Helping the Lost - Friday 23rd March - 5pm
Hard, blunted claws clipped the wooden floor of the hall way softly, a sound which to some was becoming a familiar announcement to the teacher’s approach. It made the blonde haired woman wonder if students used this early warning sign like they might if they heard her high-heels, a sound which distinguished her from every other teacher, allowing students to cause havoc then settling abruptly when they heard that tell tale tapping on the floor. A smile graced the woman’s face. ”You’re an early warning system huh Levi?" Came the soft words, quiet. The golden retriever’s head turned and he gave a soft wuff, tail wagging. The halls ways weren’t quiet… but they weren’t busy either. And it meant Levi was trotting a couple of paces ahead of his deaf mistress.
Of course, most of the teachers were already greeting the arriving families. It was unusual, but a good idea in Sue’s mind, to have the parents around to see just what the school does for the children. But Sue was late, even if it was understandable. Since taking on the role of councillor, her ‘free’ hours were mostly taken up by seeing troubled students. And what troubles they had. The warnings to her were well founded. Thankfully, her helper didn’t understand the words, instead able to offer his soft comfort no matter what the trouble. And most of the students visible reacted positively to have neutral.. ‘ears’ to listen to them. And the fact Sue would give them her undivided attention and support seemed to be helping as well. Her eyes, whilst not deviating from them, didn’t bore into them either, just watching, reading those problems and doing her best to work through them with the student.
But her last case hadn’t been easy… it turned out the student in question wasn’t about to accept Levi’s free attention, nor the attention of a deaf woman. Still, they were willing to come back. Obviously something had gotten through, and that was enough of a relief. Lost in her thoughts, Sue wandered down the corridor that pace behind Levi, pausing as a group of people wandered past, her eyes following them for a moment. She must have been later than she thought. People were already being shown around the school, or at least making their way round. A series of nudges to her hand from a cold nose draw her attention, and she smiled as she faced one student with his parents, nodding as she smiled, speaking softly, honestly, in that emotionless voice which indicated her lack of hearing. A student from one of her classes, and he was doing well, she assured his parents. They seemed pleased with that, and after a moment heads were bowed slightly in appreciation before the two parties parted ways, the parents continuing their tour with their son, and woman and dog making their way to the entrance.
Levi’s tail flagged behind him as it wagged, legs moving smoothly beneath his body. The retriever was in beautiful condition, and Sue had every right to be proud of her companion. Again those glances came, before they paused, ears perking on the canine as he started on ahead, suddenly vanishing from sight as he turned a corner a good way ahead of her. ”Levi!” She called, a little bit worried now. What had caught that dog’s attention? And what if something happened. It wasn’t like the retriever not to respond. Her pace quickened a little, nervous slightly. Sure, she could manage without Levi, but she felt alone… lost in a world she didn’t really belong in.
Meanwhile, the retriever had slowed to a trot as he turned another corner, slowing to a walk as he saw a small boy, sat against a wall, ears perked to the sniffling sounds which would come from the small human. The retriever knew the sound meant he was upset, and when people were upset they would often feel better if he was there… he knew that too. He didn’t know why the boy was upset. He slowed right down as he walked up to the boy, head lowering to softly nudge him quietly, ears perked forward, his nose damp, cold. Slowly he would lie down beside the boy, trying to make himself look less like a possible threat, trying to lay his muzzle on the boy somehow, like he would if someone was upset and sitting in a chair, trying to comfort him gently.
Hannah: In this world we're forced to make choices everyday. We don't always know the consequences. But it's how we react to them which makes us who we are
Being alone wasn't as scary as when Chris was younger, when he first remembered suddenly being so alone and without his mother there. As a baby it wasn't easy to remember the hours spent crying, but at least the young woman had made an effort never to be longer then a few hours when Chris was a baby. As the boy grew up slowly, she let herself be stolen away for longer amounts of time, and the first night had been the worst. Occasionally Chris still had nightmares about being left alone, but completely alone, knowing he was never going to be found again. So far that nightmare never came true, his mother always returned.. this was the longest she's ever taken to find him, though usually Chris did make his way to the three older men who treated him as their own responsibilty on many occasions.
It was hard living on the streets, and Missy was still young, barely into her twenty-eighth year and Chris's self-proclaimed 'uncles' couldn't openly judge her.. no matter how often they wanted to scold her at times. One night his mother had unexpectedly found an eager young man more then willing to throw some cash around, and so Missy had yet again insisted Chris stay where he was and not move, though at the time the seven year old had learnt that if she wasn't back within the hour he would very well be waiting any unknown period of time. Attempting to find his way back to the large alley where he and a small number of others found refuge from natures often harsh elements.
Getting hopelessly lost and so far from the street Chris knew as home, it got to a point where when he did start asking people no one could help him, and the few who tried started making comments about calling the police, which freaked Chris out after all the stories that had been told to him about what police did to children who were picked up off the street. Eventually, Chris managed his way back in the right direction by retracing his steps to the public toilets where he had originally been left, from there his mother found him hours later non-the-wiser for what her boy had gone through. Chris learned from then on to take landmarks as signs for when and if he ever needed to retrace his steps, and if Chris ever walked more then what felt like ten minutes without seeing something he recognized, then he'd sit down and wait for someone to pass.. It was very risky talking to people, but Chris would much rather risk that, then risk getting hopelessly lost again!
A sniffle came again, and the stubborn trace of tears that moistened the boy's eyes were rubbed away his the lightly damp black sleeve. The green and white stripped collared t-shirt that sat over his long sleeved top stood out against the red wood of the old fashioned hallways. The fresh new jeans still crisp and yet to be faded as all typical children's clothes eventually and rather swiftly started wearing away.
