Straight A grades, hot-shaped body, pretty face... these may be the descriptions of a perfect girl.

Well, that's me, Malia Ava Gray, or they call me Mags for short. But I can't be called a perfect girl because I can't hear.

I mean, I can't hear... anything.

Yes, I have hearing problems, but I wasn't born to be inaudible. After that accident, my ears started to lose their hearings. Since then, I became introverted and sensitive.

Luckily, I could live like an ordinary girl with the help of hearing aids. I thought I could finish my study peacefully.

Unexpectedly, my life changed dramatically as a hot bully bumped into my new school life. For the first time, I heard someone's voice without hearing aids.

And he said, I love you.

I have been always so sure of myself, who I am and who I am supposed to be. Our parents died a long time ago, I can’t remember them but luckily I have an amazing brother who always supports me and love me in many ways that he can.

“Mags, come down here,” He shouted.

I immediately went downstairs and looked for him.

“What is it?” I asked.

And he was dangling an envelope using his hands. My eyes lit up.

“Really? Can you open it for me?” I asked feeling a little nervous.

He opened it and he frowned and it caused me to frown too. What was the result? Am I accepted or not?

Biting my lip waiting for him to tell me but it got so slow.

“Ethan Iver Gray!” I shouted and he chuckled.

“You should call me brother, goodness, you’re so impatient,” he said.

“Tell me,” I said seriously.

“You know, you’re smart, gorgeous, tall, what I mean is you have it all. Why do you think you’d fail?”

I looked at him and he’s nodding. “They’d let me transfer?”

“Of course, you are my sister.” He said firmly and confidently.

Thank goodness I got a chance to start a new life and a life where I could be more of myself or find myself in the process.

“Why were you frowning though?” I asked biting into an apple.

“You’d leave me alone here,” Ethan sighed. He’s practically, 27 years old and still doesn’t want to be alone.

“I should be the one worried, I’m 18 and I’m going to live on my own, very soon,” I said.

“I know, but I’m not worried. You know how to cook and take care of yourself, the only thing I’m worried about is….” His phone rang disturbing the conversation we were having.

I was left alone in the kitchen. What was he worried about? I am perfectly fine, I just feel lost sometimes. I feel like there’s always something missing.

“Nerdy, when are you willing to leave me?” Ethan asked while he was on the phone.

“Is this Saturday, okay?” I said and he nodded.

“Saturday. Please prepare everything, not one detail should be left behind, and her things will be sent way before that day. Maybe Friday morning….Okay, thank you, bye” and he dropped the phone onto the counter.

“What was that all about?” I asked.

“I settled everything, once you go there, an apartment of your own is waiting. All your stuff will be brought there beforehand so that it wouldn’t be a problem,” he said and I stood up and went for a hug.

“Thank you,” I said.

“I just want you to be safe there, that’s all I ask of you.”

“I really don’t understand why are you being supportive.”

“I get the feeling that you need to be away from our life here. You need a new environment,” he said and let me go before leaving a kiss on my temples.

“You know, if you’re not his sister, I would get jealous,” A voice came in. As we looked over who it was, Cindy was standing on the kitchen doorway.

“Babe, I didn’t know you were coming,” Ethan said walking towards her.

“She did. I told her we’d hang out before she leaves.” I thought she was walking towards my brother but instead, she walked past him and went to hug me.

“I wish you didn’t have to leave, now I’m stuck with him,” Cindy said.

I smiled. I look over at Ethan and he’s frowning.

“Why does it sound like you don’t like me?" Ethan asked and wrapped his arms around her waist. I rolled my eyes with the sight.

“Awee babe, you sad?” Cindy asked teasingly. Ethan nodded like a baby and honestly it surprised me.

“Stop it,” Cindy said smacking him on his chest.

Ethan chuckled. “Mags, you need to fix your things up. On Friday, I will send them to your apartment,” and he threw me keys.

My eyes widened. “Really? I get to drive to school on my own?”

Ethan nodded, “You better get used to driving it now.”

I ran past them and went outside, only to see a Matte Black Lamborghini.

“It’s beautiful, but I’d catch attention riding it.” I frowned.

“It’s fine, Mags. Don’t worry too much. And hey! You deserve it!” Cindy said.

“Cindy, I’m a nerd…”

“A gorgeous one!” She interrupted me.

I shake my head and continued, “A nerd who drives that car.”

“Come on, you’ll be fine. You don’t get to use it often anyway. The apartment I got you is a walking distance.” Ethan said.

“What? Then why did you get me a car?” I asked pouting.

He ruffled my hair, “Silly, for shopping, buying necessities, and all. It’s a little far away from those things.”

“I would rather drive myself to school you know, and walk for buying things I need,” I said because that’s not my strength, I am literally lazy.

“I know, that won’t be a problem for at least a month. I got all you need, knowing how lazy you are,” Ethan said. I glared at him and Cindy chuckled.

