbi instructed, and wheeled me out. I've been all over Degrassi, but never inside one of the regular rooms. There are a thousand things I would like to say and ask right now, but they'll stay in my mind. As we walked into class, all the kids stared at me. "Class, this is Clare Edwards, and you know her as Jake Martin's little step-sister. She's very special, and has cerebral palsy!" The teacher cheered.
A boy with dark brown hair and green eyes raised his hand. "Can you explain to us exactly what that is?" He asked, and everyone else nodded. "Ms. Remmigton, care to explain?" The teacher questioned, looking at Bobbi. "Oh! I prefer you call me Bobbi. Clare's diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Which means she can't talk or walk and barely move." Bobbi explained.
"Mr. Goldsworthy, since you're partner moved earlier this year, Clare's going to be your partner." The teacher instructed. "Clare, his name's Mr. Perino." Bobbi informed me. "What's the point?" The boy muttered loudly, as I blushed. "Excuse me?" Mr. Perino questioned. "Why have a partner who can't communicate with you?" He continued. "I'm going to be doing all the work, and she gets the credit." He complains. "Elijah!" Mr. Perino bursts. "Actually, it's Eli." Eli corrects him, smirking. Dang! That's an irresistible smirk! "Detention, Elijah!" Mr. Perino shouts, handing him a pass, and Eli walked out the door.
That happens a lot, people questioning why should they work with me. I remember back in preschool, Darcy had to help me with things. Darcy argued and argued until Mom grounded her. Darcy never did help me with that.
Dad even complained about me. When I was around 3, Mom and Dad argued about me late at night, until eventually Dad gave up, divorced Mom, and now doesn't have to deal with a kid who can't even say I love you to him.
People like Bobbi, Mom, Darcy and my English teacher, in class and out, Ms. Dawes, really do spend their time caring for me. "Clare!" a girl shouts, running up to my wheelchair as Bobbie wheels me to Grade 12 English with Ms. Dawes.
"Hi! I'm Alli!" She greets, trying to shake my hand. "I um…got you something." She whispers. In her hands, is a AAC. Or, augmentative and alternative communication. Mom has been talking about getting me one, but we could never of afforded it, especially after the divorce. Mom, married Glen Martin, and now Jake Martin's my step-brother.
She turns it on, and it shows that she's already added a lot of things to it. Hi! I'm Clare. Are you really giving this to me? That's so nice! The AAC says, and Alli smiles. "Glad you like it. And you could keep it, I hope we can be friends." Alli cheers. Of course…wait! How did you know I was coming? I ask, and Alli rolls her eyes. "All of my teachers told us about you, I'm in your 1st, 3rd and 7th period. Also, our lockers are next to each other." Alli explains. Oh, cool! I type, and we go to 3rd period.
"Hi Clare. Your English partner will be Eli Goldsworthy." Ms. Dawes greets. "Not her again." I hear Eli mutter. No! Bobbi wheels me over to the desk next to Eli. "You better not get me in trouble." Eli threatens. I lower the volume and type Hey, I'm not the reason why you got detention! "Well you're going to be a problem for the rest of the year." Eli smirks. Tell me about it! I type, and Eli writes his number. "Friends." He adds.
I did alot of research, and I'm going to explain more about cerebral palsy later. AAC is a compuer like thingy that where you type something, and a voice will say it. Usually, chapters are alot longer! I accept negative, positive and anonomous reviews! Read and review!