What happens if Chris did find Logan? After Chris explains about how he talked to those girls outside before, even though his mother told him time and time again he wasn't supposed to approach other kids. What happens when they find out he's a street kid? Missy always said how much people hated homeless people, she always maanged to prove her point as well, and Chris always felt sad by but never had a reason to be truly upset by it until now. Now he had a reason though, now the boy had people who he didn't want to lose, people who he didn't want to make angry or upset. And while Chris was starting to really feel bad for staying away from his real home for so long, he didn't want to think he'd never see Connor again, or Logan... he liked Logan, but he liked his uncles too. But above all that, he loved Connor more, was that wrong? Why did it hurt so much to leave Connor and his family, when in truth Chris was just going back to his real family, or at least all the family Chris ever had.
The sniffling kept hidden the approach of the canine, causing Chris to jerk startled by the sudden touch of something wet and cold, much like the boys cheeks though at least being inside meant they could warm up after the cool outside air had chilled Chris's teary face.
Other then Scruffy, Chris had never been close to dogs, he loved them, like many kids loved animals, but suddenly seeing something his size right there beside him and apparently out of nowhere, it caused a frightened defensive curl of Chris's body, hands momentarily protecting his face. But nothing happened. At least nothing dangerous, instead the well groomed dog lowered itself to the floor, crawling that little bit closer and acting more submissive then Chris was used to dogs acting like.
"....Are you lost too?" Timid hads remained close to Chris's chest, still trying to calm himself enough before he even thought of braving a pet at the moment. His voice quivered slightly, especially when he tried to inhale, it felt so silly to be sitting here crying.. and yet it was so hard to stop, it hurt too much inside.
Re: Helping the Lost - Friday 23rd March - 5pm
The boy was scared. Of him? Aww but no one got scared of him! Flag like tail swept across the ground slowly as the boy spoke, moving his muzzle to softly lick his hand, trying to show he was a good dog. Friendly. He would never hurt him! He wanted to help. He gave a gentle whine, trying to reassure the boy. If he could get the youth to stroke him, he’d roll over for him. His coat was silky soft, tail hairs almost tangling as it swept over the wood.
Meanwhile, Sue was silently in a mild panic. She stopped, silently scolding herself. What was wrong with her! They’d been separated before, and she’d been fine. Be rational. Truth was, she was still getting used to the school routine. But she would be fine, she was sure. Having calmed herself, she slowly brushed her sandy coloured hair back behind her ear before walking down the corridor. Eyes roamed slowly, till she spotted the golden retriever. She paused though. It seemed Levi had had a reason for racing on a head. He lay there, gently up against a young boy, a fashion she knew all too well. He was trying to comfort the youth.
”So this is where you got to” Her rather flat, but soft, voice said slowly as she walked up to them. Levi’s head turned at her voice to look towards her, tail giving another wag for his mistress, before turning his head again to rest it lightly on Chris, watching the boy closely with those deep soulful eyes, softly nudging his hand again.
”I’ll have to thank you for finding Levi” She said, as softly as her toneless voice could manage. ”It’s not often he runs off, but when he does it makes me feel rather lost” Slowly, the deaf teacher crouched down near the youngster. At the movement, Levi stood slowly, tail wagging as he turned to nestle against his owner for a moment, a clear indication that this was indeed his mistress. A hand moved confidently over the canine’s soft coat, as he sat down slowly, watching the boy still. He wanted o return, but that gentle stroke was also a soft barrier, asking him silently to stay back.
”I’m sorry if he scared you… he’s a harmless ball of fluff though… true he’s a bit of a big ball of fluff, but harmless just the same” She said with a gentle smile, stroking her fingers through the feathering on his chest, such soft fur. ”Now… perhaps you can help me out a little more.. I’m Miss Thomas… Sue. Which ever your comfortable with. And you’ve met Levi. But.. I don’t believe I know your name” She said gently, smiling at him. ”I like to know the names of Levi’s new friends.”
OOC: Just a little post I'm afraid!
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<!--EZCODE ITALIC START---<em>There is more than one way to be different in this world..</em><!--EZCODE ITALIC END---</div><!--EZCODE CENTER END---
Re: Helping the Lost - Friday 23rd March - 5pm
While Levi wasnt attacking, the strangely affectionate nature was almost disorientating for Chris, he was used to animals being wild and reckless, stubborn for their space and over protective towards their scrap of food. The only reason Scruff wasnt angry like that was because the guy who sold hotdogs always offered the dog scraps and left overs. The small terrier didnt demand a lot to stay alive so he got more then he needed from that alone. Though it didnt stop Chris spotting the dog scrounging happily though bins.
”So this is where you got to” Though the tone was hardly frightening, Chris still jumped slightly at the apparence of the woman who had spoken, she seemed friendly enough, so instead of scrambling to his feet right away, Chris just stared at her, obviously the dog belonged to her. Though the Labrador still inched himself nearer to Chris,resting his head down on the boy and keeping its eyes focused solely on the small human.
”I’ll have to thank you for finding Levi” It wasnt like Chris had actually found him.. more like Levi, apparently the name of the dog, had found Chris. But, Chris guessed she figured that, merely because the kid guessed she'd have noticed it was Levi curling up to him, not him trailing after Levi. ”It’s not often he runs off, but when he does it makes me feel rather lost” He ran off? Chris let his small hand lightly rest down on the soft golden fur on the canine's head, it was definitely nice to stroke, though Chris was hardly able to be entirely calmed, he still tried to stop taking the quick little breaths, a meek attempt of trying the slow the rush of his tiny heart while it fretted over every little thing his young mind had been worrying over.
Then the lady did something that usually freaked Chris out, she actually approached him and began to knell down, and while a shudder tingled his spine, Chris reminded himself this wasnt the street, and these werent the people his mother warned him about.. At least.. he hoped they werent. Connor wouldnt let someone just scoop him up and take him away, would he? Surely not! Never! So Chris watched the older woman with a strength of assurence from that though, his eyes filled with more of a comfort from the thoughts of Connor and the protection the feral offered.