The day went on and soon it was already night time. I fixed my things up, clothes and everything to be ready. Because 3 days later, I was going to leave my home.

I sighed, once I was done packing only half of my stuff, I needed water. So I got up and went downstairs to get me a drink.

I heard voices, so I hid.

“Are you sure it’s okay to send her there?” That was Cindy’s voice.

“I’m sure. I think it would be better for her to have a new environment.” Ethan said.

“How about at night? Do you think she’ll be okay?”

I smiled, they were so worried about me. I know it’s hard letting me go for a while but they didn’t need to worry.

“Ethan?” I asked.

They both looked at me in shock.

“How long have you’ve been standing there?” Cindy asked worriedly.

“Not long, I was about to get some water when I heard voices too, I came to see,” I said.

“Oh, get some water. Go back to your room, you need a lot of rest. Okay?” Cindy said.

I nodded. I went back to the kitchen and drank some water.

“We’ll be accompanying you tomorrow for a whole-body check-up. Okay?” Ethan suddenly said.

I tilted my head and I was confused. Why would I need a check-up?

“To make sure you’re healthy before leaving,” Cindy said and I nodded and my mouth shaped in “O.”

“Get some rest, you’ll need it tomorrow,” Ethan said and hugged me one last time, then I went upstairs.

I rested my body onto my bed. Am I ready to leave Ethan? Is it okay? I am okay and doing great in my old school, though I didn’t have any friends. Except for, one person but it was all gone. So, I’d be leaving without any regret.

I decided to leave because I too, think it’s the best for me. I get the feeling It would get better once I transferred. I really hope so.

Not long after I drifted off to sleep.

------

Morning came and we all prepared to go to the doctor. They insisted on doing stuff, I wasn’t even aware of. They made me even go to a psychiatrist, that was a very familiar person by the way. It felt like I’ve seen her before.

After that, we went back home. They didn’t talk much about the results that came in so I was assuming everything turned out great.

Once we got home, I went to my room to read books. Then suddenly, I heard an unclear shouting outside. I went out only to hear Ethan and Cindy’s voices shouting at each other, though it wasn’t clear, I assume they were fighting. It was the first time I heard them fighting like this.

I got scared so I knocked on the door. Ethan opened it and walked out. Cindy sighed but smiled trying to comfort me, that I should be the one doing.

“What happened?” I asked.

“Nothing, there was just a misunderstanding and your idiot brother wouldn’t back down. Don’t worry, he’ll come to his senses,” Cindy said.

I nodded. They were both looking like a married couple and I know soon enough they would get married. I looked at them like my parents, since they were always there for me, they have been together since, I was 13, they always go to school together and act like my parents. And that’s why I love them for it.

“It’s the first I heard you shouting at each other, that’s why I got scared and knock on your door. I’m sorry,” I said.

“Scared? Are you not now? How are you feeling?” Cindy asked and I was so confused.

“Should I be the one asking you that?” I chuckled.

Cindy laughed, “Right.”

Another day passed just like that. Before I knew it, it was moving out day already. Going to a new school was the day I was looking forward to and also not. Maybe I was too sensitive. Hearing problems made me lack of sense of security.

God, I was soooo nervous. I really hope it would be okay.

Saturday, we were driving to my apartment and every road, or house we passed, they both keep looking at me. I ignored it and looked over the window. Somehow, this town makes me feel at home already and I like that feeling.

We also passed the school I was going to and not long, then we reached my apartment. It was no joke when Ethan said it was a walking distance. It’s so nearby.

“I’ll be sending you your car maybe tomorrow. It’s still early and you can your new apartment and tomorrow, you can also drive around town to get used to it. We’ll be leaving now, lock your doors, make sure to send me updates once in a while okay?” Ethan reminded and I nodded.

“Did you bring with you your extra hearing aids?” Cindy asked and I nodded.

“Don’t worry. You can leave now. I’ll call you up when I need something else,” I said hugging them both.

“Okay. Go inside first then we’ll leave” Ethan said and I nodded.

I waved at them once again, and entered inside. I locked the doors and rested my back on the door. The apartment he got me is perfect. It’s my style. I always told him I wanted a full-size kitchen like at the house because I love to bake with my free time when I get bored reading books and a walk-in closet just like in my old room back and he did.

There was a big bookshelf to place my books in my room. I was satisfied with that.

I looked over my window and saw them just about to leave. They honked and I waved at them again even though they can’t see me.

[Thank you. It’s perfect.] I sent a message to Ethan.

[I’m glad you like it. Take care, okay? Call me or Cindy when you need something. And remember not to get too excited or too sad or too mad, it’s not good for you.]

[Got it.]

I sighed, finally. A home I call my own. Berkshire, here I come. I hope it’s a good idea to go there. I need to keep low-key at times, never attract attention, ignore bullies, and most importantly, get good grades.

That's what I want. A peaceful school life.

But at that time, I didn't know that the life I yearned for, would never come. Because of him.