Author's note: To anyone who read the original 1st chapter. I've decided to rewrite this story because I feel I write better in 1st person rather than 3rd person. Happy 's Day!
"Italics"= writing
"Underlined"= BSL (British Sign Language
"Plain"= speaking.
Chapter 1.
I stand in front of a firefighter's pole, observing the people in front of me. A blond woman was standing next to a man with orange-red hair. There were two other men, one was short and plump with grey hair, whilst the other one was tall with black hair. Chief Fire Officer Boyce gave me and Ellie a brief introduction and then takes us all out for a tour of the fire station. The black-haired one managed to get drenched from head-to-toe in hose water outside (Whilst I imagine it would've been refreshing, especially on a day like this, I can't help but pity him when the Station Officer scolded him for his wet shoes inside.)
After the impromptu tour, we started getting to know each other, I give them the usual, written introduction I only gave a few people back in Newtown.
"My name's Arnold Mckinley. I'm mute by choice" I know it's not the friendliest of introductions, but that wasn't necessarily on my priority list when I wrote it.
"Do you know sign language?" The black-haired one (Who'd introduced himself as Elvis.) Asks. I nod.
"Can you teach me? I have a relative who's been confirmed deaf in a hearing test, and I was wondering if you'd teach me." He said.
"BSL or ASL? In the past, people have forgotten to specify which one and ended up learning BSL when they wanted to learn ASL." Elvis reads the note and says "BSL." After that I start teaching him how to finger-spell and introduce himself in sign language (There was a lot of writing done.)
After a busy afternoon, I go home and straight to bed, assuming I'll need the energy tomorrow.