”I’m sorry if he scared you… he’s a harmless ball of fluff though… true he’s a bit of a big ball of fluff, but harmless just the same” Chris looked back at Levi, who seemed to have been kept at bay for now, and a small hand quickly rubbed across his eyes to stubbornly hide away the moisture of tears. ”Now… perhaps you can help me out a little more.. I’m Miss Thomas… Sue. Which ever your comfortable with. And you’ve met Levi. But.. I don’t believe I know your name” Miss Thomas Sue? Chris paused for a moment, and realized she probably meant Sue was her first name, which he felt a little silly for getting confused over, but then again, he wasnt used to people being formal with him. ”I like to know the names of Levi’s new friends.” Was.. he friends with Levi? He didnt know the dog... then again, Chris assumed it would be rude to explain that, or was this some strange common thing that these people did? He blinked a bit, and just sniffled slightly before he gathered the strength to speak.
"Chris." Well, it was a start, there was another sniffle, taking a small breath, deciding it was probably better if he added a little more to his reply. "I'm staying with Connor and his dad, Logan." For a moment the tears seemed to almost threaten to return, and Chris blinked as he looked away, focusing curiously on Levi as a distraction. "Logan's a teacher here.. are you one too?" Chris remained with his knees drawn to his chest, slowly letting his eyes look back towards the womans face.
Re: Helping the Lost - Friday 23rd March - 5pm
As the deep brown eyes watched the boy, Levi held back the urge to squirm. He wanted to comfort Chris, but Sue was asking him to stay back for now. It was frustrating! Eventually he found a compromise, slowly slipping to lay down, rolling onto his side, head able to be closer to Chris without actually stepping towards him. He stretches his neck out, to allow his black nose to almost touch the youth’s leg, tail thumping softly against the floor.
Expert eyes watched the youth closely, head tilted slightly to help her read his lips as he spoke, finding the slight altering of angles a little more difficult. But she could just about catch all of it. "Chris." Ahh, so he did have a name, the natural tease came to mind, but was never voiced. Sometimes such a gently jibe could be a ice breaker. But right now it would probably only serve as a further barrier between them. She could guess on part why this would be harder. But she hoped she could gently encourage the boy that, despite being an adult, she wasn’t really that scary.
"I'm staying with Connor and his dad, Logan." Although Sue had yet to meet Connor, she had heard about him, and she’s seen Logan around though not had a chance to actually speak to him as yet. Although she hadn’t been here long, Sue had swiftly learned that it was a busier place than most, and although yes, she’d managed to speak to a few of the teachers and other adults around the institute, there were some who were busier than others and she only really saw in passing. Still, a slight nod of acknowledgement was given as she watched him quietly for a moment. He made it sound like he was only a guest. Perhaps that wasn’t true, but that was her instinctive guess.
Logan's a teacher here.. are you one too?" As Chris turned to face her, she smiled a little, finally able to be sure she caught his words. She hated to admit that she felt so lost when people who were speaking refused to look at her for whatever reason. Most of the time it was because they didn’t realise, sometimes because they just hadn’t gotten used to it. But sometimes it was to spite her. To demonstrate that she wasn’t ‘as good’ as a normal, hearing human. A cruel trick, and one that never failed to hurt. And although she knew Chris fell into the first of three, she was determined to gently put that right.
”That’s right..” She said softly, responding first to his question. ”I’ve only been here a week though.. and I’m still getting lost in these corridors” She chuckled softly, looking around as if in that moment she’d forgotten where she was. ”It’s a big place isn’t it.. I’m sure I’ll get used to it eventually.. everyone must” She wasn’t sure if she was speaking to a guest, a new student or what. But the impression was that he hadn’t been here all that long either. ”New places.. new people are rather scary at first.. especially somewhere like here, aren’t they?” She kept her voice gentle, light. She didn’t know if she was speaking to a mutant or not. But she was sure even a mutant would find the sudden concentration of mutants in one place a little frightening.
”First though Chris.. I have a favour to ask..” She shifted now, so she was kneeling, sitting back on her legs for comfort’s sake. ”When you talk to me.. I need you to try and remember to look at me. You see, I’m deaf… Levi here is supposed to be my ears..” As she spoke the retriever’s name, she gently ruffled his ears playfully, gaining a soft wag at the attention. ”However.. he’s not very good at translating.. so I need to read lips instead” She smiled gently throughout. His reaction would be interesting to read. Some people freaked out, some grew curious or uncertain. Personally, Sue hoped Chris would at least be curious. ”That’s why I’m so lost without him though.. he tells me if there’s anyone trying to talk to me.. or when the school bell goes off. Anything like that.” The history teacher was hoping that by speaking more about Levi’s skills than her deafness, it would make it easier. She certainly didn’t want to scare Chris!
There is more than one way to be different in this world.
Re: Helping the Lost - Friday 23rd March - 5pm"That’s right.. " So she was a teacher, ok that was good. The teachers here, from what Chris had seen, they didn’t seem so bad "I’ve only been here a week though.. and I’m still getting lost in these corridors” Really? Chris couldn’t help but sniffle slightly more thoughtfully as he looked up at her, it was nice at least that someone else hadn’t been here so long and that they too got lost. He’d not been left on his own a lot after all and it was mainly only because everyone was busy doing the parents weekend set up… Chris just wanted to take some time to explore and with permission and a promise not to wander too far he set about seeing what the school was like, only now trying to get back to the apartment was proving almost impossible!”It’s a big place isn’t it.. I’m sure I’ll get used to it eventually.. everyone must” It was big, it was huge! Walking corridors and halls just wasn’t something Chris was used to and walking ones that were like a maze made it even more difficult! "New places.. new people are rather scary at first.. especially somewhere like here, aren’t they? " Perhaps… well yes… sort of, it depended on the way they were introduced, there were some really scary people out on the streets too. By ‘here’ the boy just assumed it was because this place just was so big, it passed him by that she was referring to mutants, even if that thought still rang as being a very strange thing to be surrounded by.
"First though Chris.. I have a favour to ask.. " Favour? If she asked if he’d help her find a lost puppy or something else just as suspicious (ignoring the fact her guide dog was right there aching for attention) Chris was going to bolt for it. Everyone had warned him about strangers who asked for help and really they didn’t want help, they wanted to hurt and they lied and make up excuses to get you to think they needed assistance, then when both were out of clear sight, bang, you’re hurt and no one is around to help you. Chris’s defences rose a little as she drew closer, knelling more to his hight and allowing the boy to see her face more easily, forcing his hand to wipe away the remnants of tears that stained his cheeks. "When you talk to me.. I need you to try and remember to look at me. You see, I’m deaf… Levi here is supposed to be my ears.. " Not knowing what deaf was, Chris wondered if that was something like mutant, or something that strange that caused her to make such an unusual request… though admittedly he’d always been told it wasn’t polite not to look at the person you’re talking to. Maybe that’s what she meant? That he was being rude and he needed to remember his manners sort of thing? It didn’t really sound that way, especially with the comment about Levi being her ears… why did she need him to be her ears, she had her own!
"However.. he’s not very good at translating.. so I need to read lips instead" Read lips? How does someone reads lips? And what was translating? Why couldn’t her dog do that? Didn’t he know the trick yet, was it causing her problems because he hadn’t yet learnt it? "That’s why I’m so lost without him though.. he tells me if there’s anyone trying to talk to me.. or when the school bell goes off. Anything like that." He tells her when someone’s talking to her?! Chris stared, he didn’t know dogs could talk… was that one of the things she meant but him not being very good at it? Well that was mighty impressive if he could talk and tell her what other people are saying… but why did she need him to tell her when the bell goes off, surely she could hear it!
"But I don’t have anything on my lips for you to read," He sounded very lost at the idea of what she meant by lip reading, in fact even his assumption was clutching at straws, he was totally clueless on what she was trying to explain to him. "I’m sorry," he apologized sensing that it was something she really wanted, but he would know if he had words on his lips for anyone to be reading! And really… how strange was it to have words there anyway, he’d never heard of anyone reading things off peoples lips before. "But why do you need to have him to tell you… it’s loud, you’ll hear it when it goes." And there was the offering of information that would allow Sue to understand that the boy hadn’t understood the explanation she had given about her being deaf. Here he was thinking he was helping her realize something that passed her by, perhaps Sue had never been around when the bell went off, it was possible… it was always going off so it wasn’t entirely likely but it was possible to some degree, if she didn’t spend a lot of time in the school anyway.
Re: Helping the Lost - Friday 23rd March - 5pm
Experienced eyes watched the young face as she spoke, smiling softly as she noted the understanding. She was right, he was new it seemed. He was young enough that he wasn’t so able to hide his emotions and feelings like some. Still, as she watched him, that understanding seemed to slowly leave him, placed by confusion as she spoke. Words which had supposed to be a gentle joke were lost on him, and it was Sue’s turn to be puzzled. Chris didn’t seem so young to be unknowing of such things. If Sue had known of his past though, she would have understood better and explained more thoroughly.
"But I don’t have anything on my lips for you to read," Now that wasn’t exactly true, but if he was thinking too literally then it would explain some of his misunderstanding. Realising with just that she would have a lot to explain, she got herself more comfortable, running her fingers through Levi’s soft fur as he continued, understanding to his confusion coming from his words. "I’m sorry,"… "But why do you need to have him to tell you… it’s loud, you’ll hear it when it goes." She smiled gently at him, shaking her head slowly.
”Don’t be sorry.. it’s not your fault” She said softly. ”Just means I need to find a way to explain it..” Despite the flat tone of her voice, there was a gentle laughter to it, as if joking about herself. She looked at Chris curiously. She had taught children about his age before. Just never on this subject. Her mind was drawn back to her parents first explaining why she was different from other children, before nodding a little to herself.
”I bet it is loud.. it has to tell everyone when school starts and when the lessons are. But there are some people it can’t tell. People like me. See, being deaf is a disability. Do you know what that is? Like.. when someone has to use a wheelchair. Except my disability can’t been seen. Unlike you, I can’t hear the bell, because my ears just don’t work. They were broken not working, so I’ve never heard anything. Not a school bell, not a song.. not even Levi barking” There was no sorrow in her voice, just a gentle, soft explanation. A smile remained on her lips as she spoke, watching Chris.
”That’s why Levi acts like my ears.. If he hears something like a bell, or someone calls my name, he will do something to get my attention, like jump up at me, or place his paw on my leg” Her hand ruffled the retriever’s coat softly. ”So you see.. without Levi.. I wouldn’t know when to go to teach my classes, or if someone was ringing a doorbell. And it also means I can’t hear your voice” She said gently, leading up to the second point she needed to make.
”So.. because Levi can’t tell me what you’re saying, I had to learn another way to talk with people. Now.. watch my lips as I speak. Can you see that each word I say makes my lips form different shapes? When I was about your age, my mum and dad got me a teacher who made me learn all the different shapes. So when I read your lips.. I’m not reading words on them, I’m reading the shapes they make. That lets me know what your saying. Otherwise it would be very difficult”
Her voice was as soft as it could be considering the odd tone it held, and she never stopped that soft smile. ”And I’m still learning.. because some words, like special words they use in science, one’s you’ll learn as you get older, aren’t used very often. So I don’t know them very well” She wasn’t going to explain that she not only had to learn to read it, but to speak it as well.
”But that’s why I asked you to look at me. Because if you look away from me, it would be like you putting your hands over your ears… and knowing someone’s talking to you and you can’t hear isn’t really very nice” She wasn’t excusing. Of course not! It wasn’t his fault at all. But if he could understand this, then he would find it easier with the deaf students in the school as well, hopefully making it easier for everyone.
There is more than one way to be different in this world.
Re: Helping the Lost - Friday 23rd March - 5pm(is too lazy to fix the wrong accountness.. and has not enough money to fuss about it)
"Don’t be sorry.. it’s not your fault" The teacher was shaking her head, the boy felt very confused and for some reason part of him felt everything would be so much better if Logan would just come and whisk him away to their room, or if Connor came, yes he’d feel content and happy then… Why didn’t he think the same sort of comforts when he tried to imagine what it would be like if his mother walked here right now? Chris did love her, but he loved Connor too! And Logan… ok so everyone had issues with him but so what! Chris liked him, Chris liked all the effort and all the time he tried to put into his family, and Chris too! He liked it, even if he knew nothing else to assess it by, but each to their own and beauty in the eye of the beholder sort of thing! Chris might not know what father’s were meant to be like, but he knew he didn’t have one, well he did obviously because he needed a daddy and a mummy to be born, not that he’d ever been told what happened to produce a kid or how they got into the mothers stomach in the first place… Slightly side tracking here, he had a mother, he didn’t have a father… but even putting Logan next to the petite sandy blond young woman that was Chris’s mother, he still was more parental then her, sometimes Missy acted more like the big sister then the mature adult… Sometimes? Perhaps most of the time… perhaps that’s what was causing Chris to feel so distraught about going back, because for the first time in his young life he has a parental figure that actually watches him and tends to him and doesn’t leave him for days or weeks to fend for himself. Logan was more then any parent Chris had ever seen before… that meant something, even if Logan’s kids had issues with him, even Connor was admitting he was a little confused on what exactly made Logan such the villain he was rumoured to be.
"Just means I need to find a way to explain it.. " Sue continued thoughtfully, which in itself wasn’t common for Chris, usually if he hadn’t understood something the whole topic was often brushed aside. A school was for learning though right? So maybe these people did it intentionally, if it was clear you didn’t know something they went out of their way to explain things… because usually that didn’t happen but since meeting Connor and coming here it seemed to be a constant thing! The things Chris was learning in leaps and bounds, small and insignificant in comparison to what he should know, but still infinitely valuable for a growing child to discover. The elder woman seemed happy enough, obviously not bothered by Chris’s lack of knowledge, something people seemed to take in their strides even if Chris felt very shy by how little he knew in comparison to everyone around him, being so much younger then them was part of the factor but never going to school was definitely the bombshell that hit his ability to know all one his age should have learned.
”I bet it is loud.. it has to tell everyone when school starts and when the lessons are. But there are some people it can’t tell. People like me. See, being deaf is a disability. Do you know what that is? Like.. when someone has to use a wheelchair. Except my disability can’t been seen. Unlike you, I can’t hear the bell, because my ears just don’t work. They were broken not working, so I’ve never heard anything. Not a school bell, not a song.. not even Levi barking"[/b][/i] Really! He had heard of people finding it hard to hear, likely there were moments they’d even said the word deaf on the occasion but Chris would have been too young or too off in his own world to have heard it. But her explination was sad, to never hear a song, Chris liked the songs he heard, he liked how they made him feel, even if usually he had very little control with what he heard and contact with music in general wasn’t something you got a lot of out in the streets. Does that mean she’s never heard someone laughing? She never heard her parents voice? Or her family’s voices? She’s never heard them say they love her? Chris always liked being told he was loved, especially because it was few and far between but when he heard it he always felt warm inside.
"That’s why Levi acts like my ears.. If he hears something like a bell, or someone calls my name, he will do something to get my attention, like jump up at me, or place his paw on my leg" Now it started making sense! Sort of, the scientific side of things went over Chris’s head but she couldn’t hear and Levi alerted her to things she needed to know, that’s what he understood and that’s what mattered. "So you see.. without Levi.. I wouldn’t know when to go to teach my classes, or if someone was ringing a doorbell. And it also means I can’t hear your voice" Wait… how did she know what he was saying if she couldn’t hear what he said!! The dawning of realization came but Sue was already heading into her explanation of just that thought. "So.. because Levi can’t tell me what you’re saying, I had to learn another way to talk with people. Now.. watch my lips as I speak. " As she said that Chris did just as she requested, watching her mouth as she continued speaking "Can you see that each word I say makes my lips form different shapes? When I was about your age, my mum and dad got me a teacher who made me learn all the different shapes. So when I read your lips.. I’m not reading words on them, I’m reading the shapes they make. That lets me know what your saying. Otherwise it would be very difficult" That was amazing, she could tell what he was saying by the way he moved his mouth! And it wasn’t because she was a mutant, but because she had a teacher? Now he was just in awe… Sue seemed really nice, and seemed to really love her dog, people here were all so really nice to him… Madison aside, but she wasn’t nice to anyone it seemed, and she hadn’t exactly been horrible to him, so he didn’t really think of her at this point as being any negative aspect of the school. No, this school was perfect.
"And I’m still learning.. because some words, like special words they use in science, one’s you’ll learn as you get older, aren’t used very often. So I don’t know them very well" There wasn’t really any nodding of his head, but his eyes remained both on her own and sometimes falling to her mouth to watch as she spoke, just in order to remind himself about what she said, he couldn’t imagine understanding her without hearing the words… how long did it take her to learn to understand enough to get her through the day? "But that’s why I asked you to look at me. Because if you look away from me, it would be like you putting your hands over your ears… and knowing someone’s talking to you and you can’t hear isn’t really very nice" The boy’s lips parted slightly, understanding dawning on his features as he realized that her only chance of hearing him was seeing his lips, and if he was hiding his face away in shame of the tears she’d not see what he was saying, even if he was talking and wanted her to hear his words. Now came a little nod of his head, a hand brushing across either cheek in turn to try and rid the moisture from his skin, though he still felt upset enough, just this distraction was enough to pull his focus for the moment and even his mood. Connor’s family was full of problems with their hearing too, but completely the opposite to Ms Thomas! They heard everything, and if it was too loud it hurt them, so Chris had rather quickly picked up on his need to not let himself get too loud.
"I’ll remember," He assured Sue regarding the request for him to keep facial contact with her, there was a soft sniffle as he tried to steady his breathing just that little more, he’d calmed down a lot but he wasn’t totally relaxed yet and he wanted to try and pick himself up so the others don’t see him so upset. "…Have you seen Logan?" Maybe if she has he could go there, he obviously wasn’t going to make it to the apartment, he couldn’t find his way there if his life depended on it by the looks of things! He really ought to pay more attention… "…He might be busy with the people and their families." The realization was one of disappointment, Connor was doing his own thing, Chris didn’t want to disturb him, the guy already spent loads of time with Chris and Chris knew he needed to settle back into his old life and he’d not do that if all he did was stick around Chris as the self imposed babysitter. Chris didn’t understand that teacher’s were just trying to help family’s integrate into the school, greet and ask questions, or just generally keep an eye open… A special section of the school even devoted to those who weren’t aware the school was for mutants, meaning some teachers were keeping an eye on those parts to detour any students who shouldn’t be there or may cause trouble for those families less informed.
Re: Helping the Lost - Friday 23rd March - 5pm
Gentle brown eyes watched as the dawning seemed to come to Chris is little steps, a smile gently placed on her face as she’d spoken to him. Sue watched as his eyes regularly dropped a little to watch the shapes she’d spoken of fall upon her own lips as she spoke. For someone who it came so naturally to, it was enlightening to watch another discover it for the first time, to watch the understanding dawn about how she could understand him without hearing the sounds which passed his lips. That light though, in a youth’s eyes when something caught them, it was why she’d become a teacher. Why she taught not only the ‘disabled’ but the ‘normal’ as well, and why she had applied for this position even before she was aware that this school was filled with students with their own unique needs.
Silently she watched as he dried his cheeks, tried to calm himself it seemed. He was still young and yet already he was proud, even if he didn’t think of it that way, trying to hide his upset, to prepare himself for moving on, perhaps others seeing him. A soft, reassuring smile was offered, waiting patiently, though it seemed not for long when he spoke, and she noted that he did try now to ensure he was looking at her.
"I’ll remember," A nod was given in thanks and acknowledgement. Her fingers were still gently working through the soft coat of her canine companion, who lay there, watching the boy was curious eyes, barely constraining himself, wanting to move to comfort him again, tail sweeping slowly across the floor. He didn’t want to frighten the boy either, and Sue’s gentle things reminded him to stay there for now.
"…Have you seen Logan?" Slowly the blonde teacher shook her head a little. Logan and most of the other teachers would be downstairs, helping parents when needed and generally just being around and visible. Sue’s task for the day were a little more relaxed and behind the scenes, though she wanted to meet some of the parents, particularly those of the students she’d started taking who were deaf or otherwise disabled. She’d been pretty well briefed and also knew there was a chance she’d meet some reluctance one way or another. But it couldn’t be worse than what she was used to really.
"…He might be busy with the people and their families." That was true, but possibly not to the extent Chris was imagining. She watched the disappointment on the other’s features closely in thought, a gentle smile still gracing her lips as she tried to think. She didn’t want to guarantee that Logan wasn’t busy, but to just assume it would mean he wouldn’t want Chris around if he was wouldn’t help anyone. Instead she looked thoughtful for a moment before speaking.
”He might not be” She said gently, offering the youngster the other side of the coin and the hope that could come with it. ”If we don’t find out we won’t know. I’m not sure where he is, but I was going to head down anyway and see what’s going on, so we could go and look for him together” She suggested softly, Sue’s eyes bright as she watched the other, friendly. Levi’s head lifted, watching them both curiously. There was something in how Sue had spoken that gave him the idea that perhaps a walk was on the cards and he gave a soft wuffle like sound.
”When you’re ready of course. I’m sure he’d like to know where you are even if he is busy. And I know for a fact there are some kids whose parent’s aren’t here today… so we could always go and find them if he is. See if any want to help take Levi here for a walk” She didn’t want to immediately suggest then went alone, something about the boy’s behaviour hinting that it might take more trust than Chris was ready to offer right now. But she hoped the idea of going in a group would be more appealing, and offer the chance for him to make some new friends at the same time. But she wouldn’t push him into doing anything. And she wanted to make sure he was happy to go find Logan as well, he seemed to be trying to compose himself, and she certainly didn’t want to rush him.
There is more than one way to be different in this world.
Re: Helping the Lost - Friday 23rd March - 5pm"He might not be" Yes, exactly, might, which meant it was just as likely he was busy as he wasn't. Missy never liked it when Chris went after her if she was 'busy', it always made looking for her feel as if it was the wrong thing to do. "If we don’t find out we won’t know. I’m not sure where he is, but I was going to head down anyway and see what’s going on, so we could go and look for him together" There was a possibility there that didn't allow Chris to shrug it off right away, if he wasn't with Sue then it was ok, because he wasn't alone and if Logan was busy it wouldn't stress him as much with sending Chris away. Logan hadn't asked Chris to leave like his mother had yet, but Chris had never gone to him while he was in work, and his mother was at her most anti-social while working. She always wanted to be left alone, she always wanted Chris to stay right where she left him, but if she wasn't back within the first few hours he rarely hanged around longer waiting. He got bored... hungry.
"When you’re ready of course. I’m sure he’d like to know where you are even if he is busy. And I know for a fact there are some kids whose parent’s aren’t here today… so we could always go and find them if he is. See if any want to help take Levi here for a walk" The thought of walking around with a group of kids was... strange, he felt odd earlier with just two of the other girls who lived in these walls, Chris rarely saw other kids and it was difficult for him to feel as if he fitted in earlier. His young brown eyes turned to peer at Sue for a moment, some things about her reminded him of his mother, the blond hair, the brown eyes, though Sue was older, her hair a natural blond and her features more mature then his own mother.
"If you think he won't mind..." The youth began, pulling himself together a little, taking in a deep breath, he didn't want Logan to see him upset, he didn't really want anyone to see him upset. If you're thought to be vulnerable, then you really were, that's what his mother always said. The instant you let your guard down, the instant the world becomes so much more dangerous then it already was. "I wouldn't want to upset him," There was a pause, it made Logan sound like someone who angered easily upon any interruptions, Chris decided it was best to add, "I'm just not sure what he does, I don't want to upset him, he's been really nice to me, he's always really nice," Yes, there were times he wasn't, but those times hadn't been directed towards Chris, nor towards his family lest there was an argument he was trying to resolve. He was never mean or nasty or unkind in any way to Chris... he'd hate for people to get the impression that Chris was scared for that reason.
Re: Helping the Lost - Friday 23rd March - 5pm
Soft, patient eyes watched Chris, quietly curious of the youth. He was young, but watching him, she knew he had that quiet inner strength of someone who’d seen too much of the world too soon. She’d seen it before, in the eyes of students in the past who’d had harsh pasts, had been early shown the cruelty of the world, but still, somehow, got through without becoming one of those ‘rebellious teens’. And Chris had a chance now, a chance to be cared for and be safe.
"If you think he won't mind..." Sue nodded, backing up his thoughts quietly, watching him as he gathered himself. Levi softly nuzzled the boy, ears perking, sitting beside him now. He softly licked the boy’s hand, as if offering his own strength, courage. His tail was swaying across the wooden floor still, not forgetting the word ‘walk’ which Sue had spoken moments before. Yes, he liked walks, and balls, and treats. And bunny. And he liked people to play with. But as excitable as the young retriever could be, he knew now was a time to be gentle, and he liked this boy. As with many dogs, he had no reason for this decision, he’d merely decided on it.
"If you think he won't mind..." … "I'm just not sure what he does, I don't want to upset him, he's been really nice to me, he's always really nice," Again the history teacher smiled, nodding. Although she couldn’t say she understood, noting his quickness to almost defend the way he’d spoken, she did know what he meant. He was worried about upsetting someone he cared about, that was how she took it. It was the same fear as many people had, and that simple emotion she did understand.
”I’m sure he won’t. But if he does… we’ll say it’s all my fault” She winked gently, smiling as she stood, offering a hand to the other. ”And we’ll say.. it was because I thought he should know we were going to take a walk, so he’d know you were safe. How about that? It’s not a lie. Because if he is busy, we will right?” She said gently, trying to softly confirm it. ”If he’s not busy though, or if he is happy to have you there, that won’t matter at all. There’s nothing to worry about Chris. Noone is going to get hurt or upset. I’m sure” She was confident. Even if she didn’t really know Logan, she couldn’t imagine anyone getting upset over this anyway. She had met some parents who were like that. But in this school… she couldn’t imagine the teachers turning away a child. She knew full well she couldn’t just leave Chris here
There is more than one way to be different in this world.
"I’m sure he won’t. But if he does… we’ll say it’s all my fault" Part of Chris wanted to say that he didn’t want to get her into trouble, but she didn’t sound worried about it, there was a calmness about her as if she knew it would all be ok... somehow that made him feel a little braver, it always helped when someone else seemed so certain of things. "And we’ll say.. it was because I thought he should know we were going to take a walk, so he’d know you were safe. How about that? It’s not a lie. Because if he is busy, we will right? " She seemed nice, he’d never spoken with a person who couldn’t hear before... he spoke with partially deaf people but mainly they were just old, she didn’t look old, but she acted as if it was normal. "If he’s not busy though, or if he is happy to have you there, that won’t matter at all. There’s nothing to worry about Chris. No one is going to get hurt or upset. I’m sure" With a sniffle the youth thought of it a moment more, she was going out of her way to be nice to him and usually that didn’t happen, it was just another reason why he liked it her... another reason why he didn’t want to leave, another reason to feel so terribly guilty.
"Do you always have your dog with you? I was never allowed to keep dogs.. Logan got me a kitten though, it’s a really sweet kitten, but she sleeps all the time, and i can’t take her out to play," His small hands reached for Levi’s head, petting and brushing his fingers through the soft fur with a mixture of pleasure and shyness, looking at Sue as he spoke just as she had asked him to, though he had a look that suggested there was more to say, and like was a habit with Chris, what he added was just more questions, "Is not hearing your power? Logan says he can hear really well and can follow smells and know who went were or touched what by the scent left behind... is your power to not hear things?" He sounded confused, as if he’d not really understood what stopped her from hearing, as if it being some strange power made more sense to him then some sort of medical reason. By the way he moved, it was obvious Chris was ready to follow her, wanting to give attention to Levi and find out a little more about her, it wasn’t often Chris got to meet new people, and it wasn’t often new people were nice to him.
Re: Helping the Lost - Friday 23rd March - 5pm "Do you always have your dog with you? I was never allowed to keep dogs.. Logan got me a kitten though, it’s a really sweet kitten, but she sleeps all the time, and i can’t take her out to play," Sue smiled at the question, whilst Levi enjoyed the gentle attention, his flag like tail wagging slowly over the wooden floor like a polishing mop. And Chris seemed to be calmer which was good. She was happy to go at his pace, after all she was in no rush to get anywhere. She was due to meet some of the parents later of her students, but right now it was ok. Lips parted briefly to answer, before he continued, and she could only smile more.
"Is not hearing your power? Logan says he can hear really well and can follow smells and know who went were or touched what by the scent left behind... is your power to not hear things?" Her instinct was to say no, but she hesitated for a moment. She supposed, in away it was, though it was no mutation. Her deafness meant she had a unique look on the world, seeing things from an unusual angle. And she had skills she’d not have had if her hearing was fine. Still, she shook her head slightly.
”No.. it’s not like that. I was a baby when my mum and dad found out I was deaf. The doctors think I had a sickness which stopped me hearing” It was still a mystery exactly what had happened. They had known she’d been born hearing, but something and destroyed that. They assumed it was genetic. But they hadn’t worried about tests, there was no point looking for the cause when there was no cure. They just had to get on with life. Her eyes turned to the golden retriever who was lapping up the attention calmly but with that joy the breed showed so easily.
”Levi is almost always with me” Sue answered softly. ”We’re only truly separated if one of us has to go and see a doctor. And one time when something went wrong and Levi got lost” That had been soon after they’d been partnered together. Something had scared the young dog and he’d run off, unable to find his way home. ”We get a bit lost without each other, don’t we boy?” She said playfully, gaining a soft ‘wuff’ of response.
”Baby animals, like kittens and puppies need a lot of sleep to grow strong. Like human babies. But you’ll see, before long, she’ll be playing all the time with you. Cats are different to dogs, they don’t always grow up to love humans, only to accept them. But I’m sure, if you give her lots of love and care, she’ll love you and be a friend” Her voice was gentle. Sue had never had a cat, but her flat mate had had one. He’d been a rather aloof tom cat. She found dogs far more loyal, but others had disagreed. ”Until she’s old enough, I’m sure Levi will be happy to play with you, if you like.”
There is more than one way to be different in this world.
Re: Helping the Lost - Friday 23rd March - 5pm"No.. it’s not like that. I was a baby when my mum and dad found out I was deaf. The doctors think I had a sickness which stopped me hearing" Sickness out on the streets usually became fatal after a while, if people weren’t careful, Chris was always warned to stay out of the cold, be careful not to eat food that turned poisonous after a while, like Milk definitely could not be drunk if it had gone bad. Some foods you got an iron stomach towards, others were just too dangerous to try eating. Medicine wasn’t easy to get, and food poisoning was more common then some might think at times, when the desperate ate food which had expired. When Chris heard mention of sickness, all he could relate it to were the dangers of the streets he grew up with, and tried to imagine how hard it must have been on a baby, since he himself couldn’t remember much at all from that time!
"Levi is almost always with me" That must be nice, to have a friend with you all the time, Chris knew a couple of homeless people who had found stray dogs and kept them, sure it made hunting food a little harder, since they had to find twice as much for their pet, but the reward of having their company seemed to make it more then just worthwhile. "We’re only truly separated if one of us has to go and see a doctor. And one time when something went wrong and Levi got lost" That must have been scary, and Chris didn’t think that only for the dog, but if someone relied on him that must, it must have been a worry for her as well.
"We get a bit lost without each other, don’t we boy? " It was relaxing to watch them, she seemed to care so much about the dog, and for a moment all of Chris’s problems were pushed away as he smiled a little. "Baby animals, like kittens and puppies need a lot of sleep to grow strong. Like human babies. But you’ll see, before long, she’ll be playing all the time with you. Cats are different to dogs, they don’t always grow up to love humans, only to accept them. But I’m sure, if you give her lots of love and care, she’ll love you and be a friend" Then he wanted to make sure Missy was well looked after and felt enough love that she’d want to play with him and not ever be scared. "Until she’s old enough, I’m sure Levi will be happy to play with you, if you like." An eager look spread across the boy’s expression.
"I’ll ask Logan, that sounds like so much fun," But that would mean finding him, and … interrupting his work, suddenly it reminded him of the worries earlier, and for a moment he eyed the dog thoughtfully. Then looked up at Sue with a smile, softer due to his confusion and earlier uncertainty, they should probably find him, and Chris figured he probably shouldn’t ask the lady any more questions… People sometimes got upset if you kept nagging them.
Re: Helping the Lost - Friday 23rd March - 5pm
The deaf teacher couldn’t help but smile as she watched the reaction on the boy’s face. He understood and took her words quite seriously it seemed, and then his reaction at being told he could play with Levi. It was heart-warming to see him smile after the rather distressed state she had found him in. Levi’s tail seemed to be going a mile a minute as he enjoyed the attention from the boy, flopping onto his side, before nuzzling the boy’s side, lifting a forepaw to encourage a belly rub. Sue’s smile seemed to grow slightly, holding back a laugh at her tart-y companion.
"I’ll ask Logan, that sounds like so much fun," Sue nodded her agreement at his words, still smiling, noting the gentle uncertainty the boy was probably in, considering his earlier concerns. But he had thought the right thing there, to go and make sure that Logan would be okay with it. She was pretty sure he would be, but she didn’t say that. If he wasn’t, then she didn’t want to get the boy’s hopes up.
”That sounds like a good idea” She said softly, still crouched there, her weight shifting a little carefully. The shift seemed to draw Levi’s attention, his head suddenly lifting, slightly flopped ears perking as he looked at her, ready to move if she did. And as she stood, so he scrabbled to his paws, tail wagging, jumping up a little in excitement, though he didn’t touch her, landing harmlessly on the floor, before turning to Chris with an excited playful look in his eyes.
Sue offered the young boy a hand, smiling gently. Whether he took it or not was up to him. She wasn’t sure if he was a bit old to want to hold a teacher’s hand, but she hoped he saw it as a comforting gesture, not a degrading one. ”Shall we go and find him then?” The teacher asked softly. She was pretty sure once they got down to where other teachers were greeting parents and the like that they would find him. She would be spending time with the parents of those in her classes later, specifically those of her deaf students. Being new, she at least wasn’t expected to give them any tours. But she looked forward to meeting parents, to gain further understanding about the backgrounds of her students.
There is more than one way to be different in this world.
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